Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of using automated mowers on a golf course?

• Consistent Cut: Achieve a perfectly uniform cut every time, improving playing surface quality.

• Reduced Labor Costs: Free up staff for other essential tasks.

• Lower Operating Costs: Reduce fuel and maintenance expenses.

• Environmentally Friendly: Lower emissions compared to traditional gas mowers.

• Quieter Operation: Minimize noise disruption to golfers.

• Improved Turf Health: Frequent, small clippings act as natural fertilizer.

What happens if a mower breaks down?

We provide on-call service and proactively monitor the mowers remotely. This allows us to address most issues quickly, often before you even notice them. Our all-inclusive maintenance covers all repairs and replacements.

How do you ensure the mowers don't interfere with golfers?

The automated mowers operate quietly and can be programmed to mow during off-peak hours or specific areas, minimizing disruption to play.

How much do your services cost?

We operate on an all-inclusive subscription pricing model. Our pricing varies depending on your specific lawn mowing needs.

Contact us for a free consultation and quote.

How can I contact you?

You can reach us by phone or by e-mail. We are always happy to answer your questions. See our contact page for details.

Can the mowers operate when it is wet or dark?

Yes! The automowers can operate in wet conditions and at night.

Why Choose Albatross Automation?

We make switching to automated mowing easy and cost-effective for Okanagan golf courses. Here's why:

• Local Expertise, Personalized Service: As a Kelowna-based company, we understand the unique needs of Okanagan golf courses and provide personalized, dedicated service.

• Autonomous Technology Experts: Our co-founder, a professional engineer with 6+ years in autonomous vehicles, ensures expert design, installation, and maintenance of your system.

• Hassle-Free Transition and Ongoing Support: We handle everything – from mower selection and installation to ongoing recalibration and maintenance – so you don't have to.

• Predictable Budgeting with Subscription Model: Our all-inclusive subscription eliminates large upfront costs, providing predictable monthly expenses and maximizing your ROI by reducing labor, fuel, and maintenance costs.

• Focus on What Matters Most: Free up your staff to focus on core course management while we handle the mowing.

• Reliable Technology, Exceptional Results: We partner with industry-leading automower companies, to deliver consistent, high-quality results.

What about slopes and uneven terrain?

The automowers are designed to handle most slopes and uneven terrain commonly found on golf courses (up to a 70% grade, depending on the model). We select the appropriate models based on your course's specific topography.

How do the mowers know where to cut?

We program the mower using GPS technology, accurate to 2cm. We create different mowing areas that can be used to schedule different patterns to cut different areas at different heights, creating a tailored cut to your courses' needs.

Will your automowing work at my golf course?

Most likely! We provide a free site analysis. Contact us to set up your free consultation .

What height do you cut grass at?

The height of the lawnmower is variable, handling 0.4in to 2.4in in height (perfect for fairways, rough or clubhouse areas).

What mowers do you use?

We choose from a selection of industry-leading automated mowers to select the right fleet of mowers for your course.

How do the mowers handle pine cones or golf balls?

We had the same question, so we tested them! The mowers will roll over both pine cones and golf balls without damage to the grass or mowers (and without leaving a mess). Pine cones might lose a scale or two, but will remain generally in tact. Golf balls will look practically untouched. Our recommendation is to scan the mowing area at the end of each day or before cutting begins for small objects, but if you miss a few or forget, the mow will go on!

How do the automated mowers handle objects on the grass?

Depending on the objects on your course, we can choose the right mower and setup to handle your conditions. Large branches will be detected and avoided. Sprinkler heads can have a perimeter programmed to mow around. And for smaller objects like pinecones or golf balls, read the next FAQ.

Can the automated mowers mow a specific pattern?

Absolutely! They can do parallel stripes, checkered, diamond and even custom patterns (and are much more consistent than human-operated mowers).