Husqvarna robot mower troubleshooting. How To Find And Repair Perimeter Wire Of Your Robot Mower

How To Find And Repair Perimeter Wire Of Your Robot Mower

I’ve got to admit, a break in the perimeter wire of your robot lawn mower can be frustrating.

It’s happened to me a few times over the years. Thankfully, I’ve picked up some awesome tips which make finding and repairing a damaged perimeter wire really easy, and actually a bit of fun!

Although the perimeter wire for robotic lawn mowers is fairly robust, it is not immune to damage. Breaks in the loop wire are usually the result of unintentional physical damage to the wire such as when gardening. In countries with ground frost, sharp stones that move in the ground due to freeze-thaw conditions can damage the wire, particularly if the wire has been stretched excessively during installation.

It is possible for the mower itself to damage the wire if not installed properly, or for pets or burrowing animals such as rabbits and moles to damage the boundary wire.

Thankfully, breaks in the boundary wire do not happen very often, but is an issue that really concerned me when I first installed my robot lawn mower, as I thought it could result in me having to rip up large sections to boundary wire to find and repair the fault.

The good news: There’s a few simple techniques that can be used to help you to find a break in the perimeter wire and easily repair it. I am going to explain how to make finding the break and repairing the wire a pain free process.

What To Do First

If you discover that your mower is not working and realize that the perimeter wire signal is the problem, the first thing you should do is to check that the boundary wire connections to the charging station. It is possible that one of these has come loose or has been damaged. Once you have tried this, check to see if this has solved the problem.

The next step, regardless of whether you have chosen to bury the boundary wire or simply peg it to the grass, is to walk around the perimeter of the grass, looking for any sign of exposed wire, or disturbance to the grass or soil, which may have led to damage to the wire.

I had one early break in my boundary wire at a time when I had the wire pegged to the ground. I had set the boundary wire too close to a flower bed and the mower toppled into the flower bed. This tilted the cutting blades, which came into contact with the ground and the boundary wire, resulting in a break.

Thankfully on this occasion, the wire was recently installed, the grass had not yet grown over the top of it, and locating the break was easily done as two ends of broken wire were poking up out of the ground.

However, if you have done a loop of your garden and cannot locate a break, what do you do next. Is this the time to start digging, or pulling wire up, starting at the charging station.

The short answer is no! There are a few options to help you find the broken wire, but I am going to tell you about the best one first.

Option One – The Easy Way – This M ethod Isn’t In Any Robot Lawn Mower Manual!

I was amazed to discover that you can use a portable AM radio to locate the location of a break in the perimeter wire. The reason for this is that a functioning perimeter wire will cause short range interference to an AM radio signal, so you can literally walk around your garden, with a portable AM radio and follow the sound of the interference until it stops, locating the break. If you don’t have one, you can pick one up on amazon for next to nothing.

The steps involved in this are as follows;

Tune an AM radio to approximately 700khz, ensuring that there is no station tuned to this frequency, only static.

Disconnect one end of the boundary wire from the charging station, so there is only current running through one end of it. This will mean that the part of the wire after the break will produce no interference, but the part of the wire before the break will make a repetitive beeping.

Follow the path of the boundary wire around the perimeter of your lawn, listening carefully for the AM radio interference signal. When you move away from the wire, the signal will fade or stop. This will help you to stay directly over where the perimeter wire is.

Once you reach the point of the break, the signal will fade and stop very quickly, which will enable you to pinpoint the position of the break. If the perimeter wire is pegged to the ground, it will simply be a matter of digging down with your fingers until you find the wire and locate the break. If the wire is buried, you will then only have to dig a small section of grass to locate the broken wire.

Option 2 – The Manufacturer’s Recommended Method

This is the option recommended by most manufacturers. If is more complicated and time consuming, but will work well.

The first step is to switch the connections between the guide wire and the boundary wire in the charging station.

This will allow you to see which section of the boundary wire contains the fault.

If on switching the connector for the guide wire and the boundary wire, the error message for the boundary wire is gone, then you know that this section of the boundary wire is intact, and the error must lie in the other section of the boundary wire.

If the suspected boundary wire is short then it is easiest to exchange all of the boundary wire in the identified section. If the fault lies in a long section of boundary wire, then it would potentially take a long time to pull or dig up all of this wire to identify the fault and then peg it down or bury it again.

It wouldn’t be a job I would look forward to.

One way to make this slightly easier is to run a section of boundary wire from the charging station to the mid point of the section of boundary wire where the fault lies.

This will involve using a new piece of boundary wire. You should connect one end to the terminal on the charging station for the section of boundary wire where you have identified the problem. You will need to attach the other end of the wire to the boundary wire at approximately the mid point of the problem section.

To do this, you will need to cut the boundary wire and use a connector to link the new section of wire and the existing boundary wire.

The diagram below is from the manual of my robot lawn mower and explains the idea. Basically, it halves the section of wire where the problem lies.

Once you have connected up this shorter loop, you should check the control panel of the robot mower to see if the error for the missing boundary wire signal has disappeared. If so, you know that the break lies in the other section of wire. If not, then the break lies in the section of wire you are testing. You can then repeat this process with the new shorter section of wire that has been identified to have the fault in it.

Obviously, this process is time consuming and involves intentionally cutting your boundary wire at several points.

Fortunately, it is very quick and easy to use the spare connectors, and spares can be purchased cheaply. The connector and exposed boundary wire can be buried, so there will be no visible evidence of the work you have done to the boundary wire. The process for connecting boundary wire with connectors is very simple.

There are some differences between connectors for different manufacturers, but the principle is exactly the same. You just take a new connector and insert the boundary wire in each of the holes in the connector. It does not matter which holes are used for each end of the boundary wire.

Check that the wires are fully inserted into the connector so that the ends are visible through the transparent area on the other side of the connector.

Use a polygrip or a pair of pliers to completely press down the button on the connector.

In my opinion, I feel that the manufacturer recommended method for identifying the break in the boundary wire is excessively complicated and time consuming. I would strongly recommend using the AM radio method. You can purchase a portable AM/FM radio online or in a local shop for almost the same price as a few spare connectors.

After a quick search of Amazon, I found suitable radios for less than £10/15, which would let me pinpoint the break. Not only would this barely cost more than the official repair method, but it is really quick to do, so the time saving is well worth it in my opinion. There are a number of videos on YouTube which can also show you the exact method for using the AM radio method.

Preventing Breaks In The First Place

Whatever way you look at it, a damaged of broken perimeter wire is annoying, and avoiding it in the first place is by far the more preferable option. You don’t want to be in a situation where your boundary wire is littered with connectors due to repair activity.

Each of these connectors could potentially be a point of failure for your perimeter wire, increasing the risk of perimeter wire problems in the future. There are a few simple measures which you can take to reduce the risk of perimeter wire problems.

Ensure A little Slack Is Left In The Wire When Installing The Wire

If the perimeter wire is under tension when it is installed, or develops tension as a result of movement in the ground over time, it increases the chance of failure at any weak points in the wire.

Sharp stones, or connectors could become points where the wire will fail. Freeze-thaw conditions over the winter can result in quite a lot of movement of stones in the soil, and if one is pressing against the perimeter wire, it can lead to a break over time.

The remedy for this is to leave just a little slack when you are installing the perimeter wire. If you are burying the perimeter wire, this is very simple to do. If you are pegging the wire down, you will still need to ensure that the wire sits flush with the ground, to prevent the mower from cutting a bit of exposed wire, but it will also enable the grass to grow over the top of the wire quicker.

Although you want to leave a little slack, you should not leave a redundant loop or coil of wire along the path of the perimeter wire as this can interfere with the functioning of the mower.

Leave The Cutting Height High At First

After you first install the perimeter wire and get your new mower up and running, the temptation is to set the cutting blades to your desired height and start enjoying a perfectly cut lawn. This is not advisable, as it is very common in the first few weeks of operation for there to be a piece of boundary wire which is sitting up from the grass, or gets pushed up over time by the growing grass.

You should set your mower to the highest cutting setting and slowly reduce the height to the desired level over the space of a few weeks, while periodically walking around the perimeter of the grass to identify any sections of boundary wire which do not remain flush with the ground.

This is more relevant for perimeter wire which is pegged to the ground, but even shallowly buried perimeter wire can sometimes peak up from below the soil in the first few weeks. After a few months, the grass will grow over the top of the perimeter wire and you will not see it at all and should not have any issues.

Ensure You Lay The Perimeter Wire At The Recommended Distance From The Edge Of The Lawn

I read the instruction manual of my robot lawn mower carefully before installation, but then thought I knew better, and installed my perimeter wire a little closer to the edge of flower beds in my garden. I did this to try to avoid any strips of grass from being left uncut by the robot lawn mower.

Unfortunately, this led to my mower falling into my flower beds on a regular basis when first installed. As it tilted at a slight angle when getting stuck in the flower beds, it would often result in the cutting blades coming into contact with the ground. There were two occasions when the blades came into contact with my boundary wire.

On one occasion, the wire was cut, and on another occasion, it was slightly damaged, but still worked without issue.

I learned my lesson, and subsequently re-sited the boundary wire at the correct distances from the edge of the lawn.

In fact, I initially pegged my boundary wire down, but following these incidents, I buried the boundary wire. This wasn’t actually that much more time consuming that pegging it down, as I just used an edging tool to create a narrow slit in the grass, in which I inserted the boundary wire.

Thankfully, I have had no issues since. I would strongly recommend following the instructions in the manual of your robot lawn mower exactly, to avoid similar problems.

Ensure You Keep Some Spare Perimeter Wire And Connectors For Your Robot Lawn Mower

If the worst should happen, and your perimeter wire gets cut or damaged by something, it is really frustrating to have to wait for a delivery of new perimeter wire or connectors to fix the problem. Most robot lawn mowers come with a small number of spare wire connectors and manufacturers normally provide enough perimeter wire to have a little left over.

There are a few exceptions. If your lawn is a very unusual shape, or has a lot of obstacles within the body of the lawn that need to be marked out, you may need to do a quick check to make sure you have enough wire before you start the installation process.

All the different robot lawn mower manufacturers will provide their own wire and connectors, but often there is no difference between them other than the packaging. Manufacturer branded spares tend to be a lot more expensive than perfectly acceptable generic alternatives.

After I got my current robot lawn mower model, I bought a multi-pack of compatible connectors and spare blades off Amazon and a spare pack of wire. It saved me a lot of money compared to the official spares. This means if I have a break or if I want to move the boundary for my robot lawn mower, then I have plenty of spares to make this an easy process.

What About Getting A Robot Lawn Mower That Doesn’t Need Perimeter Wire?

This would be great, but unfortunately there are no good options yet for robot lawn mowers that don’t require perimeter wire.

The edge detection technology is getting better with every new model that is released, and I’ve no doubt that perimeter wire will be a thing of the past in a few years, but for now, perimeter wire is the best option. I’ve written an article all about robot lawn mowers without perimeter wire here.

Hopefully you don’t have to worry about boundary wire problems too often when using your robot lawn mower, but if you do, I hope this information has been useful. Let me know in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев section about your experiences with damaged perimeter wire. If you have any questions about robot lawn mower perimeter wire, I’d be glad to try to answer them.

How to Install Husqvarna Robot Mower for your Backyard

Installing a Husqvarna Robot Mower can be a game-changer for homeowners seeking a more convenient and efficient way to maintain their lawn. These advanced robotic lawn mowers work autonomously, mowing your lawn according to a programmed schedule, and returning to their charging station as needed. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about properly setting up a Husqvarna Automower.

Throughout this guide, we’ll break down the process of selecting the right Husqvarna Automower for your lawn, preparing your yard for installation, and configuring the mower for optimal performance and safety. Whether you’re a seasoned lawn care professional or new to the world of robotic mowers, this article will provide you with the information and insights needed to install and operate your Husqvarna Robot Mower with ease.

Key Takeaways

• Learn how to choose and prepare for Husqvarna Automower installation
• Gain insights on boundary wire setup and lawn feature accommodations
• Understand key aspects of programming, performance, and maintenance

Choosing the Right Husqvarna Automower

Selecting the appropriate Husqvarna robotic lawn mower for your garden can be an essential step to maintain your lawn with ease and passion. This section will guide you through the process of choosing the right model that suits your needs, while also providing tips on what to consider when making your decision.

Size of your garden: First and foremost, you need to evaluate the size of your garden. Husqvarna offers different Automower models specifically designed for various garden sizes. Some models handle smaller areas, while others are capable of managing larger landscapes. Knowing the size of your lawn will help you determine the most appropriate model for your needs.

Terrain and slope: Another critical aspect to consider is the terrain and slope of your garden. Husqvarna’s robotic lawn mowers are designed to handle uneven surfaces and inclines up to 45% efficiently. However, make sure to choose the right model according to the terrain and slope of your garden for optimal performance.

Battery life and charging: Husqvarna Automowers are equipped with durable and long-lasting batteries, ensuring uninterrupted operation. Different models have varying battery life and charging capacities. Make sure the model you choose has a battery life suitable for your garden’s size and demands.

Features and accessories: Husqvarna’s robotic lawn mowers come with a variety of features and accessories that cater to specific needs. Some models may have Smart connectivity, enabling you to control the mower through a smartphone app. Others may have weather-resistant features or specialized blades for different grass types.

By considering these essential factors and researching the various Husqvarna Automower models, you can confidently choose the right robotic lawn mower for your garden. Remember, selecting the appropriate model tailored to your garden’s unique characteristics can help provide a perfectly maintained lawn with minimal effort on your part.

Pre-Installation Preparation

When it comes to installing a Husqvarna Robot Mower, pre-installation preparation is a crucial step. This section will outline essential tips and necessary items to have on hand, ensuring a smooth and successful installation.

Before starting the installation process, it is essential to assess your lawn and identify its unique features. Take note of any obstacles or tight corners that the robot mower will need to navigate. Also, be aware of any slopes or uneven terrain, as these may affect the mower’s performance. It is also vital to determine the boundary of your lawn where the mower should operate, and how to best lay the boundary wire to avoid potential issues.

Next, gather all the required parts and accessories for the installation. Husqvarna provides a range of robotic accessories and installation materials designed specifically for their Automower® models. These items include the boundary wire, couplers, endurance blades, and other essential components needed to install and maintain your robot mower.

Although the installation process of a Husqvarna Robot Mower is designed to be user-friendly, some individuals may prefer to seek professional assistance. Hiring a professional installer can ensure that your mower is set up correctly and efficiently, saving you time and potential frustration.

Keep in mind that during the pre-installation stage, it is crucial to read and familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines. The more knowledge you have about your specific robot mower model, the smoother the installation process will be.

In summary, proper pre-installation preparation is vital in ensuring a successful and hassle-free installation of your Husqvarna Robot Mower. By assessing your lawn, gathering the necessary parts and accessories, and considering professional assistance if needed, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a beautifully maintained lawn with minimal effort.

Setting Up the Charging Station

In this section, you will find all the necessary information to set up the charging station for your Husqvarna Automower®. Following these steps will ensure your robotic lawn mower is charged and ready to maintain your lawn with ease.

To begin, you must first select a suitable location for the charging station. It’s crucial to find a spot that is centrally placed on the lawn and relatively flat, as it will help with efficient charging of the Automower®. Also, ensure the spot isn’t exposed to direct sunlight or water, and is relatively close to a power outlet, avoiding any clutter or obstacles.

Once you’ve found the perfect location, it’s time to charge the mower. Some models may require charging before the initial installation. Consult your Automower’s user manual or check the Myrobotdirect website to confirm the appropriate charging procedure for your specific model.

Next, you’ll need to lay the boundary wire around your lawn’s perimeter. This wire helps define the area your Automower® will maintain, and is an essential part of the installation process. Keep in mind that the boundary wire and any additional guide wires should eventually connect to the charging station. For more information on wire laying techniques.

Furthermore, you may need to create an island for any structures or objects within your lawn that the Automower® should avoid. This involves arranging additional boundary wire around the object and connecting it to the main boundary wire, forming a complete loop.

Finally, always make sure to use the Automower® app for optimal scheduling and control. The app enables you to create multiple virtual guides and adjust settings to achieve the best lawn maintenance results.

By following these steps, you will successfully set up the charging station and prepare your Husqvarna Automower® for efficient and convenient lawn maintenance.

Installation Options

Installing a Husqvarna robotic mower can be a convenient and efficient way to maintain your lawn’s appearance. There are a few different methods available to set up and control the mower, each with specific advantages. In this section, we will cover some of the main installation options, including physical wire installation, wireless installation, epos™ technology, and virtual boundaries.

Physical Wire Installation involves laying a boundary wire around the edges of the area where the robotic mower will work. This wire acts as an invisible fence, guiding the mower during its operation. Once the wire is set up, connect it to the charging station, and the mower will follow this predefined path. This method is a simple and reliable way to keep the mower within the desired area.

Wireless Installation provides an alternative to physical wires, utilizing GPS and other technologies to establish a virtual boundary for the mower. Although this option offers greater flexibility, it may require a compatible Husqvarna mower model and a reliable GPS signal.

Epos™ Technology is a highly accurate positioning system used by some Husqvarna robot mowers. It uses satellite-based navigation and precisely controls the movements of the mower within a virtual boundary. This innovative technology allows for efficient and precise lawn maintenance without the need for physical wires. However, it requires a compatible Husqvarna mower model and the installation of a reference station in your garden.

Virtual Boundaries offer an advanced and convenient way to control the operating area of a robotic mower. Using various technologies such as GPS and epos™, these virtual boundaries eliminate the need for physical wire installation. They are especially useful for homeowners with complex or changing landscape layouts, as it’s much easier to modify virtual boundaries when needed.

In conclusion, the installation options for a Husqvarna robotic mower cater to various preferences and situations. Physical wire installation is a tried and tested method, while advances in technology have led to alternatives like wireless installation, epos™ technology, and virtual boundaries. It is essential to choose the appropriate installation method based on your specific lawn requirements and the capabilities of your chosen Husqvarna robot mower model.

Boundary Wire Installation

A properly installed boundary wire is essential for the smooth operation of a Husqvarna robot mower. This section will provide guidance on how to install the boundary wire for your robot mower, ensuring that your garden remains well-maintained and your mower operates efficiently.

Preparing your garden Before you start the boundary wire installation, it’s essential to clear any debris, stones, branches, or obstacles from your garden that may interfere with the wire or disrupt your robot mower’s operation. Once your garden is clear, you can begin the installation process.

Laying the boundary wire To install the boundary wire, start by measuring the perimeter of your garden and obtaining enough wire to comfortably cover this distance. The boundary wire should be placed 1-20 cm (3/8-8 in) into the ground, making it easier for the mower to detect the wire when mowing an uneven lawn, while also keeping it out of sight.

Start by laying the boundary wire around the entire work area, ensuring that the mower can navigate between islands of flower beds or other obstacles within your garden. To create these islands, loop the boundary wire around the object and continue it along the rest of the perimeter. The boundary wire should be placed at a sufficient distance from objects to allow the mower to pass without hitting them.

Connecting the boundary wire to the charging station Once you have laid the boundary wire around your garden, connect both ends to the charging station. If your robot mower uses a guide wire, cut the boundary wire at the connection point and connect the guide wire using an Automower® coupler.

After connecting the wires, conduct a test run to ensure that your robot mower recognizes the boundary wire and navigates your garden correctly. Observe the robot mower’s operation and make any necessary adjustments to the wire placement to achieve optimal performance.

By following these steps, you’ll effectively install the boundary wire for your Husqvarna robot mower, allowing it to efficiently maintain your garden. Remember to regularly check the wire for damage or dislodgement to ensure consistent mower performance.

Configuring the Guide Wire

In this section, we will discuss how to configure the guide wire for your Husqvarna Automower®. We will cover essential steps, such as planning the cable route, laying the cable, and testing the system. By following these guidelines, you will have a seamless installation experience and ensure that your robotic lawn mower works efficiently.

First, it is crucial to plan the cable route. Consider the layout of your lawn, any obstacles such as trees or flower beds, and the location of the charging station. This planning will help you determine the best path for the guide wire, ensuring that the Automower® is capable of navigating your lawn without any issues.

Next, begin laying the guide wire on the surface of your lawn, following the path you’ve planned. It is essential to initially lay the cable above the ground, which allows you to check for any issues before it’s permanently installed. When doing so, remember to attach a connector to the end of the guide wire and place it on the appropriate pin (G1, G2, or G3) on the charging station. Wire labels are recommended, as they make reconnecting the wires easier should you need to remove the charging station for any reason, such as winter storage.

Once the guide wire is laid out, it’s time to test the system. Turn on the Automower® and verify that it successfully follows the guide wire throughout your lawn, navigating around any planned obstacles. Make adjustments to the cable layout if needed, ensuring an optimal cutting area for your robotic mower.

Finally, after testing and confirming the guide wire path, proceed to bury the cable. The cable should be installed at a shallow depth, typically around 1-2 inches. Having the wire underground protects it from damage and provides a cleaner appearance for your lawn.

By carefully following these steps, you will successfully configure the guide wire for your Husqvarna Automower®. With a properly installed guide wire, your robot lawn mower will efficiently navigate your lawn, providing a well-maintained and beautiful outdoor space.

Other Lawn Features

Installing a Husqvarna Robot Mower can greatly simplify your lawn maintenance, but it’s important to consider the various lawn features that may affect the performance of your robotic mower. In this section, we’ll discuss how to effectively manage your mower when dealing with various lawn elements like flowerbeds, bushes, forests, and parks.

Protecting Flowerbeds and Bushes When installing your Husqvarna Robot Mower, you must address the delicate areas of your lawn, such as flowerbeds and bushes. To prevent your robotic mower from venturing into these areas, use boundary wires to create a barrier. This will ensure your flowerbeds and bushes remain intact and untouched. Additionally, take time to trim any low-hanging branches that could obstruct the mower’s movement.

Navigating Forested Areas and Parks A Husqvarna Robot Mower can tackle grassy areas around forests and parks efficiently. However, it’s crucial to set up an appropriate boundary wire around these areas to prevent the mower from becoming entangled or stuck in bushes and trees. Maintain a proper clearance, allowing the mower to smoothly navigate along the edges without venturing too deep into wooded terrain.

Keep Your Lawn Clear Maintain a tidy lawn by removing any objects or debris that may obstruct the mower. This includes rocks, toys, and even pet waste. By keeping your lawn free of such obstacles, you’ll ensure the Husqvarna Robot Mower operates optimally and continues providing an even and consistent cut. Regularly inspect the mower’s blades, clean them when necessary, and ensure proper blade care.

Following these guidelines will help you maintain a pristine lawn and protect your precious landscape features while using a Husqvarna Robot Mower. Remember that preparing your lawn area, securing sensitive zones with boundary wires, and regularly checking for obstacles will enhance the efficacy of your robotic mower and keep your yard looking its best.

Programming the Mower

Setting up and programming your Husqvarna Robot Mower can be an effortless process when done correctly. In this section, you will find comprehensive information on how to configure your mower‘s schedule, divide your lawn into zones, use the app for added connectivity, and manage your settings through MyPages. Get ready to enjoy a perfectly manicured lawn with minimal effort on your part.

Scheduling Your Mower: Your Husqvarna Robot Mower is designed to follow a schedule you set, ensuring the lawn is well-maintained at all times. To create a customized schedule, simply access the mower settings either through the Automower Connect app or the mower’s on-board interface. Set specific mowing times, including start and end times, and choose the days you want the mower to be active. This will allow your mower to operate according to your preferences.

Dividing Your Lawn into Zones: For optimal performance, it’s essential to set up different zones for your Husqvarna Robot Mower. Zones help the mower navigate and evenly maintain the entire lawn. You can either create these zones manually or use the app for a more user-friendly experience. Assigning zones ensures that the mower covers all areas of your lawn without damaging plants or obstacles.

Using the Automower Connect App: The Automower Connect app provides a seamless way to manage and control your Husqvarna Robot Mower. Download the app to your smartphone to access a multitude of options. You can start, stop, and park your mower, change cutting height, monitor its progress, and adjust your schedule and zones. The app also offers GPS tracking and notifications if there’s an issue with your mower.

Managing Your Mower through MyPages: For a more comprehensive overview of your Husqvarna Robot Mower, you can access MyPages, a dedicated platform that allows you to keep track of your mower’s performance and maintenance needs. MyPages shows a detailed history of your mower, including its operation time, distance covered, and any service or maintenance reminders. This helps you manage your mower efficiently and ensure its long-term performance.

Now that you have all the necessary information, programming your Husqvarna Robot Mower is only a few steps away. With a tailored schedule, well-defined zones, app connectivity, and access to MyPages, you can ensure a hassle-free and efficient lawn maintenance experience.

Adjusting Cutting Height

Properly adjusting the cutting height of your Husqvarna Automower® is important for maintaining a healthy and attractive lawn. In this section, we’ll cover the essentials of adjusting the cutting height on your robotic lawn mower, so you can achieve your desired lawn appearance.

First, it is essential to understand that the cutting height of your Automower® determines how short the grass will be after mowing. For optimal performance, the cutting height should be set according to your lawn’s needs and seasonal changes. As a general guideline, taller grass is preferred in hotter and drier climates, while shorter grass is suited for cooler and wetter environments.

To adjust the cutting height on your Automower®, locate the knob or lever on the mower’s body. This will typically be found near the cutting deck or the wheels. Turn or slide the adjustment mechanism according to the desired height. Most Automower® models offer a range of cutting heights to accommodate various lawn types and preferences.

When setting the cutting height, consider the following factors:

• The type of grass growing in your lawn
• The current health of the lawn
• The desired appearance of the finished lawn
• The season and local weather conditions
• The ability of the Automower® to navigate obstacles and slopes

One helpful tip when adjusting the cutting height on your Automower® is to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your lawn first. This will allow you to verify that the chosen height provides the desired outcome before committing to a full mow. If necessary, make additional adjustments and test again until satisfied. Consulting the owner’s manual of your specific Automower® model may also provide further guidance on optimizing the cutting height for your lawn.

Remember that routinely maintaining your Automower® will contribute to achieving a consistently beautiful lawn. Consistently monitoring the cutting height throughout the year, cleaning the mower, and replacing worn or damaged components will lead to an even and healthy lawn.

Safety and Performance

Installing a Husqvarna Robot Mower requires careful consideration of safety and performance to ensure the best results for your lawn. Safety is a top priority for Husqvarna, as the company is committed to designing and manufacturing products that minimize potential hazards for both humans and animals. At the same time, the company focuses on performance to provide efficient, high-quality lawn care. Balancing these two aspects, Husqvarna integrates robotics and innovation in their Automower series to deliver a reliable and user-friendly solution for lawn maintenance.

One of the most significant safety features of the Husqvarna Robot Mower is its collision detection system. This system allows the mower to navigate obstacles and avoid colliding with people, pets, or objects in the yard. Furthermore, the mower is designed with lift and tilt sensors that will immediately stop the blades from spinning if the mower is lifted or tilted to prevent personal injuries.

Another essential safety feature is the PIN code lock. This security measure ensures that the robot mower cannot be operated without entering the correct personal identification number, preventing unauthorized use and tampering. Additionally, the Automower is equipped with an alarm system that activates if the mower is removed from the installation area or if someone attempts to turn it off without providing the correct PIN.

Performance-wise, the Husqvarna Robot Mower is designed to deliver superior cutting results. It uses razor-sharp blades to cut grass evenly and consistently, promoting healthier grass growth and a well-manicured lawn. The mower also offers customizable settings for cutting height and mowing frequency, adapting to your lawn’s specific needs. over, the robot mower is able to handle complex terrains and varying weather conditions, ensuring optimal performance in diverse environments.

The integration of robotics in Husqvarna’s Automower series represents innovation in lawn care. By continuously refining its technology, Husqvarna offers Smart navigation, energy efficiency, and minimal noise pollution. These features not only make the mower more practical and eco-friendly but also contribute to the overall user experience.

In summary, the safety and performance of Husqvarna Robot Mowers are of utmost importance. The perfect combination of innovative robotics and user-friendly features makes these mowers an excellent choice for maintaining your lawn efficiently, effectively, and safely.

Support and Maintenance

When it comes to installing and maintaining a Husqvarna Robot Mower, it’s essential to prioritize usability and efficiency. Furthermore, ensuring proper support is crucial for long-lasting performance. In this section, you’ll find useful information on support and maintenance to help you get the most out of your robotic lawn mower.

Usability is a key factor when considering a Husqvarna Robot Mower. Thanks to a variety of installation guides and instructional videos, it’s easy to set up and use your robotic lawn mower. Once installed, the mower can handle complex lawns, navigate narrow passages, and adjust to varying mowing conditions.

Efficiency is another crucial aspect of Husqvarna Robot Mowers. They are designed to save your time and energy by taking care of the lawn without any human intervention. The energy-efficient motors and low energy consumption make them an eco-friendly choice for lawn care.

In terms of support, the Myrobotdirect support center provides a wide range of resources to assist you with any questions or issues you may have. You can access owner’s manuals, illustrated parts lists, and FAQs to find the information you need. Additionally, you can register your product and locate servicing dealers if necessary.

Regular maintenance is an integral part of keeping your Husqvarna Robot Mower in top condition. While different models may require specific maintenance procedures, there are common tasks applicable to all models, such as cleaning the mower and changing the blades. For some models, like the Automower 115H, battery replacement is an essential part of maintenance, which can be done using the provided battery replacement guide.

By focusing on usability, efficiency, and support, you will be able to enjoy a well-maintained Husqvarna Robot Mower that keeps your lawn looking great with minimal effort. Remember, proper installation and ongoing maintenance are vital for the longevity and optimal performance of your robotic lawn mower.

Warranty and Dealer Services

When investing in a Husqvarna Robot Mower, it is essential to understand the warranty policy and dealer services available to ensure a smooth experience with your new lawn care equipment. This section will provide information on the warranty service, how to handle a broken product, general questions, and how to contact Husqvarna.

Husqvarna offers a Legal Warranty for its products, which protects customers in case of defects or damages. For more details on their warranty policy, you can visit their Warranty Information page. If there is a problem with your robotic mower, the warranty service allows you to seek assistance from Husqvarna authorized dealers who will determine whether the issue is covered under the warranty. In case the defect or damage is not covered, the dealer will still provide repair services using genuine parts, but charges may apply.

When it’s time to install your Husqvarna robot mower, it’s important to seek help from professionals. Husqvarna offers Automower® Professional Installation through their extensive network of experienced dealers. To find a dealer near you, use Husqvarna’s Automower® Dealer Locator or reach out to our customer service team to see the nearest location to you. These technicians will ensure your mower is correctly installed, leveraging their years of experience handling lawns of varying complexities.

If you have any general questions about your Husqvarna robot mower, contacting the dealer you purchased the product from is a great starting point. Thy can provide guidance and assistance for issues or queries regarding the mower. It’s essential to establish a good relationship with your dealer, as they will be your main point of contact for support.

If you don’t have a Husqvarna Robot Mower yet and would like to experience the convenience of robotic lawn care, be sure to check out our Collection of the Best Husqvarna Robots on the market today.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we will answer some common questions about installing a Husqvarna robot mower, providing useful information to help you set up and make the most of this advanced lawn care solution.

What are the steps to set up the boundary wire?

Setting up the boundary wire is essential for ensuring your Husqvarna robot mower operates within your designated lawn area. To install the boundary wire, you’ll need to follow these steps:

• Determine the mower’s operating area and mark it with the included boundary wire.
• Lay the wire around the perimeter of your lawn, taking care to avoid any obstacles or hazards.
• Secure the wire to the ground using the provided wire pegs.
• Connect the boundary wire to the charging station and mower according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

How much does a typical installation cost?

The cost of installing a Husqvarna robot mower can vary depending on factors such as lawn size, complexity, and installation kit requirements. Generally, the total installation time ranges from 2 to 5 hours. You can save money by performing the installation yourself, but professional installation services are also available if needed.

Which installation kit is recommended?

Husqvarna offers different installation kits to cater to various lawn sizes and conditions. When selecting an installation kit, consider your lawn size and complexity, as well as any unique requirements for your specific mower model.

Are professional installation services available?

Yes, professional installation services are available for Husqvarna robot mowers. Hiring a professional can save you time and ensure a proper setup. You can find authorized Husqvarna dealers and service providers by visiting the Husqvarna website.

Is the guide wire necessary for all models?

The guide wire helps the robot mower navigate back to the charging station more efficiently. Although not all Husqvarna robot mower models require a guide wire, including it in your installation can improve the mower’s overall performance.

Can the mower be used wirelessly without a boundary?

Husqvarna robot mowers rely on boundary wires to define the operating area and ensure safety. Without a boundary wire, the mower cannot accurately determine the lawn’s edges and may cause damage to surrounding areas. Therefore, it cannot be used wirelessly without a boundary.

Conclusion

Installing a Husqvarna robot mower is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your lawn maintenance routine. By following the steps mentioned in this article and considering some helpful tips, you can ensure a smooth installation and enjoy the benefits of an efficiently mowed lawn.

Firstly, it is essential to plan your installation. Determine the best location for the charging station, taking into consideration factors like accessibility and shade. Additionally, map out the layout for the boundary wire, ensuring there are no obstacles in the mower’s path.

Next, install the charging station. Make sure it is level and secure, as this is crucial for the mower’s proper docking and charging. Following this, install the boundary wire around the perimeter of your lawn, using the provided wire pegs. The wire should be tight against the ground and corners should be rounded to avoid signal loss.

Setting up the mower involves configuring the settings according to your lawn’s size and the desired mowing schedule. Use the control panel or the Automower® Connect app to make adjustments and customize your mower’s performance. Don’t forget to create a Husqvarna account to connect your mower to the app.

Throughout the installation process, remember to fine-tune the settings as needed. Adjust the cutting height, and check for any uneven cutting or missed areas on your lawn. Make the necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance and an even, well-maintained lawn. For additional tips and troubleshooting guidance, consult with Myrobotdirect or watch instructional videos.

By following these steps and utilizing the available resources, you can easily install your Husqvarna robot mower and enjoy the convenience of a well-maintained lawn without the manual labor.

Jacob O’Dea is a passionate entrepreneur who founded My Robot Direct with a mission to bring the benefits of robotic technology to everyone. As a true advocate for robotics, he enjoys sharing his knowledge and interest with others, and is dedicated to making robotic solutions accessible and easy to use for people from all walks of life. With his vision and expertise, Jacob is helping to drive the adoption of robotics in various industries and transform the way we live and work.

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Upgrade Your Yard with Husqvarna’s Robotic Mower for the Perfect Lawn

How to set up a Robotic Lawn Mower? A Step-by-Step Guide

10 Useful Tips on Getting a Lush Green Lawn

Husqvarna Automower 450X Review

With its ability to handle rough terrain and large areas, the Husqvarna Automower 450X robot lawnmower is a practically maintenance-free way of keeping large lawns looking their best with absolutely no effort.

By Richard Jackie Stevenson Contact via linkedin October 9, 2018 10:28 am BST

Cons

What is the Husqvarna Automower 450X?

Topping the company’s robot range, the Husqvarna Automower 450X is a serious robot mower capable of handling lawns up to a whopping 5000m² (1.25 acres). It incorporates GPS-assisted mapping, can handle slopes up to 24 degrees (45%) and, unlike yours truly, is prepared to mow day and night, whatever the weather.

Effective, efficient with a razor cut and velvety lawn finish, the Automower 450X is an outstanding large lawn robot with a brilliant control app. Professional installation is pretty much essential and will add 10% or so to the cost, but the 450X will save you money in the long run and more than justifies the total outlay.

Husqvarna Automower 450X – Design and features

At £3200, the 450X is on par with other flagship robot mowers that we have tested and is about the same outlay as a middle-spec ride-on petrol mower. That is where the similarities end. The Automower 450X is a fully autonomous mower, bristling with GPS-assisted mapping, GSM networking, PIN-based security and ultrasonic obstacle detection. Even Alexa voice control is imminent yet not available at the time of this review.

The Automower’s moving pattern is random, backing up and spinning around at different angles when it detects an obstacle or the perimeter wire. It runs for over three hours on a single charge, at up to 3km/h on the open lawn. The cutting width is only 24cm across but covering that much ground, up to 18 hours a day and seven days a week, gets the job done. Run timings, days off, pause, dock and full scheduling are all configured from the app or direct through the mower’s keypad and LCD.

The cutter system itself is unlike any other mower blade we have seen. A two-part disc houses three doubled-sided, razor-like blades on loose pivots. As the disc spins, the blades rotate outwards through centrifugal force. The grass is cut very cleanly yet the blades fold in immediately if they hit a twig, for example. The lower steel-coloured disc spins freely, so will stop on small mounds of soil rather than scalp the area. It’s very clever, leaves a super-clean cut and replacing the razors is a whole lot less faff than sharpening traditional mower blades.

Ultrasonic sensors detect larger obstacles and slow the machine’s pace, ensuring it very gently contacts anything in front of it. That included a couple of trees that were not annexed by the perimeter wire, the dog and Jackie. She said it crept up on her.

That is a testament to just how quiet the 450X is too. It is near-silent and the only sound you hear from more than a few metres away is the gentle ticking of the grass being clipped. If you set the machine to mow regularly, those clippings are tiny at just a few millimetres long. The clippings mulched into the soil almost immediately and the 450X didn’t need cleaning the entire spring and summer.

Not being a collecting machine does mean that lawn debris, such as leaves in autumn, remain untouched. Robot mowers with traditional blade systems do begin to chop up leaves and light debris, but the 450X will sail straight over them. Nor are you going to get lawn stripes with its narrow wheels and random mowing pattern. What you are going to get is a very smooth and even cut all summer long that encourages greening and low growth. And you don’t have to do a thing. What’s not to like?

Husqvarna Automower 450X – Installation and controls.

Theoretically, installation is as simple as installing the Automower docking station and tacking down a perimeter wire to border your lawn. The lawn shape is all but irrelevant for the guide wire, allowing the mower to navigate tight corridors and awkward obstacles like trees or low tree roots (that the 450X’s ultrasonic sensors would not detect). Fixed areas can be annexed off using paired out/return wires to create no-go islands. robust impediments like trees and bordered flower beds will be detected by the 450X’s ultrasonic and bump detectors anyway. Several other guide wires can be laid out across the lawn to aid navigation, mark off obstacles and give the 450X the fastest route home.

It all looked straightforward when we watched Husqvarna’s excellent Field Support Engineer, Robert Trott, do the professional installation. The mower subsequently ran faultlessly, pretty much until I decided to make some DIY changes to the perimeter wire installation. Experience counts it seems. on which later.

Robert wired out the main lawn, leaving about 50cm of space between the wire and the vague demarcation line into the woodland trees, The machine overshoots the perimeter wire by 20-50cm, defined in the app. He annexed some trees and roots and placed three guide wires the full width of the lawn. Given the lawn is around 50m x 70m, that was over half a kilometre of guide wire and a huge box of ground pegs. My back ached just watching him.

The 450X connects to the outside world, and more importantly the Automower Connect app, using GSM mobile data. There is nothing to register or sign up to as a 10-year data contract is included in the mower price. As we struggle to get Wi-Fi to the end of the lawn, that is a real plus point. The 450X never lost connection all spring and summer on test.

While not enabled during our test, Husqvarna has demonstrated a beta version of Alexa voice control for all its Automower range, which should roll out to connected units in September/October 2018. This first version will be able to take care of the most commonly used commands such as start, stop and park, and the company is working on a raft of voice control commands for future updates.

Core set-up can be done using the 450X’s keypad and LCD, or the app. The keypad doesn’t cover all the features of the app but it’s useful if you are beside the mower and don’t have a phone handy. The keypad covers main functions including cutting height, messages and basic settings. The keypad also acts as the security PIN input.

The Automower Connect app is available on iOS and Android platforms, and there is even a dedicated version for the iWatch. It is by far the most comprehensive and easy-to-use mower app we have tested to date.

For starters, the basic Dashboard page is straightforward, clear and concise.

The main setting menus are equally logical with an obvious hierarchy of menus and features.

Adjustments include cutting height, albeit in arbitrary 1-10 numerals rather than an actual measurement, and set-up of the GPS-assisted navigation. You can control how far it reverses when it meets an obstacle, what angles it moves off at, how far it passes the guide wire and the width of the corridors for narrow strips of grass or between lawn areas.

Deeper into the menus still and you get long-grass sensing spiral cutting option, which is handy if you have bits of the lawn that grow quicker than others. You can deploy a weather timer to cater for different growth rates and engage an ECO mode that turns off the boundary loop signal when the mower is docked.

Given the 450X navigates by a combination of GPS, ultrasonic sensors and boundary wires, the inclusion of headlights, LED signature style ones at that, is purely for cosmetics. Oh, how we sniffed at such a feature… before we spent fun evenings watching it hoon around the lawn in the dark, lighting the way and scattering rabbits. The lights do flash if it gets into trouble, which sort of justifies it.

In Husqvarna’s native Sweden, pimping your robot mower is huge. Making them look like animals, cars and even Star Wars ships is something of a national pastime, and there are even competitions. We resisted giving our review sample a makeover. We did, however, rename it in the app as Husky. That lacked imagination, I grant you.

Husqvarna Automower 450X – How does it perform?

Quietly. By far the quietest robot mower we have tested, the Husqvarna is close to silent in operation. It absolutely doesn’t sound like a lawnmower. The drive motor and motor that spins the cutting disc are super quiet, so the only noise you hear over their low hum is the blades clipping the grass. Annoying the neighbours isn’t going to be possible. Well, unless they get jealous when you are kicked back with a brew while they are still pushing their traditional mower.

Those razor-blades cut extremely clean too. Looking closely at each blade of the cut grass reveals a very neat line with virtually no feathering or tearing of the leaf. Ragged cut grass tips tend to go brown while cleanly cut grass makes your whole lawn look greener. The razors work very well indeed.

On the flipside, the lightweight fold-in razors didn’t cut-up lawn debris, such as leaves and twigs. That might be a good or bad thing depending on your lawn care schedule and environment. Woodland surrounds our lawn, so tree debris getting cut up and mulched into the lawn is a good thing or we would be forever picking it up. That simply isn’t going to happen with the Automower. If you have a cleaner, tidier lawn and fewer nearby trees, it won’t be an issue.

Thanks to the blade’s fold-in action when they hit something, they stay sharp for an extremely long time. After three months in action, the blades were pretty dull but still cut the grass OK. We flipped them around, as they are double sided, and another pack is supplied with the mower. That should see you through a hefty mowing season with ease.

Other than an occasional blade replacement, maintenance of the Automower is nonexistent. Thanks to the incredibly small clippings it doesn’t get clogged up with grass like a traditional mower, even after several months of being outside and mowing in all sorts of weather.

In spring, the main lawn had already received its first cut as we let bluebells grow through the turf until May. What was left for the new 450X install was 4-5 inches of rough-cut grasses and stems. A bowling green it wasn’t.

Fast-forward to August. Despite the ridiculously hot weather, a game of bowls was a definite possibility. As we have found with previous top-notch robot mowers, the grass finish is outstanding and looks like velvet all of the time.

Compared to a ride-on mower, there was no letting the grass get ragged before you mow, and then scalping areas. No brown patches where you let it get too long before cutting. And, frankly, no breaking into a sweat on a Sunday morning while listening to your ‘Mowing Playlist’ on noise cancelling headphones to drown out the din.

As the Automower established its routine, the lawn went from rough to a bit messy, to well-trimmed and eventually to velvety. The constant cutting successfully mulches tiny little pieces of grass back into the lawn, encouraging low growth and delivering an all-over look that would require putting green-level time and effort to achieve with a normal mower.

On the downside, the very same was true of weeds like clover and moss. These lawn invaders seemed to learn the Automower’s cut-height and started spreading out low to the ground in order to survive. This slightly peculiar issue is true of all robot mowers with continuous cutting action. You might want to give the mower a week off occasionally to let the weeds get their heads up enough to be lopped off on the next outing.

Large obstacle detection was top-notch throughout. The ultrasonic sensors would noticeably slow the machine as it approached fixed objects like trees and mobile ones like the dogs. Domestic and wild animals alike got used to the Automower’s quiet operation very quickly, with rabbits simply hopping out of its path as it approached. Ziggy, our new puppy, was intrigued but the Automower sensed his approach, slowed and stopped as it bumped into his leg. No animals were harmed in the making of this review.

The Automower app showed its class during testing. You can control all of the 450X’s functions from the comfort of the living room, get great updates on what it is doing and alerts if something goes wrong. We particularly liked “Automower upside-down” message when we swapped the blades around. Using the mower’s GPS, the Automower’s movements and locations are instantly available too. You can view them as a standard map.

Or if you fancy something a little more realistic, you can overlay satellite photography, presumably pulled from Google Earth.

That proved useful for the two times the Automower 450X went ‘feral’. The mower sent an alert the moment it left the perimeter wire and pinpointed its location on the map. It would do the same if it were taken outside the perimeter wire by thieves, of course.

The 450X’s errant moments were largely due to, erm, ‘user issues’. Around two months after installation, I cut and extended the perimeter wire to encompass another 300sqm of lawn, mostly steeply sloping banks up to 30 degrees. Laying out the wire is a bit of pain, requires a lot of pegs to keep it low to the ground and you need to pay careful attention to the install guidelines in the manual. I got the perimeter wire too close to a critical pond edge over a very steep section and failed to avoid a really rough section of broken ground.

Both mistakes caused the 450X to bounce over and break out of the perimeter wire. It ended up stuck in a bush and hanging precariously over the pond flashing its headlights in desperation, respectively. See note above about opting for professional installation. These were mistakes an experienced installer wouldn’t make.

The good news is that whatever the weather, the 450X had no problem navigating up, down and at jaunty angles across the steep banks as part of it revised mowing schedule. As this sloped area is normally a complete PITA to mow, the 450X won us over here despite its escape shenanigans.

Our only other caveats to ownership are common across all robot mowers; they won’t create lawn stripes, they won’t pick up lawn debris like leaves in the autumn, they can’t handle rough overgrowth like brambles, and they can be a bit of a thief magnet in exposed lawns, even if the PIN code disables them. The leaves and brambles are a bit of an Achilles’ heel here chez Stevenson so we would end up as a two-mower family: an old petrol unit for the leaf pickup and rough stuff cutting once or twice a year, and an Automower 450X for the rest of the season. Perfect.

If you don’t have those issues, the Automower’s labour-savings, running cost-savings, negligible maintenance, fabulous velvety lawn finish all summer long, brilliant app and top-notch eco credentials make a petrol ride-on mower look like a dinosaur. The 450X is a truly outstanding robot mower for large lawns and, based on the same technology, we would heartily recommend Husqvarna’s smaller Automower models for those with more sensible-sized gardens.

Why buy the Husqvarna Automower 450X?

For big lawns up to an acre and a bit, Huqsvarana’s Automower 450X is a very quiet, incredibly effective robot mower that gives a super-sharp cut and velvety smooth lawn finish. It handles steep slopes up to 30 degrees like a mountain goat, deals with the most complex lawn shapes and multiple grassed areas, and is controlled by a truly class-leading mower app.

Installation is fraught with pitfalls for those without robot mower set-up experience (or ability to read the manual…) so you do need to factor in 10% or so on the asking price for professional installation. It won’t do lawn stripes or pick up leaves in the winter, but for kicking back with a glass of vino and enjoying your expansive lawns looking lush, green and velvety all summer long, the Automower 450X is hard to beat.

Verdict

A superbly designed, near maintenance-free robot lawnmower with excellent control app and the ability to take on the most complex of lawns.

The best robotic lawn mowers for 2023

Like the look of robotic lawn mowers? Browse our pick of the very best, for gardens of all shapes and sizes.

Increasingly popular with UK gardeners, robotic lawn mowers are a welcome, hands-free alternative to traditional petrol and electric lawn mowers. Because a robotic lawn mower is fully automatic, it can be a brilliant option for gardeners who have mobility concerns, are away from home a lot, or simply find mowing a chore. Powered by rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries, most mowers are guided by a boundary cable laid around the edge of the lawn, which helps the robotic lawn mower identify where to mow and to avoid flower beds, trees and other obstacles.

While we tested models from a number of different brands, note that all of them offer a range of mowers with varying sizes, capabilities and features.

To compare these robotic models against other types of mowers, see our reviews of the best cordless lawn mowers, the best electric mowers and the best push mowers. And, if you’re looking to give your lawn a bit of TLC, our experts have tested a range of manual and powered aerators and scarifiers. check out the best scarifiers and best aerators reviews. You can also keep edges looking neat with our tests of the best strimmers or pick of the best lawn edging.

Best robotic lawn mowers at a glance

Our expertise

To help you find a robotic lawn mower suitable for your garden, we tested a range of mowers for different size gardens, including gardens with slopes and a complex shape. Each mower is in use for weeks at a time to allow us to assess its battery capacity and cutting proficiency as well as ease of use.

Each mower in our review has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to set up and ease of use, cutting performance, extra features and value for money. Every robotic mower in our round-up below has scored a minimum of four out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.

The robotic mower industry is constantly evolving, with new developemnts and advances, and we are currently testing a number of the latest models ready to update this review shortly. Please check back soon to see the results of our new review.

Best robotic lawn mowers

Husqvarna Automower 405X

RRP: From £1899.00

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Unobtrusive colour
• Easy connectivity
• Clever mowing features
• GPS theft tracking

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for features, the Automower 405x boasts a huge range of features that help the mower cut well and make the experience easy for the user. These include, three different start points, switching mowing pattern according to where it’s mowing, such as through a narrow passage, frost guard and weather time that automatically adjusts the height according to the grass growth, and its new Rewilding Zone where you can leave 10% of the lawn aside to grow for pollinators.It’s available to buy as a bare mower, which is then installed by a dealer for an additional cost, or with the installation kit included and you install it yourself. Suitable for smaller gardens 600m2, the mower operates with both a boundary wire and a guide wire and unlike some other mowers, has a more flexible docking station, which doesn’t need a wide, clear space around it. ours was tucked neatly into the side of a hedge. It’s also easy to set up via the intuitive keypad or the impressive Automower Connect app, which allows you to change the schedule, adjust the height of cut, check on the mower’s progress and receive notifications, simply and quickly no matter where you are. As an X model, the mower also has a built in SIM so you have both remote and voice controlled control. Our only confusion with set up was working out the scheduling needed, which took a couple of weeks to establish, and that the height of cut on the app is listed as 1-9, when it cuts between 20mm and 50mm.The mower can cope with 40% slopes, which should suit most gardens. The slope in our test garden has a tendency to get muddy and slippery so at the installer’s advice, we used the spiked Terrain wheels which stop the wheels slipping. Only occasionally did the mower fail to get up the slope and when the weather was really wet we simply removed that zone from the work area. The mower cut consistently well and is very quiet, the only perceptible sound is the whirring of the blades as they cut. It occasionally missed spots on the lawn but overall this is a very easy to use and high performing mower.The Automower 405x is just one in a large range of Husqvarna mowers to suit different size lawns. A host of accessories are also available, including a cover for the docking station and wheel brushes, as well as spare parts, from batteries and blades to wheels. Both the mower and the battery come with a 2 year warranty.

Buy the Husqvarna 405X Automower from Sam Turner, Husqvarna and Red Band