Petrol-powered mowers are typically as loud as 90-100 dB. Kress robot mowers are some 60 dB loud (depending on the model). But don’t jump to rash conclusions: this doesn’t mean they are 40% quieter than manned mowers. One dB (decibel) is one-tenth of a bel, a logarithmic unit of measurement for sound intensity named in honor of the scientist Alexander Graham Bell. Logarithmic scales are used in mathematics to represent values that vary over a broad range, such as the difference between the least audible and the loudest sound. 

Another example of a logarithmic scale is the Richter scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes. Each whole number in the 1 to 10 Richter scale represents a tenfold increase in the size of the earthquake. An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 is ten times larger than an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.0. So what’s the sound pressure difference between a 60 dB robot mower and a 100 dB petrol-powered mower? A 100 dB noise is about one thousand times greater than the sound pressure of a 60 dB noise.

Turfgrass experts recommend mowing the lawn as frequently as possible for several reasons. Frequent mowing helps promote healthy growth of the turfgrass by stimulating the plants to produce new shoots and blades. It also prevents the buildup of thatch, the layer of dead grass and other organic matter that accumulates at the base of the grass blades. Excessive thatch can interfere with water and nutrient absorption, leading to poor turfgrass health. Moreover, frequent mowing controls the propagation of weeds, by removing the flowering parts of the plants before they have a chance to produce seeds and spread. Furthermore, infrequent mowing puts stress on the grass plants by removing too much of the leaf surface at once. 

As a result, the grass will devote all its energy to building the leaf instead of promoting root growth. Finally, daily mowing drops the very tips of the grass blades on the ground. These tips are rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are essential for healthy plant growth. These nutrients are quickly recycled back into the soil and made available for uptake by the grass roots, a process known as “grasscycling”. In addition to providing nutrients, fine grass clippings also help to improve soil structure and water-holding capacity. The decomposition of the tips can also help to stimulate microbial activity in the soil, which can further enhance nutrient cycling and soil health.

Petrol-operated lawnmowers emit a number of toxins that are dangerous for the human body. Carbon monoxide (CO) causes headaches, dizziness, and nausea, and in high concentrations, it can even lead to death. Exposure to nitrogen oxides (NOx) causes respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can cause respiratory problems and aggravate asthma and other lung conditions. Particulate matter (PM) is responsible for respiratory and cardiovascular issues, cancer, and premature death. Internal combustion engines’ emissions are not only dangerous for human beings, they are also responsible for climate change. 

Carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse Petrol that is produced when fuels are burned, traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to global warming. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other pollutants can also react with sunlight and other compounds in the atmosphere to form greenhouse gasses, such as ozone and methane. Switching to Kress autonomous lawn mowers will bring the emissions down to zero, benefiting human health and the environment.

Starting from the early 90s, hotel’s towel reuse program has not only saved a significant amount of water and energy but has also contributed to raising awareness among millions of guests about the importance of simple daily practices in protecting the environment. Resort facility managers can now go one step further with Kress zero emissions lawn maintenance.

When heavy machinery is used to mow grass, the weight of the machine compacts the soil, reducing the amount of space between soil particles. Soil compaction makes it more difficult for air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil, which leads to a number of negative effects:

• Reduced root growth and development due to poor soil aeration and drainage
• Increased risk of turf diseases and pest infestations due to stress and reduced vigor
• Poor water infiltration and drainage, which can lead to standing water and surface runoff
• Reduced turf density and coverage, which can impact the playability and aesthetics of the field
• Increased maintenance requirements and costs to address soil compaction and other turf issues

Weighting a small fraction of any tractor, a Kress Mission robotic lawn mower will substantially improve the quality of the pitch, extend the lifespan of the turf and reduce the need for frequent, expensive renovation and replacement.