With winter fast approaching, many homeowners are probably de-commissioning their robot lawn mowers and mowers until spring returns. And while it may seem a no-brainer to shove your mower at the back of the shed or garage, there are some crucial jobs you need to do before storing it this season.
This is mainly because cooler temperatures, snow and rain can cause damage to the sensitive electronics of your robot mower. Similarly, you should protect the charging station from moisture while in storage.
We’ve got an expert at hand to share some top maintenance tips before you store your robot mower. Not only will proper storage protect it from rain and rust, but it will also ensure your smart mower stays in top shape for its spring and summer duties.
Clean the robot mower
First thing you’ll need to do is give your robot mower a good clean before storing away. Similar to the prep work before storing a traditional lawn mower, take an outdoor brush and remove grass clippings, mud, leaves and other debris from the robot mower, before cleaning its sensors and wheels.
“Dirt on sensors can affect navigation, while debris on wheels can hinder movement,” states Jayden Wei, CEO of MAMMOTION. “Wipe them down with a damp cloth. Also, don’t forget to inspect blades. Remove and sharpen or replace blades if they are dull or damaged to prevent rust over the winter.”
Fully charge battery before removing
Another task we don’t often consider when storing away for the winter break is battery maintenance. After all, we’re not likely to use the mower during colder temperatures?
However, experts advise to fully charge the battery to the manufacturer’s recommended level before removing it from the robot mower. ]
“For detachable batteries, store them separately in a cool, dry environment above freezing,” advises Wei. “Avoid complete discharge too. Batteries stored fully depleted can lose capacity and may not perform efficiently next season.”
This simple job will extend the battery’s service life, so you can get the most out of your robot lawn mower. Always remove and store batteries in a dry, cool place, and avoid leaving in freezing temperatures as this can permanently reduce capacity.
Store mower and charging station in an indoor place
It’s quite common to leave a robot lawn mower out in the yard, only to be forgotten, but it’s imperative to store the mower in a dry and moisture-free area. “Keep the mower and charging station in a dry, temperature-controlled area,” adds Wei. “Avoid basements or garages prone to moisture or freezing temperatures. Storing the robot mower in damp garages or outdoors exposes it to condensation, which can damage electronics and metal parts.”
In addition, you need to be mindful as to how you store your mower, such as placing it on a stable surface, as you don’t want to risk damage. “Ensure the mower rests on a flat surface or uses a wall hanger designed for robotic mowers to prevent damage. Also cover the mower. Use a breathable cover to protect against dust while allowing airflow to prevent condensation.”
If necessary, you can buy heavy-duty protective covers, which has a universal fit for most push or robot lawn mowers.
Check for firmware updates
Much like our smart home devices, our robot vacuum will need system updates to work properly. So it’s important to check for updates, and install the latest firmware before putting away your robot vacuum this winter.
“Install the latest firmware before storing the mower, and reset or note settings” says Wei. “If needed, reset settings or document schedules to avoid reprogramming in spring. Skipping updates can result in navigation errors or missed performance improvements when the mowing season starts.”
Following these easy steps will help your robot mower stay protected during the grim months, keep it functional and more importantly, ready for the first mow of the season.
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