Remote controlled lawn mower

Remote controlled lawn mowers are a type of grass cutting or lawn maintenance equipment that can be operated with a remote control. Unlike, traditional lawn mowers these devices offer more safety and efficiency, particularly for difficult or hazardous terrains.[1][2]

History

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Early Development

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The origin of remote controlled lawn mowers dates back to 1938 when Alvin Lodge created the first wired remote control lawn mower. This model had a 100-foot wired remote control. Over the years, advancements in remote signaling, power supply, and controller design led to significant improvements in the functionality and efficiency of these mowers.[3]

Modern Advancements

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Present day remote controlled lawn mowers incorporate more advanced technologies and features such as GPS navigation, collision avoidance systems, and hybrid drive mechanisms.[4]

Some notable companies manufacturing Remote controlled lawn mowers include Evatech, Kut Kwick, Mowrator and EcoFlow.[5][6][7][8][9]

Technology

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Remote Control Systems

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These mowers typically use radio frequency (RF) signals to communicate between the handheld remote and the mower. The RF controller allows the operator to maneuver the mower with precision, controlling its speed and direction. Advanced models include a human-machine interface (HMI) that integrates with smartphones or tablets, allowing users to set routes and monitor the mower's status in real time. The integration of GPS technology enables these mowers to follow pre-programmed paths and avoid obstacles, enhancing their efficiency and ease of use.[10][11][12][3]

Power Systems

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Remote controlled lawn mowers are primarily powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, providing operational times ranging from 2 to 7 hours on a single charge. Some models incorporate solar panels or other sustainable power sources to extend their operational range and reduce the need for frequent recharging.[4]

Cutting Mechanisms

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These mowers are equipped with various cutting mechanisms, including rotary blades, reel blades, and flail blades. Rotary blades are the most common, offering a balance of efficiency and ease of maintenance. Reel blades provide a finer cut, ideal for well-maintained lawns, while flail blades are suited for tougher, overgrown terrains. The cutting height can typically be adjusted to suit different grass lengths and conditions.[5]

Applications

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Commercial Use

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Remote controlled mowers are commonly used in large road slopes and similar scenarios. Brands like Spider, Raymo, and Tracmow produce high-end models.[11]

Residential Use

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There are fewer options for remote controlled mowers tailored for home use. The Mowrator S1 is an example of an electric remote control mower designed for residential users, featuring a DJI-inspired remote control, user-friendly interface, and multifunctional design.[12]

Comparison with Robotic Lawn Mowers

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Robotic lawn mowers, also called automatic mowers, operate autonomously using sensors and programming to navigate and mow the lawn, while remote-controlled lawn mowers require human intervention for navigation and control.

Remote controlled mowers are ideal for complex and hazardous terrains where human guidance is necessary, whereas robotic mowers are best suited for relatively flat and obstruction-free lawns.[6]

Safety and Costs

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Safety

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Remote controlled lawn mowers are particularly useful in settings where traditional mowing can be challenging or hazardous, such as steep slopes and uneven terrains. These mowers are also utilized in commercial landscaping, public parks, and large estates, reducing the labor required for manual mowing. They offer increased safety by allowing the operator to control the mower from a distance, reducing the risk of accidents associated with traditional mowers.[7][13][14] Additionally, because they offer more control to the operator, they are sometimes safer than robotic lawn mowers, allowing for immediate human intervention in unforeseen circumstances.

Costs

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However, remote controlled lawn mowers are generally more expensive than traditional push mowers and require some technical understanding to use and maintain effectively. They still require human operation, unlike fully autonomous robotic mowers.[8]

Cutting Capabilities

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Robot mowers, also called automatic mowers, often struggle with slope mowing due to inadequate cutting and off-road capabilities. Remote controlled mowers address these issues with their robust design and greater maneuverability.[10]

Safety Risks in Push Mowers

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Fatigue and Safety Issues with Traditional Mowers

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Traditional push mowers can cause significant fatigue and pose safety risks, especially for elderly individuals. Riding mowers are prone to tipping over on slopes, posing safety hazards. Remote controlled mowers provide a safer alternative by allowing the operator to control the mower from a distance.[9]

References

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  1. ^ "Video Remote-controlled lawn mowers". ABC News. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  2. ^ Blum, Amanda (2024-05-09). "Everything I've Learned Testing Several Robot Lawn Mowers". Lifehacker. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  3. ^ a b MOWRATOR. "MOWRATOR Launches the World's First All-in-one Battery-powered Remote Control Robotic Lawn Mower". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  4. ^ a b Williams, David M. "iTWire - Mowrator announces world's first remote controlled robot lawn mower". itwire.com. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  5. ^ a b "Evatech announces new remote controlled lawn mower". www.lawnandlandscape.com. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  6. ^ a b "Kut Kwick Introduces the SlopeMaster SM-T4RC Manned/Remote-controlled Slope Mower". www.newswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  7. ^ a b "Remote Control Robotic Lawnmowers". TrendHunter.com. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  8. ^ a b Nguyen, Vincent (2024-04-05). "Effortlessly Mow Your Lawn with The Ultimate Remote-Controlled Mowing Experience - Yanko Design". www.yankodesign.com. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  9. ^ a b "EcoFlow Blade Robotic Lawn Mower". PCMag Australia. 2023-08-28. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  10. ^ a b "Lambertus Gorter Gives a Low-Cost Robot Mower a Home Assistant Overhaul with an Espressif ESP8266". Hackster.io. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  11. ^ a b Shaw, Andy (2021-05-14). "Best robot lawn mower 2024: The models we recommend from our testing". Expert Reviews. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  12. ^ a b Wong, William G. (2023-01-27). "HD Camera Powers Robotic Lawn Mower Vision". Electronic Design. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  13. ^ Passal, Renee (2023-07-20). "Remote control lawn mower helping keep MnDOT workers safe". WDIO.com. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  14. ^ "Remote-controlled mower billed as safer option for uneven terrain". Total Landscape Care. 2015-06-19. Retrieved 2024-08-26.

Further reading

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