The short version
Key points
- The Luba 2 1000 AWD was reviewed at an Australian price of $3,299.
- RTK positioning and the separate antenna provide accurate navigation without boundary wires.
- The mower can manage multiple zones and travel corridors between them.
- All-wheel drive helps it handle muddy ground and slopes up to 38 degrees.
- Its 400 mm cutting width and adjustable 25 mm to 70 mm cutting height suit larger lawns and taller grass.
Flexible app, with some setup issues
The Mammotion app allows flexible mapping and mowing setup, with fewer restrictions than some competing products. However, its appearance was described as dated and not fully consistent with the company’s marketing images.
Firmware updates and connectivity caused some difficulties during testing. Bluetooth connections repeatedly disconnected on phones, while Wi-Fi setup required a 2.4 GHz network rather than a mesh or 5 GHz connection. A SIM card can be installed for additional connectivity, but a mobile plan must be provided separately. Internet access is mainly needed for remote access when the mower is outside Bluetooth or Wi-Fi range, and for firmware updates.
Strong performance on difficult terrain
The Luba 2 has an all-wheel-drive design that gives it strong traction on muddy ground and helps it climb slopes up to 38 degrees. Its sharp turning ability and multi-directional front wheels also help it manoeuvre around obstacles and uneven sections.
During testing, the mower handled tall grass without first requiring a conventional mowing pass. Its 400 mm cutting width uses two spinning discs with four blades each, helping it cover more ground in one pass. The cutting height can be adjusted automatically from 25 mm to 70 mm.
Edge cutting remains limited, as with other robot mowers. A small plastic lip guides some extra grass towards the blades, but it does not provide the same finish as a whipper snipper.
Obstacle avoidance and reliability
The mower uses binocular vision, ultrasonic radar and a bumper system to avoid objects such as trees, pots, dogs and letterboxes. It generally backs up after contacting an object and then resumes its mowing process. Dog waste can still get under the wheels, which remains a potential issue shared with other robot mowers.
The review did not record the Luba 2 becoming stuck, including in sandy or difficult areas. Its aggressive all-wheel-drive tyres can, however, damage weak sections of ground by digging into them. The mower can be driven manually through the app, which may help with areas that require additional attention.
Capacity, price and intended user
The Luba 2 1000 is rated for areas up to 1,000 square metres. Its stated runtime is up to two hours per charge, with approximately 90 minutes required to recharge. The mower can then return to the location where it stopped and continue cutting. Larger Luba models offer greater area capacity and battery power, but cost more, with the top model mentioned at $4,599 in Australia.
The charging dock was considered relatively basic for a mower at this price, while the separate RTK station has an IPX7 rating. The mower and charging dock have an IPX6 rating. Optional accessories mentioned include a wall mount kit priced at $119 and replacement blades priced at $39.
TechManPat’s conclusion
Pat’s view: I would not buy the Luba 2 for my own property because it would be overkill for a small backyard and a lawn without hills. I consider it the best robot mower tested and would recommend it for large properties, steep terrain and situations where its all-wheel-drive capability, strong navigation and ability to cut tall grass justify the $3,299 price. For most suburban homes, the mower is likely more capable and expensive than necessary.
This knowledge-centre summary is based on the linked TechManPat video and reflects the information available when it was published. Check current pricing, availability and policies before acting.
