Flymo Easilife 800: Complete Guide to Features and Performance

What this guide covers

• Technical specifications and cutting capacity
• How the Flymo Easilife 800 operates and navigates your lawn
• Installation and boundary wire setup
• Maintenance requirements and battery life
• Real-world performance on different lawn types
• Comparison with other Flymo models
• Troubleshooting common issues

What is the Flymo Easilife 800?

The Flymo Easilife 800 is a mid-range robotic lawn mower designed for UK gardens. It handles lawns up to 800 square metres. This model sits between the smaller Flymo Easilife 500 and larger options in the Flymo range.

Flymo is a well-established British brand with decades of lawn care expertise. The Easilife 800 brings automated cutting to gardens without requiring constant user input. Once set up, it operates independently.

The mower uses a boundary wire system to define your lawn edges. It then travels within this perimeter, cutting grass into small clippings that fall back onto the soil. This mulching action returns nutrients to your lawn naturally.

Key Specifications of the Flymo Easilife 800

The cutting height adjusts from 20mm to 60mm. This range suits different grass types and seasonal requirements. Lower settings work for formal lawns. Higher settings protect grass during dry periods.

Weight sits at approximately 4.5kg. This light design allows the mower to operate on softer ground without causing compaction damage.

How Does the Flymo Easilife 800 Work?

Boundary Wire System

Installation starts with laying a boundary wire around your lawn perimeter. This wire creates an invisible fence. The mower detects this wire and knows where to stop.

You'll need approximately 160 metres of boundary wire for an 800m² garden. The wire connects to a base station that powers it. This system is completely safe. The wire carries a low-voltage signal that poses no risk to people or pets.

Corners and edges require careful wire placement. Curved sections need gentle bends to avoid kinks. Most users complete installation in 2-3 hours depending on garden complexity.

Navigation and Cutting Pattern

Unlike GPS-guided robot mowers, the Flymo Easilife 800 uses a random cutting pattern. It travels in unpredictable routes within the boundary area. This approach prevents visible tramlines and ensures even coverage.

The mower operates on a timer. You set how many hours daily it should work. Most owners run it for 2-4 hours per day during growing season. This frequent cutting keeps grass short and manageable.

Sensors detect obstacles and steep slopes. The mower reverses when it hits something. This prevents damage to garden furniture and plants.

Setting Up Your Flymo Easilife 800

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Unpack the mower and check all components are present
2. Charge the battery fully before first use
3. Plan your boundary wire route around the lawn perimeter
4. Lay the boundary wire, securing it with pegs every 1-2 metres
5. Connect the wire to the base station
6. Place the mower on the charging dock
7. Set the timer and cutting height via the control panel
8. Allow the mower to complete its first cycle

Base Station Placement

Position the charging dock on level ground. It needs access to a power outlet. The dock should sit in a shaded area if possible. Direct sunlight on the dock can reduce charging efficiency.

Leave at least 1.5 metres of clear space in front of the dock. The mower needs room to exit and enter without obstruction. Avoid placing the dock where water pools after rain.

Battery Performance and Charging

The lithium-ion battery holds charge well between cuts. A full charge provides approximately 90-120 minutes of cutting time. This covers most lawns in a single session.

Battery life degrades gradually over years. Most users report 80% capacity after 3-4 years of regular use. Replacement batteries cost between £80-120.

Cold weather reduces battery performance. In winter, expect 20-30% less runtime. The mower automatically returns to the dock when battery drops to 20%. This prevents it getting stranded mid-lawn.

Cutting Performance and Results

Grass Quality

The Flymo Easilife 800 produces clean cuts with minimal tearing. The blade rotates at high speed, creating a scissor-like action. This differs from rough terrain mowers that use impact cutting.

Blade sharpness matters significantly. Dull blades tear grass, causing brown tips. Replace blades annually or after 50 operating hours. Sharp blades cost £15-25 per set.

Cutting frequency prevents overgrowth. Running the mower daily keeps grass 25-35mm tall. This length looks neat and stays healthy. Longer intervals between cuts produce longer grass that looks less manicured.

Coverage on Different Lawn Types

The mower handles flat lawns excellently. It struggles on slopes steeper than 25 degrees. Soft, waterlogged ground can cause the mower to sink slightly, but it recovers easily.

Patchy lawns with bare spots work fine. The mower skips over dead areas without issue. Moss and weeds don't affect operation. The mower cuts whatever grows, whether grass or weeds.

Maintenance Requirements

Regular Tasks

• Clean the cutting deck weekly during growing season
• Check the boundary wire for damage monthly
• Inspect wheels and sensors for debris
• Replace cutting blades annually
• Drain the battery fully before winter storage

Seasonal Care

Spring preparation involves checking the boundary wire for winter damage. Test the mower on a small area before full operation. Clean the dock and ensure all connections are secure.

Summer maintenance focuses on blade sharpness. Dull blades reduce cutting quality. Check blades every 2-3 weeks during peak growing season.

Autumn requires removing fallen leaves from the lawn. Leaves block sensors and clog the cutting deck. Rake regularly or wait for leaves to decompose.

Winter storage means charging the battery fully, then storing it in a cool, dry place. Remove the mower from the dock. Store indoors if possible to prevent frost damage.

Comparing Flymo Easilife Models

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Mower Won't Start

Check the battery charge level first. The mower won't operate if battery drops below 20%. Place it on the dock to charge fully. Verify the dock has power by checking the LED indicator light.

Inspect the safety switch. The mower has a safety mechanism that prevents operation if lifted. Ensure the switch activates when you press the mower down.

Uneven Cutting

Dull blades cause uneven results. Replace them immediately. Worn wheels can also cause uneven cutting. Check wheel condition and replace if damaged.

Soft ground can cause the mower to tilt slightly. Improve drainage in waterlogged areas. Consider adding a gravel path or stepping stones to problem areas.

Boundary Wire Issues

The mower ignores the boundary if the wire is broken. Walk the perimeter checking for cuts or damage. Repair breaks with wire connectors available in repair kits.

Wet grass can interfere with wire detection. Avoid running the mower immediately after heavy rain. Wait 2-3 hours for the lawn to dry slightly.

Is the Flymo Easilife 800 Right for You?

Best For

• Gardens between 600-800m² in size
• Owners wanting low-maintenance lawn care
• Flat to gently sloping gardens
• People with regular grass types
• Budget-conscious buyers seeking reliability

Not Ideal For

• Very steep or hilly gardens
• Lawns with complex shapes and obstacles
• Gardens requiring precise stripe patterns
• Extremely wet or boggy ground
• Very large lawns over 1000m²

If your garden has multiple levels, consider slope-specific models. For larger properties, the Flymo range includes bigger capacity machines.

Cost and Value

The Flymo Easilife 800 typically costs between £800-1000. This positions it as a mid-range option. It's more affordable than premium brands like Husqvarna but costs more than budget alternatives.

Operating costs are minimal. Electricity for charging costs approximately £20-30 annually. Blade replacement runs £15-25 yearly. No fuel, oil or spark plugs needed.

The mower saves time compared to manual cutting. A typical 800m² lawn takes 45-60 minutes to cut manually. The Flymo Easilife 800 handles this automatically while you do other tasks.

Final Thoughts on the Flymo Easilife 800

The Flymo Easilife 800 delivers solid performance for medium-sized UK gardens. It's reliable, quiet and requires minimal maintenance. The random cutting pattern produces an even finish without visible tramlines.

Installation takes a few hours but is straightforward. Once set up, the mower operates independently. You simply set the timer and let it work.

Battery technology is proven and durable. Replacement parts are readily available. Customer support from Flymo is responsive and helpful.

For gardens between 600-800m² with relatively flat terrain, this mower represents good value. It won't suit every garden, but for the right property, it transforms lawn maintenance from a weekly chore into an automated process.

Compare the Flymo Easilife 800 with other best robot lawn mowers before deciding. Read user reviews on retailer websites. Check warranty terms carefully. Most importantly, measure your lawn accurately to ensure the 800m² capacity matches your needs.