Stihl iMow 422P Review (2021)
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STIHL iMow 422P
$2999/£2300
Stihl iMow 422P Pricing
The iMow 422P retails at around AU$1800-$2000. While this does seem a bit expensive when comparing it to other robot mowers in its class, you need to take into account the impressive 5-year warranty that you'll be getting with the purchase of this mower.
Stihl iMow 422P Specifications
Main Features
Warranty: 5 years
Lawn Size: Up to 1500mº
Maximum Slope: 22º
Mobile App: Yes
Voice Control: No
Wifi Connected: No
Auto-Charging: Yes
Auto-Scheduling: Yes
Cutting
Cutting Range: 2-6cm
Cutting Width: 20cm
Cutting System: 2 rotating cutting blades
Battery
Mowing Time: 75 mins
Charging Time: 90 mins
Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
Battery Voltage: 18.5V
Battery Capacity: 4.5Ah
Noise
Noise Output: 60db
Safety
Life Sensor: Yes
Tilt Sensor: Yes
Emergency Stop: Yes
Security
Pin Code: Yes
Alarm: Yes
Shut Off: Yes
Dimensions
Size: 600x430x270mm
Weight: 9kg
Lawnbot Rating
Stihl iMow 422P Performance
So we've covered that the Stihl iMow 422 has some great features on paper, but how well does it perform in the real world? Let's take a look...
Stihl iMow 422P: Cutting Power
The iMow 422P cuts well enough on most types of grass but does seem to struggle on thicker species of grass. This may be due to its dual-blade single-axis cutting configuration. Most other robotic mowers operate with 3 individually rotating cutting blades. This robotic mower would not be suitable for you if you've got a thick species of grass.
Mow-to-charge Ratio
The iMow 422P has a respectable battery life of 75 minutes and will require around 90 minutes to recharge in-between each mow fully. While the mow-to-charge ratio isn't as good as its competitors, it's still decent.
Does the Stihl iMow 422P Work on Rough Terrain?
One of the iMow 422P's strengths is navigating through rough terrain with relative ease compared to other robotic mowers. With its GPS mapping and its smart obstacle avoidance system, the iMow can navigate around your back yard and avoid possible obstacles with relative ease. Handing slopes of up to 22° and its adaptive speed technology, which adjusts the mowers speed according to slope, grass height and weather conditions, the Stihl iMow is definitely well-equipped to handle rough terrain. It is one of the best performers in its class.
See the Stihl iMow 422P in Action!
Stihl iMow 422P Vs Husqvarna Automower 115H
The Stihl iMow 422P and the Husqvarna Automower 115H are direct competitors, both of these big and established brands have been competing across multiple markets in the home and outdoor tools category. Let's see which one has the edge when it comes to robotic mowers ...
Stihl iMow 422P Vs Husqvarna Automower 115H: Features
Feature-wise, the models are fairly evenly matched. Both of these robotic mowers come with auto-scheduling, auto-charging, lift/tilt sensors and a great mobile app.
The Stihl iMow beats the Automower within the maximum slope tilt capacity at a pleasant 22°, while the Automower can tilt around 17°.
In terms of the maximum mowing area, the Husqvarna Automower 115H can reach up to 1600m² while the Stihl iMow can reach up to 1500m². Overall, both models are very similar feature-wise, with the iMow having a better tilt capacity.
Stihl iMow 422P Vs Husqvarna Automower 115H: Battery Life
In this category, the Husqvarna Automower 115H includes a 1:1 mow-to-charge ratio. For each 1hr of mowing, it'll need 1hr of charge. The Stihl iMow's battery isn't as efficient. With every 75 minutes of mowing, it'll need around 90 minutes to recharge fully.
Stihl iMow 422P Vs Husqvarna Automower 115H: Safety
Both models are almost identical when in the safety category. Both models have tilt and lift sensors with an instant-stop blade and emergency stops to prevent injury. It's safe to mention that both of these companies take the safety and well-being of their customers very, very seriously!
Stihl iMow 422P Vs Husqvarna Automower 115H: Noise
Almost the same in this category, the iMow 422P has a noise output of around 60dB while the Automower 115H sits at around 59dB.
Stihl iMow 422P Vs Husqvarna Automower 115H: Pricing
While the Stihl iMow starts at around AU$1999, the Husqvarna 115H can get a be a bit dearer starting at AU$2150.
Overall, both designs are extremely similar in every department. While the iMow 422p can handle a bigger slope and the Automower 115H encompasses a far better mow-to-charge ratio.
Should You Buy the Stihl iMow 422P?
If you arent completely sold on the iMow 422P and whether it's the right robot mower for you, that's completely understandable. When purchasing anything with a pretty hefty price tag, it's only normal to overthink a bit. In the next section, we'll help you determine whether the iMow is right for you. Let's take a look...
Buy It If...
You have a medium-sized lawn
While the iMow's maximum cutting area can reach up to 1500m², it will perform its best on grass areas of around 750-1000m², which is an average-sized lawn here in Australia.
You want a long 5-year warranty
The Stihl iMow's 5-year warranty really sticks out when shopping for a robotic mower. Most other models are only going to offer a 2-3 years warranty.
You want a consistent robot lawnmower
If the iMow is anything, it's consistent. It's going to achieve the same results over a long period of time and isn't going to leave you guessing whether you may find it in the pool or the neighbour's yard from day to day.
Don't Buy If...
You expect a perfect lawn
Yes, robot mowers are getting really clever in the way they do things. However, your lawn won't be perfect, the mower will miss some patches from time to time, and you will need to do some trimming here and there.
You don't want to maintain your robotic mower
As mentioned earlier, the iMow is prone to grass residue and dirt buildup and will require regular cleaning to keep it working at peak performance.
You're impatient
On average, the iMow will spend 25 hours of mowing time to mow a lawn of 1500m² fully. With about 8 hours of mowing time per day, it can take up to 3 days to fully mow your lawn.
Maintenance Tips for your Stihl iMow 422P
By regularly maintaining and taking care of your robotic mower, you can add years to its lifespan and increase its performance massively. Here are a few ways to keep your Stihl 422P working at peak performance.
*Remember to ALWAYS turn your robotic mower off and remove the battery before conducting any cleaning or maintenance*
Keep Your iMow Clean
This may seem obvious, yet many people don't understand how much regular cleaning can positively affect the performance of your robotic mower. When cleaning your mower you should:
- Clean any grass residue and buildup from below the deck
- Carefully clear any build-up off the mowing blades
- Clean your robot's wheels
- Make sure the E-stop is clear from any dirt build-up
Make Sure Your Blades Are Sharp
Keeping your iMow's blades sharp will greatly improve the 422P's performance and efficiency while leaving your lawn with a cleaner and better-looking end result.
Most manufacturers recommend replacing your robot mowers blades every 8-12 weeks depending on its mowing frequency.
Here's a guide on how to replace Stihl iMow blades easily...
How to Install Stihl iMow
Buying a Stihl includes professional installation from the dealer. However, If you've purchased your Stihl iMow second-hand or would prefer to install your Stihl iMow by yourself, then here's a quick step-by-step guide on how to install your robotic mower.
- Make sure you have all components ready to install: Including boundary wire, boundary wire pegs, docking station, all electrical connectors and of course, your iMow.
- Design a plan: Choose the location of your iMow's docking station and plan your boundary wire layout.
- Install docking station: On a flat surface, secure your docking station firmly to the ground. Remember to choose an area easily accessible to power as you'll be connecting the docking station to your electrical output.
- Run boundary wire: Run the boundary around your yard and around obstacles as close to the boundary as you can without touching it.
- Connect boundary wire to docking station: Connect your boundary wire to each side of your docking station
- Connect docking station to power: Now you'll need to connect your docking station to power, make sure you don't have any exposed electrical wires running across the lawn.
- Test connection: Plug your iMow in and test docking station connection
- Double check: Double check your boundary wire, power cable and docking station to confirm they are all installed firmly, out of the way and haven't been damaged
- Set your iMow's schedule and start mowing!
If you'd prefer a video guide, here's a great video explaining how to install your Stihl iMow easily!
Our Thoughts on the Stihl iMow 422P
Overall, the Stihl iMow is a great garden tool to have around the property, It has all the features you would expect in a robotic mower. We'd recommend this mower for people with a small-medium sized lawn with a grass species that isn't overly thick. With a lovely 5-year warranty, you're pretty much covered for any major repairs. We hope you enjoyed this Stihl iMow 422P review and have an awesome day!
Happy mowing!
