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Rating: 4/5
One of my favorite things about the Ecovacs GOAT A3000 is that it doesn’t require the awkward ground antenna that so many other robot mowers depend on. Instead, the base station can be set up anywhere that’s within Wi-Fi range. Mine lives on my patio, which keeps it out of the elements, and I’m even thinking about building a little “garage” disguised as a planter—part protection, part lawn décor.
Setup couldn’t be easier. There are no guide wires to bury and no posts to install. All you do is drive the mower around using the app to teach it your lawn’s edges. You can create multiple zones, too, which is perfect for the layout of my property. I’ve mapped the main backyard, two long strips along the sides of the house, and three small patches out front.
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Ecovacs GOAT A3000 LiDAR
The app itself is well-designed. While there’s a short delay when I first open the mower controls (I also have the Ecovacs vacuum/mop, so I think it’s a universal quirk), the interface is intuitive and loaded with options. Adjustable cutting heights, flexible scheduling, and manual controls give you plenty of ways to tailor its routine. The app also makes it easy to send the mower out for extra passes, pause a job, or change zones on the fly.
Performance-wise, it’s a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to cutting the thick, bouncy St. Augustine grass I’m working with here in Florida. In my open backyard (which is basically a big square with one circular tree bed), it does a great job. But in the tighter, oddly shaped front patches, it sometimes leaves behind random uncut areas. Tall weeds or stray grass shoots can trigger its plant-avoidance sensors, so I’ve learned to snip those before sending it out. Even then, there are days when it comes back, having taken a more “abstract art” approach to mowing. When that happens, I simply send it out for a second run, and it almost always cleans things up.
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila 
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila 
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila 
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila 
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila 
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila 
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila 
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila 
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila 
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila
Maintenance has been a breeze. The GOAT is easy to clean, and the blades are quick to swap out when they start to dull. After more than 2 months of testing, the only recurring issue has been the occasional missed patches—which, to be fair, other brands have also struggled with on my lawn type. The biggest benefit? I’m no longer baking in the Florida sun on weekend afternoons. The mower takes care of the heavy lifting, and I just finish the edges for a polished look.
At $2,999, the GOAT A3000 is definitely an investment, but it’s designed to handle up to three-quarters of an acre, so the coverage is impressive. If you don’t need that much range, Ecovacs offers less expensive models (like the A2500) that use the same wire-free setup and app controls. For me, the combination of smart mapping, hassle-free installation, and the ability to mow in the background while I do literally anything else makes it a win, quirks and all.
Where to Buy the Ecovacs GOAT A3000 LiDAR Robot Lawn Mower
Get the Ecovacs GOAT A3000 LiDAR at:
