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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
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.
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.
Last update on 05/14/2023 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#1 – 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
Cons
- 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
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
Cons
- [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
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
Cons
- 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
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
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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