My autonomous lawn mower thread/blog

I've a worx mower that has created a single track just inside the perimeter.

In my case it is not due to excessive travelling of the wire, but a design issue with the mower. Infact there are a number of design issues that has stopped me recommending Worx mowers in the last year.

The cause of the ruts in my lawn are to do with the logic of the mower when it runs into the boundary, the (lack of) grip on the wheels, and the wheel base. As the mower "bounces off" the wire it doesn't revers up (like it would if it hits something), instead it does a "hard turn" where the wheels spin in opposite directions. The long-ish wheel base causes more force to be required at the ground and the lack of grip causes the wheels to spin for a bit. Over a few years, this results in a rut track that is the same distance inside the wire as the distance from the sensor and the rear wheels.

Now the rut causes the lift sensor to fire, and due to another design issue it sometimes gets stuck in a "lifted" position

Not yet.

I have been discussing the issue with Worx and they mentioned they produce better wheels but only for the S and M models currently. They indicated they have something in the works (excuse the pun) for L models but not yet....

Last time I checked the spikes on amazon they weren't available - but they appear to be now.

I've never used etsy and never look there - good tip. thanks

Have you got personal experience with upgrading wheels/spikes?

I have a Stihl and I leave the docking out and cover it over the winter , also unplug it.

On the wheel front always worth a try , as mentioned above didn't work for the issue I had but yours is different. A larger job may be to replace that piece of lawn with the honey comb rubber mesh just below the surface maybe as others had previously mentioned here

Hi All, I've a husky 450X, which when its working, is excellent. However, any time I leave it powered offer or parked for more than a week or two, when I go to send it to mow, it has the dreaded blue flashing light.

The latest one is after I'd parked it to avoid the heavy rain over last few weeks. Went to start it at weekend & the flashing blue light on the docking station is back!

Now over the last 3 years I've had at least two breaks a season, troubleshooting can take a painful amount of time. I've replaced the connectors, but I'm wondering, is this a normal amount of breakdowns?

Thanks

Part of my boundary wire runs underground and part of it I laid my self overground.

In 4 years I have had over a dozen breaks, most of them have been in the underground section.

I think when the installer put down the buried wire he might have damaged it .

Actually, Worx just this morning tell me new wheels for the L models have been released.

Product number is WA0955 but I getting them in Ireland could be difficult - for some reason.

I'll probably go for the spikes as suggested by others though.

keeping an eye on this apparent launch.

About time mowers moved beyond perimeter wires as a necessity.

but not fully sure I trust this yet

Not sure how good the yardforce brand is but saw the Yardforce SA900ECO for €274 delivered from amazon italy which seems a good deal if anyone in the market. Prices generally range from €400 to €500 delivered.

https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B082BVW7C8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A11IL2PNWYJU7H&psc=1

Hear you Lurching as I've just done the same in terms of cleaning and putting to sleep , however manufacturers probably want us to go to dealers so that's where you would be directed

cold weather will damage the batteries so advisable to take in once frost arrives

What kind of boundary wire do they use? Can you map them? Battery life good?........

Was looking at photos from mid summer today, can't wait to get the automower out again in 2023!

I have an old 430X, love it. It won't have to go out too much on your lawn either as it's a fair bit smaller than the 430X is specced for. Better off as when you are up against the limits of the mower area wise it'll have to run day and night.

Geese are great and all, but you'd need something to keep you safe from them.

I have been looking at the worx mowers myself. I have a good few worx tools and they have been pretty good.

Where did you get yours from ?.