An automower is a smart, robotic lawn mower that cuts your grass for you—automatically. Unlike a traditional lawn mower, it doesn’t need to be pushed, pulled, or ridden. Once set up, it quietly roams around your yard on its own, trimming the grass day or night, rain or shine. It follows a programmed schedule and charges itself when needed.
It’s designed to be a “set it and forget it” system for homeowners who want a neat lawn without lifting a finger. Think of it as the lawn care version of a robot vacuum—but for the outdoors.
How it compares to a lawn mower or ride on mower
While a lawn mower or ride on mower requires manual effort and time, an automower does the work in the background. Traditional mowers need to be started, fuelled, and pushed or driven, often taking up a few hours each week. In contrast, automowers quietly clip the grass a little at a time—frequently enough that clippings are so fine they disappear into the soil, acting as natural mulch.
They’re also much quieter than gas-powered machines, making early morning or nighttime mowing a realistic (and neighbour-friendly) option.
What size lawn is ideal for an automower?
Perfect for small to medium yards—big ones too with the right model
Automowers come in different models suited to different lawn sizes. Some are made for compact yards as small as 250 square metres, while others can handle lawns of 5,000 square metres or more. If you have a typical suburban block, most basic models will easily manage it without issue.
If you live on a larger property, don’t rule out an automower—you might just need a model built for expansive areas, or multiple units working together.
When a ride on mower might be better
If your lawn is extremely large, open, and flat—like paddocks or wide estate lawns—a ride on mower might still be the faster option for one-off cuts. However, if you prefer low-maintenance and constant tidiness, an automower still wins over time. It’s all about what matters more: upfront speed or long-term convenience.
Can an automower handle slopes, curves, and odd-shaped lawns?
Yes—with some smart tech and careful setup
Today’s automowers are more advanced than ever. They can handle a wide range of yard shapes and challenges. Most can manage gentle to moderate slopes—usually around 20% to 45% gradient depending on the model. They also perform well around curves, garden beds, and tight corners thanks to their smart navigation systems and responsive sensors.
If your lawn has a few tricky angles or elevation changes, an automower with incline and terrain handling features will likely do the trick.
But there are still a few limits
That said, extremely steep hills, deep ditches, or highly uneven ground can pose problems. While the mower can avoid obstacles, it may not always manage extreme inclines or very rugged terrain. Also, it needs to return to its charging base regularly—so steep or disconnected areas might need creative solutions like boundary wires or ramps.
In these cases, keeping tricky zones clear with tools like a chainsaw (for overhanging branches) or a leaf blower (to remove leaves or debris) can help improve access and ensure smooth operation.
What obstacles can stop an automower from working properly?
Watch out for garden clutter and barriers
While an automower is smart and adaptable, it’s not invincible. It can struggle with physical barriers like garden edging, tall roots, exposed rocks, or objects left on the lawn—think toys, hose reels, or even tree stumps. Trampolines, lawn furniture, or large planters can also interrupt its path or cause it to get stuck.
Before your automower starts, it’s a good habit to scan your lawn and move anything that might block its route. A clear space helps it mow efficiently and avoid unnecessary wear on its wheels and blades.
A tidy lawn makes all the difference
Keeping your lawn free of twigs, leaves, and branches is key to smooth automower operation. This is where tools like a leaf blower and chainsaw come in handy. A leaf blower makes clearing debris quick and easy, while a chainsaw can be used to trim overgrown branches or cut back trees that create messy drop zones. With a bit of prep, your lawn becomes a perfect runway for your automower to glide through.
Does your lawn have easy access for setup and boundary wiring?
Setup starts with smart lawn design
Before your automower can run, it needs a well-planned layout. This includes space for the charging dock, a power outlet nearby, and an open lawn area without too many tight, blocked-off sections. Boundary wires or GPS mapping help define the area your mower will cover.
If your lawn is divided by fences, garden beds, or paths, it’s still possible to use an automower—you just may need passage zones or additional wires to connect separate areas.
Be ready for tight spots and narrow gaps
Narrow side yards, long corridors, or tight corners can be tricky. Not every automower model handles narrow passages equally, so it’s worth checking that the one you’re considering can navigate your layout. In some cases, you might need to modify access zones slightly—or keep a manual lawn mower on standby for hard-to-reach areas.
How much daily maintenance and prep do automowers need?
Very little—but a little goes a long way
One of the best things about using an automower is how low-maintenance it is compared to a regular lawn mower or ride on mower. There’s no oil to change, no fuel to buy, and no pull-starting needed. Most models clean themselves pretty well just from running daily, but a quick wipe-down now and then helps extend the life of the unit.
You’ll also want to check the blades every couple of weeks—depending on grass type and yard size, they may need replacing every 1–3 months. A soft brush or cloth is usually all you need to remove grass buildup from the wheels and underside.
Compare it to traditional tools
If you’re used to managing your lawn with a ride on mower, leaf blower, and even the occasional chainsaw for garden cleanup, you’ll find that the automower takes a lot of the regular effort off your plate. It doesn’t replace every yard tool, but it greatly reduces the need for weekly mowing.
Final checklist: Is your lawn ready for an automower?
Quick yes-or-no test for homeowners
If you’re still unsure, use this simple checklist to help you decide if an automower is the right fit for your yard:
- My lawn is smaller than 5,000 m² (or broken into manageable zones)
- The terrain is mostly flat or gently sloped (under 45%)
- I can access most areas with boundary wires or GPS setup
- There are no major obstacles like ponds, deep trenches, or overhanging branches
- I prefer low-maintenance lawn care over pushing a lawn mower or driving a ride on mower
- I’m happy to do occasional cleanup using a leaf blower or a chainsaw to keep paths clear
If you answered “yes” to most of these, your yard is likely a great match for an automower!
