Case Study: How Hugh in Sherborne St John Freed Up Hours Every Week with a Robotic Mower
SNAPSHOT
- CUSTOMER – Hugh from Sherborne St John near Basingstoke
- GARDEN SIZE – Approx. 1.5 acres, large domestic lawn with a pond
- PREVIOUS SETUP – 20-year-old ride-on mower, 4.5 hours per week
- SOLUTION – Husqvarna EPOS 550 robotic mower with professional setup
- RESULT – Dramatic time savings, quieter operation, improved mowing quality
SNAPSHOT
- CUSTOMER – Hugh from Sherborne St John near Basingstoke
- GARDEN SIZE – Approx. 1.5 acres, large domestic lawn with a pond
- PREVIOUS SETUP – 20-year-old ride-on mower, 4.5 hours per week
- SOLUTION – Husqvarna EPOS 550 robotic mower with professional setup
- RESULT – Dramatic time savings, quieter operation, improved mowing quality
The Challenge:
A Time-Consuming Lawn
Hugh was spending nearly five hours each week mowing his large garden with a 20-year-old ride-on mower. Weather delays, fuel costs, and mechanical maintenance were regular frustrations.
“Time and weather dependency were the biggest issues.”
With 1.5 acres to manage and a busy schedule, Hugh began exploring alternatives. A robotic mower offered the promise of reduced labour and comparable initial costs to replacing his existing mower.
The Solution: Embracing Automation with Husqvarna EPOS 550
After researching his options, Hugh chose the Husqvarna EPOS 550 for its advanced navigation and flexible mowing zones. The potential savings on fuel and maintenance also appealed to him. For added peace of mind, he extended the warranty from 1 to 5 years.
“I wanted to benefit from reduced mowing involvement and free up time. The running costs are lower too, especially fuel.”
Working with Ben, one of our robotic mower specialists, the setup was straightforward. Boundary mapping was easy, and seasonal ‘stay out zones’ were created for areas with daffodils or falling apples. Fine-tuning boundaries for a clean edge was also simple.
“Once you understand it, tweaking the boundaries is easy.”
Performance & Experience
Despite initial concerns about satellite coverage under tree canopies, Hugh found the mower performed well. Some adjustments to mowing patterns helped ensure consistent coverage. The short wheelbase handled hollows effectively.
“The EPOS gives me lovely stripes in areas with good satellite visibility. Frequent mowing has even helped with weed control.”
The switch to robotic mowing has been transformative:
- Quieter: “Noise is insignificant compared to a petrol tractor.”
- Efficient: “Much more peaceful and environmentally friendly.”
- Time-saving: “I can do other things while the lawn gets mown.”
Challenges & Lessons
Like any garden solution, there were a few considerations:
- • Tree canopy coverage affected satellite signal
- • Fallen branches require manual collection
- • Pond proximity and mole hills needed planning
- • Seasonal changes like apple fall and bulb growth were managed using stay-out zones
“A solution to allow mowing consistently under trees would be ideal.”
Hugh still uses his old tractor for leaf collection and rough maintenance but sees the robot as the core of his routine mowing.
The Verdict
“More freedom for doing other things in life”
Hugh recommends robotic mowers without hesitation.
“Other than blade changes and cleaning, I have got my time back.”
His advice to others?
“Go to an expert like Ben. As technology advances and adoption grows, the cost will become even more favourable.”
Thinking of Buying a Robotic Mower?
Check out our range of robotic mowers and solve your lawn care needs just like Hugh.
For professional advice call us on 01256 851166.
*If you live within 25 miles of our store at RG26 5QY.
*T&C’s apply
