My autonomous lawn mower thread/blog

jfh

FirstinLastout wrote: »

Was that through the Husky.com website or different??

Has anyone got experience of the other mowers available.... Flymo, Bosch, Mcculloch???
Seems to be mostly Husky & Robomow experiences here.

a friend has this
https://www.autolawnmow.com/product/automatic-lawn-mower-genie-250/
2 years now, no bother

KCross

jfh wrote: »

i would appreciate any feedback regarding garden design, i get it has to be all connected so you don't have to move it yourself but is there anything else i should consider? ie flower beds, dogs?

A few basics....

- All connected (i.e. no steps)
- No very steep slopes (it can do 45deg but try to keep it less than that.)
- The less obstacles the better but it handles them fine. It just slows it down if there are shrubs and trees all over the place as it will be stopping and turning a lot more.
- Pets dont matter really unless you have one of those pet control things that requires a wire around the lawn.... that might interfere with the mower wire.
- You need a suitable location on the lawn edge to put the docking station so think about where you want to have that. Ideally at the back, out of prying eye view but it needs to have several metres of open lawn next to it so that it can easily navigate in and out of the docking station.
- You then need a way to run the transformer wire from an indoor socket to that point. So, possibly put in a duct from that point back to the house where it can be plugged in to a normal socket. It has to be plugged in 24/7 and you cant really use an outdoor socket as the transformer isnt designed for outdoor use.

Shaunoc

KCross wrote: »

A few basics....

- All connected (i.e. no steps)
- No very steep slopes (it can do 45deg but try to keep it less than that.)
- The less obstacles the better but it handles them fine. It just slows it down if there are shrubs and trees all over the place as it will be stopping and turning a lot more.
- Pets dont matter really unless you have one of those pet control things that requires a wire around the lawn.... that might interfere with the mower wire.
- You need a suitable location on the lawn edge to put the docking station so think about where you want to have that. Ideally at the back, out of prying eye view but it needs to have several metres of open lawn next to it so that it can easily navigate in and out of the docking station.
- You then need a way to run the transformer wire from an indoor socket to that point. So, possibly put in a duct from that point back to the house where it can be plugged in to a normal socket. It has to be plugged in 24/7 and you cant really use an outdoor socket as the transformer isnt designed for outdoor use.

thats a pity, was planning to use existing outdoor sockets for future mower.
How big/small, unweather tight is the transformer

KCross

Shaunoc wrote: »

thats a pity, was planning to use existing outdoor sockets for future mower.
How big/small, unweather tight is the transformer

I'm speaking specifically for the Husqvarna one. Maybe other mowers are different.

You can use an outdoor socket but the manual states it needs to be kept dry, ventilated and away from direct sunlight.

Snippets from manual:

Take the following into consideration when planning
where to place the transformer:
• Close to the charging station
• Protection from rain
• Protection from direct sunlight
If the transformer is connected to an electrical socket
outdoors, this must be approved for outdoor use.


The transformer must be placed where it is well ventilated
and is not exposed to direct sunlight. The transformer
must be placed under a roof.

The transformer must be mounted on a vertical surface,
such as a wall or a fence.

Water John

Haven't invested yet but a question for lads with one. Does it leave a fringe if the lawn is kerb high and the drive lower by 100mm? Just not worth risking it, going right to the edge?

KCross

Water John wrote: »

Haven't invested yet but a question for lads with one. Does it leave a fringe if the lawn is kerb high and the drive lower by 100mm? Just not worth risking it, going right to the edge?

Yes, it will leave a fringe that you have to strim.

I burned off the grass (about 2 inches) because I'm lazy!

Josieg

KCross wrote: »

A few basics....

- All connected (i.e. no steps)
- No very steep slopes (it can do 45deg but try to keep it less than that.)
- The less obstacles the better but it handles them fine. It just slows it down if there are shrubs and trees all over the place as it will be stopping and turning a lot more.
- Pets dont matter really unless you have one of those pet control things that requires a wire around the lawn.... that might interfere with the mower wire.
- You need a suitable location on the lawn edge to put the docking station so think about where you want to have that. Ideally at the back, out of prying eye view but it needs to have several metres of open lawn next to it so that it can easily navigate in and out of the docking station.
- You then need a way to run the transformer wire from an indoor socket to that point. So, possibly put in a duct from that point back to the house where it can be plugged in to a normal socket. It has to be plugged in 24/7 and you cant really use an outdoor socket as the transformer isnt designed for outdoor use.

I didn't realise that you had to keep transformer dry. I had mine installed by the dealer and he left it outside. It has been out for nearly 12 months now and only taken in when I brought the mower in for winter. Bugger I'm worried now! Not sure how I can have it indoors either. Will have to create some sort of shelter for it!

KCross

Josieg wrote: »

I didn't realise that you had to keep transformer dry. I had mine installed by the dealer and he left it outside. It has been out for nearly 12 months now and only taken in when I brought the mower in for winter. Bugger I'm worried now! Not sure how I can have it indoors either. Will have to create some sort of shelter for it!

Is it just lying on the ground?

As per the manual above it can be left outside but not just left on the ground where water can build up around/under it. Its not IP rated for that. It needs shelter and kept off the ground.

Thats bad form by your dealer.

Moreilly

Mad Benny wrote: »

Has anyone had warranty issues after purchasing the husqvarna directly from Sweden?

wondering the same...... i assume european laws come into play and the guarantee would still be valid (2 years at least i think) but would i be able to get it repaired under warranty in ireland....... ??

Zzippy

Well I'm a fuppin eejit. Bought a new weeding tool for pulling up perennial weeds and went using it on the lawn, completely forgetting the wire was there, and have cut the wire. Anyone here any experience splicing the wire and know what's required? Would rather fix it myself if possible than have to get the dealer out...

KCross

Simple job. All you need is the connectors and a pliers. Very easy to do.

wexfordman2

Moreilly wrote: »

Feck yez all !! , ye have me sold on getting the automower, sometimes logging on to boards can end up being an expensive thing to do !! , just hope my ride on doesn't die before i have the funds together !!

Your still get a few Bob for your ride on, I got 500 quid for mine and I thought it was bear dead, needed a new deck at least which was gonna cost about 409 quid.

See if you can get a trade in for it, or throw it in done deal or something

Zzippy

KCross wrote: »

Simple job. All you need is the connectors and a pliers. Very easy to do.

What kind of connectors, would you know? Can I pick them up in a DIY place?

KCross

Zzippy wrote: »

KCross wrote: »

Simple job. All you need is the connectors and a pliers. Very easy to do.

What kind of connectors, would you know? Can I pick them up in a DIY place?

These guys
https://www.husqvarna.com/ie/parts-accessories/installation/splicer/501980201/

DIY store won’t have them. Very cheap, get them in your nearest dealer.

Zzippy

KCross wrote: »

These guys
https://www.husqvarna.com/ie/parts-accessories/installation/splicer/501980201/

DIY store won’t have them. Very cheap, get them in your nearest dealer.

Thanks a mil!

FirstinLastout

RocoH wrote: »

Different

Whats the story with buying directly from Sweden, simply selecting SE via the Husky website?

Anyone got a link or other details??

Thanks all!

KCross

These are worth a look. I think some people on here have used them. I haven't, but their prices appear to be better than local dealers.
https://www.myrobotcenter.eu/en/lawn-and-pool-robots/lawn-mowing-robots?brand=husqvarna

Mad Benny

KCross wrote: »

These are worth a look. I think some people on here have used them. I haven't, but their prices appear to be better than local dealers.
https://www.myrobotcenter.eu/en/lawn-and-pool-robots/lawn-mowing-robots?brand=husqvarna

The prices are way better and warranty is 5 years instead of 2. The question is what happens when something goes wrong.

Moreilly

Mad Benny wrote: »

The prices are way better and warranty is 5 years instead of 2. The question is what happens when something goes wrong.

Exactly, will the warranty be honored in ireland by a husqvarna dealer?, has anybody put this to the test?
Looking at the website regarding warranty it states:
https://www.husqvarna.com/ie/services-solutions/warranty-policy/
"Husqvarna Warranty Policy
Husqvarna Forest & Garden company guarantees the function of all Husqvarna branded Products and will repair or replace any part that has factory defects which appear due to faulty installation or defective parts free of charge when performed by authorized Husqvarna workshops during the warranty period."

"The product is accepted for warranty repair to the original purchaser under normal use and maintenance during the warranty period when accompanied with a proof of purchase. In case you discover a fault in the product, stop using the product at once and contact an authorised Husqvarna dealer immediately. Deliver it in the condition in which the product was at the moment of occurrence of the fault."

don't see anything saying it has to be the same dealer purchased from....

+
https://www.husqvarna.com/ie/lawn-garden/when-working/maintenance/robotic-lawn-mowers-faq/
Maintenance and service
Where can I get service and spare parts?
You can get service at your nearest authorised service point. To find it, go to the Dealer locator facility.

thing is, is www.myrobotcenter.eu an authorised dealer..?


apparently they are... changed the webdite to austria and found
myRobotcenter GmbH
Hauptstraße 25
6840 Gotzis
Show directions

Telephone Office / Accounting 05523/55 655 Fax 05523/55 655-515 office@myRobotcenter.at www.myRobotcenter.at



Opening hours
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 18:00 Sat: 09:00 - 13:00

beanian

Purchased a Mccullough R600 from myRobotCentre. Got a great price €629 delivered.
It is essentially a rebadged husqvarna 105 and they aren't even shy about hiding it, docking Station and the unit itself has mentions of husqvarna and the manuals are carbon copies of each other.
Installing it properly tomorrow but a quick test today and everything worked perfect

Water John

That's a great price. When you think of the Brands, they are really highly priced for a battery, motor and a small bit of tech.
With my two lawns, I could buy two of them. Even at website price €669 x 2 = €1,338 total.
Husky 315 with two docking stations , €2,5/600. Installed I know but that a wole lot of diff.
How did you get it for €629? Website says €669. The Worx Landroid is €629.
Great site option, thanks.

beanian

Water John wrote: »

That's a great price. When you think of the Brands, they are really highly priced for a battery, motor and a small bit of tech.
With my two lawns, I could buy two of them. Even at website price €669 x 2 = €1,338 total.
Husky 315 with two docking stations , €2,5/600. Installed I know but that a wole lot of diff.
How did you get it for €629? Website says €669. The Worx Landroid is €629.
Great site option, thanks.

The price went up just after I ordered, they also take a vat number and will deduct the VAT at source which is handy if you are buying for a business

Water John

I see a Robowmow at €1,049 that would do my 2 lawns. Would need, a bit more boundary wire and a second docking station. Thanks.

Water John

josieg, exploring the Robot Centre website, I see cover hoods for the Husky.
Pricey though.
https://www.myrobotcenter.eu/en/husqvarna-cover-hood-305

KCross

Water John wrote: »

josieg, exploring the Robot Centre website, I see cover hoods for the Husky.
Pricey though.
https://www.myrobotcenter.eu/en/husqvarna-cover-hood-305

I never saw the point of the hood.

The mower itself is fully weather tight and is designed for cutting in the rain. So, what does the hood give you?

pryantcc

Hi everyone. I've an unusual question:
I understand that the blades are kept well inside the body of the mowers to make them safe from cutting fingers, etc. For my application, though, the closer the mower can cut to a vertical wall, the better. So, to the question:
Has anyone come across a suitable dangerous auto mower?
or
Has anyone modified their mower to lengthen the blades so they cut closer to the outer edge of the mower?

I only need to cut about 150 square metres.

Thanks,
Paul.

Water John

I think the Robomow claims to cut near the edge. Look up the Robomow site, the RX Series for small lawns.
https://www.robomow.com/en-IR/platform/rx-en-ir/ Look at RX12u.
Agree with you Cross. Looks like a dear piece of plastic to me.

For comparison Robomow site have a price of €1,499 on the RC308
Robot Centre have a price of €1,049.
€450 diff.

nailer8

John Deere Tango E5

I have decided 100% I’m going to a robotic lawnmower. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the Tango.

Everyone seems to be buying Husqvarna and Robomow but I have a relationship with the local John Deere dealer and I would like to give him the business unless there is some reason the Tango won’t do the job.

Are there any of them out there?

deadl0ck

Anybody here have Smartmow turned on on their Robomow? Mine is not working. It used to but doesn't any more...

Zzippy

KCross wrote: »

Simple job. All you need is the connectors and a pliers. Very easy to do.

Got it done today. Once you know where the break is it's an easy job alright. Back up and running!