Are Remote-Controlled Lawn Mowers Any Good? Here's What Users Say

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Lawn maintenance is one of the most laborious, back-breaking chores for homeowners. However, modern engineering has made this task exponentially easier, as we are living in a time when several smart gardening tools have changed the game for many homeowners. That said, if you want to automate your lawn mowing tasks without breaking a sweat, you may want to consider a remote-controlled lawn mower.

Many users praise this latest innovation, with some claiming that it helps them save a ton of yard-work time — all without straining their legs. Of course, compared to robotic lawn mowers, these devices don't save much time, as you'll have to control them. But still, many owners love the fact that remote-controlled mowers offer more certainty and power in challenging situations. Plus, 4WD models like the Mowrator Remote Control Mower S1, which is available on Amazon, can handle off-road terrain and steep slopes with ease compared to their robotic counterparts.

Despite their numerous perks, however, some owners say there are some steep downsides that buyers shouldn't overlook. You'll find users on platforms like Reddit and Amazon pointing out that they don't come cheap. After all, given that you might spend thousands of dollars, and you'll still have to monitor the device while mowing, is it better to stick to a high-end push lawn mower?

What could be better than watching your lawn get trimmed while you enjoy a glass of juice? Well, that's the convenience you get when you invest in a remote-controlled mower. Instead of sweating through every pass, you can just relax on your lawn chair and guide the mower across your yard. That's a genuine quality-of-life upgrade, especially for people with mobility limitations, as one reviewer on Amazon commented, "I am disabled due to chronic pain and have severe heat intolerance, so I've been struggling more and more every summer to mow my lawn. I was so excited to find this because I didn't know RC lawn mowers were a thing."

Users appreciate the fact that remote-controlled lawn mowers have an impressive power supply. According to one YouTube reviewer, battery-powered mowers offer surprisingly long runtimes, which allow users to cover large areas on a single charge. Also, they are quite powerful, have a low center of gravity, a sturdy build, and heavy-duty tracks, which help them handle challenging conditions — think of steep slopes, under overhanging branches, and thick bush. People also claim that remote-controlled mowers shine in terms of maintenance. After all, their electric design means you don't have to change the air filters, oil, or spark plugs. You only have to carry out basic lawn mower maintenance tasks, like sharpening the blades and cleaning the deck.

Remote-controlled lawn mowers might be hands-free, but they're not totally hands off. Compared to push lawn mowers, these devices demand a lot of attention. Of course, you can program them from the comfort of your lawn chair (as some models have cruise-control settings), but that doesn't mean you can completely zone out. You will have to stay alert, because some mowers have plastic top covers and bumpers that can crack or warp if the mower hits a root or bumps onto a rock. Besides that, even though they are often easy to use, reviewers on Amazon say that the learning curve can be a bit tricky, especially for older people.

Weight is another common issue that users complain about, making it challenging for the mower to move across uneven spaces. It also makes it harder for users to lift into a vehicle for transportation. And while these machines might be convenient for tight spaces, some models are too small and won't cut it when it comes to large yards. In the same Reddit thread, one user says," It looks way too small for a large property and a small property takes far too short of a time to worry about other solutions."