Husqvarna Automower vs Mammotion Luba

At a glance

The two brands overlap at the top end, but their ranges are shaped differently. The table sums up the general picture. Specs change between model generations, so confirm the slope rating, area and navigation hardware for the exact model before you buy.

Compare robot mowers for slopes →

Slopes: what the ratings mean

Robot mower slope ratings are given as a percentage, not degrees. A 100% slope rises one metre for every metre across, which is 45 degrees. A 35% rating is about 19 degrees and a 50% rating is about 27 degrees. Most two wheel drive robots top out somewhere between 25% and 50%, measured on dry grass.

Mammotion markets its all wheel drive Luba models for slopes well beyond typical two wheel drive limits, which is the main reason hilly garden owners look at them. Husqvarna's all wheel drive Automowers are also aimed at very steep plots, while its standard models cover moderate slopes. Measure your steepest section with a long level and a tape, or a slope app, and choose a model rated comfortably above it.

Remember that the rating is a maximum in good conditions. Wet grass, moss and loose soil all reduce grip, and a slope near a boundary edge is harder to manage than one in the middle of the lawn.

Mapping and navigation in complex gardens

A wired Automower follows the wire and does not care about tree cover or nearby buildings. That makes it predictable in shaded, enclosed gardens. The trade-off is installing the wire, and repairing it if a spade or edging tool cuts it.

Luba and Husqvarna EPOS models both rely on RTK positioning, which needs a reasonable view of the sky from the mower and the antenna or reference station. Under dense trees or between tall walls the signal can weaken. Newer Luba versions add cameras to help hold position and spot obstacles, and Husqvarna's vision models also use cameras. Our explainer on how robot mowers navigate sets out where each method struggles.

Wire-free mapping does make multi-zone gardens easier. You can map several lawns, link them with channels and add no-go zones in the app, rather than laying extra wire and guide wires.

• Open, sloping lawn with clear sky: wire-free RTK from either brand works well.
• Steep, rough or bumpy ground: an all wheel drive model is worth the extra outlay.
• Heavily shaded or walled garden: a wired Automower is the more dependable choice.
• Several separate lawns: wire-free mapping saves a lot of installation work.

Setup, servicing and day to day use

Mammotion designs the Luba to be set up by the owner. You place the RTK antenna somewhere with a wide view of the sky, pair the mower with the app, drive or let it map the boundary and set zones. Our step by step guide to setting up a wire-free robot mower covers antenna placement and weak signal spots.

Husqvarna sells through a UK dealer network that can survey the garden, install the mower and handle winter servicing and repairs. That support is a real advantage if you would rather not deal with setup or fault finding yourself. Whichever you choose, check how warranty repairs are handled and how easy it is to get blades and spares.

Both robots cut little and often, so the lawn looks evenly trimmed rather than striped. Keep the cutting height sensible on slopes, since very short grass on a bank is more likely to scalp and dry out.

Note:On slopes, keep children and pets away while the mower runs and use the stop button before lifting or moving it. Switch the mower off before any blade work, wear gloves and follow the maker's manual.

Which is right for your garden?

Choose a Mammotion Luba if your lawn is steep, rough or split into several areas, you have a fairly open sky and you are comfortable with an app led setup. Its all wheel drive design is the main draw.

Choose a Husqvarna Automower if you want dealer installation and servicing, have a heavily shaded garden that suits a wire, or want a model from a broad range with long term parts support. Husqvarna's all wheel drive models cover steep plots too. See the Automower models compared guide for the models in our list, and our best wire-free robot mower picks for other options.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Mammotion Luba better on hills than an Automower? The Luba is built around all wheel drive, which suits steep and bumpy ground. Husqvarna also sells all wheel drive Automowers, so compare the slope rating of the exact models rather than the brands.

Does a Luba need a boundary wire? No. It uses RTK positioning and a virtual boundary that you set in the app, with an antenna placed in the garden.

How do I measure my lawn's slope? Rest a straight board on the slope, hold it level, and measure the drop at the far end. Divide the drop by the board length and multiply by 100 to get the percentage.

Can a dealer install either one? Husqvarna dealers commonly install and service Automowers. Luba setup is designed for owners, though some retailers and local gardeners offer help.