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Robot lawnmowers have become a game-changer in lawn care across Australia and around the world. These smart devices trim your grass automatically, saving time and effort. But if you’re thinking of switching from a traditional mower to a robot mower, you might be wondering: Do robot lawnmowers have catchers for grass clippings?
The short answer is no—robot lawnmowers don’t come with catchers. Unlike traditional push mowers or ride-ons, they operate on a completely different principle. In this blog, we’ll explore why robot lawnmowers don’t use catchers, how they deal with grass clippings, and what this means for your lawn’s health and maintenance.
Why Don’t Robot Lawnmowers Have Catchers?
Most of us are used to lawnmowers with grass catchers—those big bags at the back of the mower that collect clippings as you go. However, robot lawnmowers are designed differently for a few reasons:
1. They Cut Little and Often (Mulching Instead of Collecting)
Robot mowers don’t mow your lawn once a week like traditional mowers. Instead, they cut small amounts of grass regularly—sometimes every day. Because the clippings are so tiny, there’s no need to collect them.
This process is known as mulching. The mower trims just the tips of the grass and leaves them on the lawn. These tiny pieces decompose quickly and act as a natural fertilizer, returning nutrients like nitrogen back into the soil.
2. Size and Design Constraints
Adding a catcher to a robot mower would make it bulkier and require frequent emptying. Since the whole point of a robotic mower is to work unattended, having a catcher would defeat that purpose.
3. Efficiency and Simplicity
Without a catcher, robot lawnmowers can operate continuously without human intervention. They roam around your yard, cut the grass, and recharge themselves—all without needing you to empty a bag of clippings.
How Do Robot Lawnmowers Deal With Grass Clippings?
Rather than catching the grass, robot mowers use a mulching system. Here’s how it works:
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Sharp Blades: The mower’s small, sharp blades cut grass into fine clippings.
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Frequent Mowing: Because they mow daily or every few days, they only ever cut a few millimetres off the grass blade.
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Even Distribution: The clippings are so small that they fall back into the grass canopy and break down naturally.
This method has several benefits—not only does it eliminate the need for collection and disposal, but it also improves your lawn’s health over time.
Benefits of Mulching Over Collecting
If you’re used to bagging clippings, the idea of leaving them on the lawn might sound strange. But mulching has many advantages:
Healthier Lawn
The decomposed grass returns valuable nutrients to the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer. This can lead to a thicker, greener lawn without the need for extra fertiliser.
Improved Moisture Retention
Mulched grass acts as a natural mulch layer, helping your lawn retain moisture—perfect for Australia’s hot summers.
Less Waste
No more bags of grass to dispose of or compost. It’s an eco-friendly solution that reduces green waste.
Time-Saving
You won’t need to stop and empty a catcher or rake up leftover clippings. The robot mower handles everything.
Are There Downsides to No Catcher?
While mulching is beneficial, there are a few situations where people might prefer catching grass clippings:
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Allergies: If you or your family have grass allergies, leaving clippings on the lawn might be an issue.
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Weeds or Diseased Lawns: Mulching can sometimes spread weed seeds or lawn diseases.
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Rarely Mowed Lawns: If your grass has grown very long, robot mowers won’t be able to handle it effectively at first because their blades are designed for frequent light cuts, not heavy-duty mowing.
For these cases, a one-off cut with a traditional mower and catcher might be a good idea before switching to robotic mowing.
Do Any Robot Lawn Mowers Have Optional Catchers?
Currently, no mainstream robot lawnmowers offer catchers as an option. This is because their core design philosophy relies on mulching. However, some high-end models (like Husqvarna Automower or Worx Landroid) come with advanced features like:
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Adjustable cutting heights
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Larger blades for tackling tougher grass
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App controls for setting mowing schedules
But even these premium machines stick to mulching rather than collecting clippings.
How to Prepare Your Lawn for a Robot Mower?
If you’re considering buying a robot lawnmower, here are a few tips to make the transition smoother:
Do an initial cleanup: Use a traditional mower with a catcher to trim long grass and clear debris.
Set the cutting height correctly: Start high and gradually lower it over time as the mower keeps up.
Let the mower work regularly: The key to success with a robot mower is frequent operation.
Final Thoughts: Do You Really Need a Catcher?
Robot lawnmowers don’t have catchers—and for good reason. Their frequent mowing and mulching system mean clippings are so small they disappear into the lawn, providing natural fertilization and saving you time.
If you’re ready to embrace hands-free lawn care, a robot mower could be the perfect solution. Just remember that they’re designed for regular maintenance—not tackling an overgrown jungle.
By skipping the catcher, these smart devices stay compact, efficient, and eco-friendly—keeping your lawn healthy with minimal effort.
