Navimow X450

Evaluation derived from platform testing. Platforms are identical; this model differs only in battery capacity.

The X430 and X450 both have the typical Drop and Mow capability, which essentially means this: 1. Create a Map of the property 2. Start the Mowing 3. Let the mower figure out the obstacles The X430, which I tested, passed this with flying colors. The mapping process could be simpler, in my opinion, but it worked. It took approximately 20 minutes for a 0.75 property to map. Once mapping was completed, it mowed and avoided obstacles that were purposefully placed. The X430 has been mowing this property for approximately 2 weeks without issues. What is great: Mowing without issues, Drop, Map, and Mow working with little flaws. What could be better: The mapping system is not perfect. As a result, you will have to make adjustments to ensure it hits all edges properly since the initial mapping is using an interface that you control from your phone and is very touchy (i.e., you will do some squiggly lines trying to go straight and also turn. That can be adjusted with the map, but that adjustment is not super easy with the edit feature. This could be web-based, real-map-based, and make it super simple.

Evaluation derived from platform testing. Platforms are identical; this model differs only in battery capacity.

The X430, my test model was given plenty of obstacles and interesting situations to overcome. The property that the mower mowed was a 0.75 acre property with a decent amount of non-straight landscaping (i.e., curved garden edges), Trees with and without edging, a fully enclosed garden, a permanent basketball hoop, electrical boxes, and even some temporarily blocked off areas of the yard (bare spots that are growing new grass). The X430 had no troubles whatsoever with this situation. The only issue it had on the first mowing was the Tree near the street where there was barely enough room to get by and the edging was sticking up above the grass. The first mowing it did not go near the street/curb and instead went around the circular edging away from the street. I did find this acceptable, but was pleasantly surprised when it figured this out on the second mowing and has continued mowing near the street-side of the tree. The new grass has garden stakes with caution tape (only wrapped one time about 6" off the ground) was easily avoided and it mows around that area. I find this extremely encouraging for yards with landscaping. The only mapping was perimiter mapping so the mower did figure all of this out on its own based upon GPS and Lidar.

Evaluation derived from platform testing. Platforms are identical; this model differs only in battery capacity.

The X430 on this property had several hills to climb. Near the street there is a 35% incline and on the side of the house there is a 30% incline. Both were navigated without any issues irregardless of the mowing pattern. There were no issues at all in speed or traction.

Evaluation derived from platform testing. Platforms are identical; this model differs only in battery capacity.

The Mapping is ok. Initially you drive the mower around with your phone and the controls are average. You end up having lines that are not perfectly straight. But - it works. And - you can edit and tweak later. It is not idea, but it is certainly passable.

Evaluation derived from platform testing. Platforms are identical; this model differs only in battery capacity.

The app is very solid. I'm impressed with the quality, in general. The dashboard shows a nice live view of the mower, where it is at and when the next mowing will happen. Alerts are always active to help you understand what is going on with the mower. The settings allow for tons of configuration such as Cutting height, night mowing, map management, weather adaption, obstacle detection, traction control and much more. It is very full-featured.

Evaluation derived from platform testing. Platforms are identical; this model differs only in battery capacity.

The cut is very good with this mower. The only issues I have noticed is that sometimes it misses a spot by just a hair - and then you may notice a little mowhawk in the yard. It does not usually miss large swaths/patches of lawn, it only occasionally appears to be slightly off. When obstacles are avoided (like my dogs at one point), it will eventually come back and fix that area during that mowing cycle.

Evaluation derived from platform testing. Platforms are identical; this model differs only in battery capacity.

I would give this an A++. The mower makes a whirling sound and you know it is there if you are next to it, but if you are not nearby (and I mean pretty close) -you will not hear this mower. That makes it ideal for night mowing, if that is your intention.