Technology continues to evolve in lawn and landscape maintenance. One of the big advances we’ve seen in commercial mowing is the advent of robotic lawn mowers. These are lawn mowers that operate autonomously (without a driver).
The professional-grade robotic mowers on the market have also evolved dramatically in recent years. There are robotic mowers designed to handle the unique challenges of commercial properties. Today’s mowers typically use GPS, cameras, laser guidance, and sensors to operate.
Robotic lawn mowers have several advantages over traditional commercial mowing, such as being able to access tough-to-reach areas (like slopes) and handle spots that could be dangerous for a person.
Jump to Section
- Are Robotic Mowers a Good Option for Commercial Properties?
- How Do Robotic Mowers Help Landscapers?
- Do Autonomous Mowers Need to be Managed During Operation?
- Robotic Mower FAQs
- Choosing Commercial Landscape Maintenance in Greater Chicago
They can also handle large areas, freeing up a landscaper’s time and energy to service more complex locations and perform finish work, such as edging and trimming.
Finding a commercial landscape provider with multifaceted solutions, including professional-grade robotic mowers in its fleet, can help ensure your property is well cared for from every angle.
In this article, we’ll answer some common questions about how robotic mowers can play a valuable role in commercial lawn maintenance.
Are Robotic Mowers a Good Option for Commercial Properties?
Yes, robotic lawn mowers can be a good option for commercial properties. But there are certain situations where they are optimally warranted.
At KD Landscape, we have been using professional-grade robotic mowers for three seasons now and have found that they are primarily beneficial for large fields and for situations where safety is an issue, such as race tracks.
Robotic lawn mowers make a nice option because they are safe, quiet, and environmentally friendly. Robotic mowers are also highly accurate in their cutting… and they remove human error from the equation.
Robotic mowers can produce very straight lines when cutting a lawn, thanks to the technology they use.
In addition, since robotic mowers are inherently quieter, they can be a nice option for locations with strict noise ordinances, such as HOAs, school campuses, or hospital and health settings.
Of course, there are situations where robotic lawn mowers are not the optimal solution. Smaller areas, including those with concrete between them, won’t be as well managed with a robotic mower.
Currently, robotic lawn mowers are not performing high-value services like trimming, edging, and blowing, so these are best left to a landscape professional.
How Do Robotic Mowers Help Landscapers?
As we’ve mentioned, robotic lawn mowers can be beneficial because they can service tough-to-reach or even dangerous areas of a commercial property.
They can also free up a landscaper’s time and energy to perform high-value services like trimming and edging, helping a property look pristine.
At the end of the day, robotic mowers are another resource in the landscaper’s toolbox, allowing them to meet their clients’ needs fully.
Many commercial property managers appreciate working with a landscaper who is forward-thinking in deploying technological solutions when they are warranted or helpful.
Do Autonomous Mowers Need to be Managed During Operation?
Even though one of the significant benefits of autonomous mowers for commercial properties is the idea that they are “hands-off,” that doesn’t mean there aren’t still tasks that need to be performed by a human being.
Robotic mowers still require oversight.
They need to be programmed to perform their mowing and periodically managed, including cleaning and maintenance services as required.
It’s also important that the robotic lawn mower’s app or other technological components are updated as needed.
So, while it’s true that robotic lawn mowers do operate on their own (and that’s a big part of their appeal), they are not without any management at all.
There’s still plenty of oversight that goes into this service.
Robotic Mower FAQs
Autonomous mowers are a new and increasingly popular option in the world of commercial landscape maintenance.
While they are certainly efficient, it's important to know how they differ from traditional lawn maintenance in all circumstances.
Read on to see how these machines are tailored to handle the everyday challenges of commercial maintenance.
Are Autonomous Mowers Safe for Commercial Properties?
Yes, autonomous mowers for commercial properties are a safe option for mowing.
Professional-grade robotic mowers are designed with many safety features. This includes built-in cameras and sensors that stop for people, pets, and obstacles.
Along with all that, human crew members are still on-site, performing other services and will be overseeing any autonomous mowing, helping ensure safety.
Are Robotic Lawn Mowers Safe to Use Near People?
Yes, robotic lawn mowers are safe to use even when people are on your property.
That’s because they stop their blades and slow or stop movement as soon as a person enters their detection zone. They then back up or redirect to avoid the pedestrian, and if any contact occurs, the mower immediately shuts down.
How Much Does Autonomous Mowing Cost?
There are no additional or added costs for robotic commercial mowing. This is more of an initiative KD Landscape is using to improve efficiency and better meet your needs.
Of course, all landscapers are different. If yours offers autonomous mowing as part of its landscape maintenance plan, check with them to confirm whether there are any additional costs or conditions associated with its use.
Will Landscapers Stay On Site to Manage Autonomous Mowers?
Yes, there is always a technician managing the equipment or stationed nearby.
On-site landscapers can also remotely shut down the machine. These are large, commercial-grade mowers, not residential-style mowers.
Will Robotic Mowers Work In All Weather Conditions?
Yes, robotic lawn mowers are designed to be weather-resistant and work in different weather conditions.
Choosing Commercial Landscape Maintenance in Greater Chicago
When selecting a commercial landscape maintenance provider, it can be beneficial to partner with a company that embraces technology and forward-thinking solutions. A company that includes robotic lawn mowers in its fleet offers a wide range of options to service your property thoroughly.
We understand it can be hard to find the right partner that truly empathizes with the unique challenges of your Greater Chicago commercial property. But the work must get done, and KD Landscape wants to help you make the most informed decision possible.
For that reason, we’re always here to help answer questions. We believe that communication is at the heart of the best relationships with our property managers.
Want to learn more about KD Landscape’s commercial landscape maintenance in Chicagoland? Get started today with an on-site consultation. We’ll review your options together so you can make a great choice.
