How do I maintain a robotic lawnmower?

When compared to gasoline mowers, which not only need regular oil changes but new spark plugs or oil filters every now and then, a robotic lawnmower has very little upkeep. Everything you need to know to optimize the service life so that you can fully benefit from robotic lawnmower for many years, is as follows.

Manufacturer's warranty - a guarantee for service life

Even with regular care, it can always happen that a robotic lawnmower has unforeseen defects. You can avoid high repair costs by choosing a model with a manufacturer's warranty that exceeds the minimum legal requirements. Most Robomow robotic lawnmowers (except RS Series) already come with a 3-year warranty "from the factory", and some models can even be extended to 4 years if you register your Robomow online (please note that the warranty conditions are country-specific; they are available at www.robomow.com).

Regular cleaning of the robotic lawnmower

During operation, lawn mulch will settle in the mowing deck and around the tires. As a result, energy consumption and noise levels will increase and cutting performance decreases over time. To prevent this, regular cleaning of the robot is recommended every 7-17 days.
While water on top of the robot is not a problem, contact to the underside should be avoided. Simply use a brush to remove moist grass clippings. To remove solid grass clippings in hard-to-reach places, use a soft wooden stick. You can easily clean the top of the unit with a soft cloth. Compressed air can make cleaning even easier.

To ensure that the robot always has optimum traction and does not slip during operation, remove leaves and grass from the wheels. This also applies in particular to debris that have become lodged between the housing and the wheels.
Pay further attention to the charging contacts. If they are dirty or dusty, charging will take longer and area output will decrease. If the contacts become too corroded, they may even become brittle and no longer function properly. To prevent this, they should be wiped down regularly or cleaned with fine sandpaper if necessary.

Reduce cleaning effort with a self-cleaning mower deck

You can reduce the amount of maintenance required even further by purchasing a model with a self-cleaning cutting deck. This greatly reduces grass clipping from getting stuck and cleaning intervals for the device can be carried out less frequently. If your unit is not factory-equipped with a self-cleaning cutting deck, a mulch remover may be able to be retrofitted as an optional accessory.

Perform software updates

If the software is up to date, control will improve. Any sources of error will also be corrected. The update is usually carried out via the manufacturer's website and a connection via a USB interface or Bluetooth. In some cases, the new software can also be installed directly via an app.

Replacing wear parts

Sharp blades are essential for a permanently optimum cutting pattern. Depending on the manufacturer, replacement once a year is sufficient and can be done in just a few minutes. To do this, either loosen a few screws or, in the case of other models, use the click system with a blade clamp, which is included in the delivery.  With this system, blades can be removed very easily. When replacing the blades, it is also a good idea to clean the underlying surface with a brush. It is always advisable to have a spare blade on hand so that you can replace it as soon as the cutting pattern deteriorates.

With average operation, a battery has a life span of 3-5 years. Over time, the charging capacity wears down and the device no longer achieves its full performance. You will recognize when it is time to replace the battery when the robotic lawnmower returns to the charging station more frequently.

Winter storage - increase battery life

Battery life can be extended if the robot is not permanently exposed to direct sunlight and is stored in a warm, dry place during the winter. It is important to avoid deep discharge. To do this, charge the battery to about 70% of its capacity before storing it. Depending on the type of battery, it may be advisable to charge it halfway through the winter season.

Winterizing the charging station

The charging station should also not be left outdoors during winter. Store the station somewhere warm at the end of the season. To do this, simply remove the induction loop plugs and loosen the floor anchors. Take this opportunity to thoroughly clean the station including the contacts. If it is not possible to dismantle the charging station, it should remain connected to the power supply throughout the winter. Refer to the operating instructions to determine whether this is the case with your model.

To avoid dismantling the charging station in winter, it is also suitable to purchase a robot garage. With this, the charging station is also well protected from harsh conditions during the cold season.

Maintaining the robotic lawnmower - this is how you should proceed

• First, activate the device lock of the robot. It is also a good idea to wear gloves when handling the blades to avoid cutting yourself.
• Follow the instructions in the user manual. By doing so, hardly anything can go wrong.
• Refrain from using a cordless screwdriver. This poses the risk of blades whirling uncontrollably, posing a risk of injury.
• Use the winter to have the robot professionally serviced at a specialist workshop. The sensors and battery performance will be checked. You can find trained specialist companies in your area on our website.

Maintenance and care of a robotic mower is not difficult and requires little time. It is worth investing this time so you can enjoy your device for many years to come.