Hi there! Looking to buy a robotic lawnmower but can‘t decide between the LawnMaster and GARDENER models? As an avid gardener and technology specialist, I‘ve done quite a bit of research on smart mowers. Read on as I compare the LawnMaster L10 vs the GARDENA Sileno 750 mowers across all key factors to help you pick the right one!
First, let me give you a quick snapshot of robotic mowers. These ingenious devices take the pain out of lawn care through automatic grass cutting. You simply set up a perimeter wire around your lawn for the mower to operate within. Then schedule mowing times, and the robotic mower handles trimming the grass on its own! It can navigate around obstacles, slope terrains, and narrow areas that are hard to reach manually.
I‘ve specifically chosen the LawnMaster L10 and GARDENA S750 mowers as they are the flagship robot models from both manufacturers. While the LawnMaster targets small to mid-size lawns of 400 sq.m, the GARDENA has a higher 750 sq.m capacity. Let‘s look at how they stack up across various metrics:
Specification | LawnMaster L10 | GARDENA Sileno 750 |
---|---|---|
Launch Year | 2020 | 2019 |
Size Coverage | 400 sq. m | 750 sq. m |
Battery Life | 10 hours | 65 minutes |
Charging Time | 70 minutes | 60 minutes |
Navigation | Manual routes | Sensor-based |
Control | Keypad | App |
Extra Features | Weatherproof | Voice Control |
Price | $550 | $1400 |
Both mowers share basics like 3 razor-sharp blades, slope handling capacity, and easy setup. But when you look closer, there are considerable differences in battery performance, navigation smarts, and control mechanisms. Read on as I explore eight key factors in-depth to determine if the pioneer LawnMaster still rules the roost or if the newer GARDENA model takes the cake!
Battery and Power
First up, we need to check if the mowers can last long enough on a charge to trim your entire lawn.
The LawnMaster L10 packs a high-performance 2Ah Lithium-Ion battery that delivers 10 hours of cutting time. That‘s enough to mow even larger 500 sq.m plots on a single 1 hour 10 minute charge.
Comparatively, the GARDENA S750 houses a lower 2.1Ah Lithium-Ion battery, only lasting 65 minutes per charge. However, with its sensor-navigation, it can cover 750 sq.m quickly in one go. Then the mower auto-returns to the base station to recharge in 60 minutes.
Clearly, the LawnMaster L10 beats the GARDENA with almost 6X more operating capacity per charge. Unless you have an exceptionally large lawn exceeding the LawnMaster‘s time limit, its battery life is a major plus point.
Lawn Coverage Ability
Now for a robot mower, the prime factor is the lawn size if can handle right?
The LawnMaster L10 is designed for small to medium plots of up to 400 sq. m. Its 10 hour runtime allows mowing even 500 sq.m lawns without needing intermediate charges.
On the other hand, the GARDENA S750 targets bigger spaces of up to 750 sq. m, almost double the LawnMaster‘s capacity! Its onboard sensors also enable methodical navigation across the entire area.
So if you have a larger lawn, the GARDENA S750 is the clear winner in terms of size handling competence. For average spaces around 300-400 sq.m, the LawnMaster also does the job well.
Navigation Technology
The navigation prowess of a robotic mower determines how efficiently it can move around and cover the total lawn area.
The LawnMaster L10 uses manual route programming for navigation. You define mowing zones and routes via the boundary wire and keypad commands. The mower then follows the set paths diligently cutting grass.
On the other hand, the GARDENA S750 leverages multiple smart sensors like acceleration sensors and compass modules to navigate autonomously. It also has ultrasonic collision detectors to avoid bumping into obstacles. This enables random yet systematic plotting of the entire lawn.
So while the LawnMaster gives you more control, the GARDENA‘s sensor-powered tech enables more area coverage with less manual effort. It‘s a close contest, but for automation the GARDENA wins this one!
Cutting Deck Width & grass handling
The mower blade width and grass handling process also impact overall lawn grooming performance.
The LawnMaster L10 has a 18 cm wide cutting deck fitted with 3 swing back blades. It finely dices up grass into micro mulch that acts as natural fertilizer for your lawn. No need to empty any clippings bag!
Comparatively, the GARDENA S750 features a larger 22 cm cutting deck, almost 25% wider than the LawnMaster. It also mulches grass as you mow without requiring any clipping collection.
Hence for wider cutting swath and mulching, GARDENA again scores higher marks here!
Slope Handling Ability
Now unless you live in a plain plateau, your lawn is bound to have some slopes right? Let‘s see how these steep inclines impact our mowers.
Fortunately, both models are adept at handling slopes, with a maximum gradient rating of 35%. So hills and uneven landscapes pose no problems for either one!
When it comes to slopes, it‘s a dead heat between LawnMaster vs GARDENA robotic mowers.
Weatherproofing
Unpredictable weather can wreak havoc on outdoor electronics. So the mower must be resilient enough to bear sun, rain and the occasional storm!
The LawnMaster L10 has an IPX4 rating meaning it can withstand splashing water from all directions without incurring internal damage.
Taking it a notch further, GARDENA has Armored its S750 model with IPX5 certification. This ensures decent water resistance along with protection in case of high pressure water jets from any angle.
So while both mowers work in normal rain, the GARDENA has better weather sealing, giving it longevity in harsh monsoon seasons.
Control Interface
The mower interface governs how you command your robot assistant. Let‘s examine what LawnMaster and GARDENA offer.
The LawnMaster L10 has an onboard keypad through which you manually preset timings and routes. It‘s super straightforward but requires being physically next to the mower for any adjustments.
Alternatively, the GARDENA S750 connects to your home WiFi and smartphone app. This enables controlling and reconfiguring the mower conveniently from anywhere via your mobile! It also supports voice control through Google Home/Alexa integration.
So if having mobile based control is important for you, then GARDENA wins hands down on this aspect!
LawnMaster vs GARDENA: Company History
Now that we‘ve compared product features extensively, let me give you some background on the manufacturers as well. This will help assess their reliability and after-sales support competence.
LawnMaster is a sub-brand under Cleva, a UK based company founded in 2002. Known for its electric outdoor power tools, Cleva has delivered over 40 million devices across Europe. It set up LawnMaster in 2010 specifically for its robotic mower line, which has become quite popular.
On the other hand, GARDENA originated way back in 1961 as a German garden tools manufacturer. Owned by the Husqvarna group, GARDENA has 60 years expertise in various gardening equipments including watering, tree care and soil cultivators. It launched its first robotic lawnmower Sileno in 2012 which has grown into an extensive line up with the S750 as its flagship.
With deeper domain experience, superior product testing and compliance with Germany‘s stringent standards, GARDENA pips LawnMaster when it comes to company heritage and reliability.
LawnMaster L10 vs GARDENA S750: Recent Developments
Both companies continuously enhance their products based on consumer feedback and technology improvements. Here are the latest upgrades.
The 2023 LawnMaster L10 features 20% higher battery capacity for extended operating times along with enhanced lift sensors.
Meanwhile, the newest GARDENA S750 model comes equipped with edge mowing functionality for boundaries and supports overlapping narrow paths better than before. It also has improved wheel traction and wear resistance.
So in terms of innovation pace, both brands seem evenly matched by rolling out useful upgrades.
Future Outlook
As robotic mower adoption grows manifold in the next 5 years, we can expect even smarter functionalities from market leaders.
LawnMaster is expected to leverage AI based mapping and navigation for better lawn coverage. Voice assistance and cloud connectivity could also be on the cards.
GARDENA may further improve its sensor suite with advanced vision systems. GPS tracking for theft prevention and auto obstacle avoidance are also likely upgrades. Interoperability with other Husqvarna garden tools could also be introduced for consolidated lawn management.
With such exciting developments on the horizon, choosing a future ready robotic mower is important if you don‘t intend to upgrade frequently.
LawnMaster or GARDENA: Which is Better?
Looking at all comparisons so far for battery, lawn capacity, slope handling etc – each mower takes the lead in different areas. Both LawnMaster and Gardena are stellar products catering to varying lawn sizes.
For typical small to mid lawns upto 500 sq.m, I would recommend the LawnMaster L10 as its extraordinary 10 hour battery life ensures the mower will work relentlessly for days without needing a recharge. And it‘s cheaper as well!
However, GARDENA‘s higher 750 sq m capacity, mobile app control, and better weather proofing make the S750 ideal for large lawns that experience extreme weather swings. It also has decades of company heritage assuring product reliability. But be prepared to shell out a 50% premium for the extra features!
So choose as per your specific lawn requirements. LawnMaster for value, GARDENA for large spaces and bleeding edge functionality!
I hope the detailed comparison helps make an informed purchase choice for your dream robotic mower. Do drop any other questions you may have in the comments section and I‘ll try my best to answer them. Happy mowing ahead!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much lawn area do robotic mowers handle typically?
Most robotic mowers work well for small to medium lawns from 200 to 500 sq.m. High end models like Gardena can mow really large lawns of over 1000 sq.m as well!
Do robotic mowers require maintenance?
Minimal maintenance is needed – like periodically cleaning sensors, checking blade sharpness and battery charging cycles. Replacing worn out blades yearly is also advised.
Can robotic mowers trim grass on slopes?
Yes, quality mowers like LawnMaster and Gardena handle steep 35% inclines and uneven terrains reliably without toppling over or slipping.
Do robotic mowers work in rainy weather?
They are weatherproof against splashes and moderate rain. But its best to dock indoors during extreme downpours or storms to avoid internal damage.
Can I control robotic movement from my phone?
Select advanced models like the Gardena S750 offer mobile app and voice control for remote operation convenience. Most mowers have onboard keypads though for timer presets.
How long do the Lithium-Ion batteries last?
Average Li-ion lifespan is 4-5 years. Operating time may reduce to 60% after 500 charge cycles. Replacement batteries cost $100-150 for most models.