An automower is a robotic lawn mower that works all by itself. Once set up, it quietly trims your grass without needing much from you. It’s designed to replace the need for regular mowing with a push lawn mower or even a ride on mower in some cases.
It moves around your yard using sensors, boundary wires, or GPS to know where to cut. Some models also connect to a smartphone app so you can control it from anywhere. It’s like having a mini gardener working while you relax.
Daily cutting, self-charging, and low-maintenance design
One of the best things about an automower is how little you have to do. It cuts small amounts of grass daily, which keeps your lawn looking neat all the time. Because it trims often, it leaves fine clippings that return nutrients to the soil. That means no more raking or dumping grass bags. When it’s low on battery, it drives itself back to the charging station. You don’t need to fill it with petrol like a lawn mower, and you won’t be pulling cords or pushing heavy gear around.
It also needs very little maintenance—just an occasional blade change and some cleaning now and then. That’s much easier than sharpening a chainsaw or fixing up a ride on mower.
Comparing Costs: Automower vs Lawn Mower or Ride On Mower
Upfront cost vs. long-term savings
It’s true—an automower can cost more upfront than a basic lawn mower or even some smaller ride on mower models. But that’s only one part of the story. Traditional mowers need petrol, oil, and regular servicing. If you pay someone to mow your lawn, that adds up even faster. Over time, the automower starts to pay for itself by saving you both time and money.
You also avoid buying fuel or pushing a mower under the hot sun. And there’s no need to haul your leaf blower out right after mowing because the clippings are so fine.
Fuel, maintenance, and time differences
Here’s where the real savings come in. A petrol lawn mower or ride on mower needs regular maintenance—spark plugs, oil changes, blade sharpening, and more. That’s both costly and time-consuming. An automower runs on electricity and has fewer moving parts. You don’t have to refill fuel or take it to the shop often.
And since it works daily, you won’t need to schedule time each weekend just to mow. If you use outdoor tools like a chainsaw or leaf blower, you already know how time can slip away. With an automower, that’s one less job on your list.
Is an Automower Right for Your Lawn Size and Shape?
Best lawn sizes and layouts for automowers
An automower is ideal for small to medium-sized lawns, especially those with clear boundaries and open spaces. Most models can handle yards from 300 to 1,500 square metres, while some premium models can mow up to 5,000 square metres.
They work best in lawns that are mostly flat or have gentle slopes. They can move around garden beds and trees with ease—as long as you set the boundary wires or use GPS mapping. If your yard has narrow paths or tight corners, make sure to pick a model that’s designed for complex spaces.
When a ride on mower is still a better choice
If you have a very large property or rough terrain, a ride on mower might still be the better option. These are faster for open paddocks or lawns with steep hills that robotic mowers may struggle to climb. A ride on mower also gives you more control in one sitting. And while it takes more effort than an automower, it might be the right fit for wide, uneven areas.
That said, some people use both: a ride on mower for the big areas and an automower for the main lawn near the house. It’s all about finding the right combo for your space.
Time-Saving Perks That Make an Automower a Game-Changer
Hands-free mowing and automatic scheduling
One of the biggest benefits of owning an automower is the time you save. It quietly trims your grass while you focus on other things—or just relax. You can even set it to run at night or while you’re at work.
Most models come with an app that lets you set a mowing schedule. Once it’s up and running, it just takes care of the job on its own. No more dragging out the lawn mower every Saturday or dealing with fuel refills. Your weekends are suddenly a lot freer.
More time for other garden tasks like using the chainsaw or leaf blower
When mowing is automated, you’ve got more time for other jobs around the yard. That means you can finally get to trimming overgrown branches with the chainsaw or cleaning up fallen leaves with the leaf blower.
You’ll also feel less rushed. Instead of spending an hour or two pushing a lawn mower, you can focus on details that make your garden look great. It’s a smarter way to manage your outdoor space.
How an Automower Fits into Your Backyard Tool Setup
Using an automower alongside a chainsaw and leaf blower
An automower doesn’t replace all your tools—but it does take care of the most time-consuming one: mowing. That means your chainsaw and leaf blower still have a role to play, but now you can use them when you choose—not when the lawn demands it.
It fits into your routine like a quiet helper in the background. While it’s doing its job, you can tidy up trees, trim hedges, or blow away garden debris. The result? A tidy lawn with less effort—and more time for the fun parts of gardening.
Why you might still need a regular lawn mower for edges or odd spots
Even the best automower might miss a few tricky areas—like very tight corners or narrow strips between pavers. That’s where a simple lawn mower or even a string trimmer comes in handy. But the work is minimal. Instead of mowing the whole yard, you’re just doing touch-ups once in a while.
And with tools like a leaf blower for quick clean-up and a chainsaw for occasional pruning, your gaerden tool setup becomes more balanced and efficient.
Choosing the Right Automower for Your Budget
Entry-level vs premium models: what you get
There’s a wide range of automower models out there. Entry-level versions are great for small, flat lawns. They’re usually more affordable and come with basic features like scheduled mowing and manual start/stop. Mid-range and premium models offer extras like GPS navigation, smart home integration, theft protection, and better handling of slopes and complex lawns.
Some even return automatically to the charging dock and resume mowing after raiin. Think about what your yard really needs before choosing. You don’t always need the fanciest model—but investing a little more upfront can save time and frustration later.
Trusted brands and where to buy your automower in Australia
Stick with trusted names that specialise in robotic mowing. Brands like Husqvarna, Stihl, and Worx are well-known in Australia and offer solid warranties. You can find them online or through local dealers who also offer setup support.
If you’re already shopping for outdoor tools like a chainsaw, leaf blower, or ride on mower, it’s worth checking if the same store carries automower models too. Look for suppliers who understand local conditions and can help match the right model to your lawn.
