Review of Robomower, RL800
Penny J. Leisch

Lawn maintenance is often a challenge for busy professionals, elderly or handicapped persons and paying for weekly lawn service adds up. According to our calculations, our Robomower paid for itself within the first year. For people with a large lawn who pay a commercial service, the payoff will come sooner.

We purchased Robomower, RL800, by friendly Robotics, in July 2003 at the price of $699.99 through Amazon.com. It was love at first use. No more mowing in the heat. No full size mower to store. No cords to drag around and no engines to maintain. So far, we haven't even sharpened blades. We start the Robomower and after it mows, park it near an electrical outlet to recharge.

Robomower operates easily and the safety features work well. Optional access codes prevent children and would-be thieves from starting it and large rubber bumpers protect walls and trees. Multiple language capabilities and a verbal warning system are included too. Many of the extensive features are entertaining, as well as useful.

The grass cutting is as good as most gas or electric mowers but without as many height adjustments. The lawn is mowed thoroughly and the grass is not cut too short. It also attracts a lot of attention from people traveling down the street. If you don't know your neighbors, run this device around your yard and you'll meet them. However, it weights almost 100 pounds, so it is unlikely anyone will run off with it easily.

Sometimes a small hole confuses it, or causes it to get stuck, but it usually frees itself and continues without assistance. Our lawn is only 1,000 sq. ft. However, there is no reason to think it performs less efficiently in larger areas. The features, the case and the electronics work well and hold up to summer heat without a problem. We have not needed service or technical help.

http://www.friendlyrobotics.com/

Bio: Penny writes articles, reviews, poetry and personal essays. She also teaches writing and photography. http://members.cox.net/pennys.pen