The Husqvarna Automower 550 EPOS is part of Husqvarna’s premium range of robotic lawn mowers, designed to handle complex and larger lawns with ease. This model is equipped with advanced features such as EPOS (Exact Positioning Operating System), GPS navigation, and a range of smart connectivity options, making it one of the most versatile robotic mowers on the market. Whether you have a large lawn, a multi-zone garden, or a complex landscape, the Automower 550 EPOS is built to provide a truly autonomous and hassle-free mowing experience. In this review, we’ll dive into its features, performance, pros, cons, and overall value.
Key Specifications
The Husqvarna Automower 550 EPOS comes packed with features and specifications that make it suitable for large lawns and challenging environments. Here’s a quick overview of the most important specifications:
Specification | Detail |
---|---|
Working Area Capacity | Up to 5,000 m² (~1.25 acres) |
Maximum Slope | 45% (24 degrees) on slopes and complex terrain |
Cutting Width | 24 cm (9.4 inches) |
Cutting Height | Adjustable from 20 mm to 60 mm (0.8 to 2.4 inches) |
Battery Type | Li-ion, 10.4 Ah |
Typical Mow Time | Up to 270 minutes on a single charge |
Charging Time | Approximately 60 minutes |
Weight | 14.3 kg (31.5 lbs) |
Connectivity | Automower® Connect (Bluetooth® + GSM), Amazon Alexa, Google Home |
Safety Features | PIN code, lift and tilt sensors, GPS tracking for theft prevention |
Key Features
The Husqvarna Automower 550 EPOS is equipped with a range of features that allow it to perform optimally on large lawns and challenging terrains. Let’s explore some of the key features that make this model stand out:
1. EPOS (Exact Positioning Operating System)
One of the standout features of the Automower 550 EPOS is its advanced EPOS technology. EPOS allows the mower to navigate more precisely and autonomously by using GPS and real-time satellite data. This allows the mower to adjust its position and route without the need for a boundary wire, offering an efficient and flexible solution for homeowners with complex landscapes. EPOS also provides improved precision when it comes to managing mowing areas, helping to avoid unnecessary mowing and reducing operational time.
2. GPS-Assisted Navigation
The Automower 550 EPOS is equipped with GPS navigation, which allows the mower to map out the entire lawn. This system not only enables it to navigate efficiently but also helps it to return to the charging station with ease after completing its task. GPS-assisted navigation also ensures that the mower can handle multiple zones and complex lawn layouts, providing optimal coverage without missing any spots.
3. Large Area Coverage
With a working area capacity of up to 5,000 m², the Automower 550 EPOS is designed for large lawns and complex garden layouts. It is ideal for homes with large properties or commercial spaces that require consistent lawn maintenance. This model can handle multiple zones, so if your property has separate sections or multiple lawns, it can efficiently switch between them without needing human intervention.
4. Steep Slope Capability
The Automower 550 EPOS can handle slopes of up to 45% (24 degrees), which makes it perfect for uneven or hilly terrain. Whether your lawn has challenging inclines or slopes, this robotic mower can effortlessly navigate them, ensuring a consistent and even cut throughout the area. This feature is particularly useful for homes with multi-level gardens or properties that include steep hills.
5. Smart Connectivity
Thanks to the Automower® Connect app, users can control the mower remotely via their smartphone. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and allows users to schedule mowing sessions, monitor the mower’s progress, and receive notifications. Additionally, the mower is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home, enabling voice control for added convenience. This connectivity ensures that the mower can be operated from virtually anywhere, offering a truly hands-off lawn care solution.
6. Weather Resistance
The Automower 550 EPOS is designed to operate in all weather conditions. Rain or shine, it will continue to mow the lawn without interruption. This weatherproofing feature ensures that the mower can handle the elements and keep working even during rainy days, so you don’t have to worry about scheduling interruptions. The mower’s ability to operate in various weather conditions makes it ideal for year-round lawn care.
7. Theft Protection
With integrated GPS tracking, the Automower 550 EPOS provides theft protection, making it much harder for the mower to be stolen. If the mower is removed from its charging station or taken outside its designated area, the system will notify you via the app. This built-in theft deterrent ensures peace of mind for owners, especially those in areas where theft could be a concern.
Performance
The performance of the Husqvarna Automower 550 EPOS is exceptional, thanks to its combination of advanced features and high-performance hardware. Here’s how it performs in various key areas:
1. Mowing Efficiency
The Automower 550 EPOS is highly efficient, offering long mowing sessions of up to 270 minutes (4.5 hours) on a single charge. This allows it to cover large areas without needing to return to the charging station frequently. With its precision cutting system and ability to handle complex areas, it provides consistent and even results across a wide range of lawn types. The adjustable cutting height (20 mm – 60 mm) gives users the flexibility to achieve the desired cut for different types of grass and lawn conditions.
2. Navigation and Coverage
With GPS-assisted navigation and EPOS technology, the Automower 550 EPOS offers precise and accurate coverage of the entire lawn. Its ability to map and navigate even the most complex layouts ensures that every inch of your lawn is mowed efficiently. The mower is capable of handling tight corners, narrow passages, and obstacles like flower beds, trees, and garden furniture, all while avoiding any damage to your plants or landscaping.
3. Noise Level
The noise level of the Automower 550 EPOS is relatively low at around 58 dB(A), which is quieter than many traditional mowers. This makes it ideal for use in residential areas without disturbing neighbors. Additionally, the mower can be set to operate during the night or early morning, making it an excellent choice for those with busy schedules who want to minimize noise disruptions during the day.
4. Handling Steep Terrain
One of the standout features of the Automower 550 EPOS is its ability to handle steep slopes of up to 45%. This makes it suitable for properties with uneven or hilly terrain. The mower uses all-wheel drive (AWD) to provide superior traction, ensuring it can climb and descend slopes effortlessly. This is particularly useful for properties that are difficult to maintain with traditional mowers due to challenging landscapes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Highly efficient for large lawns up to 5,000 m² (~1.25 acres).
- Advanced EPOS technology allows for precise positioning and reduced need for boundary wires.
- Steep slope capability of up to 45% makes it ideal for uneven terrain.
- Smart connectivity with Automower® Connect app and voice control (Alexa, Google Home).
- Weather-resistant design ensures year-round operation, even in rain.
- Low noise level allows for quiet operation during any time of day or night.
- Theft protection via GPS tracking provides added security.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other robotic mowers.
- Initial setup may take some time, particularly with the need for mapping and configuring EPOS.
- Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection for optimal functionality with the app and remote control features.
- May require professional installation for optimal results on complex landscapes.
Conclusion
The Husqvarna Automower 550 EPOS is a premium robotic lawn mower that delivers exceptional performance and advanced features, making it ideal for large, complex lawns. With its EPOS technology, GPS navigation, and ability to handle steep terrain, it stands out as one of the most capable mowers on the market. While it comes at a higher price point, the investment is well worth it for those looking for an efficient, autonomous, and low-maintenance lawn care solution. The 550 EPOS is a powerful, reliable, and feature-packed mower that can handle even the most challenging landscapes with ease.