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

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.

wow if you have the site send it on 👌

Yes, that is a real problem with the robots. The first cut of the year can be a problem if you bring it in too early the previous year or put it out too late.

They have a much lower height limit than a petrol mower where you can just slow down. The robots only have one speed so if the grass is too high they won’t cut.

I also think grass growth was much stronger this winter. It has caught me this year too and I have the robot nearly 10 years now! I had to borrow a ride on to get the first cut done.

You won't use the battery for the mower for any other purpose. And perhaps you shouldn't. The mower will be practically running often and always. So reserve the battery for it on its own.

All mowers have an easily replaceable battery just open the lid I've replaced my mccullogh After around 3-4 years use.