DareDevil Lawnmower vs. Gardena Robotic Mower: Which One Wins?

Robotic lawn mowers have revolutionized yard maintenance with their automated cutting, mapping capabilities, and hands-free operation. Two popular robotic mower models on the market are the DareDevil Lawnmower and the Gardena Robotic Mower. But when comparing the DareDevil vs. the Gardena, which robotic mower comes out on top?

I‘ve analyzed over a dozen features side-by-side to help you decide which model best suits your lawn care needs. Keep reading for a detailed overview including navigation systems, blade types, noise output, pricing, and more.

Key Differences at a Glance

Before jumping into the full comparison, here is a high-level overview of how the DareDevil and Gardena robotic mowers differ:

As you can see, the DareDevil sits at the higher end for power and customization, while the Gardena offers greater smart connectivity and a quieter operation. Keep reading for more details on how they compare across over 10 categories.

Navigation and Mapping

The first major difference between the DareDevil and Gardena lies within the navigation and mapping systems.

The DareDevil Lawnmower uses a remote control to manually steer the mower around your yard. This gives you direct control up to 200 feet from the mower. It allows you to easily maneuver around gardens, landscaping, or hilly terrain. However, it does require your active oversight during operation.

Comparatively, the Gardena Robotic Mower leverages automation for mapping and navigation. It uses an AI-powered system called LONA that actively maps your lawn. Using smart sensors, it learns the boundaries and layout of your yard.

You can connect the Gardena mower to your home WiFi and control it via smartphone app. This allows for monitoring, starting, stopping, scheduling mows, and customizing settings from anywhere. It also enables the mower to operate fully autonomously without the need for human oversight.

Winner: Gardena, for the advanced automation, mapping, and customization via app connectivity. The DareDevil does however allow for more dynamic manual control.

Cutting System

An essential point of differentiation is the blade and cutting system used:

• The DareDevil uses a two-piece manganese steel blade designed to cover more cutting area in a single pass. This makes quick work of thick, rugged grass and weeds.

• Comparatively, the Gardena utilizes three pivoting razor blades. These nimble blades adjust to contours and provide Consistent cutting power across small lawns.

The DareDevil‘s sturdy steel blade is better suited for larger properties with dense grass. The Gardena‘s pivoting blades excel at detail and precision, ideal for intricate landscaping.

Winner: Tie. The Gardena likely provides a more pristine cut, while the DareDevil offers greater cutting force.

Power System

In terms of power systems:

• The DareDevil Lawnmower uses a hybrid gas/electric system. The gas motor drives the cutting blades, while the electric battery handles navigation. This removes the need to recharge batteries but does require occasional refueling.

• Gardena operates on a lithium-ion battery providing 60 minutes of cutting time per charge. It automatically returns to the charging dock when power runs low.

While Gardena offers greater convenience through automated charging, the DareDevil hybrid system potentially supplies greater sustained cutting power.

Winner: Toss-up. Gardena if you seek a simplified all-electric system, or DareDevil for potentially longer run times.

Models Available

DareDevil offers customers three standalone mower models:

• DareDevil Mower with Kohler Engine (8.5 horsepower)
• DareDevil Mower with Loncin Engine (7.5 horsepower)
• Higher-powered Loncin engines (16 or 22 horsepower)

The models vary mainly by fuel tank capacity, motor output, and blade width – suiting small to large-sized lawns.

Comparatively, Gardena provides 12 robotic mower variants tailored by yard size, slope performance, energy efficiency, and cutting dimensions. This extensive selection lets you customize for your exact lawn‘s needs.

Winner: Gardena for the wider range of mower models and customization options.

Design

Visual appeal and storage matter too – here is how the mowers compare regarding physical design:

• The DareDevil wears a tougher, more rugged exterior look, with almost a militaristic style. This allows it to fearlessly tackle any environment – but the utilitarian look won‘t win any style awards.

• Sleek and modern best describe the Gardena‘s physical profile. The low-clearance chassis and hidden wheels give off an elegant vibe reminiscent of high-end consumer electronics.

Winner: Gardena, for its refined and modern visual aesthetic.

Slope Coverage

Many consumers turn to robotic mowers specifically for their slope handling capabilities compared to push mowers. In terms of maximum incline:

• The DareDevil can traverse slopes between 45‐50° steep, allowing it to navigate extremely hilly, uneven terrain without slipping.

• The Gardena manages a respectable maximum tilt of 19°. This should prove sufficient for typical yards, but likely falls short of cutting ultra-steep banks.

Winner: DareDevil for nearly triple the slope handling compared to Gardena.

Precision and Cutting Dimensions

Let’s explore the available cutting dimensions.

For the DareDevil, the:

• Cutting height adjusts from 20mm to 150mm
• Cutting width spans 55cm for smaller engines, ranging up to 1.2m for the largest 22 HP model

Whereas Gardena Robotic Lawnmowers have:

• A cutting height ranging 25mm to 50mm
• A max cutting width of 16cm

The DareDevil mows significantly wider swaths, while the Gardena Robotic Mower provides closer clipping heights. This further confirms the DareDevil‘s positioning as the heavy-duty turf eater, with Gardena specializing in detail.

Winner: DareDevil for substantially wider cutting width, enabling it to mow large stretches quicker.

Noise Level

Peace and quiet matter for your own enjoyment, as well as maintaining polite neighbor relations. Here’s how loud each model operates:

• As a gas/electric hybrid emitting motor noise plus spinning blades, the DareDevil understandably makes more sound during mowing. Specific decibel ratings aren’t advertised.

• Gardena markets itself as the “quiet” mower option, thanks to the electric motors. It produces only 57 dB in operation – no louder than a typical conversation.

Winner: Gardena by a long shot for its significantly quieter operation.

Smart Features

Both robotic mowers integrate some degree of smart features:

• The DareDevil connects solely to the physical remote control used for steering. Outside of manual navigation, it does not offer integration with home automation systems or smartphones.

• The Gardena syncs to your WiFi router for connectivity. You can control mowing remotely from your phone, set schedules, monitor operations, and customizemultiple preferences through the Gardena app. It also intelligently adapts its operation based on lawn growth and other conditions.

Winner: Gardena for its robust app integration and automation smarts.

Attachments

Do the mowers support beneficial add-ons?

• DareDevil markets compatible attachments like snowplows, lawn dethatchers, aerators, and spreaders you can swap onto the front mount. This transforms it into a versatile 4-season outdoor workhorse.

• The Gardena does not offer attachments or modifications. Its purpose focuses solely on mowing grass.

If you seek a multi-functional yard tool, the DareDevil better fits the bill. Strictly for automated mowing though, Gardena stays ahead.

Winner: DareDevil for attachments allowing for snow removal, lawn care, and landscaping needs.

Maintenance and Repair

On the maintenance front:

• The DareDevil‘s gas engine requires more intensive servicing like oil changes, filter cleanings, blade sharpening, and spark plug replacements. This generally incurs higher annual tune-up costs.

• As an all-electric model, the Gardena needs minimal maintenance outside of occasional blade sharpening and battery replacement every 2-3 years. You essentially just monitor charging performance.

When factoring in lifetime ownership costs, the simplified Gardena typically saves consumers money and effort. But its sealed body lacks DIY serviceability – requiring repairs through the company.

Winner: Gardena thanks to significantly lower maintenance demands.

Pricing

Finally, for consumers price always weighs heavily. Here is how pricing shakes out:

• $2,500 to $5,000 buys you a new DareDevil mower. Cost varies based on horsepower capacity and attachments. Additional tune-ups and fuel add operating costs over time.

• Gardena pricing ranges between $650 up to $1,200. The higher-end price tag gets you larger coverage capacity for big yards. Yearly operating fees pale in comparison to a gas mower.

In terms of upfront purchase pricing, Gardena wins hands down. Factoring in multi-year fuel and service costs does dampen the long-term value gap, but Gardena still carries a financial advantage for most homeowners.

Winner: Gardena thanks to more budget-conscious pricing.

Which Model Should You Choose?

With the full feature comparison complete, would the rugged and hardworking DareDevil or the high-tech Gardena best suit your lawn?

Here is a quick recap of their respective strengths:

The DareDevil Lawnmower shines when you need:

• Raw power and torque to cut thick grass
• Ability to tackle steep hills up to 50 degrees
• Custom attachments for clearing snow or aerating soil
• Flexible manual control via remote

The Gardena Robotic Mower excels for those seeking:

• A consistent, immaculate lawn finish
• Quiet operation day or night
• Minimal seasonal maintenance
• Automated mapping and navigation via app
• Cost savings over internal combustion mowers

As you can see, each robotic mower ticks the boxes for different customer needs and use cases. Hopefully mapping out their pros, cons and critical differentiators helps you determine which model best suits your unique lawn care requirements and budget.

Recent Model Year Upgrades

DareDevil and Gardena continually invest in improving their robotic mower technologies and performance. Here are some of the key upgrades incorporated over the past couple model years:

DareDevil Recent Enhancements

• More durable cutting blades added
• Battery capacity increased 30% for longer runtimes
• Navigation accuracy improved by 10%
• App connectivity introduced for monitoring and scheduling

Gardena Recent Enhancements

• Obstacle detection and avoidance range increased by 15%
• Mowing algorithms optimized for smoothing cutting patterns
• Battery upgraded for 40 minutes extra operating time
• App upgraded with new boundary mapping tools

As you can see, both companies make meaningful strides forward with each new seasonal release. Consumers can expect this innovation cadence to continue advancing reliability, convenience and lawn care efficacy over time.

The Future of Robotic Mower Tech

Industry analysts anticipate continued rapid technology progression within the robotic lawn mower category over both the short and long-term:

Over the next 2 years, expect to see:

• Further app integration and automation
  • Voice assistant compatibility
  • Expanded customization of mowing schedules/locations
• Improved slope handling and terrain adaptability
• Higher-capacity batteries for longer work sessions
• Obstacle avoidance enhancements

By 2030, futurists predict robotic mowers may offer:

• Flawless computer vision avoiding all fixed and dynamic obstacles
• Automatic grass health sensing and nutrient balancing
• Seamless integration with smart irrigation systems
• Potential for expanded functionality beyond just mowing
• Advanced customization of lawn cutting visual patterning

Judging by the recent pace of innovation, the capabilities of both the DareDevil and Gardena mowers are likely to expand immensely – possibly faster than the speed your grass grows!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long can a robotic mower run on one charge?

A: It depends on the model, but most operate 30-90 minutes per charge. The Gardena can run ~60 minutes consecutively. Units automatically recharge themselves as needed.

Q: Can robotic mowers handle slopes and hills?

A: Yes – most handle minor to moderate slopes of 15-25 degrees without slipping. The DareDevil tackles up to 50-degree pitches for extreme yards.

Q: Do robotic mowers work in the rain?

A: Yes, light rain and morning dew do not impact these water-resistant units. But heavy downpours or electrical storms will suspend operation.

Q: How do robotic mowers avoid hitting obstacles?

A: Units like the Gardena have ultrasonic sensors plus bump detection to avoid collisions and alter their movement. Some utilize app-created plot boundary maps.

Q: Without a gas engine, are robotic mowers less powerful?

A: Electric models have sufficient torque for typical residential mowing. Plus, their consistent speed optimizes cutting. Gas hybrid units like the DareDevil pack extra muscle for challenging plots.

Q: Can robotic mowers trim grass of any length?

A: It depends on the unit, but most cut grass up to 4-6 inches tall effectively – higher than that may jam the blades. The DareDevil cuts up to 150mm (6 inches).

I hope this comprehensive DareDevil vs Gardena robotic mower comparison proves useful. Please reach out or leave a comment with any other questions!