Say Hello to Kress KR173E.1 Robotic Mower
Meet the Lawn’s New Best Friend: The Kress KR173E.1 Robotic Mower
If your weekends are filled with pushing a mower, dealing with edges, checking wires, and trying to dodge sprinkler heads — what if there were a smarter way? Enter the Kress KR173E.1: a satellite‑guided, wire‑free robotic mower designed to give you back your weekends — and deliver a perfectly trimmed lawn while you relax.
In this post, we'll walk through what the KR173E.1 offers (in Aussie terms), where it shines, things to watch out for, and whether it might be a fit for your yard.
What Is the Kress KR173E.1?
The Kress KR173E.1 (a variant of their “Mission RTKn / KR173E” series) is part of Kress’s line of robotic mowers that use RTKⁿ (Real Time Kinematic Network) satellite positioning instead of relying on buried boundary wires.
Here are some of the headline features (as advertised for the Australian market):
Satellite‑guided mowing with centimetre‑level accuracy, no need for perimeter wires or fixed antennas on your property.
Coverage / capacity: marketed for up to 5,000 m² (with “recommended” coverage of 3,000 m²)
Obstacle Avoidance System (OAS) to detect and avoid objects in its path
Multi‑zone management: it can move between different lawn areas (e.g. front yard & backyard) intelligently
Systematic mowing (parallel lines) rather than purely random routes, for more efficient coverage
Electronic cutting height adjustment / self‑levelling blade disc for uneven terrain
Anti‑theft / PIN code / lift sensors built in
OTA (over the air) updates, USB, and app control
Specs (approximate, as per Freshwater Small Engines listing):
• Physical dimensions ~ 647 × 470 × 290 mm
• Weight ~ 12.2 kg
• Battery: Li‑Ion, 20 V, 4 Ah
• Cutting width ~ 20 cm
• Cutting height: 30–60 mm (adjustable)
• Maximum slope handling ~ 40%
• Sound level ~ 59 dB
• Water resistance: IPX5 (meaning it tolerates a hose spray)
Pricing in Australia (as of this writing) for the KR173E.1 is listed around AUD $6,299 incl. GST, with promotional pricing sometimes bringing it to $4,999 at some retailers.
Why Australians Might Love It (Pros & Use Cases)
1. No wires = lower maintenance / less hassle
One of the biggest headaches of many robotic mowers is burying and maintaining boundary wires. Because the KR173E.1 uses satellite-based positioning, you avoid the fuss of digging trenches or avoiding wire cuts.
This is particularly helpful in Aussie yards with roots, rocky soil, or renovations, where wire damage is a real risk.
2. Covers large lawns
If your block is in the “big-lot” tail of suburban Australia — say 1,500 to 5,000 m² — this mower is built precisely for that scale. The “recommended” usage is 3,000 m² (with 5,000 m² as upper bound)
3. Smarter navigation & obstacle handling
Compared to older random-path bots, the KR173E.1’s systematic mowing helps reduce overlap, missed patches, and improves efficiency. The built-in obstacle avoidance helps it respond better to garden features, toys, pets, etc.
4. Remote management, updates & future proofing
With app control and OTA firmware updates, Kress can push improvements over time, making your investment more future‑resilient.
5. Quieter & more frequent mowing
Because robots mow frequently and in smaller amounts, rather than letting grass run wild and cutting deep, the results are often neater and with less stress on the turf. And 59 dB is reasonably quiet for a mower of this size.
Things to Be Mindful Of (Potential Drawbacks & Considerations)
While the KR173E.1 is impressive, it’s not a magic bullet. Here are things you should check or watch out for:
1. RTKn network coverage & positioning limitations
Because the mower depends on satellite + ground reference stations (RTKn), signal quality and availability matter. In some cases, if you're too far from a reference station, or interference is present, performance could degrade. Some users abroad report concerns about signal reliability and needing to install a local antenna or receiver.
You should check whether the RTKn service coverage is robust in your area (especially in semi‑rural or bush blocks). Also, steep terrain, dense tree cover, or metal structures could interfere.
2. Initial setup and mapping effort
Even though you don’t need to bury wires, there will be an initial mapping/setup phase (defining zones, scanning, calibrating) before it can mow effectively. This may require professional installation or guidance.
3. Slope limits & terrain quirks
It handles up to ~40% slopes (which is steep in some landscapes), but extremely uneven terrain, terraces, retaining walls, or sudden drop-offs may challenge it. If your yard has steep banks, dramatic elevation changes, or narrow sharp turns, these must be assessed.
4. Grass types & density
Australian lawns can include tough varieties—couch, kikuyu, buffel, etc. If the grass is very dense, high, or stiff, the robot might struggle or slip. Also, very thick grass might require occasional “reset” cuts with a regular mower first. Some users of robot mowers on dense turf report issues.
5. Cost & ROI
At ~$6,000 (or promotional ~5,000), it’s a premium investment. Compare what you currently spend on labour, fuel, maintenance, your time, and replacement mowers. For large properties, the cost may be justified, but for smaller blocks it may be overkill.
6. Dependence on software & updates
Because much of its intelligence is software-based (GPS, mapping, obstacle logic), bugs or software issues could affect reliability. That said, OTA updates are a plus, but you should buy from a reputable dealer who supports servicing.
7. Parts, support & dealer network in Australia
A system is only as solid as its support. Make sure you have local dealers who can fix, service, or replace parts. Confirm warranty details. The Australian Kress site lists the KR173E.1 and shows local pricing and dealer network.
Tips for Getting the Best Out of Your KR173E.1 in Australia
Plan installation timing: Do your setup in mild weather. Avoid the heat or heavy rains during the first mapping stages.
Clear obstacles, debris & hidden hazards: Remove sticks, children’s toys, hoses, sprinkler heads, etc., so the mower can get a clean run during learning periods.
Initial “boost” mow: On thick or overgrown grass, mow with a conventional mower first to reduce height/density before letting the robot take over.
Check zones & paths: Use the app to define “no-go zones” or sensitive garden beds. Test runs first in slow or safe mode.
Keep firmware updated: Let OTA updates roll out. Newer software may improve navigation or obstacle handling.
Seasonal adjustments: In wet seasons or heavy growth, you might need more frequent mowing settings. In dry seasons, back off a little.
Check battery & blades: Monitor blade sharpness, battery health, and keep spare blades. While the mower is designed to run autonomously, sensible maintenance extends its life.
Security precautions: Enable PIN/lock features, and ideally place it where theft risk is low during idle periods.
Final Thoughts
The Kress KR173E.1 is a compelling option for Australians with medium‑to‑large lawns who want a high-end, wire‑free robotic mowing solution. Its satellite navigation, systematic mowing, obstacle avoidance, and app control make it a high-technology choice in the robotic mower space.