Frequently Asked Questions

A robotic lawn mower is a battery-powered, self-operating machine that cuts your grass automatically on a set schedule. Once installed and configured, it navigates your lawn using GPS and RTK satellite technology, returns to its charging station when the battery is low, and resumes mowing without any input from you.

The robotic mowers sold by Robot Mowers Australia use GPS and RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) satellite positioning — accurate to within a few centimetres — to navigate virtual boundaries you set via a smartphone app. Many models also combine RTK with cameras and AI-based obstacle detection for additional precision around garden beds, trees, and other features.

No. Robotic mowers use small razor-style blades that trim only a few millimetres of growth at a time. Because they mow frequently — often daily or several times a week — the tiny clippings fall back into the lawn as natural mulch. This feeds the grass and produces a healthier, denser lawn over time compared to the weekly cut-and-bag method of a traditional mower.

In most cases, you will still need to trim the edges of the lawn periodically with a whipper snipper or edge trimmer. Robotic mowers mow up to the mapped virtual boundary, but edge finishing along garden beds, paths, and fences is usually still a manual task. Many owners find this takes around 10 minutes and only needs doing once or twice a month.

Robotic mowers work on lawns as small as 10 square metres and as large as 90,000 square metres and beyond for commercial installations. Residential models in the Robot Mowers Australia range typically suit lawns from 10m² up to around 10,000m², while commercial and industrial models handle sports fields, university campuses, and large open areas covering many hectares.

The key factors are lawn size, shape complexity, slope gradient, grass type, and whether you need residential or commercial-grade performance. We recommend contacting Robot Mowers Australia for a consultation — the right model depends on your specific site conditions, not just coverage area figures on a spec sheet.

Robotic mowers work on all common Australian lawn types including couch, kikuyu, buffalo, zoysia, and fescue. The mow-little-often approach suits the growth habits of warm-season grasses like couch and kikuyu particularly well, maintaining a consistent height that reduces thatch and keeps the lawn dense and green.

RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) GPS uses satellite signals combined with a fixed ground-based reference station to achieve centimetre-level positioning accuracy. The mower knows exactly where it is on the lawn at all times, which allows it to follow efficient, systematic mowing patterns, respect virtual no-go zones, and stay precisely within the mapped boundaries — all without any physical wires in the ground. All robotic mowers sold by Robot Mowers Australia use GPS or RTK-based navigation.

Robotic mowers in the Robot Mowers Australia range start from $1,499 for a compact residential model and extend to $99,000 for large commercial units like the Kress Voyager. Most residential buyers spend between $2,000 and $6,000. Commercial operators should budget based on the area to be covered and the intensity of use required.

Professional installation is strongly recommended. Correct base station positioning, boundary mapping, zone configuration, and initial setup significantly affect how well the mower performs. A poorly configured mower will leave uncut strips, get stuck, or underperform for its entire life. Robot Mowers Australia handles professional installation for customers in and around Sydney.

A standard residential installation typically takes half a day to a full day. Larger or more complex properties take longer. Commercial installations involving multiple mowing zones or large areas are scoped individually.

Robot Mowers Australia ships nationwide across Australia. Professional installation is primarily available in the Sydney metro area and surrounds. Customers in other states can discuss options with us — in some cases we work with trusted installation partners, and some GPS-based models are also suitable for confident self-installation.

Yes. The lawn should be mowed to a normal height before the robotic mower is installed. If the grass is too long, the mower may struggle to establish an effective mowing pattern from the start. We advise on the ideal pre-installation prep when you book.

Many robotic mowers handle slopes well, but the maximum gradient varies by model. Residential models typically handle slopes of up to 35 degrees. Some commercial all-wheel-drive and tracked models handle steeper terrain. If your property has significant slopes, contact us to discuss which model is suited to your specific gradient and surface conditions.

Most models handle moderate undulation without issue. Very rough, rutted, or uneven surfaces may affect cut quality or cause the mower to lose traction. If your lawn is uneven, it is worth discussing this with us before purchasing — some models handle irregular terrain better than others.

Most robotic mowers are designed to operate in light rain and have a weather-resistance rating for general outdoor use. Many include rain sensors that return the mower to its dock during heavy downpours, as mowing waterlogged turf can cause rutting. In Australia's climate, this is rarely a significant limitation for most of the year.

Yes. Most models can be configured to mow multiple zones or separate lawn areas. Zones are mapped virtually through the app, and the mower can be scheduled to work different areas at different times. This is common for properties with lawns separated by paths, driveways, or garden beds.

Most GPS and RTK models get close to lawn boundaries, and some include dedicated edge-cutting modes. A quick run with a whipper snipper every few weeks handles any remaining edge and keeps the lawn looking sharp. The frequency depends on the model and how your lawn is bordered.

Yes. Robotic mowers are significantly safer than traditional rotary mowers. The blades are small, low-powered, and designed to fold back on contact with a hard object rather than cause injury. All models include lift and tilt sensors that immediately stop the blades if the mower is picked up or overturned. PIN code security prevents unauthorised use. As with any powered garden equipment, supervision of young children around the mower is good practice.

The mower detects the obstacle via its bump sensors, stops, reverses slightly, and changes direction. It will not force its way through or over an obstacle. Garden furniture, pot plants, and similar items left on the lawn are generally handled without issue — though clearing the lawn of small objects before each mowing cycle is good practice.

Robotic mowers include anti-theft features including PIN code locks, installation locks that prevent the mower from operating away from its home base station, and in many models, GPS tracking and alarm systems. If the mower is lifted or moved without the correct PIN, it triggers an alert. For additional peace of mind, the charging station should be positioned in a secure location.

Robotic mowers require far less maintenance than petrol mowers. The main tasks are: cleaning grass and debris from the undercarriage every few weeks, replacing the small cutting blades every two to four months, keeping the charging station contacts clean, and installing firmware updates when available. There are no fuel, oil, air filter, or spark plug requirements.

The small razor blades used in robotic mowers typically need replacing every two to four months, depending on lawn size and how often the mower runs. Replacement blades are inexpensive — a full year's supply generally costs between $30 and $60 depending on the model.

A well-maintained robotic mower typically lasts between 7 and 12 years. The battery is usually the first major component to need replacement, generally after four to six years depending on usage. With regular maintenance and occasional part replacement, many machines run reliably well beyond 10 years.

Battery run time varies by model and lawn conditions, typically ranging from one to five hours per charge. The mower manages this automatically — it returns to the dock to recharge and resumes mowing as needed to complete its schedule. You do not need to manage charging manually.

Yes, periodic servicing keeps the mower running at its best. Robot Mowers Australia services all brands it sells, either in-house or through trusted partners. Commercial mowers running long hours daily should be serviced annually. Residential mowers may require less frequent servicing depending on usage.

Yes, significantly. Robotic mowers run on battery power, costing a few dollars per month in electricity for a typical residential lawn. There are no fuel costs, no oil changes, and no annual servicing bills comparable to a petrol engine. Blade replacements are the main ongoing cost and are inexpensive. The total cost of ownership over five to seven years is generally lower than a comparable petrol mower when time savings are factored in.

Warranty periods vary by brand. Most models carry a two to three year warranty, with some brands offering up to five years. Contact us for the specific warranty terms for the model you are considering.

For most residential and commercial operators, yes. The time saved from regular mowing — often two to four hours per fortnight for a typical residential lawn — is the biggest factor. Commercially, the labour cost savings across the working season are substantial. The lawn also tends to be in better condition year-round, as frequent light cutting is healthier for grass than weekly deep cuts.

Yes. Robot Mowers Australia supplies commercial-grade robotic mowers suited to councils, universities, schools, sports clubs, landscape contractors, and large property managers. Commercial models are built for extended daily operation, larger cutting widths, and more demanding terrain than residential units.

Commercial robotic mowers can cover up to 90,000 square metres or more over the course of a mowing cycle. For very large sites, multiple units are often deployed together. Robot Mowers Australia can advise on the right number and model of mowers for your site based on area, terrain, and turnaround requirements.

Yes. Robotic mowers are well suited to sports turf maintenance on ovals, football fields, cricket outfields, and multi-use sports grounds. Frequent light cutting maintains a consistent playing surface. Some models are specifically designed for sports turf environments with precise cutting heights and systematic mowing patterns.

Yes. For commercial enquiries, we recommend starting with a site consultation so we can assess the area, terrain, slope, lawn type, and operational requirements before recommending a solution. Contact Robot Mowers Australia to arrange this.