A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right STIHL iMOW Robotic Lawnmower
- Larissa Silva
- Dec 17, 2025
- 4 min read
Choose the right model in 60 seconds
If your lawn is up to 1,500 m²
RMI 422 - best for simple, mostly flat lawns. A proven, straightforward robotic mower without app or mobile connectivity. Ideal if you want reliable automation and minimal tech.
iMOW 5 -a modern option for flat to gently sloped suburban lawns. App-controlled, quiet, and well suited to standard garden layouts.
iMOW 5 EVO - choose this if your lawn is the same size but includes steeper slopes or uneven traction areas, or if you want mobile connectivity to manage the mower remotely.
If your lawn is up to 3,000 m²
iMOW 6 - well suited to larger residential blocks with moderate complexity. Handles increased mowing time and faster grass growth on flatter terrain.
iMOW 6 EVO - the better choice for larger lawns with slopes, trickier sections, or if remote access and extra traction are important.
If your lawn is up to 4,000 m²
RMI 632 - designed for large lawns with more demanding conditions. Strong capacity and slope handling, suited to properties that need longer run times and consistent performance.
If your lawn is up to 5,000 m²
iMOW 7- built for very large lawns that are relatively straightforward. Offers maximum coverage and longer operating cycles.
iMOW 7 EVO- the top-tier option for large, sloped, or complex lawns. Best if you want the most capable iMOW with advanced traction and full remote management.
Now to the longer version. If mowing your lawn feels like that one “quick” Bunnings run that turns into a weekend project, a robotic mower starts to make a lot of sense. STIHL iMOW mowers are built for people who want a consistently tidy lawn without spending every second Saturday pushing a mower around like it’s a gym membership.
The trick is choosing the right model. Not the biggest one “just in case”, and not the smallest one that’ll be running overtime every day. Below is a practical, no-fuss guide to picking the iMOW that suits your lawn, your block, and your tolerance for garden admin.
What matters most when choosing an iMOW
1) Lawn size (m²) and how fast it grows
Start with the area you actually want maintained. If you’ve got garden beds, paths, a pool zone, or a trampoline that never moves, don’t count those. iMOW models are rated by maximum mowing area, and matching this properly is the difference between “set and forget” and “why is it always mowing?”
As a rule of thumb, give yourself headroom. If your lawn is right on the limit of a model’s maximum area, the next model up usually delivers a calmer schedule, especially in peak growth seasons.
2) Slope and tricky terrain
This one catches people out. A lawn can look flat until you put a spirit level on it.
Standard iMOW 5/6/7 models handle up to 40% gradient.
EVO models handle up to 45% gradient and can be upgraded to 55% with the iMOW Upgrade Kit 10.
If you’ve got a sloped backyard, terraced levels, or any “after rain it’s a bit slippery” zones, EVO is often the smarter pick.
3) Connectivity and how you want to control it
Think about whether you want:
WiFi / Bluetooth control (great if you’re mostly at home and your WiFi reaches the yard).
Mobile connectivity (control it from anywhere, handy for holiday homes, rentals, or just checking in while you’re out).
All the new generation iMOW units use the MY iMOW app for planning, status checks, cutting height adjustments (on supported models), and scheduling.
4) Garden layout: simple rectangle vs “obstacle course”
Robotic mowers love simple geometry. They can absolutely handle real-world gardens, but narrow corridors, multiple zones, lots of garden islands, and tight edges increase complexity.
Good news: iMOW uses a perimeter wire setup that defines the mowing area and helps it navigate back to charge. If your garden is complex, it’s worth leaning on an iMOW dealer install rather than turning your weekend into “DIY perimeter wire: the extended edition.”
5) Noise, neighbours, and mowing windows
One underrated advantage: iMOW units are quiet enough that you can run them at times you wouldn’t run a petrol mower. STIHL notes iMOW units operate at a maximum volume around 60 dB(A) (model dependent).
That means more flexibility with schedules, and fewer side-eye looks from next door.
Quick comparison table: STIHL iMOW range
Tip: “EVO” generally means more slope capability and added connectivity options, especially mobile access.
Model | Max lawn area | Max gradient | Connectivity | Best for |
up to 1,500 m² | up to 40% | WiFi / Bluetooth (app control) | small to medium lawns, flatter blocks | |
up to 1,500 m² | up to 45% (55% with kit) | mobile connectivity + app control | same size lawns as 5, but steeper or more demanding terrain | |
up to 3,000 m² | up to 40% | app control (WiFi / Bluetooth) | bigger backyards, faster growth, simple to medium layouts | |
up to 3,000 m² | up to 45% (55% with kit) | mobile connectivity | larger lawns with slopes or remote management needs | |
up to 5,000 m² | up to 40% | app control | large lawns, longer run time, flatter sites | |
up to 5,000 m² | up to 45% (55% with kit) | mobile connectivity | large, sloped or complex lawns, premium hands-off setup | |
up to 1,500 m² | up to 40% | on-unit control | value-focused option for medium lawns | |
up to 4,000 m² | up to 45% | on-unit control with dynamic plan | large lawns needing high capacity and slope ability |
Installation: the part you should not wing if your yard is complicated
STIHL iMOW systems use a perimeter wire (and guide wire) to define the mowing area and assist navigation. You can DIY install, but if you have any of the below we recommend having one of our installation technicians:
multiple lawn zones
tight access areas
lots of garden beds, edging, or obstacles
sloped sections that need careful planning
Dealer installation can save a lot of time and give you a cleaner result from day one. Get in touch with us if you would like to learn more (02) 9518 1899 or info@stihlstanmore.com.au
The “final boss” checklist before you buy
Before you choose your model, make sure you know:
Your mowing area in m² (rough is fine)
Your steepest slope section (even approximate)
Whether you want remote control via mobile, or local control is enough
Any layout quirks: narrow runs, multiple zones, lots of obstacles
Where your docking station can live (power access matters)
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