FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General RoboMower Questions

Q: Are you kidding, does it work? What will they think of next?
A: The RoboMower for 2006 are 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, 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. 

Q: How does it work and how does it know where it is going? 
A: 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 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 to the mower and uses this information to determine the next most efficient path for the mower to take. 

Q: Is the installation difficult and how long will it take? 
A: The installation is quite easy, involving staking a wire down to the perimeter of your lawn. Complete instructions are included in the owner's manual. In addition a small ruler is included to help guide you in the installation. The average installation will take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. 

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

Q: Is the height of cut adjustable? 
A: Yes, from 1.5 to 3.5 inches. This is controlled from the front wheel and a rear wheel ground clearance adjustment. 

Q: Is the RoboMower always automatic?

A: If you choose you can use the manual remote control. The unit can be used like a walk behind mower. In this mode the RoboMower can be used in tight spots, narrow strips, and larger slopes.

Q: What is the life of the power pack? 
A: When properly maintained, two to three years/seasons on average. 

Q: Is the mower safe, I'm worried about it running when I am not around? 
A: The mower currently meets or exceeds all CPSC mandated requirements for walk behind mowers. In fact, the blade stop speed on the RoboMower is 60% faster than required, something not found on any walk behind mower today. Additionally, the safety sensors to detect bumping into an object, sensors to detect a lift of the cutting deck, child lock safety features and manual operator presence controls all add in significant safety measures and systems to the consumer, far above that found on conventional walk mowers today. It’s simply a safer way to mow. 

Q: What happens to the clippings? 
A: The RoboMower is a 21-inch cut, triple chamber, dedicated mulching system, and the healthiest way to manage clippings for your lawn. Because we mulch in three separate chambers, we 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. . 

Q: What is the warranty and how long will the mower last? 
A: The standard warranty is 24 months parts and labor, 12 months battery. This is the typical parts and workmanship statement. 

Q: What is the cost of electricity to recharge the battery?

A: Assuming you used the mower every single day, the average cost of electricity to recharge the power pack is approximately $7.00 a year. 

Q: Can those with physical or mobility limitations use the machine? 
A: Absolutely. People with arthritis, lower back pain or physical disabilities have praised the RoboMower. 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. 

Specific RL-850 Questions

Q: Will the RL-850 handle my yard?

A: A single session handles up to 6,000 square feet – 20% more than the average US homeowner’s lawn

Q: What Features does the RL-850 have that the old RL-800 does not?

A. The New RL-850 has all the great features of the old RL-800 AND also includes: Upgraded Hardware features include a Stronger Drive gear system designed to absorb the shock of ditches, bumps and valleys better than before. RL-850 has a weather resistant exterior and circuitry. Software improvements for 2006. Include, better power management, the RL-850 draws battery power “as needed” conserving more energy and giving the unit a longer battery run time and longer life. Other Software improvements in navigation allow the RL-850 to better navigate thru narrower paths of lawn. And coverage improvements allow the unit a significantly better mowing pattern with “perimeter learning”. The RL-850 also has programming that is upgradeable to later add a docking station if you so desire*

Q: What do you mean the RL-850 can be upgraded to docking?

A: The RL-850 is the perfect mower for those people who are not interested in the docking feature. However, our experience shows that many people, after using the RoboMower for a short while, would like to have the added convenience of the docking system.

Anytime after your purchase of the RL-850, you can have it upgraded to work with a docking system for an upgrade fee. Now you can purchase the docking station and have a fully docking RoboMower system.

Specific RL-1000 Questions
 

RL-1000

Q: What is a docking system?

A: The RL-1000 includes a docking station as part of the system. The docking system allows the RoboMower to fully and autonomously operate in your lawn. No need to drive it out to the lawn and start it. No need to drive it back to the garage and recharged, waiting for the next scheduled departure.

The RoboMower can be scheduled to depart on specific days and times of the week. It will then 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.

Q: Will it handle my yard?

A: The RL-1000 can handle up to 10,000 square feet. Generally, homes on a ¾ acre lot size or smaller are perfect for the RoboMower, RL-1000.
 

Q: Will the weather damage the RL-1000 of docking station?

A: The RL-1000 and 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.

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

A: The RL-1000 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

Q: How can the RL-1000 mow more grass then the RL-800 or the RL-850?

A: It is simply a time issue. With the ability to program the RL-1000 for several mowing sessions automatically, it can easily handle the extra 4,000 square feet using the additional mowing session, all without your assistance