The Belrobotics Bigmow Connected is a commercial-grade robotic lawn mower designed for large sports turf areas. Released in 2022 by the Belgian manufacturer Belrobotics, this model targets professional groundskeepers and sports facilities rather than typical homeowners. With a recommended lawn size of 24,000 m² and a price tag of $16,990, it's a serious investment. In this review, we examine whether its features justify the cost for its intended commercial use.
Key Specifications
The Bigmow Connected boasts a cutting width of 103 cm and a runtime of 240 minutes, allowing it to cover large areas efficiently. It uses a 2WD floating head system, which helps it follow ground contours and avoid scalping. The mower is waterproof with an IPX5 rating, meaning it can withstand rain and require less manual intervention. Navigation is handled by a GPS RTK system combined with a sonar array, enabling wire-free operation. This means no perimeter wire is needed, reducing installation time and allowing for flexible boundary changes. The maximum slope it can handle is 30%, suitable for many sports fields but not extremely steep terrain.
Performance and Features
In commercial settings, the Bigmow Connected is built to operate continuously with minimal supervision. Its GPS RTK navigation provides centimeter-level accuracy, ensuring systematic coverage without overlaps or missed patches. The sonar array helps detect obstacles and adapt to changes in the environment, though it may still require some oversight in highly complex areas. The floating cutting heads are a notable feature: they independently adjust to uneven ground, which is crucial for maintaining a consistent cut on sports turf where surface regularity matters. The 103 cm cutting width is among the widest in the robotic lawn mower market, reducing the number of passes needed. However, the 2WD drive might struggle on wet, slippery slopes despite the 30% slope rating. The IPX5 waterproofing is a practical addition for outdoor commercial use, as it allows the mower to operate in light rain and simplifies cleaning.
Installation and Navigation
One of the standout aspects of the Bigmow Connected is its wire-free design. Traditional robotic lawn mowers often require burying boundary wires, which is labor-intensive and inflexible. This model uses GPS RTK to define virtual boundaries, making it easier to set up and modify. The sonar array supplements GPS in areas with poor satellite visibility, such as near buildings or under trees. However, GPS RTK systems can be affected by obstructions, and a base station is required for RTK corrections. Belrobotics provides a cloud-based management platform, allowing fleet management and remote monitoring, which is essential for commercial users overseeing multiple mowers.
Ideal Use Cases
As a commercial fleet mower, the Bigmow Connected is best suited for sports facilities, golf courses, and large institutional grounds. Its 24,000 m² capacity means it can handle a full-size soccer field or several smaller pitches. For private gardens, this robotic lawn mower is overkill: the price and size are impractical for typical residential lawns. Additionally, the commercial pricing structure may include service contracts and support that are unnecessary for homeowners. If you manage a sports complex or a large estate, the Bigmow Connected could be a valuable asset, but for residential use, more affordable options exist.
Reliability and Reported Issues
User feedback highlights two main concerns: the high commercial pricing and its unsuitability for private gardens. At $16,990, it's one of the most expensive robotic lawn mowers available, but this reflects its commercial-grade components and capabilities. For the target market, the cost may be justified by labor savings and precision. Some users have noted that while the wire-free setup is convenient, initial GPS RTK calibration can be time-consuming, and occasional signal loss may occur in dense urban areas. The sonar array is helpful but not infallible; it may not detect small, low-lying obstacles like toys or tools. Overall, the Bigmow Connected scores 7.7/10 in our rating, balancing advanced features with a high price and niche application.
Conclusion
The Belrobotics Bigmow Connected is a specialized robotic lawn mower for commercial sports turf. Its wire-free navigation, wide cutting width, and robust build make it a strong candidate for large-scale lawn maintenance. However, the high cost and limited residential appeal mean it's not for everyone. If you manage sports fields and seek to reduce labor costs, this model is worth considering. For more details, visit our Belrobotics Bigmow product page or learn about the manufacturer on our Belrobotics company profile.