Frequently Asked Questions

 How it works

Are you kidding? What will they think of next?

Friendly Robotics Robomow is the next generation of lawn mowing products, a natural evolution to the next level in mowing, automatic mowing. It really does work, providing an exceptional quality of cut, equal to or better than what a walk-behind mower will provide. It provides a means and convenience for you to save time and effort, all while keeping a good looking manicured lawn.

How does the Friendly Robotics Robomow system work?

A wire is laid around the outer edges of the lawn. The wire is attached to the surface of the lawn with pegs every few feet. When connected to a small battery powered current source, called a Perimeter Switch, the wire forms a virtual fence for Robomow®, containing it to the area you are mowing. This is a similar type of technology that invisible pet containment systems use.

What keeps Robomow within the lawn area?

Using a special sensor; its onboard software is programmed to recognise the special wire running invisibly round the lawn edge, this ensures it will never stray outside the designated area. It can work out the shape and size of the lawn and ensure every inch is cut. It travels on the lawn in a systematic criss-cross pattern covering the lawn several times from side to side to ensure that the entire lawn is covered and the grass is cut from several angles. This allows the Friendly Robotics Robomow to cut your lawn, no matter what shape your lawn is.  

How does Robomow know where it's going?

Robomow uses an onboard navigation system, monitoring its position relative to the wire around the lawn. In addition, it is always aware of its current driving direction and distance traveled. This is done by means of an internal compass-like device. This device provides the data, which the mower uses to determine the next most efficient path for the mower to take.

Does Robomow know where it has mowed already?

No it does not. Patented navigation software called Roboscan leads it in a triangular pattern that changes directions and covers the whole plot many times. This means every square foot of the plot, unless it is too large for one operation, will be mowed from two to eight different directions, providing a fine groomed “carpet” appearance once done.

Is Robomow completely automatic?

Yes! With the RL1000 or RM400 and a Base Station just set the weekly program and forget about mowing for the entire season! Robomow will automatically depart at the day and time scheduled and automatically return to the Base Station to recharge and get ready for the next scheduled operation. The weekly program can be re-set at any time, if and when required.

Can I use Robomow like a traditional lawnmower?

If you choose, a manual remote control enables the Friendly Robotics Robomow to be used like a walk behind mower. In this mode Robomow can be used in tight spots, narrow strips, and larger slopes.

What is a base station?

The RL1000 and RM400 both include a base station as part of the system. This docking system allows the Friendly Robotics Robomow to be operated in your yard autonomously. Robomow can be scheduled to depart on specific days and times of the week. It will automatically depart, mow and then return to the docking station. While in the docking station, the power pack is recharged, waiting for the next scheduled departure. There is no need to drive it out to the lawn and start it or to drive it back to the garage and recharge it.

How does the Friendly Robotics Robomow cut the grass?

The Robomow RL1000 and RL850 feature a battery powered three blade, 21 inch wide powerful cutting system equivalent to a 5.5 HP gasoline mower. The Robomow RM400 and RM200 have a single blade powered by a very strong 150W electric motor. Robomow is a dedicated mulching mower that mulches better than a traditional mower thanks to its Triple-Chamber-Mulching system and the 5800-RPM blade speed, double that of a typical gas mower. Grass is cut into very small clippings that are buried in the roots of the lawn, where they decompose and act like a natural fertilizer. This results in a healthier and better-looking lawn, and eliminates the need to collect and remove the clippings.

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Safety

Is the Friendly Robotics Robomow safe?

The Friendly Robotics Robomow is surrounded by 360 degrees of sensors so if anything, or anyone, gets in the way of Robomow it instantly stops and finds another route. If Robomow® itself is picked up then the blades stop immediately. Child locks prevent any accidents due to unauthorized use. Robomow is safe and durable in all weather conditions.

Is Robomow safer than a traditional walk behind mower?

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the top two injuries from walk behind mowers are from thrown objects and from feet slipping under the mower. It is their opinion, and our experience as well, that simply separating the operator from the mower will dramatically reduce these injuries.

I'm worried about it running when I am not around?

The Friendly Robotics Robomow currently meets or exceeds all CPSC mandated requirements for walk behind mowers. In fact, the blade stop speed on Robomow is 60% faster than required, something not found on any walk behind mower today. There are safety sensors to detect bumping into an object, sensors to detect lifting of the cutting deck, child lock safety features and manual operator presence controls that all add significant safety measures and systems to protect the consumer. These are far above the safeties found on conventional walk behind mowers of today. Its simply a safer way to mow.

Can those with physical or mobility limitations use the Friendly Robotics Robomow?

Absolutely. People with arthritis, lower back pain or physical disabilities have praised Robomow. If not used in fully automated mode with a base station then all you have to be able to do is walk behind it, or wheel behind it while you drive it from the garage to the lawn. Once you press the green GO button it operates by itself.

Will Robomow recognize toys or objects left on the lawn?

If the object is taller than 6 inches and heavy enough, the the Friendly Robotics Robomow will bump into it and recognize it as an obstacle. However, this will prevent efficient mowing at the area the object was left. As a rule, we recommend to check the area to be mowed and remove any objects left there. Small objects, loose papers or other small items may be cut or damaged by the blades.

Is the mower safe for pets being around it?

Pets normally shy away from the Friendly Robotics Robomow while it is in operation. A uniquely brave and curious pet that will let Robomow bump into it will not get harmed. However, it is your responsibility to make sure that your pets or your neighbour’s pets are kept away from it while in operation.

If I cut my lawn while I am away or at night, Im afraid Robomow will be stolen.

The Friendly Robotics Robomow includes a Theft Guard theft deterrent system, which enables you to select a personal 4-digit code that must be entered for each use. The mower is totally useless to anyone else without the code. Robomow RL mowers weigh approximately 90 pounds with battery, so it is not easily carried away. If the mower is operating, one must know how to stop it. Robomow is very quiet, so it will attract little attention when running unattended. While theft of our personal property is an unfortunate aspect of our daily lives, we have seen no trend for theft of Robomow. This is of course a personal decision, and must be weighed on your own experience in your community and neighborhood.

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Lawn Quality

Will Robomow keep my lawn healthy?

The secret to a great lawn is frequent mowing. Robomow does that for you. Each time it mows your lawn it cuts off a short length of grass which it drops back into the lawn. It’s called mulching. In this way nutrients are returned to the soil, and you’ll find yourself using less fertiliser as a result.

What happens to the clippings?

Robomow is a 21-inch cut, triple chamber, dedicated mulching system, and the healthiest way to manage clippings for your lawn. It mulches in three separate chambers using high RPM motors (5800 RPM). The result is more effective mulching than most conventional mowers, leaving smaller clippings that disappear into the roots of the grass. These smaller clippings provide for quick decomposition into a natural fertilizer for your lawn. There is absolutely no need to collect the clippings.

What about the mess after mowing?

Regular mowers create a strong downdraft that throws grass and other items out from under the mower causing owners to need to blow or seep driveways, sidewalks and patios after a mow. The Robomower's three 7" blades create only a tiny updraft which actually causes the grass to be mulched into tiny pieces and does not eject excessive clippings, meaning you normally do not need to clean up adjacent areas after a mow.

Will the Friendly Robotics Robomow create lawn stripes that make my lawn look like a puzzle?

Robomow does not leave stripes on your lawn after cutting, it is best described as a sea of green. Since it does not create a large airflow from the blade rotation it will not lay the grass down similar to a walk mower, which is what creates the stripes.

How is the Friendly Robotics Robomow's cut superior to a walk behind mower?

Since it is moving across the grass in all directions, it offers a much better quality of cut than a traditional mower.

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Fine Tuning

Is the height of cut adjustable?

Yes, from less than 1 to greater than 3.5 inches depending on model and blade selection. On the RL models this is set using the front wheel and a rear wheel ground clearance adjustments. With the RM models simply lift the Robomow cover and rotate the height adjustment knob to gain the desired cut height.   

Can I mow lower than 1.5 inches?

Yes. Using a Low cut blade, which will cut from 1 to 2.5 inches. This blade was developed and is mostly used in Europe, where they mow very soft grass, similar to our Winter Rye, and normally cut a lot lower than the average American user does.

I have a golf course greens type of grass and want to cut it a lot lower than 1 inch, can I?

No. The low cut blade can only cut as low as 1 inch.

 Can I sharpen the blades?

It is highly recommended to replace the blades rather than sharpening them. Once a season is a good time to do it or when dull. Sharpening the blades will reduce their balance, which will increase mower noise, vibrations and can lead to damaging the mowing motors as well as shortening the available work time for a fully charged battery pack. It is recommended that you replace your blades at the start of every mowing season to assure a quality cut year after year.

The blades are brownish and I am afraid they are corroding, should I be worried or clean them?

It is normal for the blades to corrode a bit on the outside and become brownish. This does not reduce their performance at all. No need to worry or try to remove this brownish coloration. However, make sure the blades are clean from grass clippings and if dull, replace them.

 Are the blades hard to change?

Changing the blades is a simple process that does not require any tools and takes just a few minutes.

Can I wash it like I used to wash my walk-behind mower?

No you cannot. The Robomow can be cleaned using a wet rag with very little moisture in it. Remove the power pack before cleaning. The mulching cavities could be cleaned with a wooden spoon, plastic spatula, or a soft brush. Do not lay the mower upside down and use a wet rag or any water in this position.

I learned over the years to power hose my walk-behind mower deck for preventing corrosion, won’t the Robomow deck corrode if I do not wash it regularly?

No it will not corrode. The mulching deck is made of plastic and there is nothing to corrode there or anywhere else on Robomow®. Power hosing the Robomow® deck could get water in the mower's electronics, which may cause damage that may be expensive to fix.

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Battery

Each RL machine requires a 20 hour charge before operating again. The RM machines require only 16 hours. An external battery charger is currently available for the RL series that will fully charge the battery within 4 hours.

I do not have a garage or shed, can I charge it outdoors?

The RL1000 and RM400 are designed to charge outdoors, on the lawn, at their base stations. Charging with the regular charger, the one that plugs into the mower, or the quick charger, is not allowed outdoors due to safety. The charging must be done in a dry area, protected from the elements.

Can the power pack be left in the mower without charging?

Definitely not. The manual controller screen will go blank since the mower is "asleep", however, it keeps consuming a small current constantly and in a few weeks the power pack will be depleted. This is a sure way of killing the power pack. Be sure fully charge and remove the power pack from RoboMow® prior to extended storage.

Can a low voltage power pack be restored?

Yes. In most cases a one-time low voltage power pack could be revived. When the power pack overall voltage drops below 12 volts it will not wake up the mower. It could be revived with a car battery charger, or with a Robomow® fast external charger.

Is it normal for the power pack to last two hours on my second mowing season?

Yes it is. However, please make sure the blades are sharp and not clogged. Dull or clogged blades reduce power pack mowing time significantly.

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Capacity

 How long will it take to mow my lawn?

Generally speaking, it takes a bit longer for the Robomow® to mow than it does a walk-behind mower, but this is insignificant since you can do other things while the mower is busy. Total time will depend on size of yard and also on the model chosen. Remember, with Robomow you may cut your grass whenever you choose, any time day or night. Since you are free to spend this time elsewhere, it is truly a time-saving product.

How much will Robomow cut per day?

As a rule of thumb, 1,500 square feet per hour of mowing.

 How do I know it will work for my yard?

If your yard can be cut using a walk-behind mower, Robomow® will work in your yard.

How often can I schedule the RL-1000 each week?

The RL1000 and RM400 can be programmed to work up to five days a week. However, most lawns will require it to be used only two to three sessions per week on the automatic schedule. If non-adjacent areas need to be mowed, two or three additional sessions are fine.

 How do I know which Robomow® model is right for my yard?

There are 2 basic criteria to consider: size of the lawn and whether a Base Station is needed or not. The RL1000 and the RM400 are both supplied with a Base Station, providing full automation. These models will automatically depart from the Base Station at the pre-set scheduled times. With the other models, all you have to do is drive Robomow® to the lawn and press the GO button.

What are the differences between the models?

The new RM mowers are suitable for the average urban garden. The RL850 is suitable for sloped or uneven lawns and can cut an area up to 1/4 acre The RL1000 is fully automatic and can handle larger (up to 1/2 acre) lawns.

 Will Robomow suit my garden?

A wide range of Robomow models are available to suit lawns up to 20,000 ft2 in area. Obstacles such as trees, ponds or flower beds can be easily accommodated so that Robomow® knows to mow up to the edge of these objects but not to mow over them. Robomow® cuts right up to the lawn edges, the only robotic mower to do this due to the clever arrangement of cutting blades.

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Neighbors

They could, providing there is a 5 feet distance between their installed perimeter wire. If the wires are closer than that, they will have to alternate their mowing hours or days. If both adjacent plots are active at the same time and the perimeter wires of the neighboring plots are very close, Robomow® may cross to the neighboring plot.

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Installation

How do I know if a robot lawn mower will work for my yard? 

If your yard can be cut using a walk-behind mower, Robomow® will work in your yard.

I have trees and other objects in may lawn. How will it work with these obstacles?

Obstacles or other areas within the lawn that should not be accessible to the mower are handled in one of two ways. If the object is rigid and at least six inches tall, the mower simply bumps into them, as the bumper sensors will detect the small impact and cause the mower to change direction. Other areas, like a flowerbed or swimming pool, are excluded from the cutting area by using the same wire as installed on the perimeter. The object is simply looped out during installation of the perimeter wire. The inbound and outbound leads of the wire used to loop out the object are installed right next to one another. This causes the signal in this section of the wire to cancel, allowing the mower full access around the obstacle, but keeping it out of the area excluded.

What about flower beds and ponds

Robomow stays within the wire round the edge of the lawn. It cannot cross over and stray into other areas. If your flowerbed is in the center of the lawn then when laying the perimeter wire simply bring the wire out to and around the flowerbed and then back to the perimeter. Robomow® will not see the wires where they are side-by-side going to and from the flowerbed. All it will see is the wire around the flowerbed thus protecting the flowerbed.

Can Robomow handle slopes?

If a slope is currently being cut safely with a walk-behind, Robomow® will handle it fine. Mowing slopes up to 30 degrees is no problem for Robomow®, it is very powerful.

Will the robot lawn mower work with an invisible dog fence?

Robomow® has been tested with several different systems, with little or no adverse effect

Water Resistance: Does rain or water hurt the mower?

Robomow® and it's docking station have been specifically designed to remain outdoors during the mowing season. They are completely waterproof and the rain and other summer weather will not damage anything. Under normal circumstances, a unit exposed to rain will not be damaged. We would not advise putting the mower into operation during a severe storm, however should it begin raining while it is operating, there is no problem for Robomow®. Wet mulched grass tends to be sticky and build up at the mulching deck area and will need to be cleaned often if one mows in the rain. We do not recommend washing the unit with a water hose, particularly from the underside.

How many areas can the Robomow® RL1000 mow by itself?

Robomow® RL1000 can mow up to four zones by itself.

What are Zones A, B, C and D?

The zones are used as a preset work time setting. Any Zone you choose on the display will work on each of your plots. RL1000/RM400: Zone A is called Docking zone.

How do I know how much work time to set each zone for?

As a rule of thumb, every 1500 square feet need approximately 1 hour of mowing. After using it for a while you will know better and will be able to adjust work time for each zone.

Will Robomow® move from one zone to the other?

The Robomow® can navigate between two zones only if they are connected with a patch of grass. The minimum width of this area between the zones is 5 feet for all models but the RL1000. The RL1000 can navigate through a patch as narrow as 3 feet, using entry points and navigating between plots on Edge mode.

The back yard is fully enclosed with a fence; do I need to wire it?

You sure do. Robomow® must have an active loop of perimeter wire around any area to be mowed. It is a major safety feature. Without the active perimeter wire around it, initiating automatic operation a ‘No wire signal’ message will be displayed and the mower will not move an inch.

How hard is it to install?

RoboMow® installation is an easy process that normally takes about the same amount of time as mowing your lawn once. No special skills are required. You simply unroll the wire, stake it down around the perimeter of your lawn using the supplied ruler and you are ready to go. Complete instructions are included in the owner's manual. The average installation will take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

Do I have to bury the perimeter wire?

No, in fact most people simply stake it down to the lawn, at the ground level. The pegs (also called stakes) hold it down to the ground, and the grass grows over and covers it very quickly. You may bury it up to 3-4 inches if you desire.

Will I have to remove the installed perimeter wire after every operation or for the winter?

Not at all. The perimeter wire is there to stay for years.

What happens to the wire after I install it? Can you see it? Will I trip over it?

The plastic coated wire is hammered flush with the lawn and simply disappears within a couple of weeks as the grass grows over it. Your Robomow® is the only one who can tell it is there.

Is there way to protect the wire from being cut by a string trimmer or an edger?

The wire can be covered at areas you suspect you may cut it by using a few pegs closely, touching one another. The pegs heads will create a relatively good protection for a string trimmer. If you use a metal blade edger, it is recommended to bury the wire at 3 inches deep and protect is with pegs. It is also recommended to mark the sidewalk edge with paint, so you know to be careful and raise the edger blade or avoid this area altogether.

Can I connect a few plots, or even the whole yard as one loop to the perimeter switch?

Yes you could. A few or all plots could be connected together, as long as the two wires leading from plot to the other are parallel and laid down together. The two wires leading from one plot to the other will not be “seen” by the Robomower, since it recognizes only a single wire. This is also how the Robomower® ignores the two wires leading to a perimeter island or to the perimeter switch.

What is the longest wire I could connect to the perimeter switch?

Connecting to a regular perimeter switch the limit is 1000 feet. Using the base station, the limit is 2000 feet.

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Warranty

 What is the warranty and how long will the mower last?

The standard warranty is 24 months parts and labor for the mower, 12 months for the power pack. This is the typical parts and workmanship statement. The warranty is for the original owner and is not transferable. The warranty is valid only if purchased from an authorized dealer. If you have a doubt, check with the exclusive US distributor at 888-404-7626 to make sure your dealer is truly authorized before purchasing.

What is the warranty on accessories?

The accessories warranty is 90 days from date of purchase, if purchased from an authorized dealer. This applies to extra Power Packs and Perimeter Switches.

How do I register my warranty on-line?

Immediately after purchase, register your mower on the website for the exclusive US distributor, www.friendlyrobotics.com, in the Service section, click on "Register" and complete the registration form.

Can I still have it serviced out of warranty or if purchased from an unauthorized seller?

Sure you could but naturally will have to pay for the service.

What is an authorized Robomow® dealer?

Our being an authorized dealer means that we are recognized by Friendly Robotics as an official dealer for their products. It also means that we are well versed in the setup, operation and maintenance of their entire product line. Authorized dealers also stock parts, and/or provide service. Warranties are not valid unless a Friendly Robotics product has been purchased through an authorized dealer.

My friend purchased and used the Robomow® for a month and gave it to me, it is practically new, am I covered by warranty?

Sorry, but you are not. The warranty is for the original owner only and is not transferable.

I bought a Robomow® as a gift for my parents, are they covered under warranty?

The warranty is available to the first owner only, so yes as the first owner they would be entitled to warranty service and support.

I own a Toro iMOW, can I get it serviced?

You could have your iMOW serviced at authorized Robomow® servicing dealers, but for a full price. The iMOW is compatible with the Robomow® and the spare parts are the same.

How long will Robomow® last?

Robomow® is made from very sturdy materials and is designed to last and last. It is going into its seventh season of use in some parts of the world and still going strong. The deck is guaranteed for ten years.

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Grasscycling

What is Grasscycling?

Grasscycling is the natural recycling of grass by leaving clippings on the lawn when mowing. When you grasscycle with your Friendly Robotics Robomow®, the clippings stay in the mowing chamber longer, being cut and re-cut several times into very small clippings before falling back to the soil. Once on the ground, they decompose quickly and release valuable nutrients into the soil. This results in a healthier and betterlooking lawn, and eliminates the need to collect and remove the clippings.

Why using Grasscycling?

Grasscycling saves time, money, and protects the environment. Mowing time is reduced since the bagging and disposal of clippings is eliminated. Grass clippings add beneficial organic matter to the soil, which provides free fertilizer and produces healthy, green lawns. Grasscycling reduces turf grass fertilizer and water requirements, which can minimize toxic runoff entering storm drains and polluting lakes, creeks, and rivers. Grasscycling also reduces the amount of yard waste disposed in landfills.

Does Grasscycling require special equipment?

You may be able to use your existing mower to grass-cycle, but you will have to mow very frequently compared to mowers that are specially designed to grass-cycle. The Friendly Robotics Robomow® is a dedicated mulching mower that mulches better than a traditional mower thanks to its Triple-Chamber-Mulching system and the 5800-RPM blade speed, double that of a typical gas mower. It was designed specifically for mulching, it has a special blades and a deep cutting deck that allows your grass clippings to be cut several times (up to 8 times) before the grass clippings are returned to the lawn as a natural fertilizer.

Will Grasscycling make my lawn look bad?

No! If a lawn is properly mowed, watered, and fertilized, grasscycling can actually produce a healthier-looking lawn. It is important to cut the lawn frequently to produce small clippings that will fall between the standing blades and decompose quickly. Many golf courses and parks have practiced grasscycling for years.

Does grasscycling cause thatch build-up?

No! Clippings and thatch are simply not connected; research has shown that grass roots are the primary cause of thatch, not grass clippings. Thatch is composed mainly of roots, stems and crowns; it results from the abnormally fast growth of roots and other plant tissues and is caused by improper fertilizing and watering. These plant materials contain large amounts of lignin and decompose slowly. Grass clippings are approximately 80-85 percent water with only small amounts of lignin, and decompose rapidly.

What benefits do grass clippings provide if returned to the lawn?

Grass clippings returned to the lawn provide up to 25 percent of your lawn's total fertilizer needs. Clippings contain about 4 percent nitrogen, 2 percent potassium and 1 percent phosphorus. While decomposing, they also serve indirectly as a food source for the bacteria in the soil, which are doing many beneficial things (such as decomposing thatch) for a healthy turf environment.

Are mulching mowers any more effective than regular lawn mowers?

Mulching mowers are rotary mowers that cut clippings into smaller pieces and disperse them uniformly back into the lawn for decomposition. Removing only a third of the vertical green growth is very important when using a mulching type of mower. Well-designed mulching mowers distribute clippings more evenly across the lawn surface than regular lawn mowers.

Are sharp lawnmower blades important?

Mowing with a dull blade is like giving your lawn a bad haircut. Rather than cleanly cutting a dull mower blade actually rips or tears grass blades. This not only increases the intensity of the plant injury, but also the ragged edges serve as ideal entry points for various diseases. Dull mowing is especially visible in hot weather when the tip of each grass blade dries out and turns brown. Multiply this by several billion and your lawn may end up looking more like a field of straw rather than a lush green carpet.

How often should I mow my lawn?

Many homeowners mistakenly cut their lawns once a week, usually during weekends. Grass should be cut when it needs cutting, rather than mowing on an artificially imposed schedule.

Decades of field research and experience have demonstrated that mowing frequency should generally be stepped up to once every five to six days. Cutting more often means that the grass particles are shorter, and filter down to the soil surface, where they quickly break down and release a surprising amount of nutrients, in addition to providing micronutrients and organic matter which serves as a mulch to conserve soil moisture and modify temperature extremes.

Does grasscycling spread lawn disease?

No! Improper watering and fertilizing are the primary cause of disease spread. If an accommodating environment for turf-grass disease is present, then infestation will occur whether clippings are collected or not. Watering properly, only when needed (one inch of water every five to six days, in early morning) and keeping your mower blade very sharp for clean cutting will help your lawn resist disease.

Do I have to rake the fallen leaves from my lawn?

Regrettably, too many people waste their precious weekends raking leaves into piles or shattering the quite peace of sunny afternoons with leaf blowers. There is a better solution. Rather than trying to rid your lawn of fallen leaves, you should actually leave them where they are. It is nature s way to recycle, after all.

Robomow has a well designed mulching deck and blades that rotate at  5800 revolutions per minute enabling it to shred whole leaves into very small pieces. The leaves will disappear into a thin layer of tiny particles easily digested by worms and bacteria. The leaves contain all of the nutrients and micronutrients your lawn needs.

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