[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"article-robot-lawn-mower-buying-checklist":3},{"slug":4,"title":5,"description":6,"category":7,"readingMinutes":8,"dataSnapshot":9,"publishedAt":10,"updatedAt":10,"html":11,"related":12},"robot-lawn-mower-buying-checklist","Robot Lawn Mower Buying Checklist: 12 Questions to Ask","12 questions to ask before buying a robot lawn mower: size, slope, wire, dock spot, signal, theft, warranty, noise, rain, height, support and returns.","basics",6,"2026-10-07T00:00:00.000Z","2026-10-09T12:48:35.108Z","\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Short answer:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Before you buy a robot lawn mower, check twelve things: lawn size, slope, wire or no wire, the spot for the dock and outlet, signal, theft features, warranty, noise, rain rating, cutting height, support and spare parts, and the return policy. Use the list below and tick each one off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Figures come from our catalog of 378 robot lawn mowers (data as of 2026-10-07). They are what the makers claim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>How to use this list\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Have your lawn measurements and a rough sketch of the yard ready. If you have not measured yet, start with \u003Ca href=\"\u002Farticles\u002Fhow-to-measure-your-lawn\u002F\">how to measure your lawn\u003C\u002Fa>. Then go through each question for the model you are considering. If a seller or the manual cannot answer one, treat that as useful information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>The checklist\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"> \u003Cstrong>1. Does the claimed maximum area comfortably exceed my lawn?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\nMakers state the largest area a model can handle, and that is a maximum. Pick one that claims more than your lawn, especially if the yard is cluttered or has narrow gaps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"> \u003Cstrong>2. Is my steepest slope inside the claimed limit, with room to spare?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\nSlope is rise over run as a percentage: 25% is about 14 degrees, 45% about 24 degrees, 80% about 39 degrees. Across 349 models with a claim, the middle value is 45%. Ask under what conditions the maker's figure applies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"> \u003Cstrong>3. Does it use a boundary wire, and am I happy with that?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\nIn our data, 292 models are listed as wire-free and 85 use a wire. A wire means laying cable around the lawn. Wire-free types use satellites, cameras or LiDAR, which have their own needs, such as a clear view of the sky. 37 models list a separate RTK base station as required, so ask what is in the box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"> \u003Cstrong>4. Do I have a good place for the dock and a power outlet?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\nThe dock usually needs level ground, shelter from standing water, an outdoor outlet nearby and open space in front. Walk the yard and pick the spot before you order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"> \u003Cstrong>5. Will the signal reach where the robot needs it?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\nAsk whether the robot connects by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or a cellular link, and whether home Wi-Fi reaches the dock and the far end of the lawn. Many listings mention more than one: Bluetooth appears in 224, 4G in 206 and Wi-Fi in 186. Ask whether cellular needs a plan or fee. See \u003Ca href=\"\u002Farticles\u002Fdo-robot-mowers-need-wifi-or-an-app\u002F\">do robot mowers need Wi-Fi or an app\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"> \u003Cstrong>6. What anti-theft or tracking features does it have?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\nAsk whether there is a PIN, an alarm, or location tracking, and whether tracking needs a subscription.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"> \u003Cstrong>7. How long is the warranty, and what does it cover?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\nAsk for the length in years, and whether it includes the battery, the dock and the blades. Get the answer in writing from the maker or seller.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"> \u003Cstrong>8. How loud is it?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\nAmong the 258 models with a noise figure, the middle value is 59 dB, and the middle half run from 58 to 62 dB, with a range of 52 to 80 dB. Around 60 dB is roughly the level of normal conversation. Ask at what distance the maker measured it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"> \u003Cstrong>9. What is the rain rating, and what does the maker say about wet grass?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\nMany listings give an IP code. In our data, IPX6 appears for 139 models, IPX5 for 80, IP66 for 35 and IPX4 for 18. In an IP code, the first position is dust protection (an X means it was not rated) and the second is water protection. These ratings are about water getting into the machine, not about whether it should mow in the rain. Check the manual for whether it should run on wet grass, and whether it has a rain sensor, which our data does not track. See \u003Ca href=\"\u002Farticles\u002Fdo-robot-mowers-work-in-rain-and-winter\u002F\">do robot mowers work in rain and winter\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"> \u003Cstrong>10. Does the cutting height range suit my grass?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\nAcross the catalog, the middle model's lowest setting is 20 mm (about 0.8 in) and its highest is 70 mm (about 2.8 in). Makers range from 10 to 61 mm at the low end and from 45 to 102 mm at the high end. If you like your grass longer than about 70 mm, check the top setting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"> \u003Cstrong>11. What support and spare parts are available where I live?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\nAsk who handles repairs, how long they take, and whether blades, wheels and batteries are sold separately. A robot is easier to live with if the parts are easy to get.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cinput disabled=\"\" type=\"checkbox\"> \u003Cstrong>12. What is the return policy?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\nAsk how many days you have, who pays shipping, and whether setup work, such as laying a wire, voids a return. This matters most with a large, heavy purchase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Ch2>What this means for you\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>You do not need a perfect answer to all twelve. But unanswered items 1 to 5 are the ones most likely to cause trouble after delivery, because they affect whether the robot works on your lawn at all. Items 6 to 12 are about protection, comfort and cost over the years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also read the manual's safety section before you start the robot, and keep children and pets off the lawn while it works. \u003Ca href=\"\u002Farticles\u002Fare-robot-mowers-safe-for-kids-and-pets\u002F\">Are robot mowers safe for kids and pets\u003C\u002Fa> covers what makers commonly say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>For the details-minded\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Specifications in our catalog are claims by makers and sources do not always agree. Price is known for only 145 models, with a middle manufacturer list price of $2,299 (list price, not what you will pay). Missing data is shown as missing, not guessed. To decide what you really need before shopping, see \u003Ca href=\"\u002Farticles\u002Fhow-to-choose-a-robot-lawn-mower\u002F\">how to choose a robot lawn mower\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>Next step\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Narrow the list with the quiz at \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fhelp-me-choose\u002F\">\u002Fhelp-me-choose\u002F\u003C\u002Fa>, then run the finalists through this checklist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>Quick answers\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>What is the single most important question?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\nWhether the claimed area and slope comfortably cover your lawn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Is a lower noise figure always better?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\nLower is quieter, but check how it was measured. The middle claim is 59 dB.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Should I ask about warranty before buying?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\nYes. Ask for the length and what is covered, and keep the answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>What if the seller cannot answer?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\nCheck the manual or contact the maker, and be careful about buying until you know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",[13,17,21],{"slug":14,"title":15,"description":16,"readingMinutes":8},"do-robot-mowers-need-wifi-or-an-app","Do Robot Mowers Need Wi-Fi or an App?","Do robot mowers need Wi-Fi, 4G, or a phone app? It depends on the model. See what each is used for and what to check if your yard is far from the router.",{"slug":18,"title":19,"description":20,"readingMinutes":8},"how-to-choose-a-robot-lawn-mower","How to Choose a Robot Lawn Mower in 5 Simple Questions","Choose a robot mower with five questions: lawn size, slope, obstacles and shape, wire or no wire, and budget with app needs. See what each one narrows.",{"slug":22,"title":23,"description":24,"readingMinutes":8},"how-to-measure-your-lawn","How to Measure Your Lawn Size for a Robot Mower","Measure lawn area for free with steps, a tape, a map app or property records. Includes a sq ft, m2 and acre table and what to subtract. Rough is enough."]