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.
Mapping principle
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 operation - 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 user (for more details, see "Additional"), and in some models - also on data from sensors and a GPS module; in others, the user 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 rather high cost.
Independent mowing zones
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
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 user: 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.
—
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.