Kress Robotic Mowers
Kress's robotic-mower brand positioning centers on two flagship models — the KR236, a mid-range residential RTK mower for 0.5–0.75 acre suburban lots, and the KR237, the large-yard / light-commercial flagship for ~1 acre and multi-zone properties. Both ship with centimeter-class RTK GPS wire-free navigation, a 45% slope rating, and commercial-grade build quality at consumer pricing — no boundary wire to bury. (Kress's commercial-grade Mission Mega is covered separately on our commercial robotic mowers page.)
Last updated: August 2026 · Based on manufacturer specs and current US-market pricing.
Who Is Kress?
Kress is a German power-tools brand with a long heritage in professional-grade cordless tools. Today the brand sits within the Positec group — the same parent company behind Worx — giving Kress access to a mature global manufacturing and distribution network. Kress entered the robotic mower market with a clear thesis: prosumer and commercial buyers want wire-free precision without paying Husqvarna's premium or wrestling with the limitations of consumer-grade RTK systems.
What sets Kress apart is its combination of RTK GPS wire-free navigation and commercial-grade build quality. The Mission line names follow a simple convention: KR-series covers residential and prosumer use cases (KR236, KR237), while the Mission Mega is the flagship commercial-grade platform rated for multi-acre properties. All current models share the same RTK reference station and Kress App ecosystem, so once you've mapped one Kress mower, the rest of the lineup behaves the same way.
Compared to Husqvarna — the legacy boundary-wire leader with decades of dealer-network dominance — Kress is newer to the US robotic mower market but offers a fundamentally different value proposition: wire-free RTK out of the box, no separate reference station purchase, and pricing below comparable Husqvarna EPOS-equipped models. Compared to Mammotion Luba, Kress leans toward commercial-grade construction rather than AWD hobbyist chassis. And compared to Yarbo, Kress is a pure-play mower brand — no modular attachments, no seasonal add-ons.
In the US, Kress mowers are sold through Amazon, Ace Hardware stores, and directly from kress.com. That tri-channel distribution gives buyers options on price, shipping speed, and setup support. Warranty and service run through Kress's US operation.
Current US Lineup — Quick Comparison
All five current models use Kress's RTK GPS wire-free platform. The Mission CRC series handles smaller suburban lots, the KR-series covers mid-to-large residential properties, and the Mission Mega targets commercial-grade and multi-acre use cases.
| Model | Coverage | Navigation | Max Slope | Approx. Price | Status |
| Mission CRC 800 | ~0.25 acre | RTK GPS | 35% | ~$1,299 | Available |
| Mission CRC 1500 | ~0.4 acre | RTK GPS | 35% | ~$1,599 | Available |
| KR236 | ~0.5–0.75 acre | RTK GPS | 45% | ~$1,799 | Available |
| KR237 | ~1.0 acre | RTK GPS | 45% | ~$2,399 | Available |
| Mission Mega † | ~2.0+ acres | RTK GPS | 45% | ~$3,499 | Available |
Pricing reflects typical US street pricing as of mid-2026 and can vary by retailer. Click any model name to jump to the detailed review below, or visit the dynamic product page for current specs and pricing. † See the Mission Mega section on /commercial-robotic-mowers.html for details on the flagship commercial-grade platform.
Model-by-Model Breakdown
Two flagship RTK wire-free models anchor Kress's residential and prosumer lineup. Both share the same RTK reference station and Kress App ecosystem — the difference is coverage area, battery capacity, and ideal yard size.
Kress KR236 — Compact RTK Mower (Mid-Range Residential)
Specs
- Coverage: 0.5–0.75 acre
- Max slope: 45%
- Cutting width: 8 inches
- Battery: 20V 4.0Ah
- Weather rating: IPX5
Ideal Yard Size
The KR236 fits suburban lots in the 0.5–0.75 acre range — the size of most US residential properties. Its compact chassis slips through a 36-inch gate and is sized for properties where the larger KR237's extra coverage would be overkill. For buyers who want wire-free precision without stepping up to commercial pricing, the KR236 is the right pick.
GPS/RTK Support
Every KR236 ships with Kress's RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) GPS platform: a fixed reference antenna on the property plus standard satellite positioning, delivering centimeter-class accuracy (~2–3 cm). No buried perimeter wire, no separate reference-station purchase. Setup is handled in the Kress App — walk the perimeter once, confirm on-screen, and the mower knows where to work. See our full wire-free vs boundary wire comparison for the technical background.
Weather/Rain Sensing
The KR236 carries an IPX5 weather rating — rain-resistant for routine operation in light to moderate precipitation. A built-in rain sensor pauses the mowing cycle during heavy downpours to protect turf quality and reduce muddy tracks, then resumes automatically once conditions clear.
App Controls
The Kress App is the single control plane for the KR236: boundary mapping, custom mowing schedules, zone management, real-time mower status, and remote start/stop. The same app governs every Kress Mission-series mower, so if you upgrade later to a KR237 or a Mission Mega, your existing setup transfers over without rebuilding zones from scratch. See our best mowers for large yards guide for cross-brand context.
Pros
- RTK GPS wire-free out of the box — no perimeter wire installation
- 45% slope rating matches premium 4WD competitors
- Compact chassis fits through 36-inch gates
- Commercial-grade build quality at residential price
Cons
- Smaller US service network than Husqvarna
- Cutting width is narrower than Luba 2 or Mission Mega
- Requires clear sky view for best RTK performance
The KR236 is the entry point into Kress's RTK wire-free platform. It delivers the same centimeter-class RTK accuracy as the larger KR237 and Mission Mega in a package sized for typical US suburban lots.
Check Price on Amazon →Kress KR237 — Larger-Coverage Flagship (Large-Yard / Light-Commercial)
Specs
- Coverage: ~1.0 acre per charge cycle
- Max slope: 45%
- Cutting width: 8 inches
- Battery: 20V 5.0Ah (higher-capacity pack vs. KR236)
- Weather rating: IPX5
Ideal Yard Size
The KR237 is the right pick for ~1 acre or multi-zone properties where the KR236's battery would force too many return-to-dock cycles. The chassis and cutting deck match the KR236; what changes is per-charge coverage and runtime between dock returns.
GPS/RTK Support
The KR237 shares the same RTK GPS platform as the KR236 — fixed reference station, centimeter-class accuracy, Kress App mapping. The reference station is included, so there's no separate Husqvarna-EPOS-style add-on purchase. For multi-zone setups, the App lets you map each zone separately and assign schedules — useful for properties with a primary lawn plus a detached side yard.
Weather/Rain Sensing
Identical weather handling to the KR236: IPX5 rating for routine rain and a built-in rain sensor that pauses mowing during heavy precipitation. The larger battery on the KR237 means longer continuous runtimes, so weather pauses hit fewer mid-cycle interruptions.
App Controls
The same Kress App handles the KR237: boundary mapping, scheduled mowing, multi-zone management, real-time monitoring, and remote start/stop. Multi-zone mapping at the KR237's coverage size is more involved than it is on a smaller lot, but the App guides setup and the existing reference station carries over from any earlier KR236 you may already own.
Pros
- Covers a full acre on a single charge cycle
- Same RTK GPS + 45% slope rating as KR236
- Larger battery means fewer return-to-dock cycles
- Best Kress value for properties approaching 1 acre
Cons
- Premium over the KR236 is real — $600 more
- Doesn't add cutting width, only battery capacity
- Multi-zone mapping setup is more involved at this size
The KR237 is the larger-coverage sibling to the KR236. For properties closer to a full acre, or for buyers who want fewer return-to-dock cycles, the KR237 is the smarter pick. For more on commercial-grade territory (2+ acres), see the Mission Mega section on our commercial robotic mowers page.
Check Price on Amazon →Comparing Kress's dedicated RTK lineup with Yarbo's all-season alternative? See our Yarbo vs. Kress robotic mower comparison for coverage, RTK setup, slope performance, price, and support.
KR RTK & No-Wire-Perimeter Technology
Kress's defining technology is RTK GPS wire-free navigation. Unlike traditional robotic mowers that require a buried perimeter wire to define the mowing area, Kress's RTK system uses centimeter-class satellite positioning — no wire, no splicing, no accidental cuts from gardening tools.
How Kress RTK Works
Every Mission-series Kress mower ships with an RTK reference antenna. The reference station stays at a fixed location on your property and broadcasts correction data to the mower. Combined with standard GPS signals, this delivers positioning accuracy within roughly 2–3 centimeters — tight enough to follow a mapped boundary precisely and avoid obstacles reliably.
Setup happens through the Kress App: you walk the perimeter of your mowing area once, confirm the boundary on screen, and the mower knows where to work. No professional installation appointment is needed, no wire to trench, no worry about a broken boundary wire shutting down your mowing cycle months later.
Kress RTK vs. Husqvarna EPOS
Husqvarna's EPOS system is the closest competitor in the RTK wire-free category, but with one meaningful difference: EPOS-equipped Automower NERA models require a separately purchased EPOS reference station as an add-on. Kress includes the reference station with every Mission-series mower. That shifts roughly $400–$600 of cost into the base price comparison, and means Kress's wire-free pricing is genuinely all-in.
Kress RTK vs. Boundary-Wire Mowers
Traditional wire mowers (older Husqvarna models, Worx Landroid, most residential units) require a wire loop buried or staked around the entire mowing perimeter. Wire installation can take a full day for larger properties, requires careful splicing at corners, and is vulnerable to damage from aerating, edging, or rodent activity. Kress's RTK setup skips all of that.
Reference Station Placement
The RTK reference station needs a clear view of the sky to receive satellite signals. For most residential lots, mounting it on a rooftop, exterior wall, or pole works well. Kress's setup guide walks through placement optimization during the initial mapping step. For densely wooded properties where sky view is limited, a hybrid approach (RTK plus an optional perimeter wire fallback) is worth considering.
Kress vs. Competitors
At the $1,500–$3,500 range, Kress KR236 / KR237 / Mission Mega compete directly with Mammotion Luba 2 AWD, Husqvarna Automower (EPOS-equipped NERA), Segway Navimow, and Yarbo. Here's where each brand wins:
- Kress KR236 / KR237 / Mission Mega: Commercial-grade build, RTK GPS wire-free out of the box, 45% slope rating, US distribution via Amazon + Ace + kress.com
- Mammotion Luba 2 AWD: Best for complex multi-zone yards with rough terrain; 4WD chassis, hobbyist build
- Husqvarna Automower (NERA / EPOS):strong> Proven 30-year track record, established US dealer network, premium pricing
- Segway Navimow (EFLS): Competitive RTK alternative using vision-fusion technology, solid mid-range option
- Yarbo: Modular all-season platform (mower + snow blower + leaf blower); pure-play mowing at single-purpose pricing
Kress's edge is the combination of wire-free RTK, commercial build quality, and US distribution depth. Where Kress falls short vs. Husqvarna is service-network maturity — Husqvarna has been selling robotic mowers in the US since the early 2000s and has a denser dealer and authorized-service footprint.
Who Kress Is Best For
Best fit profiles
If your property is on the larger side of suburban, see our best mowers for large yards guide. If you want to understand how wire-free RTK compares to traditional wire setups, our wire-free vs. boundary wire breakdown covers the technical differences in depth.
SkyMow's Take on Kress
Kress is one of the more interesting wire-free RTK brands in the US market right now. The combination of commercial-grade build quality, RTK GPS navigation out of the box, and a 45% slope rating puts the KR236, KR237, and Mission Mega on par with or ahead of competitors that cost significantly more. The reference station being included — rather than sold separately as Husqvarna does with EPOS — is a meaningful pricing win.
The honest caveat is US service-network maturity. Kress's US footprint is newer than Husqvarna's decades-old dealer network, and newer than Mammotion's growing US support operation. For buyers who value being able to drop into a local dealer for blade swaps or seasonal service, that matters. For buyers comfortable with phone/email support and direct purchase from kress.com, Kress delivers strong value.
Bottom line: if your property is 0.5–1 acre (KR236 / KR237) or 2+ acres (Mission Mega), and you want wire-free RTK navigation without paying the Husqvarna EPOS premium, Kress is genuinely worth a close look. The Mission Mega in particular stands out as one of the few consumer-accessible commercial-grade wire-free platforms on the US market today.
Individual Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Kress RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) GPS uses a fixed reference antenna plus satellite positioning to deliver centimeter-class accuracy without any perimeter wire. You map your mowing area through the Kress app by walking the perimeter once. Unlike traditional wire mowers, there is no wire to bury, no splicing at corners, and no risk of accidental cuts from gardening tools. The RTK setup is included with every Mission-series mower — no separate reference station purchase required, unlike Husqvarna's EPOS system which needs a separately installed station.
The Mission Mega is Kress's flagship commercial-grade mower, rated for properties of 2.0+ acres and slopes up to 45%. It pairs a wider cutting deck and higher-capacity battery with the same RTK GPS wire-free platform as the smaller KR-series mowers, but in a chassis designed for continuous multi-zone operation. For property owners who previously had to hire a service or run multiple residential mowers, the Mission Mega consolidates that work into a single autonomous unit.
All current Kress Mission-series mowers (KR236, KR237, and Mission Mega) are rated for slopes up to 45%. That puts them on par with Husqvarna's Automower 4WD models and ahead of many wire-free competitors that top out at 35% or less. For properties with hills, terraces, or uneven terrain, the 45% rating covers most residential and light-commercial use cases.
Yes — Kress has US distribution through Amazon, Ace Hardware, and direct from kress.com. Pricing and stock vary by model. The KR236, KR237, and Mission Mega are all currently shipping to US customers, with warranty and support handled through the Kress US operation. Buying direct from kress.com gives the most reliable setup support, while Amazon offers faster shipping for buyers comfortable with self-installation.
The KR236 is sized for 0.5–0.75 acre suburban yards, while the KR237 is a larger sibling built for roughly 1.0 acre with the same 45% slope rating and RTK GPS wire-free platform. If your property is under 0.75 acres with reasonable access, the KR236 is the right pick and saves roughly $600. If your lot is closer to a full acre, has multiple mowing zones, or you want faster cycle times, the KR237 is worth the step up. Both use the same Kress App and reference station — the difference is coverage area and battery capacity.