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3 Best Robot Mowers for Rough Terrain & Uneven Yards (2023)

In Lawn & Garden by Tim Brennan

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In this post, I’ll give you the “mow down” on three of the very best robot mowers for rough terrain and uneven yards that you can buy today.

Drum roll, please!

Here are my top three robotic lawnmower picks for rough terrain:

So, which is the best option for your yard and price point? Que up Mr. Roboto by Queen, and read on!


Best Robot Mowers for Uneven Ground

Getting a Roomba-like robot to mow your lawn is now totally possible where it wasn’t a few years ago. However, all robot mowers are not created equal and some models can get a bit (ahem) “stumped” when they encounter rough terrain.

Don’t worry though, the robot lawn mower industry is maturing rapidly. Robot-minded engineers throughout the world are proactively trying to make these futuristic friends better. Innovative products and upgrades are being introduced quite frequently.

robot mowers for rough yards
The booming robot lawn mower market is estimated to almost be a $700 million industry.Research Firm Technavio

Perhaps this is why the robot lawn mower market is estimated to now be well over $700 million annually, according to this market research report published by Technavio.

Still, the data out there about solid mowers for rough landscapes is elusive for sure.

So, how can we get you over this little hump?

Well let’s get into my review of the best robot mowers for rough terrain and uneven yards and find out!


Comparison Table: Robot Mowers for Rough Terrain

The following table compares key features of the best robot mowers for rough terrain side by side.

Husqvarna Automower® 315X Robotic Lawn Mower10
Worx Landroid M 20V Robotic Lawn Mower 1/4 Acre / 10,890 Sq. Ft Power Share- WR147 (Battery & Charger Included)10
GARDENA 15201-41 SILENO Minimo - Automatic Robotic Lawn Mower, with Bluetooth app and Boundary Wire, one of The quietest in its Class, for lawns up to 2700 Sq Ft, Made in Europe, Grey10
Husqvarna Automower
Worx Landroid
Gardena Sileno
Why good for rough terrain
Obstacle avoidance technology, ability to navigate over and around sizable rocks, broad cutting width
Obstacle avoidance technology, boundary wire to guide the robot, does well on steeper slopes
Designed for small lawns, obstacle avoidance technology, ability to navigate over and around small rocks
Dimensions
24.8 x 20.1 x 9.8 inches
24.8 x 17.76 x 9.49 inches
20.4 x 13.38 x 8.66 inches
Weight
20.94 Pounds
48.4 pounds
13.2 pounds
Cutting Width
8.7 Inches
8 Inches
6.2 Inches
Operation Mode
Automatic
Battery
Automatic, Manual
Capacity
700 sq ft
Up to 1/4 Acre
2700 sq. ft.
Power Source
Battery
Battery
Battery
Slope
40%
20%
35%
Smartphone App
Weather-Resistant
No (but has a rain sensor)
No (but has a rain sensor)
Yes
Charging Time
60 mins
60 mins
60 mins
Husqvarna Automower® 315X Robotic Lawn Mower10
Husqvarna Automower
Why good for rough terrain
Obstacle avoidance technology, ability to navigate over and around sizable rocks, broad cutting width
Dimensions
24.8 x 20.1 x 9.8 inches
Weight
20.94 Pounds
Cutting Width
8.7 Inches
Operation Mode
Automatic
Capacity
700 sq ft
Power Source
Battery
Slope
40%
Smartphone App
Weather-Resistant
No (but has a rain sensor)
Charging Time
60 mins
Worx Landroid M 20V Robotic Lawn Mower 1/4 Acre / 10,890 Sq. Ft Power Share- WR147 (Battery & Charger Included)10
Worx Landroid
Why good for rough terrain
Obstacle avoidance technology, boundary wire to guide the robot, does well on steeper slopes
Dimensions
24.8 x 17.76 x 9.49 inches
Weight
48.4 pounds
Cutting Width
8 Inches
Operation Mode
Battery
Capacity
Up to 1/4 Acre
Power Source
Battery
Slope
20%
Smartphone App
Weather-Resistant
No (but has a rain sensor)
Charging Time
60 mins
GARDENA 15201-41 SILENO Minimo - Automatic Robotic Lawn Mower, with Bluetooth app and Boundary Wire, one of The quietest in its Class, for lawns up to 2700 Sq Ft, Made in Europe, Grey10
Gardena Sileno
Why good for rough terrain
Designed for small lawns, obstacle avoidance technology, ability to navigate over and around small rocks
Dimensions
20.4 x 13.38 x 8.66 inches
Weight
13.2 pounds
Cutting Width
6.2 Inches
Operation Mode
Automatic, Manual
Capacity
2700 sq. ft.
Power Source
Battery
Slope
35%
Smartphone App
Weather-Resistant
Yes
Charging Time
60 mins

Last update on 05/14/2023 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


#1 – Husqvarna Automower 315X Robotic Lawn Mower

husqvarna automower 315x robotic lawn mower

As a proud owner of the Husqvarna Automower 315X Robotic Lawn Mower, I can confidently say that this machine is a game-changer for those of us with rough terrain. I was initially skeptical about how well a robotic mower could handle uneven surfaces and steep inclines, but the 315X’s all-wheel drive system proved me wrong.

The mower navigates my yard effortlessly, tackling inclines of up to 22° without breaking a sweat. I’ve been particularly impressed by the GPS-assisted navigation, which ensures efficient coverage and prevents the mower from getting stuck or lost in challenging areas.

When it comes to performance on rough terrain, the Husqvarna Automower® 315X truly shines. Its sturdy build and intelligent design allow it to glide over uneven surfaces, easily managing obstacles like rocks and tree roots. The mower’s cutting system is both precise and efficient, delivering a clean and even cut across my lawn’s diverse landscape.

I’ve also noticed that the 315X is remarkably quiet compared to other mowers I’ve used, making it an excellent choice for those who value peace and tranquility in their outdoor spaces. Overall, the Husqvarna Automower® 315X has exceeded my expectations in every aspect and has become an indispensable tool for maintaining my lawn in top condition.

Pros

  • All-wheel drive handles inclines and uneven surfaces effortlessly.
  • GPS navigation ensures efficient coverage in challenging areas.
  • Quiet operation preserves tranquility in outdoor spaces.
  • Precise cutting system maintains well-groomed lawns on rough terrain.
  • Sturdy build tackles obstacles like rocks and tree roots.

Cons

  • Some owners find initial setup tricky.
  • Higher price point compared to competitors.
  • Limited cutting width may require longer mowing time.

Sale
Husqvarna Automower® 315X Robotic Lawn Mower10
  • Installation of Automower 315X included via Husqvarna’s dealer network.
  • Husqvarna Automower robotic lawn mower is ready to maintain small or medium-sized lawns up to 0.4 acres.
  • Efficient battery-powered mower returns on its own to recharging station as needed.

Last update on 05/14/2023 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


#2 – For Small to Mid Sized Uneven Lawns: WORX WR147 Landroid M 20V

WORX WR147 Landroid Robotic Mower

The WORX WR147 Landroid is a great robotic mower for small to medium lawns of in and around one-fourth of an acre. It is one of the easiest mowers to set up.

All you have to do before getting started is charge the mower, place the boundary wire and measure the lawn so that you can enter the dimensions on the app.

Note: The boundary wire installation is not trivial, especially when it comes to rough terrain. You may need to rope off larger obstacles to ensure the robot steers clear of them. Depending on the size of your yard, I would say set aside a day or a weekend to install the wire. The nice thing is….once this is done, it’s done! Set it and forget it.

This mower comes with patented technology to help it move sleekly through narrow passageways where other robotic mowers fail.

You can control the mower with the app over your wi-fi network. This includes checking the progress of and scheduling mows. Remember to keep the software updated so you have access to regular updates released by the company.

The Work Landroid is not fully weather resistant but it has a sensor to detect wet weather and when it does, it returns to its charging station. Cutting wet grass over uneven surfaces with your shiny new robot mower is not the brightest idea anyhow.

Warren Nash has a nice video out on YouTube that includes some installation and setup tips.

Pros

  • It’s orange! This makes spotting it amongst your weeds easy.
  • Customers have raved that this mower handles rough terrain “like a boss.”
  • Can schedule mowing sessions and monitor progress with the app’s control panel.
  • Can adjust the cutting height and tilt sensors help with navigating rough terrain.
  • Comes with a rain sensor.
  • Cutting deck can tackle slopes well.
  • Bluetooth connectivity and Wi-Fi enabled with ability to set a custom mowing schedule.
  • Durable.
  • Works well through narrow passageways.

Cons

  • Does not come with a remote (you use the app instead).
  • Its appetite is limited to small lawns.
  • A few customers have said this is a bit noisy, so I think it safe to assume the noise level is a bit louder than the others here.

Worx Landroid M 20V Robotic Lawn Mower 1/4 Acre / 10,890 Sq. Ft Power Share- WR147 (Battery & Charger Included)10
  • [FULLY AUTOMATED] The Landroid M cuts up to a ¼ acre all by itself. Just lay down the boundary wire once, measure your lawn with the app, and let it mow
  • [DO IT ALL WITH THE SAME BATTERY] Worx Power Share is compatible with all Worx 20v and 40v tools, outdoor power and lifestyle products
  • [APP CONTROL] Check mowing progress, start or stop Landroid, receive software updates and more

Last update on 05/14/2023 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


#3 – Best for Small Uneven Lawns: Gardena SILENO Life

best robot mowers for rough terrain

My first pick is my top pick for small uneven lawns. It is this robot lawn mower gem from Gardena, ideal for small yards (or medium-sized yards with lots of flower beds). This one is easy to set up and comes with a rotary knob. You can set up a mowing schedule and relax because it will carry on no matter the weather.

That’s right. Like “The Little Engine Who Could” it has the ability to cut grass while it is raining. THAT should tell you a little something about its perseverance.

I think I can…I think I can….

Customers say that his mower is “surprisingly quiet” so it won’t bug your neighbors (or annoy your wife). Oh, and watch out robot bandits b/c this baby also comes with multiple anti-theft protection features (see table above).

If you are one of those environmental types, you will also be happy to know that it is emission-free which makes it an eco-friendly choice. Finally, the cutting capacity can safely be described as excellent. Available in multiple models, the Gardena line is fit for all types of gardens and is energy efficient too.

Andreas M has a nice review of this mower over on YouTube; you will need to wait a few seconds for the translation to kick in but this is well done.

Pros

  • Surprisingly quiet.
  • Hits up its charging station then goes back to work when fully charged (or to us a fancy word it’s autonomous).
  • Happy to munch on small (1/4 acre) to medium-sized (1/8 acre) lawns.
  • Safety features include XX.
  • Easy to program.
  • Solid battery power.
  • Excellent with slopes.

Cons

  • Lacks sophisticated remote-control capabilities available with other brands.
  • A tad bit expensive for what it offers.
  • Yeah, you still need to install that dang boundary wire. Professional installation might be worth considering.

GARDENA 15201-41 SILENO Minimo - Automatic Robotic Lawn Mower, with Bluetooth app and Boundary Wire, one of The quietest in its Class, for lawns up to 2700 Sq Ft, Made in Europe, Grey10
  • Highly intelligent robotic lawn mower: GARDENA SILENO Minimo automatically mows yards up to 2700 sq ft streak-free, with easy connectivity via Bluetooth EasyApp Control, Auto-Schedule and EasyConfig
  • Precise, silent navigation: Relax in your backyard while SILENO Minimo expertly navigates narrow spaces and tight corners while quietly cutting your grass with one of the quietest in class noise levels of 57 dbA
  • Safe and reliable: The boundary wire ensures the Robotic Lawn Mower only mows the areas specified while collision sensors ensures the mower operates safely with no accidents or damage to your garden

Last update on 05/14/2023 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


A Word About My Top Three Choices

top three robot mowers for rough yards

If you’ve been researching robot mowers, then you probably know that finding a well-rated mower for rough terrain is no easy task.

While most manufacturers list details such as incline and battery life, know which mower to choose for a bumpy yard with rocks and dips in the ground can be tough without pouring through dozens of customer reviews.

So that is exactly what I did.

While I only own the Husqvarna model featured here, I have written several blog posts on them and done probably a hundred hours of research. Thus, I am confident about my recommendations.

📚 Related: Husqvarna vs Worx vs Gardena


Robot Mowers for Rough Terrain: Buying Guide

Here are some key things to think about when shopping for the best robot lawn mowers for rough terrain.

Type of Surface

best robot mowers for rough yards

OK, so just how rough is that terrain in your yard anyways? If you are in the market for a mower the fact that you have grass is a given. But is it tall grass? Do you have lots of weeds? What about rocks, sticks, tree branches? Tree stumps? Divets in the ground? What about hills and slopes? You’ll want to make sure you get a mower that can handle the job-and avoid obvious obstacles.

Obstacle Avoidance

The best of best robot mowers for rough terrain have features that enable them, to navigate through your yard by using sensors to detect any obstacles in its path. Some are even able to detect objects up to 32″ tall while traversing at speeds of 5mph or less. This feature can come in handy if you have pets (or kids!) as well.

Automatic Height Adjustment

This feature ensures that no matter how far overgrown your grass gets, you won’t have to worry about chasing after “buddy” midway through the job because your grass had grown too high for optimum cutting. By the same token, this feature can also help the mower to navigate across uneven ground.

Durability and Wheel Size

If you have some seriously rough terrain, the implication is that your new little friend is going to do quite a bit of bouncing around as it is scampering about in your yard. You’re going to want to choose a mower that can take a good beating. Wheel size is also another important factor. Obviously, a mower with large wheels is a good idea to help it navigate over some obstacles.

Weather Resistance

While not directly related to rough terrain per se, the best choice for rainy weather is a robot mower that can withstand the elements. Look for a model that is weatherproof. Some robot mowers will continue to operate in the rain and some have sensors that will return the mower to base if it starts to rain.

Battery Capacity

With an uneven yard, your robot mower is going to have to work harder than a mower would be cutting, say, the ninth hole of your favorite golf course. I would aim to choose a model with excellent battery life on a single charge to ensure it finishes the job in one pass before returning back to its docking station. All of the mowers here provide a good choice of battery life with rechargeable batteries that last a long time compared to other models I researched.

📚 Related: Best Robot Mowers for Hills


Best Robot Mowers for Rough Terrain: The Bottom Line

Ready for more good news? Each of these mowers is a solid choice for rough terrain but the one you pick is going to depend on the size of your yard and the features you want.

If you have a large yard and want your new best bud to be a high-performing workhorse Husquarvana is a good way to go. Of course, it is also the most expensive model here. However, just think of all the benefits you get over a traditional mower.

If you are looking for something with more power and performance for a small to medium-sized yard, the second one from Worx is a good fit. This one offers the most value for the money IMHO.

If you are looking for an affordable robotic lawn mower for rough terrain for smaller yards, my pick from Gardena is a real crowd-pleaser.

I hope you found this helpful. Enjoy the extra downtime that your futuristic new yard toy affords you.

📚 Related: Best Robot Mowers for 1/4 to 1/2 acre

About the Author

Tim Brennan is a technology blogger and host of the @TecTimmy YouTube channel. He shares insights about smart home tech at oneSmartcrib, home theater systems at UniversalRemoteReviews, and the future of AI in writing at Writeinteractive. A graduate of the Northeastern University School of Journalism, he has written about technology for 30 years. He lives on the ocean in scenic Nahant, Massachusetts.

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