Is the Lidl Parkside Robotic Lawnmower the budget-friendly garden helper you’ve been waiting for? Robotic lawnmowers are no longer a luxury reserved for high-end brands. With Lidl’s Parkside Robot Lawnmower, homeowners across the UK and Ireland are wondering, can this affordable option really deliver neat, hassle-free lawns at a fraction of the price? Let’s take a closer look at what it offers and whether it lives up to the hype.
Lidl and the Parkside Brand
Lidl is no stranger to upsetting markets with astoundingly affordable alternatives to leading brands. Their Parkside brand has a cult following for offering cheap tools and garden machinery that often punches above its weight. Parkside products, from drills to pressure washers, have shown that low price doesn't have to mean low quality.
Superior Brands
But in the field of robot lawnmowers, a product category long dominated by Husqvarna, Bosch, and Worx, can a Parkside machine compete? To most homeowners, the idea of paying £800 to £1,500 for a top-of-the-line robot mower is not attractive. That's where Lidl steps in with a bargain basement price point and an enticing pledge, to make robotic mowing accessible to the average garden.
Budget Option
Of course, with budget options come questions. How reliable is it over time? Does it handle the practical challenges of UK and Irish lawns? And will customer support be there if something goes wrong? These are important factors we’ll explore further in this review.
Video - Parkside Robotic mower Unboxing & Set up
Key Features at a Glance
From what we have seen, here’s a snapshot of what the Lidl Parkside Robotic Lawnmower offers…
- Coverage area – Ideal for lawns up to 500m², ideal for small to medium-sized gardens.
- Power source – Detachable 20V 2Ah Li-Ion battery with 60-minute charging time and approx. 45-minute mowing time.
- Cutting system – Mulching blades cut grass finely and leave the clippings behind to naturally compost as fertiliser.
- Incline handling – Manageable inclines of up to 25° (47%) without loss of performance.
- Rain sensor – Automatically senses rain and goes back to charging station to avoid wet mowing.
- Multi-zone mowing – Supports up to 5 specified secondary zones for more personalized mowing routines.
- Noise level – Runs quietly at 63dB, meaning minimal disturbance even in densely populated neighbourhoods.
- Safety features – Has lift and tilt sensors for automatic blade stop when disturbed.
- Accessories provided – It is provided with a 130m boundary cable, 200 mounting hooks, spare blades, screws, and a charging dock.
- Warranty – Backed by a 3-year warranty for added peace of mind.
- As an optional extra cost, Lidl also offers a Lawnmower Garage, a small shed designed to keep the mower dry from rain, snow, and direct sunlight.
On paper, the Parkside Robotic Lawnmower ticks many of the same feature boxes as its pricier competitors – but how well do those features hold up in everyday use? That's the question we'll be answering next as we dive further into the review.
Comparing Other Brands
Firstly, How Do I Turn It On?
It is simple to activate the Parkside Robotic Lawnmower, but it is advisable to be patient while performing the initial setup. Follow these steps to activate it…
- Press and hold the START button for approximately 3 seconds until the display lights up.
- Select your preferred language using the arrow keys. Confirm with the OK button.
- Set date and time in the same way, scrolling using arrow buttons and OK to save.
- This simple process gets the mower ready for programming and boundary wire laying. For first-time users, it's ideal to keep the manual at hand and carry out each step-by-step.
How Do I Lay the Boundary Wire?
Before the Parkside Robotic Lawnmower can get to work, you’ll need to lay the boundary wire to define the area it should mow. This tells the mower where the lawn starts and stops, helping to avoid flower beds, driveways, and other obstacles. You can lay the boundary wire in one of two ways: above ground or buried.
- Peg out the lawn perimeter using the hooks provided to hold the boundary wire down firmly (above ground).
- Place the hooks at intervals of no more than 1 metre. Use extra hooks on sloping terrain for an extra grip.
- You can, if you prefer, bury the wire up to 5cm deep using a spade or edge trimmer, but this is not required
- Important - The mower will overlap the boundary wire by about 20–30cm when it is turning, so position it carefully to avoid accidental damage to paths, flowerbeds, or fences.
For the initial installation, it's a good idea to leave the wire staked above ground for now. This allows for adjustment if needed. Once you're satisfied with the mowing area, you can bury the wire for a tidier look. The mower works best with up to 200m of boundary wire, across a single enclosed section of lawn.
Tools Needed
You will need some basic tools for the job such as Phillips screwdriver, Rubber hammer, Spirit level and Wire strippers. For a step-by-step visual guide, Lidl also points users to helpful YouTube videos showing the boundary wire installation.
How Do I Enter or Change the PIN?
For security, the Parkside Robotic Lawnmower features a 4-digit PIN number for unlocking the display and settings. The preset PIN on first installation of the mower is 0000 or 1234. It is strongly recommended that you change this to a personal code as soon as possible to prevent unauthorised use. Here's how to change the PIN…
- Open the cover if required to access the display.
- Open the display using the existing 4-digit PIN (standard: 0000 or 1234).
- Press the OK key to reach the main menu.
- Use the arrow keys to select "Settings" and confirm with OK.
- Select "Change PIN" and confirm once more with OK.
- Enter the existing 4-digit PIN. If an error is made, use the back key to repeat.
- Input your new 4-digit PIN.
- Confirm the new PIN by repeating it a second time.
- If entered correctly, the display will show “Successful!”
- Return to the main menu by pressing the back button.
- Changing the PIN is quick, but take care to choose a number you’ll remember – forgetting your PIN could lead to frustration later.
Which Parkside Robotic Lawnmower Models Are Available?
The Parkside range consists of three models of robotic lawnmowers, each of which is designed for gardens of different sizes and individual needs. While all three share standard features like automatic charging, mulching blades, and rain sensors, there are significant differences in the mowing area, battery life, and accompanying accessories for each.
At the time of writing, Lidl are only carrying Option 2 (PAMR 500 A1) in store and online. Let's take a closer look at all three models for context…
Option 1 – 20V Smart PAMRS 1000 A1 Robotic Lawnmower
This is Parkside's flagship model and the most feature-complete of the three. Designed for larger gardens, it features a higher capacity battery and longer boundary wire for extended coverage.
What's in the box? 200m boundary wire, 350 fixing hooks, 6 fixing screws, 3 spare blades and 3 blade mounting screws, Allen key, 20V 4Ah integral battery, 1.8m mains lead and a charging station
Perfect for Larger lawns up to 1000m² and users requiring maximum runtime and accessories.
Option 2 – 20V Robotic Lawnmower PAMR 500 A1 (Currently Available in Lidl)
This mid-range option is a little brother to the PAMRS 1000 A1. It's suitable for medium-sized gardens and has a slightly lower battery capacity and shorter boundary wire but still has all the key features.
It comes with 130m boundary wire, 200 fixing hooks, 6 fixing screws, 3 spare blades and 3 blade mounting screws, Allen key, 20V 2Ah integral battery, 1.8m mains cable and charging station
It's ideal for Lawns up to 500m² – a good balance between price and functionality for the average sized gardens.
Option 3 – 20V Robotic Lawnmower City Smart PAMRC 250 A1
The lightest and smallest model in the series, perfect for small gardens. It has a shorter boundary wire length and fewer hooks but is perfect for smaller gardens.
Supplied with 100m boundary wire, 100 fixing hooks, 6 fixing screws, 3 spare blades and 3 blade mounting screws, Allen key and combination tool spanner, 20V 2Ah integral battery, 1.5m mains cable and charging station too
It's ideal for small urban gardens of up to 250m² where space is at a premium.
There's a model to fit every location in the Parkside range, but with only the PAMR 500 A1 currently available to buy, most Lidl customers will be wondering whether this mid-range model will be sufficient for their needs.
Who Is the Parkside Robotic Lawnmower Best For?
Not every robotic lawnmower will suit every garden or homeowner, and the Parkside range is no exception. While the PAMR 500 A1 (currently available in Lidl) offers impressive value for money, it’s important to consider whether it’s the right fit for your specific needs. From initial work, we see that it’s more suited for…
1, Medium-Sized Lawns (Up to 500m²) - The PAMR 500 A1 is designed for lawns of up to 500m² and slopes of up to 25° (47%). So if your lawn falls within these parameters and doesn't have too many complex shapes or obstacles, then this mower will handle it with ease.
2, Budget Buyers - At around £200, it's one of the lowest-cost robotic lawnmowers on the market. For those new to robotic mowing and who aren't yet willing to commit to premium brands, it offers a less risky entry point.
3, Simple Garden Layouts - It will handle open, regular-shaped areas far more easily than narrow aisles or heavily landscaped gardens.
4, Homeowners Who Want Low Maintenance - Features like the rain sensor, automatic charging, and mulching (which leaves behind fine grass clippings to serve as a natural fertiliser for the lawn) feature make it ideal for anyone looking for a "set it and forget it" kind of experience.
May Not Be Suitable For…
1, Very Large or Complicated Gardens - If your lawn is significantly larger than 500m² or includes a number of unconnected patches, you will find the PAMR 500 A1 limiting. A more sophisticated model like the PAMRS 1000 A1 would be more appropriate (but not currently carried in Lidl).
2, Households with Pets or very Young Children - Even though the mower has safety features and a relatively quiet sound level (63dB), it's best to keep pets and children from playing on the lawn while in use.
3, Those Seeking Premium App Connectivity - Unlike some premium brands, this model has no smartphone app controls or Wi-Fi connectivity. All functions are accessed via the onboard control panel.
Our Take on Value
The Parkside robotic lawnmower is an ideal option for first-time users with small to medium-sized gardens seeking an inexpensive, hands-free mowing experience. Those who have more complex gardens or want additional features may want to consider a higher-end model from another brand – but at this price point, it's hard to ignore the value on offer.
Parkside Robotic Lawnmower Pros and Cons
As with any budget robotic mowers, the Parkside models also have their good and bad points. Here's what we found from specs and customer feedback…
Parkside Robotic Lawnmower Advantages
1, Affordable - At around £200, it's one of the cheapest robotic mowers available. For those wanting to try robotic mowing but who aren't prepared to pay £800+ for premium brands, this is an attractive entry point.
2, Decent Coverage for Small to Medium Gardens - Models like the PAMR 500 A1 cover lawns up to 500m², with adjustable cutting heights (25–60mm) for different lengths of grass.
3, App Control (on some models) - More advanced models like the PAMRS 1000 A1 provide Wi-Fi or Bluetooth app control via the Parkside app. The PAMR 500 A1, however, relies on its onboard controls.
4, Rain Sensor - The mower will automatically return to its charging station when it detects rain, protecting the electronics and avoiding messy wet grass.
5, Quiet Operation - At around 63–66 dB, it's quieter than most petrol mowers and won't disturb neighbours.
6, Mulching Function - It cuts the grass clippings into fine pieces and redistributes them as a natural fertiliser, with minimal raking or emptying of grass bags.
7, Replaceable Battery - The 20V Li-Ion battery (part of Lidl's X20V Team range) can be taken out and replaced if it begins to lose charge over time.
8, A 3-Year Warranty - A long warranty period gives peace of mind to early adopters.
Cons for the Parkside Robotic Lawnmower
1, Limited Terrain Handling - The mower performs best on level, flat lawns. Slightly rough ground, small dips, or steep slopes (over 25°) can cause it to lose traction or get stuck.
2, Edge Cutting Limitations - Like most robotic mowers, it does not cut all the way up to walls, fences, or borders. Trimming by hand will still be necessary for a neat finish.
3, Basic Navigation - Lacks the advanced sensors and mapping that premium models have. This can result in random mowing paths, missed spots, or colliding with things occasionally.
4, Fiddly Setup - The boundary wire and base station setup is time-consuming and needs some DIY tools. New users may find this daunting, though YouTube tutorials are present to help.
5, Mixed Reliability Reports - Some users report issues over time, including docking problems, battery issues, and water ingress. These seem less frequent but are worth a mention.
6, Menu & App Confusion - The interface and instructions (particularly in the app on compatible models) can be cumbersome or poorly translated, which can lead to setup frustration.
Biggest Criticisms of the Parkside Robotic Lawnmower
Below is an in-depth analysis of some of the most common complaints reported by users and reviewers. These highlight some areas in which the Parkside mower may fall short—especially in comparison with more expensive models.
Loop Signal Losses & Docking Problems
A sample contributor had repeated "loop signal lost" errors, even after re-laying boundary wire, that locked them out of menu access, writing: "same error comes up 'loop signal lost' … I am unable to get past the PIN"
Another user posted similar docking issues "It would not connect to the dock on a couple of occasions giving the message 'replace adaptor'… I have a replacement charger on the way."
Basic Navigation, Getting Stuck & Edge Cutting Problems
A number of reviews detail how the basic navigation of the mower results in it getting stuck, especially on flowerbeds or small areas "It spent most of its time stuck in a flowerbed… I ended up paying £600 for a Bosch Indego."
A Portuguese review also remarked on uncut strips at borders "always there will be a small part at the limits that is very difficult to cut."
Poorly Written Manual & Cryptic Error Messages
Several owners commented that the instruction manual is not clear, and the on-screen messages are confusing "instruction manual is lacking in many respects. Very frustrating to get it to operate … it will not return to charging station."
A German website also commented on the unclear menu "the menu structure can be enhanced… some texts are a bit strangely translated and … an cryptic description is given rather than required resolution activity."
Resets After Rain
One customer grumbled that after the rain sensor activation and the mower returning, it lost its programmed schedule "after [rain]… it goes back to station, it deletes the schedule, it resets."
Durability & Spare Parts Problems
As with other Parkside tools, long-term durability and spare parts availability are concerns. A comment lamented that while tools function well at first, parts are hard to replace further "for devices that need semi regular maintenance… Parkside I will need to buy parts … send it for repair over courier … expensive."
Summary of Key Shortcomings
- Loop Signal & Docking - Signal losses may prevent operation or docking.
- Navigation & Getting Stuck - May struggle with complex layouts or garden borders.
- Manual & UI - Poor user manual; menus are illogical.
- Rain Behaviour - Scheduled tasks can be wiped after rain.
- Reliability & Parts - Variable quality and spares availability reported by users.
These criticisms do not apply to all users but are prevalent enough to merit stating. They are a reminder that while Parkside offers good value, it does not yet possess the finish and reliability of higher-priced robotic mowers.
Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?
The Lidl Parkside Robotic Lawnmower has made quite an impression on budget-minded consumers. At around £200 with a 3-year warranty, its value proposition is hard to argue with. For most, it's made lawn mowing a hand-free, quiet, and rather efficient task.
Realistic Expectations
But it's best to temper expectations. This isn't a premium robotic mower, and it doesn't pretend to be. On simple, flat lawns up to 500m², it performs admirably—cutting grass to an even height and mulching cuttings back onto the lawn. The automatic return-to-base and rain sensor features also add convenience, as does the swappable 20V battery that's shared with Lidl's X20V Team series.
Running into Problems
But it's not perfect. Anyone with uneven gardens, complex layouts, or steep slopes (more than 25°) will likely encounter issues. Navigation can be crude, with some trouble to dock correctly or avoid obstacles. Setup of the boundary wire is also frustrating, and the instructions have been criticized for not being sufficiently clear.
Star Ratings
Value for Money ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Ease of Use ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Performance (Flat Lawns) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Performance (Complex or Uneven Terrain) ⭐⭐ (2/5)
Build Quality & Reliability ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
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