Meet the Kress KR172E.1: A Next‑Generation Robotic Mower

The Kress KR172E.1 (often called the Mission RTKⁿ 2000) is one of Kress’s flagship robotic lawn mowers, designed for relatively large residential or semi‑commercial lawns. What sets it apart is its use of RTKⁿ satellite positioning, obstacle avoidance, and advanced path methods that eliminate the need for traditional boundary wires or on‑site antennas.

Here’s a breakdown of its key features, strengths, and potential limitations — so you (or your readers) can see whether it’s a good fit.

Key Specifications & Features

Below is a summary of what the KR172E.1 offers (drawn from Kress’s official specs and dealer listings):

FeatureDetail

Coverage areaMaximum: 3,000 m² (if cutting every 72 hours)
Recommended: 2,000 m² (if cutting more frequently)

Cutting width20 cm (with 3 blades)

Cut heightElectronically adjustable, range ~ 30 to 60 mm

Maximum slopeClaims up to 40% gradient

Weight & sizeAbout 12 kg, dimensions ~ 647 × 470 × 290 mm

Navigation & positioningRTKⁿ satellite guidance (centimeter-level) with “dead reckoning” fallback when satellite signals are weak
MAP™ (Mowing Action Plan) for efficient path planning
Multi‑zone support for mowing separate turf areas
Obstacle Avoidance System (OAS) to detect and navigate around obstructions

Connectivity & updates4G connectivity, Over‑The‑Air (OTA) firmware updates

Durability & protectionWeather‑resistant (IPX5) – can be cleaned via water spray
Anti‑theft, PIN locks, lift sensors, tracking

These features position the KR172E.1 as a high-end, precision robotic mower — especially for users who want the “wireless” robotic mowing experience.

What Makes the KR172E.1 Stand Out: Benefits & Advantages

Here are the major advantages (and “selling points”) you could highlight in your blog:

1. No boundary wires or on‑site antennas

Traditional robotic mowers often require laying a perimeter wire around the lawn, or installing a fixed reference antenna to help with navigation. The KR172E.1 does away with that. Instead, it uses Kress’s RTKⁿ network to supply corrected satellite positioning to the mower directly.

That means less installation labor, neater appearance (no buried wire), and potentially fewer restrictions on layout changes in the future.

2. High precision with fallback navigation

The centimeter-level accuracy via RTK gives very precise guidance — meaning cleaner stripes, reduced overlap, and efficient coverage.

But what if tree cover or buildings obstruct satellite signals? The mower uses dead reckoning (i.e. internal inertial sensors + odometry) to “fill in the gaps” until the satellite signal returns.This hybrid approach reduces navigation failures in tricky environments (though it’s not perfect — see “Challenges” below).

3. Efficient mowing and path planning

Its MAP™ (Mowing Action Plan) system allows the mower to chart efficient, straight-line paths (parallel mowing) rather than random or purely reactive patterns.

For multi-zone setups (e.g. front lawn, back lawn, side yards), the mower can move between zones intelligently — not just “random walk.”

4. Obstacle avoidance & adaptability

Thanks to the built-in OAS (Obstacle Avoidance System), the mower can detect and react to obstacles (e.g. garden ornaments, small trees) in its path.

Its auto-leveling blade deck helps maintain consistent cutting height even on uneven terrain, reducing turf scalping or “low spots” in the lawn.

5. Energy efficiency & regenerative braking

One neat feature is regenerative braking (RBS™). When descending slopes, the mower can convert kinetic energy back into battery charge, boosting efficiency and runtime.

6. Smart connectivity, remote control & updates

With 4G connectivity and OTA update support, the mower stays up to date without needing manual firmware installs. You can monitor status, set schedules, adjust cutting height, and manage zones via an app.

7. Clean, quiet operation

At ~59 dB (perceived sound level), it’s fairly quiet for a motorised mower, especially for the amount of technology inside.

Plus, the underbody is washable (IPX5 rating) — you can hose it down for cleaning.

Use Cases & Ideal Environments

Given its strengths and tradeoffs, the KR172E.1 is best suited for:

• Medium to large residential properties (up to ~2,000 m² recommended, but capable up to 3,000 m²)

• Sites where wireless installation is preferred (i.e. wanting to avoid buried boundary wires)

• Landscapes with multiple turf zones (front yard, back yard, side strips)

• Owners who value precision aesthetics (clean stripes, consistent coverage)

• Areas with moderate slope but not extreme terrain

• Environments with reasonable satellite visibility (some open sky) or minimal dense overhead cover

It may be less ideal for:

• Heavily forested lawns or those with thick overhangs that block GPS signals

• Extremely narrow, maze-like gardens or lawns with many tight turns

• Users who prefer fully DIY installation and zero dependence on dealers

• Very small residential lawns (where a cheaper mower might suffice)

Tips & Best Practices for Getting the Most Out of the KR172E.1

To ensure the mower performs reliably and efficiently:

• Ensure good “view of sky”: Trim back branches or shrubs that could block satellite signals over the lawn area.

• Plan zone transitions carefully: Make passages between lawn zones wide and gradual to aid navigation.

• Commission mapping with care: Work with a dealer or technician to ensure your mapping layout is optimal.

• Monitor firmware updates: Take advantage of OTA updates — they often include stability, localization, and feature improvements.

• Check slope limits on site: Mark or test the steepest areas to see if they are within the mower’s capability.

• Use geofence / anti-theft features: Engage the PIN, tracking, and anti-theft safeguards to protect your investment.

• Be aware of weak signal spots: After setup, monitor for zones where RTK signal is weak or lost — adjustments might be needed.

Conclusion

The Kress KR172E.1 is an ambitious, high-precision robotic mower that brings features traditionally reserved for commercial or premium use into the residential space. Its wireless installation, satellite-level accuracy, smart navigation, and obstacle avoidance make it an attractive option for those seeking a “set and forget” mowing solution — without the visual clutter of boundary wires.