Robotic lawn mower installation. Do All Robot Lawn Mowers Need a Perimeter Wire

Do All Robot Lawn Mowers Need a Perimeter Wire?

Robotic lawn mowers have upended the traditional way of cutting the grass.

Automated mowers seek to eliminate manual labour — and unreliable contractors. The first generation of robotic lawn mowers relied on boundary wires to guide them around your yard, protect landscape features like gardens, and avoid trees and other obstacles.

But do all robot mowers need a perimeter wire? Boundary wires get in the way and create multiple inconveniences — partially defeating the purpose of robotic mowers in the first place.

Learn more about perimeter wires and robotic lawnmowers below and discover the latest generation of AI and LiDAR-powered devices that operate more effectively without requiring perimeter wires.

With a better understanding of the latest innovations, you can buy the right robotic mower to cut the well-manicured lawn of your dreams.

Why Do Most Robotic Mowers Rely on a Boundary Wire?

A robotic lawn mower needs to know where it is and where not to go while trimming your lawn. The first generation of robotic lawn mowers would veer off into course without a perimeter wire — or end up mulching your prized Begonias.

Most robot mowers still use physical boundary wires to operate. The wires act as an invisible fence around the perimeter of your yard. A perimeter wire emits an electromagnetic signal that helps steer the robot mower, guiding it away from flower beds, patios, driveways, and other areas where you don’t want it to roam.

If your landscaping requirements change, boundary wires are movable. But it can be a pain to lay and re-lay them. The whole point of a robotic lawn mower is to eliminate work, not create more of it.

Perimeter wires are also susceptible to damage by animals or lawn/gardening tools, which can unintentionally set your robot lawn mower free.

Do All Robot Mowers Need Boundary Wires?

Not all robot mowers require perimeter wires. Cutting-edge models use new technology like AI and LiDAR to navigate your landscape effortlessly without the hassle of setting up physical boundaries.

Above-ground perimeter wires can be dangerous, presenting a trip hazard for adults and a considerable risk to children who may not see the barrier.

Perimeter wires also deteriorate or break over time as a result of harsh weather conditions. Even limited stretching can damage wires, and corrosion happens no matter where you live.

Perimeter wires also place limitations on installing other systems, like irrigation, aeration, cable or internet connection, or outdoor lighting.

If you accidentally damage a wire when installing any of these systems, the robotic lawn mower won’t be able to do its job effectively until it’s repaired or replaced. You may not even know the damage has occurred until it’s too late.

There are multiple reasons why a robotic lawn mower that doesn’t rely on perimeter wires is more convenient and efficient.

Luckily, new innovations have put wire-free robotic lawn mowers, like EcoFlow’s award-winning BLADE, well within reach.

Benefits of Using Robotic Lawnmowers Without Boundary Wires

Robotic mowers that don’t require boundary wires offer several advantages, from less room for error to less time and effort needed. What’s not to love?

Less Room for Human Error

With GPS, sensors, beacon technology, and vision-based systems, the human error that can result from boundary wire placement is eliminated. Advanced robot mowers like the BLADE will use proprietary technology to stay within the boundaries you define.

No Need to Repair or Replace Boundary Wires

Robot mowers that require boundary wires often leave the wires exposed to the elements, where they can easily be damaged. With a wireless robotic mower, these worries are gone. No boundary wires to install means there are also none to replace.

Less Time and Effort Required

Using wireless technology saves time and effort in laying down any wire around your yard. It prevents unnecessary use of the robot mower.

Since the goal of a robot lawn mower is to handle the work for you, one that doesn’t require preliminary work stays true to that claim.

Removes Safety Hazards and Accessibility Issues

Boundary wires may prevent tripping hazards if not installed correctly. It can be a serious issue in high-traffic areas or yards where children or animals play.

Setting the perimeters requires several steps, and the labour involved also can be intensive. For people with disabilities or limited mobility, the additional step creates accessibility issues where there doesn’t need to be any.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Robot Lawn Mowers That Don’t Use Perimeter Wires?

Yes, robotic lawn mowers like the BLADE Robot Lawn Mower from EcoFlow don’t require perimeter wires. Instead, these mowers use GPS, sensors, beacons, or vision systems to detect the designated boundaries and avoid mowing them.

Final Thoughts

Robot lawnmowers can make lawn maintenance more manageable and efficient than ever. By leveraging technology like GPS, sensors, beacon systems, and vision-based systems, wireless robotic mowers can simplify your work even more by removing the need to install boundary wires.If you’re looking for a more intelligent and easier way to maintain your lawn, consider investing in a robot mower that doesn’t require any boundary wires. EcoFlow’s BLADE operates using a virtual boundary and high-precision GPS for a Smart, wireless solution to lawn care.

EcoFlow is a portable power and renewable energy solutions company. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow has provided peace-of-mind power to customers in over 85 markets through its DELTA and RIVER product lines of portable power stations and eco-friendly accessories.

How to install the charging station of the robotic lawnmower?

The (comparatively small) amount of time required to install the charging station before the first start-up is a necessary evil in order to subsequently save a lot of time with lawn care. What needs to be taken into account to ensure that the operation of the new robotic lawnmower goes smoothly later on?

The purchase of a new robotic lawnmower initially involves an investment of time. After all, the garden helper must have a point of contact with the charging station and, through the boundary wire, know which areas are to be mowed and or not. Luckily for you, the installation is not difficult contrary to some skeptics. If you just pay attention to a few things in the process and plan in advance, there will be no problems later during operation.

Step 1: Finding a suitable location

The location for your charging station is important so that the robot can approach it smoothly. A central location that offers about 3 meters of space in front of the station is suitable. This distance allows access from all sides without any problems.

It is also important that the perimeter wire, which leads away from the station and comes back to the other side of it, runs about 3 meters straight ahead. Angled corners are therefore inconspicuous, but rather unsuitable for the charging station. The signal can irritate the robot during the search for the station.

The surface on which the station is located should be as flat as possible and preferably within the lawn area. A nearby power outlet is also important so that the charging station can be operated with a low-voltage cable. It is recommended that the cable be not too long or extended. An outdoor socket should of course be suitable and weather proof for optimal operation.

In addition to full sunlight, it should also be protected against splashing water. A lawn sprinkler near the station should be avoided, since penetrating water could damage the electronics inside. over, permanent heat leads to faster aging of the battery. Incidentally, the same location conditions with regard to sun and water protection also apply to the transformer.

How does the robotic lawnmower find the charging station?

Manufacturers use different systems to guide the robotic lawnmower back to the charging station. A perimeter wire is widely used, which the robot simply travels along when the battery level is low until it reaches the charging station. Other manufacturers rely on an additional guide wire that runs once across the lawn. This allows the distance to be shortened if the battery power drops in the middle of the area. However, the installation is also more complex, as you have to lay an additional cable to the perimeter wire.

Step 2: Connecting the charging station

Once you have identified a suitable location for the charging station, the connection is simple.

• Connect a low-voltage cable to the charging station.
• Plug the power cable of the transformer into the socket.
• Attach the plate to the ground.

Tip: Wait to attach the plate until you are sure the perimeter wire is properly installed. This will allow you to adjust the position of the charging station slightly if necessary.

Step 3: Laying the perimeter wire

So that the robotic lawnmower later knows which areas are to be mowed and which are not, it is now necessary to lay the boundary wire. This starts at one side of the station, then runs completely around the lawn until it finally ends up at the other side of the station. This will then establish a closed circuit. Furthermore, a magnetic field is created that the robot detects and will not cross the signal. When laying the cable, it is important to observe a few points such as the correct distance to the edge of the lawn. over, the cable must not cross at any point. You can lay the cable both above and below ground. While above-ground installation is easier as the cable only needs to be attached to the green with a few lawn hooks, underground installation requires significantly more time. On the other hand, the cable is then protected from weather conditions and is not in danger of being damaged or cut.

Step 4: Start the robotic lawnmower

Once you have completed the preparatory measures, place the robotic lawnmower at the station so that the battery charges for the first time. This also allows for further programming of mowing times, date and time setup and also theft protection. If necessary, you can also define different starting points for main and secondary zones and changes to cutting height.

Installation is particularly easy for models with a touch display or even control via app. This allows the device to be programmed from a cell phone in just a few minutes. If a GSM module is installed in the robot, you don’t even need to be near the robot to do this, but can make the settings completely independently of location.

Step 5: Readjustment

The robotic lawnmower should be observed during its first run. If there are problems when driving over certain areas or if the edges are not mowed to the desired length, it is a good idea to make readjustments directly. Once this is done, you will have a lot of fun with your new garden which will reward you with an incredible amount of free time.

Installing a robotic mower is easier than you might think. The only thing that really takes some time at first is laying the boundary wire. The subsequent commissioning, on the other hand, is absolutely child’s play thanks to our modern technology.

Watch these short videos for Step-by-Step Instructions on Installing your Automower®

Automower® day-of installation checklist

No, the wire can also be stapled to the surface of the ground with the staples included in the installation kit. In a few weeks, the wire will disappear into your lawn.

Yes, the same wire is used for both the guide and boundary.

Yes, we recommend mowing your lawn prior to installation. Cut the lawn short around the perimeter so the wire can lay as close to the ground as possible.

Yes, first plug the power supply into the low voltage cable and then plug the low voltage cable into the charging station. Next, plug the power supply into a 110V outlet. Set the mower’s main switch to position 1 and push Automower® into the charging station.

Yes, an island can be added after the initial install by splicing into the boundary wire. You can purchase a splicing kit and additional wire here.

It is always best to install a guide wire to help Automower® get home more quickly when needed. Note, the 115H requires a guide wire to return home.

While you can purchase your own wire, we recommend using the wire included with your Husqvarna installation kit as it’s tested and proven for optimal performance.

To create your PIN code on your Automower® 415X, please follow the below setup instructions:

• Place the mower in the charging station.
• Turn on the mower. The first time you turn it on, the startup sequence will begin.
• You will be prompted to enter a PIN code, using the mower keyboard. Your code at startup should be 1111.
• You will then continue to select your settings. Push the arrow buttons and the OK button to select language, country, date and time.
• Once the startup settings are complete, you will be prompted to enter a new PIN code. This will become your personal PIN code for unlocking the mower in the future.
• Enter your unique 4 digit PIN code to complete setup. Note: It is not possible to use 0000 as a PIN code.

If you enter the wrong PIN code, you will be locked out of the mower for approximately 5 minutes. If you continue to enter the wrong PIN, you will continue to be locked out of the mower for increasing intervals, with a maximum of 4 hours between attempts. There is no way to override this lock. If your PIN isn’t working, wait until the mower is unlocked again and contact Customer Service at 833-991-ROBO (7626) from M-F 9am-6pm ET. Note: you may be asked for proof of purchase to verify product ownership.

If the keypad isn’t working, please call Customer Support at 833-991-ROBO (7626) from M-F 9am-6pm ET. Or bring the mower to your local Husqvarna Automower® dealer – click here (link to dealer locator?) to find your nearest dealer.

If you have an Automower® 415X, you can also type in your PIN code on the Automower® Connect app. However, we also suggest contacting Customer Service or your local dealer to ensure your mower is working correctly.

If you have an Automower® 435X AWD, it’s possible the jogwheel is stuck. You can fix this at home by pulling off the wheel and clearing any debris – click here (link to video?) for an easy-to-follow video tutorial. You can also bypass the mower interface and unlock the mower via Bluetooth®. However, we also suggest contacting Customer Service or your local dealer to ensure your mower is working correctly.

The Complete Guide to Robotic Lawn Mowers

Are you sick of pushing a mower around your lawn every weekend? If so, it might be time to consider investing in a robotic lawnmower and let the machine do the manual labor!

Robotic mowers have become increasingly popular over the past few years as technology advances. They’re efficient and low-maintenance — ideal for busy homeowners who want to keep their yards looking great without spending time mowing or money on maintenance.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about robot lawnmowers: what they are, how they work, different types, cost, and tips for choosing the right one for your yard.

What is a Robotic Lawn Mower?

A robotic lawn mower is an autonomous machine that can mow your lawn without you. Thanks to advancements in sensor technology — like LiDAR — and artificial intelligence (AI), a robot can mow your entire yard. Automated mowers trim the grass within designated boundaries and avoid areas — such as gardens and flowerbeds — you want to leave undisturbed.

Most robot lawn mowers rely on a perimeter wire to keep them within appropriate bounds. But more advanced mowers don’t require this barrier. Using sensors and GPS, mowers like the EcoFlow BLADE can operate within an area that you designate without a perimeter wire.

Robot lawn mowers are ideal for anyone who doesn’t have the time to mow themselves or would prefer to spend their time doing something more rewarding. It’s more affordable (and reliable) than hiring landscapers. After you’ve recouped your initial investment, there are no ongoing costs. BLADE requires only minor maintenance to keep the robot in tip-top shape.

Because BLADE requires no manual labor, it’s particularly well-suited to people with limited mobility, elderly homeowners, people with disabilities, and more.

You might ask, “Since it’s autonomous, how can I program, manage, or track it?”

Most robot mowers are controlled with smartphone apps where you can customize mowing schedules, speed settings, operating areas, and more.

You have complete control with the app. The beauty of robotic mowers is that you don’t have to be behind the wheel — or even at home — for the mower to do its work.

How Do Robotic Lawn Mowers Work?

Robotic lawn mowers run on rechargeable batteries and use sensors, wires, beacons, or GPS technology to detect and avoid obstacles. Their hardware includes blades or mulching systems to cut grass and disperse it on the ground — helping your lawn stay healthy with a process known as grasscycling.

A robotic lawnmower travels around your yard in a predetermined pattern, usually in straight lines. When it reaches the edge of your lawn, sensors will detect an invisible boundary wire you’ve installed and turn the mower around to continue its work. With Smart mowers, the machine’s system will learn where to turn around to start the next pass-through.

A standard robot lawnmower uses perimeter wires that you can install underground or lay just above the surface. The wire boundary allows you to customize the mowing areas and cordon off areas like flower beds, landscaped mulch areas, ponds, and more.

Though this is the standard, innovation is changing how robot lawn mowers work. While most still rely on a physical boundary, new tech lets robot mowers like BLADE work within a virtual border.

Eliminating wires makes setup virtually effortless and enables you to set a more efficient mowing path.

Types of Robotic Lawnmowers

Robotic lawn mowers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and capabilities, but the primary distinction between them is the type of boundaries they use.

Physical Boundary Mowers

Physical boundary mowers rely on invisible wires for navigation that you must install before use. You can customize the area you want your mower to cut and help it avoid obstacles and designated areas, like gardens and flowers.

The perimeter boundary is typically a thin strand of wire encased in a PVC sheath. It starts and ends at the mower charging station. You can wrap it in your desired configuration to cover your entire lawn.

The charger sends a weak electrical current through the perimeter wire, creating a magnetic field around your lawn area where you’ve designated the mower to work.

A physical boundary mower’s built-in sensors detect when it nears the barrier. As the mower approaches the wire, the magnetic field sends the message to the mower that it needs to turn around for another pass.

Beyond the wire on the outside of your lawn, the wire creates a reverse magnetic field. If, for some reason, your mower ends up outside of its designated area, the mower system should immediately detect it and report it to you via the management app.

Some instances where the risk of the mower moving outside the boundary line is higher include steep slopes in the lawn, a power failure, defected perimeter wire, or a mower sensor failure.

Virtual Boundary Mowers

Virtual boundary mowers don’t have a physical perimeter wire restricting their movement. Instead, virtual boundary mowers use sensors and machine learning to determine where the boundaries are. The robot mower learns how to maneuver without needing a physical boundary.

The technology used to create virtual boundaries varies by manufacturer, but many use GPS, Bluetooth beacons, and machine learning algorithms to aid navigation. All virtual boundary mowers use sensors to detect physical landmarks, obstacles, and changes in terrain.

Virtual boundary mowers can learn their physical boundaries without any additional work from you. If your property’s landscaping layout changes, so will the boundary of your robot mower. The mower continues to “learn” and adjust to its surroundings thanks to AI and machine learning.

Perimeter wire mowers require a much more “hands-on” approach.

How Much Do Robotic Lawn Mowers Cost?

Robot lawn mowers are considerably more expensive than riding or push mowers due to their added value and advanced technology, but their range widely.

You can spend as little as 600 on a bare-bones model. A top-of-the-line robotic mower from some manufacturers can run you as much as 6k.

Most fall somewhere between the 2,000-5000 range.

At the time of writing, EcoFlow BLADE costs 2,599 for the mower or 3,199 for the mower and lawn sweeper add-on (say goodbye to that rake!). Its award-winning design combines LiDAR, visual sensors, and proprietary X-Vision technology to recognize and avoid obstacles and operate within virtual boundaries you determine — perimeter wire-free.

How to Choose the Right Robotic Mower for Your Lawn

Consider the following factors to determine which robot lawn mower is right for you.

Cutting Height

If your grass grows quickly, you’ll want a mower that can cut it effectively. Most robot mowers can only trim as low as 30-50 mm.

The EcoFlow blade offers an industry-low cutting height of 20 mm but gives you the flexibility to cut as high as 2.9 inches if you prefer a lush green landscape.

Traverse Capability

Most mowers have small wheels in the front, less than 80mm in diameter. Minimal clearance helps cut your grass shorter but can also create problems when the mower gets stuck into debris.

For BLADE, EcoFlow has literally reinvented the wheel. It features innovative omnidirectional front wheels at a 200mm diameter, reducing resistance by 40%. The result is more control over grass length and better obstacle avoidance.

No more getting stuck on a rock.

Smart Features

Robot mowers with Smart technology provide real-time tracking and reporting, app-controlled scheduling, as well as obstacle and rain detection.

Next-gen robotic mowers provide all this and more, including LiDAR and visual sensors to recognize obstacles and navigate steep terrains. It also includes editable boundaries you can customize via the app and automatically re-routes if it encounters debris.

Robust anti-theft features also help ensure the security of your investment.

Lawn Sweeping

The main reason people buy a robotic mower is to eliminate a time-consuming task. All robotic lawn mowers can cut the grass, but only BLADE can sweep it too.

The optional lawn sweeper attachment detects and collects leaves, sticks, animal waste, and other detritus.

No other robotic lawnmower offers this function. BLADE is the first of its kind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Robot Mowers Worth It?

How much is your time worth to you? A robot mower is a worthy investment if you’re tired of wasting time cutting the grass, paying for landscaping, or if you have limited mobility. Robotic lawn mowers let you manage your lawn care and save you time, physical strain, and money over the long term.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Robot Mower?

Once you’ve made the upfront investment in a robot mower like EcoFlow BLADE, it costs nearly nothing to run. Robot lawn mowers typically consume about 15 kWh of electricity per month. Depending on your local utility, that’s about 1- 5 per month — or between 12 and 60 annually.

Final Thoughts

Robot mowers take the hassle and physical labor out of lawn care.

Automated landscaping devices come in many shapes and sizes and offer different functionality.

If you’re looking for an intelligent robotic lawn mower with cutting-edge features to guarantee a beautiful, clean lawn, the wire-free EcoFlow BLADE is the ultimate solution for you.

EcoFlow is a portable power and renewable energy solutions company. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow has provided peace-of-mind power to customers in over 85 markets through its DELTA and RIVER product lines of portable power stations and eco-friendly accessories.