10 Robotic Lawn Mower Safety Tips
Thanks to rapid advancements in smart technology, robots can now mow our lawn without much assistance. The time we used to spend pushing a lawn mower on weekends can now instead be spent with family, playing with kids, creative hobbies and much more. You even still get your perfectly mowed lawn! No wonder these high-tech […]
Thanks to rapid advancements in smart technology, robots can now mow our lawn without much assistance. The time we used to spend pushing a lawn mower on weekends can now instead be spent with family, playing with kids, creative hobbies and much more. You even still get your perfectly mowed lawn! No wonder these high-tech devices have gained popularity since their introduction in 1969.
Without a doubt, robotic lawn mowers are far more convenient, efficient and safer than conventional lawn mowers. They are built and programmed with advanced safety features such as collision detection, lift/tilt sensors, a different cutting system, etc., to make sure you and your family are safe while beautifying your lawn.
It would be wrong to say that these self-operating grass cutting machines come without safety hazards. They are insentient robots after all. However, these hazards are minimal compared to powerful diesel mowers that consume flammable fuel, heat up during operation and use blades rotating at 3000 rpm to trim your lawn. Still, automatic mowers can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
Here are 10 robotic lawn mower safety tips to follow during installation and operation. These will come in handy if you’re thinking of buying a robot mower or are already using one.
1. Read the Instruction Manual Thoroughly
Every robotic lawn mower comes with a detailed safety and instruction manual. Read and understand it carefully before installing and operating your device. Failure to follow the instructions and warnings can result in injury or property damage.
Various symbols are printed on the cover of the mower itself. Study these thoroughly and be aware of their significance for safer use of the appliance. Be mindful when using such machinery to avoid possible mishaps that can result in harm or loss.
2. Maintain a Safe Distance While the Mower is Operating
Though the robot mowers are equipped with touch sensors, it’s best to keep children, pets and bystanders away from the machine when in operation because, in rare incidents, small objects can be thrown from the mower while operating. You can attach the Ambrogio Robot Amico device to your pets for added safety. This communicates with the mower through Bluetooth and keeps it from mowing near your pets.
Alternatively, you can schedule your robot mower to operate at night, when everyone is soundly asleep. Unlike conventional mowers, automatic mowers are relatively silent, so nighttime operation won’t be a problem. This way, you avoid disruption of daytime activities and wake up to a freshly mown lawn. You can also schedule your mower to operate when no one is home.
Refrain from raising, lifting or adjusting the mower while it’s operating. Although it powers off automatically, you’re working with sharp rotating blades, so err on the side of caution. Always turn the power off before inspecting or adjusting the robotic mower. Even when the power is off, it’s best to wear safety gloves while inspecting or servicing the blades to prevent cuts and other injuries.
3. Inspect the Area Before Every Mowing Session
Your robotic mower can miss detecting smaller items and mow over them. Before operating the mower, swiftly inspect your lawn and clear foreign objects like toys, tree branches, stones, articles of clothing, etc.
Check for small holes or mounds inside the working area. Fill the holes and clear the mounds to ensure smooth operation.
Using automatic mowers in explosive and flammable environments is not recommended. Check for such possibilities before using the mower on your lawn.
4. Do Not Operate on Slopes Greater Than Permitted
There’s a reason why each mower comes with a maximum permissible slope capacity. Check the inclination of your lawn slopes and make sure to use mowers rated for that specifically. Do not use the mower on slopes greater than permitted to prevent the possible risks of the mower rolling over and causing an injury or damage to the property or the mower itself.
Most mower manufacturers use slope grade instead of degrees, which suggests the percentage obtained when the vertical rise is divided by the horizontal run. For instance, a 30% slope is about 17°.
Ambrogio L85 Elite is one of the few robotic lawn mowers with a maximum permissible slope of 55%, equivalent to almost 30°. If you have a steep lawn, make sure to check it out.
5. Proper Installation of Perimeter Wire
It’s best to have your perimeter wire installed by professionals. If you’re familiar with the procedure and choose to install it yourself, follow all safety measures. Wear eye protection and safety gloves while doing the wireworks. Drive the pegs firmly into the ground to prevent tripping over the wire.
In the case of sharp corners, use several angles to avoid any angle less than 90°. To avoid obstacles, you must provide a clear path for the mower. Make sure there are no fences or other restrictions in its way so access can be uninterrupted. In the presence of obstacles like trees, surround them with the perimeter wire.
To better understand the installation procedure and what questions our clients ask initially, you can check out how to install a robotic lawn mower.
6. Avoid Operating the Mower in Wet Conditions
Most models of automatic lawn mowers are designed to function well in the rain. However, mowing in damp conditions can damage your lawn. Furthermore, operating in the rain attracts significant amounts of dirt on the blades and wheels, which can unbalance the mower if not properly cleaned.
What if it starts raining when the mower is in action? Most robotic mowers have a rain sensor that detects rain, allowing them to return to the charging station automatically. Work is resumed at the next scheduled time.
7. Carefully Handle the Charging Station
The charging station is a sensitive part of the system, so it should be handled with care. Incorrect use can result in electric shock, overheating, and other hazards.
Here are a few safety tips regarding the charging station:
- Never plug the charging station into an extension cord.
- Only use the original power equipment for charging the mower.
- Do not place any metal objects above or around the charging station.
- Avoid having the charging station’s docking area and control panel come in contact with water.
8. Follow Suitable Cleaning Procedures
Since it is an electronic appliance, you can’t just clean it like a regular lawn mower. Avoid garden hoses or pressure cleaners as excess or pressurised water can damage sensitive electrical components. Similarly, don’t immerse the machine in water.
When you’re finished mowing, use a wet cloth or soft brush to clean off any grass clippings and debris from the underside, especially the blades, blade disc and the wheels. Again, wear thick gloves to prevent yourself from being injured while cleaning the blades. Unclog the drainage hole of the mower if it’s clogged.
9. Never Modify the Robotic Mower
Do not attempt to modify the mower, charging station, or perimeter wire in any way other than what is specified by the manufacturer. Doing so may result in electric shock, damage to the machine or injury.
When it’s time for battery replacement, replace it with the manufacturer-authorised battery. Likewise, refrain from using any accessories or equipment except for the ones that the manufacturer authorises.
10. Practice Regular Maintenance
Keeping your robotic lawn mower in great operating condition is essential. You can do this by regularly following the maintenance procedures outlined by the manufacturer. Maintaining a schedule helps you avoid minor issues snowballing into significant issues, drastically reducing the need for expensive repairs down the line.
However, maintaining a lawn mower also means dealing with sharp blades. The blades in your robotic mower are sharp enough to break the skin, so always wear safety gloves while cleaning or replacing the blades and handle everything with care. Don’t forget to get your robotic mower serviced by the manufacturer themselves at least once or twice a year, as per their guidelines.
Check out our guide to maintaining your robotic lawn mower for a detailed methodology on proper robotic mower maintenance.
Bonus Tips
Here are a few bonus tips for you:
- Do not ride or sit on your robotic lawn mower.
- Keep it away from the reach of children.
- Avoid letting anyone operate your mower without a full understanding of the operational procedures.
- Refrain from using the automatic mower outside the perimeter wire.
- Operate the mower only after confirming that the charging station and perimeter wire are installed correctly.
Get Expert Assistance Today
Prevention is always better than cure. Following these simple safety precautions can go a long way in increasing the cost-effectiveness of your robotic mower. You may be overwhelmed with the safety instructions above but we’ll have you know that robotic lawn mowers are far safer than traditional ones. They also have plenty of other benefits, such as quiet operation and improved lawn quality.
Roboworld Australasia is a business with 40 years under its belt. Throughout the years, we have found success by focusing on accessing our clients’ needs and providing them with the best robotic lawn mowing solution based on their lawn size, slope inclination and other relevant factors. Email [email protected] or call 1800577484 to speak with the industry experts and get the automatic mower that’s just right for you.