In this expanded guide: How Do Robotic Mowers Handle Dog Poop? · Do Robotic Mowers Work In The Rain? · Can Robotic Mowers Cut Long Grass or Weeds? · How Much Grass Can a Robotic Mower Hold? · What Time of Day Should Robotic Mowers Run?.
Some prices of robot lawnmowers are more than a little eye-watering, but when you consider the time you save and the sheer convenience of having a robot mow your lawn, they are well worth it.
That being said, you want to make sure that your investment in a robotic mower does not depreciate too rapidly through frank neglect.
Some robot lawnmower maintenance will not increase the longevity of the mower but also keep your grass looking great.
In This Article – We will explain how your can clean and take care of a robotic mower. By following these quick and simple maintenance tips and steps, you can get the best out of your automatic mower and keep it running well season after season.
Taking Care of Robotic Mower
Thankfully, maintaining a robotic mower is less arduous than looking after a traditional mower.
You won’t need to get the engine oil or sharpening stones out. After all, you have purchased your mower for easy garden life.
Robots have fewer parts to take care of and are less prone to breakdown meaning you only need to carry out a few, quick tasks to keep the mower running beautifully.
Key maintenance jobs for a robot mower include:
- Cleaning the mower
- Replacing the mowers blades
- Replacing the battery
- Protecting and storing the mower in winter or bad weather
Keep up this regimen of care and your mower will achieve its lifespan!
Why Cleaning Your Robot Mower Should Never Be Overlooked?
Your mower spends hours, days, weeks, months, and years braving the elements to keep your lawn looking like a showroom carpet.
This is hard work and if there is no cleaning, the evidence will build up in every, gap, seam, corner, and crevice of your mower.
Grass builds up around the wheels of the mower, and rotting mulch that is not cleaned can blunt the cutting mechanism.
Grass juices are corrosive and also contribute to corrosion of the blade and other exposed parts.
If the mower is grimy and dirty with blunt blades, it will have to work harder, leading to wear on the mechanics of the robot and reducing its mobility and cutting performance.
Complete neglect shortens the robot mowers lifespan, with the failure of key parts that may be costly to replace.
How to Clean Your Robotic Mower
Cleaning your robotic mower is a pretty basic job and does not require fancy detergents or materials.
At most you’ll need:
- A bucket of warm soapy water and a cloth
- A toothbrush
- A large handheld brush
- Protective gloves
- A flat-bladed/Phillips screwdriver (if you want to remove the blades for a deep clean)
- A vacuum cleaner or can of compressed air.
Here Are Some Basic Steps for Cleaning a Robotic Mower
- Switch off the mower at the onboard master switch, so that it cannot accidentally activate and cut you. The position of this switch will vary by model of mower.
- Turn your robot lawnmower upside down on a soft surface, like an old towel on the grass.
- Remove grass clippings from the underside of the machine using the hand-held brush. Mulch and clippings accumulate around the blades and wheels. When cleaning the cutting deck, protect your hands by wearing gloves.
- For smaller seams and crevices, use the toothbrush to remove soil, plant material, and other accumulated debris.
- A vacuum cleaner or compressed air can tackle clippings in inaccessible areas.
- The flat head screwdriver can also dislodge dirt
- Once you’ve removed and dislodged most of the grass and dirt, turn over the mower, so it falls to the ground.
- You can wipe the robot mowers chassis down with warm soapy water and left to dry.
Take a look at a robotic mower pro cleans their mower
Keeping Your Robot Lawnmowers Blades in Good Condition Is Vital for Efficient Cutting
The blades of the lawnmower do the hard work of keeping your lawn cut to the right length and chopping up the dead grass into a fine mulch that nourishes your lawn.
Check the sharpness of your blades monthly, especially during the spring and summer months when the grass is growing faster and your mower is working hard.
The following problems can occur if your robot continues to mow with blunt blades:
- corrosion and breaking off of parts of the blade creating a hazard
- damage to grass as the blade does not cut cleanly it
- browning of the damaged lawn
- a shortened lifespan of mechanics of the mower, because it has to work harder to cut with a damaged blade.
Replacing the Blades on Your Robot Mower
The method of replacing the blades on your robotic mower will depend on the type of blade your model uses.
Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacing blades.
You can usually get suitable generic replacement blades online or direct from the manufacturer.
There are two main types of blades for robotic mowers:
- Rotating razor blades: These are small razor blades that are attached to a rotating disc. They wear quickly and usually require replacement every two months if used heavily.
- A set of singly mounted blades: These blades are more durable and deliver a more powerful cut. They only need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months.
How to Replace the Blades on Your Robotic Lawnmower
Manufacturers have designed robotic mowers so that changing their blades is easy.
You will need your replacement blades, screws, and a screwdriver.
Protect your hands with gloves as you handle sharp blades!
How to Replace Blade Discs on a Robotic Mower
- Ensure that your switch the master switch of your mower off
- Turn over your mower on a soft, level surface
- Unscrew the blunted or rusted blades
- Once you remove the blades clean in and around the mowing deck to remove clippings and dirt.
- Attach your new blades
- When complete, set up your mower, switch it on, and test the mowing function. If the blades are not rotating properly, you may need to re-secure them.
Replacing Individually Mounted Blades
- Once the main switch is off put the blade clamp on the two holes move it to offset the hooks and release the mower blades
- Clean beneath and around the blade housings with a stiff-bristled brush
- Press new blades into position (protect your hands) and lock the new blades into place.
Take a look at this video guide that explains the essentials of replacing the blades on a robotic mower
The Battery Makes or Breaks Your Robotic Mower
Batteries are critical to the performance of the mower and you need to be able to recognize when it’s time for your mower’s battery to be replaced.
Over time lithium-ion batteries lose their charge, as repeated cycles of recharging produce unfavorable chemical reactions that reduce battery efficiency and capacity.
When to Replace the Battery on a Robotic Lawnmower
The battery of a robotic mower usually lasts between two and five years, varying between brands.
The life of your battery will also be determined by the length of the mowing season and for how long the mower is working every day.
The batteries of mowers that work a long season with continual mowing will require replacement sooner than the batteries of robot mowers that work less often.
If a battery fails before its first two years, you can usually get it replaced using a manufacturer’s guarantee.
A mower’s battery probably needs to be replaced once its maximum charge capacity falls below 75%.
You will probably notice a fall in the operating time of your mower, with it needing to return to base for recharging more often than expected as the battery ages.
You can check the level of charging that the mower achieves on its onboard control panel or mobile app.
How to Change the Battery of a Robot Mower
The following steps are to give you an idea of what is involved.
The method for replacing a robotic mower vary amongst manufacturers, so follow the advice in your instruction manual.
Always use new, original batteries that are ideally obtained from the manufacturers as the performance of other batteries can be unpredictable.
Here are the key steps:
- Ensure the main switch is off and set the cutting height to the lowest position.
- Turn over the robot mower on a soft clean surface to prevent the chassis from becoming scratched while you work.
- Locate and clean grass debris from around the battery cover.
- Unscrew the battery cover and remove it.
- Batteries often have a strap that assists you in removing them safely. Pull on the strap to dislodge and remove the battery.
- Fit the new battery, pressing gently on the contact strip to help fit it correctly.
- Replace the battery cover and screw in place, taking care to check if the seal of the cover is intact. If this is damaged, replace the cover to prevent the ingress of moisture and the development of corrosion.
- Reset the cutting height as required and switch on the mower.
- If replacing the battery has reset the robotic mowers settings, reprogram your mower as needed.
Have a look at changing a battery on a John Deere mower
Your Robotic Mowers Charging Station also Needs TLC
The charging station of the robotic mower should also be cleaned and maintained so that your mower can automatically dock and charge effectively.
As it is left outside in all weather, grime and debris can build up, so cleaning it every six to twelve months is worthwhile.
During the winter, you may also want to store it inside until spring.
After turning off the mains power you can brush the dirt off the base station and wipe it down with a rag that has been dipped in warm soapy water.
The Charging Contacts of the Mower Should also Be Cleaned
Look for any corrosion on the contacts (a light green deposit) that you can remove with fine-grain sandpaper.
With a damp microfiber cloth, wipe off any visible dirt on the contacts (make sure that the power is off!).
Finish by drying the contacts with a dry cloth.
Preparing Your Robotic Mower for Storage
You may need to store your robot and its charging station over the winter months or if you are going to be away from your property for an extended period.
Though robotic mowers can be left outside throughout the year, storing the mower and charging station can protect them from harsh damp conditions.
Keeping the mower indoors through the winter also prevents the battery from discharging quickly in cold weather.
Key steps to prepare a robotic mower for storage:
- Fully charge the mower before storage.
- Give the robot a thorough clean and replace the blades if needed.
- You can place the mower in a storage bag and store it in a place that is clean and dry until you need to deploy it again.
Take a look at these steps in action in this helpful video by Husqvarna pro The Greasy Shop Rag
Storing the Charging Station
The charging station can also be protected by storage in a clean well-ventilated and dry area for the winter months.
Clean it up before storage as it is likely home to more than a few insects. If your winters are mild, you could leave it outside covered with a tarp.
Don’t stand on the charging station in cold weather as you can crack it. To do this the station needs to be disconnected from the boundary wire that it is connected to.
If the ends of the boundary wire are left exposed they can corrode rapidly and destroy the wire.
This can be prevented by sealing the ends in the insulating tape and silicone grease.
Inspecting the robotic mower for damage
The service technician inspects the robotic mower carefully for wear and faults that could lead to failure of the mower.
Checking the waterproofing and seals
Sealing rubbers and rubber bellows on the mower should be inspected for wear that could lead to the ingress of moisture or dust.
Seals may have to be replaced several times during the lifespan of a robotic mower.
Replacement of working components
Experienced service professionals can recognize wear on the moving parts of the robotic mower on inspection. They replace failing parts well before they cause your robotic mower to break down.
Software-based diagnostics
A key part of the service process is the software-based functionality tests that simulate the operations of the mower and how it responds to specific demands.
Service professionals can ensure that all manufacturer software updates are installed correctly, and troubleshoot any software problems that become apparent.
Technology may be what ultimately sets the lifespan of your autonomous mower
Mowers are reliant on advanced software algorithms and wireless connectivity to function. Depending on the model of the mower, you can keep its firmware updated by over-the-air updates or downloads via a USB connection.
The technology used in robotic mowers is constantly developing and though a mower can achieve a physical lifespan of a decade; it is likely that the technology will have moved on within that period.
What Wears Down Robotic Mower Blades?
Robotic mowers are inevitably going to get worn down by the continuous cutting action of the mower.
But some surfaces and materials will contribute to faster wear.
You should avoid contact with the following items as much as possible by raking or clearing your lawn ahead of setting the robotic mower to work:
- Clothes and toys that are strewn across the lawn
- Fallen branches, fruits and pine cones
- Running your mower along surfaces with grit, pebbles or bark
- Dog poop and other animal waste
Any surface that brings your mowers blades into contact with materials other than grass will cause wear on the blade as the robot will automatically work harder to shred up the material and progress its rounds.
Objects that are small enough for the robot to run over without triggering its sensors are the worst offenders and the blades can become warped as the mower attempts to cut them.
Grass juices can also corrode blades if there is prolonged contact with the mower blades without cleaning.
How Do Robotic Mowers Handle Dog Poop?
Isolate power before cleaning contamination
Pick up animal waste before mowing; obstacle detection is not reliable waste detection. Stop and isolate the mower as its manual directs, use gloves and the approved cleaning method, and wash your hands afterwards. Do not hose a mower unless its manufacturer explicitly permits it, and never reach around moving blades.
If you do not clean up after your pet before your robot starts its mowing journey, it is likely it will take on any poop that is left there – ewww!
And it's not just dog poop that can mess up your lawnmower
Even if your garden is pet-free, you still may be treated to the pungent deposits of your local wildlife including:
- foxes
- badgers
- raccoons
- cats
What your mower does to grass it will attempt to do a poo
This means that the high-speed chopping and mulching efforts of your robotic mower will be directed to the poo on the grass. The results of this are varied but almost always smelly and messy. A robot mower may:
- stop mowing and change direction if it is a large poo that creates an obstruction
- break up the poo and smear it into the grass
- whip the poop around the cutting disk and blades as it continues its mowing course
- be smeared with the poop on its underside and wheels
- have the poo hitch a ride on the mower causing it to move awkwardly
- fling and scatter the poo in many directions
- mulch down small and imperceptible poops into the lawn
If you are about to tiptoe barefoot onto your lawn after any of these happenings you will be in for a nasty surprise, and perhaps a clean-up job.
Leaving poo on the lawn isn't great for you or your grass
Don’t be lazy. Dog poop is not good for your grass as it can cause burns and discoloration of your lawn. It also is a health hazard, especially if you have children playing on the lawn.
Old poop on your mower is no fun and will make your mower unsanitary.
How to clean poop off your robotic mower
This is not a fun chore, but cleaning up your robotic lawnmower will keep it hygienic and fully operational. To clean poo off your mower you’ll need:
Remember, the ultimate solution to the problem of dog poop on robotic mowers is checking for fresh poop and picking it up before your robot starts mowing!
Do Robotic Mowers Work In The Rain?
Follow the model’s rain and storm limits
Weather resistance, rain sensing and permitted washing are different specifications. Check the manual for each. Stop operation before severe weather and follow the manufacturer’s storm and charging-station procedure from a safe location; do not go outside to handle electrical equipment during lightning. A shelter must preserve the station’s required clearances and ventilation.
Mowing in the rain does not always get the right results
Using your robotic mower over a long period during persistent rainfall may result in irregular cutting patterns across your lawns as damp mulch is streaked around.
In wet weather, the mower may end up cutting damp blades of grass unevenly leading to cut grass blades of different lengths that will need to be mowed again in dry weather.
In general, robotic mowers only cut a few millimeters off from the ends of grass which can become matted in damp weather as the mulching process is altered.
If the weather is bad, you may have to intervene. Lightning strikes and severe storms may prove fatal to both the mower and its charging station.
Taking a chance on leaving a mower out in bad weather could earn you the costs of repairing structural damage.
Have you thought about protecting your mower and charging station from rain?
Manufacturers make them from a variety of materials including metals, plastic, and canvas, and have quick and easy installation around the charging station.
Check the brand and model of the mower the shelter protects before purchasing.
Can Robotic Mowers Cut Long Grass or Weeds?
Prepare long grass before routine robot mowing
Inspect the area for wildlife and debris, then bring long grass within the model’s permitted starting height using suitable equipment. Reduce height gradually as appropriate for the grass; a routine lawn robot is not a brush cutter. Leave designated wildlife or long-grass areas outside its working zone.
Can Robotic Mowers Cut Long Grass?
With Lower Grass – A robot mower can keep grass looking its best, nourishing the lawn with the mulched grass clippings it leaves behind.
Other Reasons a Robotic Mower May Be Dealing with Long Grass
Your robotic mower may be dealing with tall grass because you have paused its mowing schedule while you vacation, during sustained bad weather, or because the grass is long before its first cut in the spring.
You may also prefer longer grass for ecological or aesthetic reasons.
Weeds In Your Lawn Are Another Challenge for a Robotic Mower
The presence of weeds in your lawn can also cause problems for a standard robotic lawnmower.
Though a mower will effectively cut down and keep down herbaceous weeds, they are not grass and will require more effort and work from the mower to cut effectively, especially if their stems are thick.
More woody stems can blunt the mower blades and cause increased wear on the engine and increase energy consumption.
If you need a robot mower that can keep an overgrown lawn under control, you need to carefully check the specifications of the mowers you are interested in.
How Much Grass Can a Robotic Mower Hold?
Mulching models return clippings rather than store them
The discussion below applies to mulching robotic mowers. Verify whether the particular model collects clippings. Small grass clippings can return nutrients, but they do not remove the need to assess soil fertility, disease, thatch or wet clumps. Thatch is a persistent layer of living and dead plant material, not simply freshly cut grass.
- Emptying grass clippings from a robotic mower would fall to you: the robot mower should do all the hard work, but onboard grass clippings will have to be emptied by someone.
- Dragging collected grass clippings around your yard will make your robot mower work harder: this means mowing your lawn will take longer, consume more energy, and require a more powerful motor and parts.
This produces a mulch of particulate grass clippings that are left on your lawn as the mower continues its rounds.
What is mulching?
Mulching is simply the method by which grass clippings are finely chopped up and recycled as a natural fertilizer. They are scattered over your lawn as a thin layer that is gradually absorbed.
Is the mulch from a robotic mower the same as thatch ?
When these almost imperceptible clippings are exposed, they begin decomposition almost instantly, returning valuable nutrients to the soil that are essential during the height of the lawn growing season.
What Time of Day Should Robotic Mowers Run?
Schedule around growth, moisture and wildlife
Use a daytime window when the lawn is suitable and people and pets can stay clear. Avoid cutting stressed, saturated or frozen grass and follow the grass species’ seasonal requirements. Do not compensate for insufficient rated capacity by assuming night mowing is safe for wildlife.
Is your robotic mower cutting at the right time of day for a healthy lawn?
Though they do a great job, robotic mowers cannot solve all the problems that can affect your lawn.
Even with the regular trims and nutrient-rich mulching action, your lawn may still have dying grass, thatch, and other issues.
If you are revisiting the drawing board on lawn health, number one on your agenda should be the time of day your grass is being cut.
Cutting grass in hot, dry weather is no fun for your lawn
Frequent cutting of lawns in hot dry weather wreaks havoc, despite the best efforts of your helper robot.
The best times of day to schedule your robotic mower to run
Avoiding hot and harsh sunlight gives the grass time to regroup after it is cut.
And if it rains…
There is more clumping of the grass clippings needed to mulch the lawn as well.
Old school tips for taking care of your grass with a robotic mower
Treating your grass the right way is the best investment you can make in grass growth that is thick and healthy and resilient in sustained dry weather.
Get the cutting height just right for healthy grass
Deep dive into your robotic mowers settings to make sure you keep your grass at just the right height.
At most, aim to take off a third at most from the blade length of the grass.
Don't cut the grass too short
Very short grass loses its moisture rapidly eventually turning yellow and brown in hot weather.
This is a sign to lengthen the time between mowings so that the grass can recover.
Keep your robotic mower blades sharp
Blunted blades on your robotic lawn mower will damage the grass, increasing the potential for disease in the ripped grass and die-off of your lawn.
It is unlikely that you will need to mow your lawn all year round if you are in a temperate climate.
Rounding Up
Robotic mowers are designed to be forgotten about and it is easy to let the season pass and watch them fall into disrepair, but the effort of actively maintaining your mower is a great investment for keeping your robotic lawnmower and lawn in great condition.
Following these easy maintenance steps and following the instructions in your manufacturer’s manual will keep your robotic mower in good service for a long time.