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RoboMower General Info
Does the RoboMower
really work?
It sure does. The RoboMower is the next generation of lawn
mowing products, a natural evolution to the next level in
mowing, automatic mowing. It provides 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 manicured lawn.
How
does it work and how does it
know where it is going?
A small wire is pegged to the ground below the grass level
around the perimeter of your lawn, a similar type of technology
that invisible pet containment systems use. This is a one-time
setup and takes about as long as it does to mow your lawn
one time. This wire will virtually disappear from sight
in two to three weeks in normal growing conditions. This
wire forms the virtual fence for the RoboMower , containing
it to the area you are mowing.
The RoboMower uses an onboard navigation system, monitoring
it's 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 to the
mower and uses this information to determine the next most
efficient path for the mower to take.
How
long will it take the Robot
to mow my lawn?
Generally speaking, it takes from 2 to 3 times longer for
the RoboMower to mow than a walk-behind mower. This can
be an understandable concern from people who have never
used the RoboMower, but as customers used the mower once
or twice, they are no longer concerned about this. Generally,
a setup will consist of one plot for the front yard and
one plot area for the back yard. The side yards are often
included with either the front or the back. For best results
on average lot sizes, where the lot size is from one-third
to one-half acre, it is recommended that one power pack
operation is used to cut one plot and a second operation
is used to cut the second plot.
While
many lots can be effectively cut with one operation, it
is recommended that you first operate the RoboMower in one
plot for the entire operation and view the results before
choosing how to manage the two areas. Typically, we see
RoboMower users cut their lawn 2 or 3 times a week, because
it is so easy - simply push the button and the lawn is again
freshly cut and looking great. In fact, this is actually
healthier for the lawn.
Remember, RoboMower users can cut grass whenever they choose,
any time day or night. Since they are free to spend this
time elsewhere, it is truly a timesaving product.
Is
the mower safe, I'm worried
about it running when I am not around?
Basically, the fact that the RoboMower mows by itself without
the presence of the operator, makes it the safest way to
mow. However, you need to decide if running unattended is
right for your situation or not. It is your responsibility
to make sure bystanders, neighbors kids and such are not
getting near it while in operation. If there is a possibility
of kids or any unauthorized "guests" getting near
it while in operation, it is highly recommended to use the
Anti Theft mode, the Child Guard mode and keeping an eye
on it in general.
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.
The mower currently meets or exceeds all CPSC mandated requirements
for walk behind mowers, such as foot probe testing and blade
stop speed. Additionally, the safety sensors to detect bumping
into an object, sensors to detect a lift of the cutting
deck (and stop the blades), child lock safety features and
manual operator presence controls all add in significant
safety measures and systems to the user, far above that
found on conventional walk mowers today. Simply a safer
way to mow.
Since
the RoboMower moves across
the lawn in many different directions, won't I have lawn
stripes that make my lawn look like patchwork or a puzzle?
The RoboMower 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. However, since it is
moving across the grass in all directions it offers a much
better quality of cut than a traditional walk behind.
What
happens to the clippings?
The RoboMower is a 21-inch cut, triple chamber, dedicated
mulching system, and the healthiest way to manage clippings
for your lawn. Because it mulches in three separate chambers,
it will actually mulch more effectively than most conventional
mowers, thereby leaving smaller clippings that fall into
the grass. These smaller clippings provide for quick decomposition
into a natural fertilizer for your lawn.
Is
the height of cut adjustable?
Yes, from 1.5 to 3.5 inches. This is controlled from the
front wheel and a rear wheel ground clearance adjustment.
Adjustments take seconds
I have trees and other objects
in my 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 it and change direction. Other areas,
like a flower bed 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 setup
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
How
long will a power pack
charge last?
Depending on grass height and type, but normally up to 3-4
hours of run time per charge. 4 hours will cut from 4,000
- 6,0000 square feet, depending on conditions. The average
US lawn has less than 5,000 square feet of lawn (grass).
Many customers choose to buy an extra RoboMower power pack
with its fast external charger, which doubles your mowing
capacity. Many users split their lawn into 2 or more
mowing zones. A common layout is to create one zone for
the front and one for the rear lawn. The front in many cases
is smaller and can be cut while other yard maintenance is
performed. The rear can be cut at another convenient time
or even at night without disturbing your neighbors. It is
solely the judgment of the homeowner to decide if the area
is secure enough for the mower to be run unattended.
Is the RL-850
Upgradable to an RL-1000?
This was available through an earlier program and is no
longer offered. Please give us a call if you have questions
regarding this.
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