Robot mowers

[LittleBill21]

i would not recommend beta models, these things are computers they need updates, they use apps. they have cellular modems and gps, be aware of this. beta models tend to have a lot of growing pains.

 

[Fixastuff]

First the Kress tried to drive in my hole then it ran over my pipe had to pick it up then it just sat there.

 

[part-time-Farmer-NC]

Heard back from the Yarboro robotic mower folks over the weekend. Seems I can program it to skip the rows. The didn't indicate how to accomplish that, I guess you'd have to buy one to see that..

Theirs cuts about .25 acre per charge, so in the 3 acre spot it would take about 12 cycles to cut. There is an approximate 90 min charge cycle time. So that equates to about 18 hrs of charge time, not real sure how long it takes to drain the battery enough to charge it. Guessing 30 min's maybe? So if it is 30 mins that adds 6 more hours to the rotation. 24 hrs of use to make a single pass. Minus the actual row time. Might drop that to 20 hrs? Dodging customer traffic hours of 8-noon.

How fast does this part of the farm grow grass. I usually cut it twice a week in peak picking season, depending on how much rain we get. This one uses the razor blade discs so small cuts are the desired amount.

Seems to me to be "cutting" it too close and still isn't practical for a robotic operation for us.

The other kick starter model (lymow) shows it cutting with lawnmower type blades and cuts at a rate of 1.73 acres per day charge (I think that was the rate). So that would take about 2 full days of cutting. I think it could handle the additional growth when its been a wet week.

It's the first adopter (beta) issues I am afraid of. I don't really have time to troubles shoot out other stuff in my work week should it come up. Not too mention should I need parts if something happens. They have had people waiting for months for simple wear items (blades).

Once they become more readily available those issues will have been worked out. I would pay more for the mower by then but my time is also not factored in as part of the cost. Who knows I may have stopped farming by then so its all a mute point. I think we will always have some kind of garden/yard to cut till etc. though.

 

[jrsavoie]

I only have experience with Husqvarna, no wire means you need their EPOS model, which requires a gps antenna on a high point. you also need to make sure there are no tree's overhead as they require very clear sky.

they have some newer models coming out that can use both the wire and the epos.

if you want "striping" you are required to get a EPOS model.

your somewhere in the area of 3-6k you need to look at slopes as well, as it reduces the acres possible.

What about ditches?

Or water after a rain?

Can they detect and stay out of it?

 

[LittleBill21]

What about ditches?

Or water after a rain?

Can they detect and stay out of it?

you decide if they go in it, if they can handle the slope (they all have ratings) you can let them go in, or you create a boundary

my Husky has the ability to integrate with api's and IFTTT, my weather station monitors the weather, when it rains over a certain amount, it will instruct the mower to go home and wait till tomorrow.

I am not aware of any water sensing, they are mowers not boats, that said they will cut wet grass much easier to where a rider would get stuck due to their lightness, but they still get stuck if its super wet.

 

[scootr]

Hiring a kid to mow might be cheaper in the long run.

 

[LittleBill21]

Hiring a kid to mow might be cheaper in the long run.

do kids cut grass? I haven't seen a kid cut grass around here in prolly 5+ years

 

[JethroB]

Hiring a kid to mow might be cheaper in the long run.

I hired a 16 yo ‘kid’ to mow my 3 acres yard. Believe me he knows the going $ rates. He’s now 20 yo and making good money with two ZT and three employees. Thankfully insured now.