Comparison STIHL RMI 632 P vs Husqvarna AUTOMOWER 315

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).

The highest angle of ascent or descent at which the mower maintains normal operation.

This parameter is indicated mainly for autonomous robotic mowers (see "Type") — it is for them that it is most relevant (in traditional models, everything depends mainly on whether the operator can keep the mower on the slope). In this case, the angle is indicated as a percentage, similar to how it is done on road signs: the number of percent corresponds to how many metres the terrain rises every 100 m of the road. For example, an angle of 25% means an ascent of 25 metres every 100 metres (or 25 cm every metre).

The most advanced modern robots are able to overcome slopes of 50% (that's about 30°) and even more. It is worth choosing according to this indicator, taking into account the characteristics of the area where the unit is planned to be operated: for example, for a flat lawn without ups and downs, you can not look at the permissible slope at all.

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.

The ability to control the operation of a robotic lawn mower from a smartphone or tablet, and in some implementations, even from a computer. Communication can be established via a wireless Bluetooth channel or via a Wi-Fi network. Features of this control may vary depending on the model of lawn mower. So, in some instances you need to use a proprietary mobile application, for others it is enough to open a special page in an Internet browser. In any case, this function allows you to remotely access the control of the robotic lawn mower using mobile devices. And via a Wi-Fi network, control can be carried out from any corner of the globe where there is Internet coverage. This will come in handy when you are away from home - for example, on vacation or on a business trip.

Maximum number of mowing zones that can be stored in the memory of the robotic lawnmower (see "Type").

The purpose of having multiple mowing zones is that you can set different operating modes for each individual zone. For example, you can mow the grass in front of the house every two to three days to keep it looking neat, while the area behind the house, which is less visible, can be mowed once a week. Similarly, you can set different processing times for different zones — for instance, avoid sending the mower to a play area during the day when children might be playing, and keep it away from bedroom windows at night to avoid disturbing sleepers.

In modern robotic lawn mowers, the number of mowing zones usually does not exceed three — this is typically sufficient in most cases.

Functions provided by the robotic lawn mower (see "Type").

— Scheduled mowing. The ability to set a schedule for the robot to work on. In the simplest models, the schedule is specified within a day (for example, "from 8.00 to 8.30"), in more advanced units a schedule can be provided by days of the week or even by dates within a month. Be that as it may, this function makes life much easier for the customer: instead of turning on the device manually every time, it is enough to set a schedule - and you can not worry about regular lawn mowing.

— Mapping system. The presence of a mapping system in the robot design. Such a system allows the device to create a map of the area being processed and then use it during work — to go around obstacles in advance, avoid falling into holes, etc. The specific method of creating a map may be different: some models do this independently, focusing on the boundary wire laid by the customer (for more details, see "Additional"), and in some models - also on data from sensors and a GPS module; in others, the customer can set the work area and route (for example, through a mobile application). In any case, the mapping system significantly increases the efficiency of the robot: a correctly configured device passes the area entered into memory without gaps and at the same time does not go beyond its boundaries. The main disadvantage of this function is its rathe...r high cost.

— Control synchronization. The ability to synchronize the robotic mower with other home and garden equipment, united in a “smart home” (or “smart garden”) system. Such synchronization allows you to coordinate the operation of different types of equipment: for example, so that the irrigation system is turned on only after the robotic mower has processed the entire lawn. As a rule, 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.

Additional sensors included in the design of the robotic lawnmower (see "Type").

— Strike. A sensor that reacts to blows to the body of the device. It is mainly used for fixing collisions and avoiding obstacles: when a collision occurs and the sensor is triggered, the robot changes its direction of movement, trying to bypass the object that triggered the trigger. Such an opportunity will be especially useful for models without a mapping system (see "Functions"), however, it can also be useful if there is a built-in map: after all, in addition to permanent obstacles, other, temporary ones (for example, garden furniture taken out into the yard ). In addition, on some models, data from the collision sensor can be used to correct the built-in map.

— Tilt. A sensor that detects the tilt of the body in one direction or another. Mainly used to prevent rollover: when the angle of inclination reaches critical values, the mower reverses or otherwise changes the driving mode in an attempt to prevent the increase in inclination. This function will be especially useful when used in areas with relatively difficult terrain, with ups and downs.

— Rise. A sensor that reacts to the rise of the body above the ground — for example, if the device was picked up. With such a rise, the mower blades are open, which is fraught with injuries; the sensor prevents this; when it is triggered, the knives automatically stop. And in some models, this function also plays the role...of “anti-theft”: when the case is lifted, an alarm may turn on, warning the owner of an attempted theft.

— Overturning. A sensor that reacts to the flip of the body upside down. The main task of such a sensor is to stop the rotating knives so that they do not injure people who approach the mower (for example, curious children). And some models, when rolled over, can even send a message to the owner, warning him about the incident "state of emergency" and the inability to continue driving.

— Rain. A sensor that reacts to rain — more precisely, to the ingress of moisture on the body of the device, and sometimes to the presence of water under it. Robotic mowers themselves are made moisture resistant, and the main meaning of such a sensor is that lawns are usually not mowed in the rain: wet grass creates excessive resistance to the knives, they can become clogged with wet ground — as a result, the quality of the haircut noticeably deteriorates, and the mower experiences abnormal loads. Usually, when the sensor is triggered, the robot stops working and returns to the charging station.

— Obstacles. A sensor that detects the presence of obstacles in the path of the device. Unlike the shock sensor described above, which performs a similar function, this sensor usually works on a non-contact principle — for example, ultrasonic or infrared. This allows you to reduce to an absolute minimum the likelihood of collisions with various obstacles, which is especially important if there are delicate objects in the cultivated area — for example, fragile garden sculptures.

Safety features included in the design of the robotic lawnmower (see "Type").

— Pin. Possibility to close access to the control of the mower using a digital pin code. Thus, only those who know the access code can turn on the device or change the settings. This can be useful both in case of theft (without knowing the “pin”, the robot becomes useless), and in case there are strangers on the territory. At the same time, the most critical functions, such as emergency shutdown, remain available without a code.

— Blocking. The ability to block the robot control in certain emergency situations. The specific features of the operation of this function may be different: for example, in some models, the lock is activated when installed on a “non-native” charging station, in others, when it leaves the working area (fixed by GPS coordinates), etc. Anyway this function prevents unauthorized use of the mower.

— Alarm. An alarm that warns the owner of an attempt to steal the mower, and in some models, other emergencies, such as a coup with wheels up. In the "anti-theft" format, such an alarm can be triggered, for example, according to data from the lift sensor (if the device is lifted and not lowered to the ground for a long time) or from the built-in GPS module (when leaving the working area). The simplest type of alarm is audible, but other notification methods can be provided, for example, sending a notification to the owner’...s smartphone.

— GPS tracker. A function that allows you to determine the current location of the mower and report it to the owner. The position, in accordance with the name, is determined by GPS data, and this information is usually transmitted via mobile networks — in the form of SMS or a notification in a special application. Other features of the operation of this function can also be different: for example, in some models it works automatically when you leave the working area, in others — at the request of the owner, in others, the position is monitored and broadcast constantly, etc. It used to be that the GPS tracker makes it much easier to find the device, not only in case of theft, but also in some other situations — for example, if the robot accidentally rolled down a steep slope that was not taken into account by the owner.

— Protection from children. Various features designed to protect young children from the dangers of the robotic mower. So, in some models, it is possible to block the control so that only an adult can access it; in others, shock and lift sensors automatically turn off the knives if a curious little child tries to play with the device, starts pushing it or turning it over. Specific protection features in each case should be clarified separately, however, anyway, this function is highly desirable if there are small children in the house.

Lawnmower engine power expressed in watts. This designation is used absolutely for all electric models (see "Engine type"), and it is also often found in gasoline and diesel units along with horsepower (these units are clearly related, 1 hp is about 735 watts).

In general, the more powerful the engine, the more performant the mower and the better it will cope with heavy work such as cutting thick grass, bushes, etc. On the other hand, high power has a corresponding effect on fuel / electricity consumption, as well as the weight and price of the engine. In addition, note that the power requirements depend on the type of mower itself and its engine (see above for both). For example, for most robots, the power does not exceed 500 W — more, taking into account specialization, is not required, besides, otherwise the devices would turn out to be too bulky and heavy. Trimmers and lawn mowers of similar power are only electric, and the power limit for power tools is 2500 – 3000 W when powered from the mains and 1500 – 2000 W for battery models. But in gasoline tools, the minimum power is about 500 – 1000 W for trimmers and 1000 – 1500 W for mowers; the maximum value can exceed 4 kW.

Detailed recommendations for choosing a lawn mower d...epending on its type and features of the planned work can be found in special sources.