The market for robot lawn mowers is becoming more and more extensive, with numerous brands and references available for all budgets. Ecovacs is not new to this and is expanding its range with the new Goat G1-2000, its most complete mower. It comes with a garage and numerous beacons, allowing it to cover up to 2,000 m2 in two days.
Ecovacs is one of the leaders in the field of robot vacuum cleaners, offering numerous models that are fully autonomous and capable of finding their way in space on their own. It is on this basis that the manufacturer from the Middle Kingdom launched into the field of robot mowers, by adapting its navigation and obstacle detection technologies to the garden.
We recently tested the excellent Goat GX-600, capable of finding its way without requiring any installation, but somewhat limited in the customization and configuration it offers. Today we are tackling the G1-2000, the most high-end model in the G1 line. This differs from the GX series, notably in the use of navigation beacons, multiple cameras and advanced customization options.
Among the three models, the differences are only in battery capacity, allowing mowing between 800 and 2,000 m2, but also in terms of accessories. Indeed, the G1-2000 comes with a garage and a 4G module, which are optional on other models in the range.
A refined design
The aesthetics of the Goat G1-2000 are well crafted, giving it a high-end appearance. The robot sports silver and black tones, with modern curves that fit elegantly into your garden. On the top, a red STOP button allows you to interrupt mowing in an emergency. There is also a control panel and a screen hidden under a cover, allowing you to control the robot and adjust the cutting height.
The different navigation modules are visible, notably the antenna at the rear, but also the multiple cameras, including one located above the bumper, as well as another panoramic sensor placed on top. These ensure reliable navigation, as well as precise recognition of lawn boundaries and obstacles.
The wheels of the Goat G1-2000 are robust, with a notched design, which ensures good grip on different types of terrain, including slopes of up to 40% or 21º incline. Under the robot, the 22 cm cutting disc is equipped with three blades. It is positioned in the center, ensuring a uniform cut, without reaching the edges.
The G1-2000 comes with four navigation beacons to place on the lawn. Their appearance is modern and sober, featuring white and silver colors. However, they are quite visible, measuring 48cm high, somewhat detracting from the appearance of the garden.
The station is also refined, unlike most other robot lawn mowers. It takes the shape of a small house or a niche. Its upper part opens to provide storage space for blades and other accessories.
The G1-2000 also comes with a garage. This adds a canopy to protect the station and the robot from bad weather and dirt. It has two faux wood side panels, adding a premium touch to your garden.
Quick installation
Getting the Ecovacs Goat G1-2000 started only takes a few minutes. The process is guided through the Ecovacs application, both for the physical installation of the robot and the station and for the configuration. This step notably includes the pairing and positioning of the beacons, unlike most competing models. It is also necessary to install at least two, and potentially more depending on the shape and size of your lawn. On the other hand, it is not necessary to place the station on the lawn, unlike the Goat GX-600.
Garden mapping is made simple, since it can be fully automated using the robot’s built-in cameras, just like the GX-600 does. It is of course possible to do this manually, by controlling the robot using your smartphone and moving it along the edges. You can create up to 16 zones, including no-go zones and paths.
A simple app
The Ecovacs Goat G1-2000 is particularly well connected, benefiting from Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and even an onboard 4G module.
The Ecovacs app is the main way to control the mower. It is easy to use and allows you to quickly view its status and mowing statistics. It is also possible to start mowing, whether overall or for a particular area. It is also possible to start mowing the edges, and even control the robot while it mows, in particular to make it pass over a particular area.
The application also allows you to create a mowing or monitoring schedule. This option makes the robot patrol your garden to notify you if it detects a human. This is very practical if you are on vacation and want to keep an eye on your garden.
The parameters are adjustable, including the mowing speed, between delicate or fast, but also the direction of mowing. However, this cannot be adjusted automatically and you must either think about modifying it manually, or settle for a direction that does not change.
You can also choose a nighttime time slot during which the robot does not mow, which avoids harming animals that may be in the garden. You can also adjust the obstacle avoidance settings to account for objects taller than 10, 15, or 20 cm. It is also possible to suspend mowing when it rains and activate a monitoring mode, allowing you to be notified if the robot detects a human presence within seven meters of the station.
As for the control panel, it allows you to start mowing, adjust most parameters and even suspend a mowing schedule.
The Goat G1-2000 is of course compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to start a mowing cycle from your sofa.
Precise and efficient mowing
The Ecovacs Goat GX-2000 offers remarkable mowing performance. Grass is cut precisely, with no missed areas or cutting defects. The entire lawn is covered, without requiring a grid passage. The cutting height is adjustable directly on the robot, ranging from 30mm to 60mm, in 25mm increments. Unfortunately, it is not possible to modify this setting remotely, since it is exclusively mechanical.
Borders and corners are well trimmed, and only a few centimeters are left uncut if the border runs along a wall or boundary. However, we regret the fact that, unlike the Dreame A1, the Goat G1-2000 does not leave beautiful parallel stripes on the lawn.
The Ecovacs Goat G1-2000 is a very quiet mower, emitting only 59 dB when mowing. This is barely audible, allowing it not to disturb the neighborhood and even to operate at night.
In terms of autonomy, the mower can mow up to 1,000 square meters in a day. It can automatically return to its charging station and resume work once fully charged, covering up to 2000 square meters in two days.
Precise and reliable navigation
The navigation capabilities of the Ecovacs G1-2000 are excellent. Indeed, unlike certain other mowers, such as the Stiga A 1500, which require several GPS satellites to be captured before operating, this one locates itself precisely and instantly. Navigation markers help it measure distances efficiently while mowing, while cameras help confirm the location of curbs along the path.
These also allow it to detect and avoid obstacles such as pipes, trees and garden furniture. This ensures that the robot does not collide with them and also allows it to detect flower beds as they move.
However, she is sometimes too cautious and takes a significant margin around obstacles, some of which are sometimes imaginary.
Very simple maintenance
Maintaining the Ecovacs G1-2000 is particularly simple. Its IPX6 certification gives it resistance to bad weather and water. Simply rinse it back to beauty, including its wheels and blades, to remove grass, dirt and mud.
The garage helps keep the mower clean when parked, while adding a touch of aesthetics to your garden. Additionally, the station has built-in brushes that clean the robot’s cameras before each cycle, ensuring that it constantly has good visibility over the lawn.
Price and availability
The Ecovacs Goat G1-2000 is available on Amazon and directly from Ecovacs for 2,000 euros, excluding promotion. Currently, a discount allows you to benefit from a more attractive price of 1800 euros.
It is a reasonable price, especially given the numerous accessories offered and the mowing performance offered by the mower.
