How do I choose a professional robotic mower for large areas?

Advantages of a professional robotic mower

ECHO Robotics® robotic mowers meet the most demanding requirements of professionals who maintain large areas of land:

1. Unrivalled efficiency: our robotic mowers mow much better, in much less time. For example, the greenkeeper at Wallenried Golf & Country Club (Switzerland) can testify that he has gone from mowing 30 hours a week to seven!
2. Optimising staff costs: our machines operate completely autonomously and can be programmed and then managed remotely, via an application. Your staff can devote themselves to the more difficult tasks, where the human element provides real added value.
3. Maximum flexibility: multi-zone mowing can be performed at any time, according to your wishes.
4. Unbeatable accuracy: our Wisenav® on-board navigation technology guarantees unbeatable accuracy for our GPS-RTK robots because the machines never cover the same spot twice. Mowing is both quicker and neater.
5. Easy installation: again thanks to this GPS technology, mowing area demarcation no longer requires a buried boundary wire. Installation is much easier and therefore less expensive.
6. Perfect for (very) large areas: a single installation with GPS base can cover a 15-km radius of land.

Other advantages of the Wisenav® navigation system available on ECHO Robotics® robotic mowers

• Easy linking of different safety zones, without limits
• Wisenav® and wired areas can be combined
• Greater capacity in real-life conditions
• Finer adjustment of the cutting height
• Easy management on a smartphone using the application or the portal

Three main criteria for choosing a professional robot for parks, football pitches or golf courses

Criterion No. 1: type of terrain

The specific features of your terrain will determine which robotic mower is best suited to your situation. Matching the robotic mower to your grounds is essential to the mowing quality and the robot's performance. This is the first criterion for choosing the right robot.

Criterion No. 2: the area to be mown

Robotic mower models are generally categorised according to their mowing area capacity. This is not the only criterion to consider, but it's a second step in narrowing down your list of choices.

1. The maximum mowing capacity is calculated based on an obstacle-free surface.
2. Models designed for large areas, such as the Turfmower series, offer advanced features such as multiple floating cutting heads, remote control, GPS location and real-time operation monitoring via an app.

Criterion No. 3: constraints specific to the use of the land

The way your grounds are used will also come into play when it comes to choosing your professional robotic mower.

For example:

• for a golf club that also has a hotel, you will appreciate silent mowing, as the ECHO Robotics® machines offer;
• for a football pitch, you'll love the finish of pattern mowing thanks to Wisenav® technology
• if you want to reduce maintenance staff costs, you'll appreciate maximum automation
• For a park with trees, you'll want to be able to easily demarcate several mowing zones;
•  etc.

Checklist for choosing a professional robotic mower

By checking the following points, you can enjoy all the benefits of a professional robotic mower and get a good return on your investment.

1. Capacity and performance (depending on the terrain): maximum surface area covered by the robot, battery life, cutting width, cutting height adjustable or not, ability to handle slopes or uneven terrain.
2. Navigation and technology: demarcation of cutting zones via an underground cable or presence of an on-board GPS system, type of obstacle sensors, possibility of programming multiple zones or even mowing times, automatic or non-automatic return of the robot to its charging station.
3. Durability and robustness: water and UV resistance, expected robot lifespan, guarantee coverage.
4. Safety and reliability: anti-theft system(s), lift and tilt sensors (to stop the blades in the event of tipping), management of borders and unmown areas.
5. Servicing and maintenance: frequency of servicing, ease of blade maintenance, availability of spare parts.
6. Energy consumption: battery type, charging time, average consumption.
7. Additional features: connectivity system (e.g. mobile app), provision of mowing reports and performance diagnostics, eco or silent mode.
8. Budget: purchase price, installation costs, operational costs (energy, maintenance).

These factors will help you choose the professional robotic mower best suited to the nature of your grounds, the surface area and the constraints of use. To optimise the use of your machine/fleet and your return on investment, we recommend professional installation. It's the only way to ensure impeccable mowing and peace of mind!

Would you also like to optimise your grounds maintenance? Request a quote!