Cutting width
The capture width provided by the unit, in other words, the width of the strip of land cultivated in one pass. In fact, this size corresponds to the width of the working nozzle.
The large working width is useful when processing large open spaces, as it allows you to finish the job in a small number of passes. On the other hand, for hard-to-reach places, relatively narrow tools are better suited, able to go where a wider unit will not fit. In addition, the width of the tool directly affects the weight and price.
In general, it makes sense to compare in terms of working width only units of the same type (see above). However, it is worth noting here that trimmers do not differ so much from each other — most models capture from 25 to 45 cm (and a wide processing band is provided by moving the nozzle from side to side). As for the other types, in the most modest models the capture width
does not exceed 40 cm, in the heaviest and most powerful it can be
56 – 60 cm or even
more(in mini tractors — up to 1.5 m).
Min. cutting height
The minimum cutting height provided by the lawnmower — that is, the smallest height of grass that can remain after the passage of the machine. It makes sense to pay attention to this indicator mainly in cases where the lawn is planned to be cut as short as possible. In addition, the lower the minimum height (with the same maximum), the wider the height adjustment range of this model.
Max. cutting height
The maximum cutting height that the lawn mower can achieve is the maximum height of grass that can be left after the machine has passed.
This parameter is relevant mainly for those cases when you want to leave the grass on the lawn relatively long. In addition,
lawn mowers with high cutting heights have a wide range of mowing adjustments.
Number of height settings
The number of cutting height settings provided by the lawn mower. The more such settings (with the same adjustment range) — the more accurately you can choose the mowing height. Note that in some robots (see "Type") this number reaches 30 or more with a range of 30 to 60 mm; in other words, you can select the height to the nearest millimetre.
Cutting height adjustment
The cutting height adjustment method provided in the machine.
—
Synchronous. Adjustment carried out "in one movement" — as opposed to the manual described below. In traditional lawn mowers, it is usually carried out by a lever that changes the height of all wheels at the same time; in other units, not the wheels, but the cutting tool itself, can be adjusted in height. Anyway, synchronous adjustment is much more convenient than manual adjustment, and for some devices (for example, robots and riders, see "Type") this is generally the only technically possible option. However, in classic mowers, such a system complicates and increases the cost of construction.
— Manual. The meaning of this type of adjustment depends on the type of device. So, for trimmers, this is almost the only possible way by definition: in them, the cutting height is regulated by how high the operator holds the working nozzle. In lawn mowers, manual adjustment means that you need to separately adjust the height of each axle, and even each individual wheel. Such systems are simpler and cheaper than synchronous systems, but less convenient to use.
Recommended area
The area of the site for which the lawn mower is designed. It cannot be argued that this parameter is critical when choosing a device, these are only manufacturer's recommendations and are very conditional. However, they are more than justified and generally show the available front of work based on the heating of the motor, the capacity of the tank or battery, and other factors that affect the duration of work.
Max. speed (self-propelled)
The maximum travel speed of the self-propelled lawnmower (see "Features") during operation.
Other things being equal, a faster model spends less time on work, especially when it comes to simple tasks. On the other hand, fast movement requires appropriate engine power, which in turn affects weight, cost, and electricity/fuel consumption. In addition, if we are talking about a traditional design lawn mower, when choosing, you need to sensibly evaluate your ability to “keep up” with the device. However, such models rarely reach speeds above 7 km/h — this is a quick step that is not a problem for a more or less healthy person. In addition, self-propelled units often provide speed adjustment (see above). But riders (see "Type"), where the operator rides on the unit, can reach higher speeds — about 13 – 14 km/h.
Note also that for the same engine power, higher speed means less power at the working head. So if speed is not of particular importance, it is better not to make a margin for speed, but to take a relatively slow, but “high-torque” device.
Functions
Functions provided by the robotic lawnmower (see "Type").
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Scheduled mowing. The ability to set the schedule for the robot, according to which it should work. In the simplest models, the schedule is indicated within a day (for example, “from 8.00 to 8.30”), in more advanced units, a schedule may be provided by the days of the week or even by dates within a month. Anyway, this function makes life much easier for the user: instead of turning on the device manually every time, it is enough to set the schedule — and you can not worry about regular lawn mowing.
—
Cartography system. The presence of a mapping system in the design of the robot. Such a system allows the device to compile a map of the area to be treated and then use it during operation — avoid obstacles in advance, avoid falling into holes, etc. The specific method of mapping may be different: some models do it on their own, focus on the boundary wire laid by the user (for details, see "Additional"), and in some models — also to data from sensors and the GPS module; in others, the user himself can set the work area and the route of movement (for example, through a mobile application). Anyway, the mapping system noticeably increases the efficiency of the robot: a correctly configured device passes the area entered in the memory without gaps and at the same time does not go beyond it. The main disadvantage of this feature is t
...he rather high cost.
— Synchronization of control. The ability to synchronize the robotic mower with other home and garden equipment, combined into a "smart home" (or "smart garden") system. Such synchronization allows you to coordinate the work of various types of equipment: for example, so that the irrigation system turns on only after the robot mower has processed the entire lawn. Usually, only equipment from one manufacturer can fully synchronize with each other; For this, branded applications installed on a smartphone or tablet are most often used.
— Management from the Internet. The ability to control the robot via the Internet. To do this, the device connects to the World Wide Web using Wi-Fi, and the features and control functionality may be different. So, in some models you need to use a proprietary application installed on a smartphone or tablet, for others it is enough to open a special page in any Internet browser. However, anyway, this function allows you to access control from anywhere in the world where there is an Internet connection. This can be useful when away from home — for example, on vacation or on a business trip.
— Smartphone control. The function is similar to control from the Internet, with the only difference that the commands to the robotic lawnmower are given from the phone, which is connected via Bluetooth, and, accordingly, the range is limited.Mowing zones
The maximum number of mowing areas that can be memorized by the robotic lawnmower (see "Type").
The meaning of having
several mowing zones is that for each separate zone you can set your own mode of operation of the robot. For example, the grass in front of the entrance to the house can be cut every two or three days, maintaining its neat appearance, and the area behind the house, which is not so visible, can be processed once a week. Similarly, for different zones, you can set your own processing time — for example, during the day, “keep” the mower out of the area where children can play, and at night keep it away from the bedroom windows so that the noise does not disturb the sleepers.
In modern robotic mowers, the number of mowing zones usually does not exceed three — this is quite enough in most cases.