Husqvarna Automower 312V Review: Wire-Free Lawn Care Tested | T3

Husqvarna has launched three new wire-free robot lawn mowers – the Automower 312V, Automower 308V, and Automower Aspire R6V – targeting both newcomers to the robotic mowing market and existing users seeking more advanced features. The new models, unveiled this week, aim to simplify lawn care with features like AI-powered object detection and improved navigation, according to multiple reports.

The Automower 312V, priced at £1,499, is designed for lawns up to 1,200 square meters. The Automower 308V, costing £1,249, handles areas up to 800 square meters, while the more affordable Automower Aspire R6V, at £999, is suited for smaller gardens of up to 600 square meters. All three models eliminate the need for boundary wires, utilizing a virtual fence system.

A key feature of the new range is a built-in camera and AI technology designed to improve obstacle avoidance. The Automower 312V, in particular, has been praised for its ability to navigate complex gardens, even those with uneven terrain. According to a review in T3, the Automower 312V delivers a “quality cut” and offers versatile cutting options.

Husqvarna’s Automower Connect app plays a central role in controlling the new mowers, allowing users to manage settings and monitor operation remotely. The app as well introduces Zone Control, enabling customized cutting schedules for different areas of the garden, such as front and back lawns. However, initial setup via the app proved challenging for one reviewer, requiring frequent reference to the manual and online troubleshooting. Husqvarna offers a professional setup service to address these potential difficulties.

The Automower 312V boasts a 4Ah Lithium-Ion battery, providing up to 100 minutes of runtime on a full charge. The mower also incorporates features like spiral cutting for even grass height and a weather timer that adjusts operation based on optimal growing conditions. A GeoFence alarm is included as a theft deterrent, and the mower receives over-the-air software updates, ensuring compatibility with smart home devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

While the hardware of the Automower 312V received positive feedback, the app-based configuration process presented some hurdles. Connectivity issues and occasional discrepancies in the app’s mapping display required significant troubleshooting. Despite these software-related challenges, the reviewer found the mower’s overall performance and cutting quality to be commendable, even on lawns affected by uneven ground and moss.

Husqvarna, a long-established player in the robot lawn mower market, has positioned these new models as a step up in sophistication. The £1,499 price tag for the Automower 312V reflects its advanced features and build quality, but the company also offers more affordable options with the Automower 308V and Automower Aspire R6V. Installation assistance may be a worthwhile consideration for those less comfortable with app-based setup.