Lawntractor vs. Robotic Mower
Lawntractor vs. Robotic Mower: Which is Right for Your Garden?
At Godfreys of Sevenoaks, we are often asked: “Should I stick with a traditional ride-on or switch to a robot?” Both machines deliver a fantastic finish, but the right choice depends on how you use your garden and how much time you want to spend maintaining it.
Quick Comparison At-A-Glance
| Feature | Lawn Tractor / Ride-On | Robotic Mower (Automower) |
| Effort Required | Manual operation (you drive it) | 100% Autonomous (it drives itself) |
| Grass Health | Good (Collection or Mulch) | Superior (Daily micro-mulching) |
| Noise Level | Loud (Petrol Engine) | Silent (Electric/Battery) |
| Versatility | High (Can tow trailers/spreaders) | Low (Mows grass only) |
| Typical Finish | Traditional stripes (if equipped) | Carpet-like, uniform finish |
| Initial Setup | None (Ready-to-Mow delivery) | Professional installation required |
The Case for the Lawn Tractor
Best for: Traditionalists, multi-use properties, and those who enjoy “Sunday morning mowing.”
A John Deere or Mountfield tractor is more than just a mower; it’s a versatile garden tool.
Versatility: With a tow hitch, your tractor can pull a trailer, a lawn roller, or a leaf sweeper. If you have an orchard or a paddock to manage, the tractor is the clear winner.
Longer Grass: If you only mow once a week (or once a fortnight), a tractor handles long, overgrown grass much better than a robot.
Control: You decide exactly when and where to cut. For many, the hour spent on a ride-on mower is a relaxing escape.
The Case for the Robotic Mower
Best for: Busy families, perfectionists, and those who want a silent garden.
A Stiga or Husqvarna Automower® changes how your lawn looks and feels.
The “Carpet” Finish: Because it mows a little bit every day, your lawn never looks “shaggy.” It always looks like it was cut an hour ago.
Healthier Turf: Constant mulching feeds the lawn. Over time, this thickens the grass and naturally chokes out moss and weeds.
Silent & Eco-Friendly: You can run a robot at 2:00 AM without waking the neighbours. There is no petrol to store and no carbon emissions during use.
The Verdict: Which should you choose?
Choose a Lawn Tractor if: You have a very large acreage (3+ acres), you need to tow garden attachments, or you have areas of very rough, wild grass that only get cut occasionally.
Choose a Robotic Mower if: You have a residential lawn up to 1.5 acres, you want a perfectly green lawn without the labor, and you value a quiet garden environment.
The Godfreys Professional Advice
Still undecided? We offer Free Site Surveys across Kent. One of our experts can visit your property in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, or Tunbridge Wells to assess your slopes, obstacles, and grass type. We will give you a “no-obligation” recommendation on which machine will perform best on your specific terrain.
