Robotic Lawn Mowers: Ratings of Sources
Total of 13 Sources
For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.
RoboMower LawnBott Cost Comparison
by Kerry Clabaugh
Our Assessment
This robotic lawnmower retailer shows his years of experience with both major brands in this chart that compares the costs of the five most popular robotic mowers. What makes the chart so useful is that it… covers average maintenance and repair costs, and calculates the yearly average cost of each mower per acre of lawn. The author also reviews each robotic lawn mower in detail, including the new LawnBott LB3500, and hosts a forum about robotic mowers. The forum includes some discussion about the Consumer Reports criticisms of two models.
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2. ConsumerReports.org
May 2008
Lawn Mowers
by Editors of Consumer Reports
Our Assessment
This year Consumer Reports tests two robotic mowers as part of its overall comparison review of lawn mowers, but doesn't include them in its ratings chart. No details are given about the initial setup or… test conditions. Editors criticize one robotic mower for cutting unevenly and for getting stuck at times. The review doesn't criticize the other robotic mower for performance or ease of use, but charges that it's unsafe under certain circumstances. In the Consumer Reports lawn-mower forum, a reader criticizes the review of robotic lawn mowers as a "cursory exploration" and questions the relevance of the safety standards used. None of the lawn mowers reviewed here are rated for noise or environmental impact.
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RoboMowers
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Our Assessment
Amazon.com publishes owner-written reviews and ratings of the robotic mowers sold here, but the reviews are hard to find since there's no dedicated section for robotic lawn mowers. The newest Robomower models haven't accumulated any reviews yet, but you can find useful ratings of the two most popular current models here.
Technology: It Mulches, Too? Robotic Mowers Win a Following
by John R. Quain
Our Assessment
Based on the author's personal use, this review of the Friendly Robotics RL800 mower also includes quotations from interviews with other users. The RL800 gets praise for its sound level, described as "a low, electric whirring," as well as for its efficient mulching and environmental friendliness. No other mowers are tested or rated.
Ready for Roomba and RoboMower?
by Stephen Manes and Angela Gunn
Our Assessment
This review and video focus more on the Roomba robotic vacuum than the Friendly Robotics Robomower, but you can see the Robomower in action toward the end of the video. The producer tested the Robomower on his own lawn, saying it performed very well on a "pretty steep grade" and turned itself off when a dog tried to grab it. No other robotic lawn mowers are rated.
RoboMower RL850 Robotic Lawn Mower Reviews
by Contributors to Walmart.com
Our Assessment
Only a few owners have reviewed and rated the Robomower RL850 here, but their reviews are detailed. They give this model near-perfect marks, but the ratings are based on usage no longer than three months.
7. The Washington Post
Apr. 28, 2005
Gardening in the New Millennium
by Jeff Turrentine
Our Assessment
This review of the Friendly Robotics Robomower RL1000 confirms that it takes little or no attention once set up, and is "no louder than a rotary sprinkler, so it can run at night and not annoy the neighbors." The review seems based more on interviews with owners and distributors than on the author's own tests.
8. RedDot Design Award
2004
Product Design Award 2004: Auto Mower
by Editors of RedDot Design Award
Our Assessment
The Husqvarna / Electrolux Automower earns a product-design award for its quiet, emission-free mowing and user-friendly remote control.
For Latter-Day Tom Sawyers
by Jay Romano
Our Assessment
This is a good summary of the robotic mowers available in May 2007, based on interviews with the Consumer Reports lawn-tool expert, Peter Sawchuck, as well as with the editor of Bamabots.com and representatives from the major manufacturers. However, it doesn't compare models or report on any actual usage.
Easy Mowing
by Sal Vaglica
Our Assessment
This brief review recommends three robotic mowers - with the best model depending on the size of the lawn -- without mentioning any testing or usage.
General Robotic Lawn Mower Talk
by Contributors to RoboMower.biz
Our Assessment
Like the forum at Bamabots.com, this is another good site to check for news and the latest reviews of both LawnBott Evolution and Friendly Robotics Robomower models. Occasionally contributors also compare one of these robotic mowers with the Husqvarna Automower.
Robomowers
by Contributors to Sears.com
Our Assessment
Sears stocks all four current Robomower models, so even though only one owner has posted a review so far, this is a site worth watching as more reviews are likely to appear over time.
Update Bulletin No. 845: Cordless and Robot Lawn Mowers
by Jim Dulley
Our Assessment
All the information about robotic mowers that's sold here is available free elsewhere, and newer models aren't covered.
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