Back in 2022, we first heard about Toro’s Smartyard initiative, including what we now know as the Toro Haven Robotic Lawn Mower. As a key component in Toro’s Haven Smartyard system, it is notably different from other robotic mowers we’ve seen and used.
What’s Different About the Toro Haven Robotic Lawn Mower
Where We Came From
The basic form factor and function of robotic lawn mowers came along years ahead of the best methods to define their mowing areas. They could avoid obstacles and keep people safe from spinning blades without a problem, but early guidance systems required a boundary wire. In some cases, and there was also an additional guide wire.
By sensing its boundaries and distance from its base station using those wires, a robotic mower could run into the boundary, back up, rotate a predetermined angle based on an algorithm, and then continue forward until it hit the boundary wire again.
It worked, but was far from being the most efficient use of the mower’s battery and didn’t always leave an even cut across the entire lawn.
The most obvious solution was GPS. If the mower could triangulate its position using a GPS signal, and supported by locator beacons on the property, it would eliminate the need for the boundary wire and use mapping instead. Just as long as it has a clear line of sight to the sky.
Unfortunately, the development of that technology has been slower than we anticipated.
Where Toro is Taking Us
The Toro Haven robotic lawn mower scraps both wires and GPS guidance systems. Instead, it uses cameras. Yes, the humble camera.
You start by taking your mower for a walk around the boundaries of your mowing areas. The mower uses its camera to understand its position based on visual indicators. By looking at multiple visual points, the mower can triangulate its position very similar to the way it would using multiple GPS satellites. Technically, this is called 3D point cloud mapping.
And don’t worry about things like cars or toys that might not be in the same place when the mower is working. The software knows how to adjust for them.
Plus, the cameras are night-capable, so you can let your mower quietly work while everyone else is asleep.
Without a wire to follow, the mower can move across obstacles like sidewalks and driveways instead of having to find a way around on the grass.
Without the need for a clear line of sight to the sky, you don’t have to worry about cloud cover or tree foliage messing with your mower’s accuracy or skipping mowings until the sky clears.
It’s a brilliant solution to deal with the common guidance problems in the robotic mower space.
Noteworthy Features of the Toro Haven Robotic Lawn Mower
As part of the Haven Smartyard system, the app and base Hub are key components to get the most out of it. Using the app, you can customize your mowing schedule or let the Smart Scheduler recommend the best times for you. The system is also able to push firmware updates, ensuring your mower’s software is always up to date.
If you’re in a region like the Southeast that experiences a lot of rainfall, you can still take advantage of this mower. It has an IPX6 rating that can handle the rain.
Slopes are no problem, either. With the grip of the wheels and low center of gravity, the mower can handle slopes up to 25°.
And if you’re worried about thieves, there’s a built-in theft deterrence system that will make them think twice. There are also collision and lift sensors as safety precautions in case your children or their friends get a little too curious about your mower.
Additional Highlights
- App-based setup makes DIY installation easy
- Strategic, efficient mowing patterns set within each mowing zone
- Daily microcutting constantly returns nutrients to your lawn and give your lawn a fresh cut look every day
Toro Haven Robotic Lawn Mower Price
There are two models launching in Spring 2025 to suit different lawn sizes. The VM75 covers lawns up to 0.75 acres and costs $3499. The VM125 covers up to 1.25 acres with a bigger battery and faster speeds. It costs $3999.
Keep in mind those are actual lawn coverages, not lot sizes. If you’re on a 1.5-acre lot and the house, pool, landscaping, driveway, and outdoor living space take up 0.4 acres, you only have 1.1 acres of lawn to cut.
The Haven Smartyard is More Than A Mower
There’s more to the Toro Haven system than just the robotic lawn mower. Outdoor lighting is on the way as well as integration with underground irrigation systems. There’s also an outdoor smart plug.
All of these connect through the Hub and have a variety of app-based controls, automated functions, and other features. It’s all part of Toro’s vision for a automated, functional lawn that lets you spend more time enjoying your outdoor living space and less time maintaining it. It’s not just your yard, it’s your Haven.
