Robomower RL1000 vs Lawnbott Professional

[Bill S]

I am having a tough time deciding between theses two brands / models. My lawn is about a half acre and is flat.
Here is how I have ranked each so far:
Robomower RL1000 Lawnbott Professional
Price: $1499 > $1749
Noise: 85 db < 58 db
Battery option: Lead only < Option for Li
Weight: 78 lb < 42 lb
Tight area access: Needs 5.5 ft width < fits into tighter areas
Blade price: $56 < $35
Motor / drives: Gears problem ? < German motors =quality
Lead battery $: about $150 = about $150
Lead battery options: Power pack ? < Fiamm, other cheaper brands
Lawn size: 22K sq ft < 33K sq ft
Charging time: 20 hr. < 3-4 hr.
Cuts per day: 1 < 2

I would appreciate any answers / opinions to help fairly compare the two machines.
Since the Lawnbott is the entry level model, is it’s “logic” less effective regarding mowing results? In other words, are
there problems without the spiral logic or cutting problems ?
I guess what I am asking between these two models, do they cut the lawn at the same quality level ?

Also, any noted reliability issues with either model ?

If the either mower can effectively cut the lawn at the same quality level and are comparable in reliability, I would spend the extra $250 for the Lawnbott.
Thanks,
Bill

[cody2milton]

Hey Bill,

I have the LawnBott Evo, and while it has the 'smart spiral', i believe, maybe a dealer can chime in, the Prof model has a 'random spiral', which is still a good feature, since it will help to ensure not missing any areas. Your yard size is well within its operating range, so no problems. I think you can even ramp up the % that it spirals, if that is an issue.

Plus, the LB's just look cooler, more techy. the docking garage is a big bonus, i think, in having its own place to get out of the sun, take a rest, dream about female vacuum robots that suck, etc.!!!!!!

[robomower.biz]

Hi Bill,

Cutting quality is about the same. The deciding factor for your lawn would be the size. 22k sqft for a Robomower is nearly approaching the limits of what it can handle due to the fact that it takes almost 24 hours to charge. We can show you how to divide the zones with virtual gates to get around the limitation. (And there are Robomower users who are mowing that size lawn and larger but you have to make sure each zone isn't too big and some users buy an extra battery pack and fast charger to help.)

The best choice for you would be the Lawnbott due to your lawn size. The Pro is rated to handle up to 33sqft. The Professional can mow twice a day vs the Robomower once a day - definitely worth the extra money.

We are temporarily offering a 30 day money back guarantee on the Lawnbott as well. Therefore if you try it and you're not happy, just return it to us then you can purchase the Robomower. (Email sales@robomower.biz for info.)

The logic on the two mowers are very different as you probably know. The Robomower uses RoboScan which takes several calculations based on measurements in your yard then decides which angle to take - very effective. The Lawnbott is more random and has spiral mode - very effective.

The maximum cutting height on the Lawnbott is 2.75 inches, so if you like a higher cut lawn, the Robomower's maximum cutting height is 3.5 inches.

Hope this helps!

Thanks

[robomower.biz]

To comment about the spiraling, cody is right. The Evolution goes into spiral mode when it detects high grass and the Professional goes into spiral mode randomly. Both ways are very effective at catching missed spots. If the Pro doesn't spiral enough for you, we can show you how to increase how often it goes into spiral mode.

Thanks!

[farmer]

I just went thru the same type of evaluation...I ended up purchasing a Lawnbott Evolution (kids named our Lawnbott - Sparky). My lawn is about 3/4 acre and not too many slopes.

I think the thing that I liked about the Lawnbott and it's company is that the product and company appear to be a 'step ahead' of the other mowers and companies out there. Examples: quality of mower and components, lithium batteries, mower region capabilities, etc.

This is week #4 for Sparky...for the most part I am happy with my purchase. Sparky does a great job when he is working. We are still working out some kinks: perimeter wire being occasionally clipped, small hangup spots, etc.

I did purchase the optional spiked wheels and extra battery for Sparky..

[joe2slo]

Contrary to the above post, I was told by my dealer that the Professional would cut more than twice in a 24 hour period since it returns to mowing as soon as it completes the charge (if scheduled to do so). Otherwise, it could not cover the same 33,000 sqft as the Evolution. My lot is about the same size and I only went with the Evolution since I have one area with a steep spot. Yes, I could have done it by hand but I wanted total automation. OK, the smart sprial and "lawn growth learning" was cool as well. They also had an Evolution MAX but they said it was more than I needed with its agressive shark tooth wheels. I did realize one other advantage to the Evolution after I started running it. If it stalls due to running over something (dog toy), you have to put it back in the base to reactivate it. A professional would have been a bit harder to carry from the far end of my lot (lead is heavy after all).

My dealer didn't mention a a 30 day return (I didn't ask either) but after discussing my lawn there wasn't a chance that I would need it. They asked a lot of detailed questions and filled me in on the Robomower as well(would not do my one steep spot). They even provided a layout plan for a "difficult area" that I was unsure of.

Regarding Robomower:
My buddy has had one for a few years. It has been pretty dependable and it runs on a 12,000 sq ft lawn. It cuts "roughly" 6000 sq ft on a charge. His lot is two areas separated by a fence. Perfect fit.

[Bill S]

Thanks for the replies. I have eyeballing these robots for years on internet. The concept is excellent.

Well, my Sears Lawn tractor died after 13 years. The engine is just plain worn out, along with misc. deteriation. My price point is about $1800, as that is the amount I planned to spend on another tractor. One of the benefits of the robots is I would not need to store it in my garage during the winter, like a big tractor. I can carry it into the basement. I am out of space in my garage since I now have two motorcycles in there. The robots provide many win-win solutions !
I am just very nervous about the reliability of these. My wife gave the line "nobody else has one, so something must be wrong with them".
As much as I like to get the higher end models, I am looking to get the Professional.

[robomower.biz]

Bill, the life expectancy before motors and etc wear out is about 8-10 years. All parts are serviceable and it isn't very hard to repair so I wouldn't be surprised when you get many more years beyond 10. There are less parts to break on a Lawnbott than there is on a tractor and that's not to mention how difficult it is to repair a tractor!

I understand your wife being doubtful, but robotic lawnmowers have been around for many years and they really do work well as long as your yard is suitable. Most of us (like myself) do not own a gas mower and rely on robotic lawnmowers exclusively. Call me at 205-316-9383 or email sales@robomower.biz so we can discuss your lawn. I can tell you within a few minutes if a robotic lawnmower is suitable for your lawn or not.

If you've been eyeballing robotic lawnmowers for years, this is the perfect time to try one out to see for yourself! Before it's over, your wife will probably like it more than you do because this means you'll have more time on your hands for other things.

[Bill S]

[quote="robomower.biz"]Bill, the life expectancy before motors and etc wear out is about 8-10 years. All parts are serviceable and it isn't very hard to repair so I wouldn't be surprised when you get many more years beyond 10. There are less parts to break on a Lawnbott than there is on a tractor and that's not to mention how difficult it is to repair a tractor!

I understand your wife being doubtful, but robotic lawnmowers have been around for many years and they really do work well as long as your yard is suitable. Most of us (like myself) do not own a gas mower and rely on robotic lawnmowers exclusively. Call me at 205-316-9383 or email sales@robomower.biz so we can discuss your lawn. I can tell you within a few minutes if a robotic lawnmower is suitable for your lawn or not.

If you've been eyeballing robotic lawnmowers for years, this is the perfect time to try one out to see for yourself! Before it's over, your wife will probably like it more than you do because this means you'll have more time on your hands for other things. [/quote]

I wish the life expectancy was 8-10 years, instead all three motors needing to be replaced once a mowing season. Fortunately, I was able to repair the lawn tractor fairly cheap. The wife was right.

Lawnbotts needs to offer inexpensive indivudual replacement parts for the motors / planetary gearboxes. The planet carrier's sun gears wear out on the wheel motors. The brushes wear out on the blade motors.

Please inform the the main company to support the owners with service parts so we can do-it-ourselves repairs, for a reasonable price.