Robotic Lawn Mowers for Philippine Farms

As someone who manages a small farm, ways to make work, like employing robotic lawn mowers are things I think about on a constant basis.

You see, tall grass is a constant issue in most Philippine farms. And having someone cut it regularly is a time-consuming, resource-heavy, undertaking that can be better off handed over to robots so your caretakers can do other things.

But are robotic lawn mowers the right solution?

Here are the Advantages of Using Robotic Lawn Mowers

Labor Savings: Robotic mowers can operate autonomously, reducing the need for manual labor and allowing farm workers to focus on other important tasks.

Consistent Lawn Maintenance: They can mow regularly and consistently, maintaining optimal grass height which can be beneficial for pasture management.

Reduced Fuel Costs: Most robotic mowers are electric, eliminating the need for gasoline and reducing fuel expenses.

Precision Mowing: Many models can be programmed to follow specific patterns or cover particular areas, ensuring efficient and thorough coverage.

Operation in Various Conditions: Some robots can operate in light rain or at night, increasing flexibility in lawn maintenance schedules.

Environmental Benefits of Using Robotic Lawn Mowers

Reduced Emissions: Electric robotic mowers produce zero direct emissions, unlike gas-powered mowers which contribute to air pollution.

Lower Noise Pollution: They typically operate more quietly than traditional mowers, reducing noise disturbance to wildlife and neighboring areas.

Improved Soil Health: By leaving fine grass clippings behind as mulch, robotic mowers can help improve soil quality and reduce the need for fertilizers. We currently use coconut husks and grass clippings for mulching. They have proven very good at retaining water at the base of the durian trees but it’s a pain to constantly collect and transfer to each individual tree.

Water Conservation: Maintaining grass at an optimal height can reduce water requirements, as longer grass typically needs less irrigation.

Reduced Chemical Use: Regular mowing can help control weeds naturally, potentially decreasing the need for herbicides. This can really help me allocate financial resources towards other products that can prove beneficial to the farm.

Wildlife-friendly: The quieter operation and ability to work at night may be less disruptive to local wildlife compared to traditional mowing methods. Lots of wildlife reside in the farm, I would like them to have some peace and quiet during their nocturnal activities.

While robotic mowers offer these potential benefits, it’s important to note that their effectiveness can depend on factors such as the specific model, the size and terrain of the area to be mowed, and how they are implemented.

Additionally, initial costs and maintenance requirements should be considered when evaluating their overall benefit to a farm operation.

From what I read online, here are some features you can expect to find in robotic lawn mowers.

Features of Robotic Lawn Mowers

Core Features

1. Autonomous Operation: Can mow the lawn without human intervention.
2. Rechargeable Battery: Typically returns to a charging station automatically when low on power.
3. Programmable Schedule: Can be set to mow at specific times and days.
4. Adjustable Cutting Height: Allows customization of grass length.
5. Safety Sensors: Detect obstacles and prevent collisions.

Navigation and Mapping

6. Boundary Wire or GPS: Defines the mowing area.
7. Random or Systematic Mowing Patterns: Ensures complete coverage.
8. Slope Handling: Can operate on inclines, typically up to 20-35 degrees. This feature can only be found on higher-end models.
9. Multi-Zone Management: Can handle multiple separate lawn areas.

Smart Features

10. Smartphone App Control: Remote operation and monitoring.
11. Weather Sensors: Adapt mowing schedule based on weather conditions.
12. AI and Machine Learning: Improve efficiency over time.

Cutting System

13. Mulching Function: Cuts grass into fine clippings that fertilize the lawn.
14. Edge Cutting Mode: Special mode for maintaining lawn edges.
15. Floating Deck: Adapts to uneven terrain for consistent cutting.

Safety and Security

16. Lift and Tilt Sensors: Stop blades if the mower is lifted or tilted.
17. PIN Code/Alarm System: Prevent unauthorized use.
18. Rain Sensors: Avoid mowing in wet conditions.

Maintenance and Durability

19. Self-Diagnostic System: Alerts for maintenance needs.
20. Weatherproof Design: Resistant to various weather conditions.
21. Easy Blade Replacement: For simple maintenance.

Additional Features

22. Quiet Operation: Typically much quieter than traditional mowers.
23. Energy Efficiency: Low power consumption compared to gas mowers.
24. Smart Home Integration: Can work with systems like Alexa or Google Home.
25. Anti-Theft Tracking: GPS tracking in case of theft.

So, as you can see, it’s chock-full of great features that make it an ideal solution for someone who’s managing a small farm but doesn’t have as many resources such as manpower and equipment to maintain the area.

One of the things I was most concerned about was theft. Good thing is that most robotic lawn mowers come with a PIN and other anti-theft measures. After all, these are not cheap devices and they’re meant to operate across large areas unsupervised.

You do not want to come home only to find out that your trusty robot has been stolen hours ago with no way to get it back. The lowest models fetch prices of at least Php80,000.00. not a cheap investment.

Note: the features listed above are the features I am most interested in and are not from one model alone. Think of it as a wish list of all the great features a robotic lawn mower could have crammed into one theoretically conceived machine.

Should You Get One if You Live in the Philippines?

Deciding whether to get a robotic lawn mower in the Philippines requires considering several factors specific to the country and your personal situation.

I manage a small farm that has different terrain types and elevations. It also has different types of grass in it so choosing a robotic lawn mower is going to be challenging given the conditions I have to work with.

Climate  Considerations

The Philippines has a tropical climate with high humidity and frequent rain. My area in Lacson, Calinan, Davao City experiences this and we occasionally experience flooding if the rain is heavy enough.

With that said, many robotic mowers are not designed to operate during heavy tropical downpours. Light rain it can handle but anything heavier and prolonged could mean a robotic lawn mower that’s only docked or worse, damaged (if it doesn’t get back to its dock on time).

Another issue that might arise is the effect of high humidity on the mower’s electronic components.

It gets really hot in the Philippines.

But then again, robotic mowers could help maintain your lawn during the hot, dry season when manual mowing can be uncomfortable. This will ensure that you’re not unnecessarily subjecting your farm caretakers to exposure to the hot sun.

Heat stroke is quite common to farmers and we have to think about the long term effects of heat on their bodies.

Troublesome Terrain and Grass Type

Our farm has uneven terrain or steep slopes, which is common in some areas of the Philippines. To get the most out of a robotic mower, I’d need the highest end ones like those from Husqvarna or EcoFlow.

Those cost more than a hundred thousand pesos and even then they may not be able to handle our troublesome Philippine terrain.

I could level things off with a bulldozer but that would also cost money.

The effectiveness of robotic mowers can vary depending on grass types. Research whether the models available work well with common Filipino grass varieties like Bermuda, Carabao, Frog, or Crab grass.

Property Size

I’m not delusional to believe that robotic lawn mowers are designed to maintain Philippine farms. The name already says it all. They’re lawn mowers.

Robotic mowers are most cost-effective for medium to large lawns. For very small yards, common in urban areas, the investment might not be justified. For small farms, they might not be enough and you might need more than one robotic lawn mower to handle the job.

That means additional costs.

Sad State of the Nation’s Security

It’s sad to say but the Philippines has a higher crime rate as compared to neighboring or more advanced countries. Leaving an expensive piece of equipment outdoors is definitely a risk and an open invitation to thieves to come and take what’s yours.

Assigning someone to watch over your robot as it does its job is counter-productive and CCTV cameras can only cover so much space.

So, would you really like to worry about your robot lawn mower still being there when you come home every time it’s scheduled to operate?

Yes, yes, there are advanced security features in high-end robotic lawn mowers but how much protection is that going to give you from a determined thief?

Constant Power Interruptions

Some areas in the Philippines experience frequent power outages. Lacson, Calinan in Davao City is one of those areas. I don’t know if it’s because it’s a rural area but it’s already 2024. Power interruptions should be a thing of the past.

Robotic Lawn Mowers Maintenance and Repairs

I’m not the handiest guy when it comes to electronics. And technology has a tendency to breakdown. So, one thing I’ll have to make sure is to check the availability of spare parts and service centers in my area before I take the plunge and get a robotic lawn mower.

Don’t even get me started on importation and availability of the actual unit and spare parts. The importation costs and taxes involved are going to be enormous.

Equipment Acquisition Cost of Robotic Lawn Mowers vs. Available Labor or Resources

Like I said, getting a robot lawn mower is a sizeable investment that needs to be considered a thousand times before taking the decision to the next step. Let’s face it, manual labor in the Philippines is relatively cheap.

But then again, there’s the trade-off of time spent by manpower and tasks that can autonomously be performed by robots.

The financial resources needed for equipment acquisition and staying with the status quo of using inexpensive labor is something I have to weigh. I might be able to justify the purchase of a robot 5 or ten years from now when the farm gets busier.

Decisions, decisions.

Hmmm.

While robotic mowers can offer convenience and potentially save time, their benefits in the Philippines may not be as pronounced as in other countries due to factors like affordable manual labor and challenging weather conditions.

Carefully weighing these considerations against your specific needs and circumstances before making a decision is a crucial step unless money is no issue to you.

What’s the Alternative to Robotic Lawn Mowers?

Considering that we live in the Philippines, we have to adjust our needs based on the proper context.

Although robotic mowers could be advantageous for those with larger, relatively flat yards who prioritize convenience and are willing to make a higher initial investment, the sad reality is that not everyone can afford it and our terrain is not that flat.

There are also challenges with the tropical climate and potential security concerns. So, maybe a robotic lawn mower isn’t always the best solution.

Good thing there are other available options like conventional push mowers that might be suitable for small, flat yards. It’s also good if cost is a primary concern.

I might just get one for kicks so I can tell my son to go mow the lawn and help him grow bigger and stronger by letting him do some manual labor.

And just to spite him, I’ll go get one of those motorized electric or gas mowers that you can ride on. I’ll putter around with a drink in hand while he grunts and pushes on that archaic torture device dads have used on their sons for ages.

Motorized electric mowers can be a good option for small to medium yards in areas with reliable electricity. But I think I might go for a gas-powered one simply because I don’t want to end up running out of batteries in the middle of the field while I enjoy mowing the lawn.

For now, the most realistic option that we can get are gasoline grass cutters. These remain popular for their power and ability to handle tough grass and larger areas, especially in regions with unreliable electricity.

The best choice depends on your specific circumstances, including yard size, terrain, grass type, budget, and personal preferences regarding labor and environmental impact.

Just for Laughs, Let’s Do a Comparison Between Robotic Lawn Mowers and the Others

	Robotic Lawn Mowers	Conventional Push Lawn Mowers	Motorized Electric Lawn Mowers	Gasoline Grass Cutter
Initial Cost	Highest initial investment	lowest cost	moderate cost	moderate to high cost
Operating Cost	Low (Electricity for charging)	Free (Powered by the fruit of your loins)	Low (electricity)	Highest (fuel + oil)
Labor Intensity	Lowest (automated)	Highest	moderate cost	Moderate to high
Noise Level	Flexibility	Very low (you probably won’t be able to hear it over their grumbling and complaining)	low to moderate	Noisiest
Emissions	Zero direct emissions	Zero (except if your son farts a lot)	Zero direct emissions	Highest emissions
Maintenance	Regular but simple (blade replacement, cleaning)	Minimal (blade sharpening)	Moderate (blade, motor care)	Highest (Engine maintenance, fuel system)
Effectiveness	Struggles with tall or tough grass	Challenging on tough grass	Moderate	Most Effective
Area Coverage	Best for medium to large areas	suitable for small areas (or depends on how grounded your son is)	small to medium	excellent for large areas
Weather Resistance	can work in light rain, vulnerable to flooding	usable in most weather conditions	not ideal for wet conditions	usable in most conditions except heavy rains
Power Source Reliability	Depends on consistent electricity for charging	muscle power	requires reiable electricity	needs fuel and oil
Precision	very precise and even	depends on user’s skill	generally even	can be less precise in tight spaces
Flexibility	limited to programmed areas, may struggle with very uneven terrain	adaptable but requires effort on slopes	moderate adaptability	Highly adaptable

So Why Robotic Lawn Mowers?

One of the reasons why my mind drifted towards robot lawn mowers is because our caretaker told me he needed to (1) buy a grasscutter and (2) hire additional labor to maintain our grounds. We have several areas where grass is shoulder height and it is an eyesore for me.

It is also a reminder to me that it is a waste of land that we could plant more fruit trees in.

We currently have 3 major areas where grass is shoulder-height and a few scattered areas where it is above the knee.

Getting a robotic lawn mower is one solution that I can think of, but not the only solution available to me.

I just have to wait for my son to grow older so he can start mowing.