My autonomous lawn mower thread/blog

dashoonage · 13-02-2021 12:34pm

So when are people letting the hounds out ? Mine are looking like they need a top up

Bedouin79 · 13-02-2021 1:08pm

dashoonage wrote: »

So when are people letting the hounds out ? Mine are looking like they need a top up

Waiting for a run of dry days

Shaunoc · 13-02-2021 4:13pm

I could try turn it into a snow plough

caddy16 · 13-02-2021 9:56pm

Bedouin79 wrote: »

Got an Ambrogio last September elite+. So far so good been in hibernation since Christmas. Can’t wait to get it back on the lawn. Any questions shoot away.

Hey Bedouin79, have you slopes if so how is it working out on them?

Bedouin79 · 14-02-2021 9:45am

caddy16 wrote: »

Hey Bedouin79, have you slopes if so how is it working out on them?

The lawns pretty level very gradual slopes but the transition between the 2 lawns has near 45degree rise (it was the only place to cross without going on the drive) the robot had no problem at the start few damp Irish days and it started to dig in and eventually got stuck s wheel spinning on rock it’s exposed. I now have a small patch of gravel in that area and it’s fine. Long term I’m thinking chicken wire laid flat.

caddy16 · 14-02-2021 11:27am

Bedouin79 wrote: »

The lawns pretty level very gradual slopes but the transition between the 2 lawns has near 45degree rise (it was the only place to cross without going on the drive) the robot had no problem at the start few damp Irish days and it started to dig in and eventually got stuck s wheel spinning on rock it’s exposed. I now have a small patch of gravel in that area and it’s fine. Long term I’m thinking chicken wire laid flat.

Sound very similar to mine. I would prefer not to go across driveway but to connect 2 lawns otherwise I’ve a similar slope to overcome. I guess there’ll be a bit of trial and error. Thanks for feedback.

Bedouin79 · 14-02-2021 11:52am

caddy16 wrote: »

Sound very similar to mine. I would prefer not to go across driveway but to connect 2 lawns otherwise I’ve a similar slope to overcome. I guess there’ll be a bit of trial and error. Thanks for feedback.

No problem at all, I plan to tackle my lawn and that area in the best few weeks. Will post a pic before and after.

listermint · 14-02-2021 11:54am

dashoonage wrote: »

So when are people letting the hounds out ? Mine are looking like they need a top up

Mines out nearly all the time. ... I.e on a 3 day working week.

I only turn it off if it's snowing tbh.

Only problem has been a slug munching on the base station transmitter board.

The mower itself is flawless.

Baoithin66 · 14-02-2021 1:00pm

Hi I am thinking of making a shelter for my Ambrogio 250i mower to enclose the charging station. Do I need to worry about blocking any signals to the mower from the station if using metal or timber? Any photos of diy shelters would be appreciated. thanks

KCross · 14-02-2021 1:37pm

Baoithin66 wrote: »

Hi I am thinking of making a shelter for my Ambrogio 250i mower to enclose the charging station. Do I need to worry about blocking any signals to the mower from the station if using metal or timber? Any photos of diy shelters would be appreciated. thanks

Why bother?

It’s rated/designed for outdoors use. It will not significantly reduce the chances of it being stolen and unless you have a keen eye for design probably won’t look any better.

So, what benefit do you see?

paulbok · 14-02-2021 2:16pm

Finally decided on a Gardena smart Silena 750.
Has all the features I want such as dual start point, smart connectivity and decent price, about €900 + delivery. Guessing that'll be approx 200 from Germany going by a few posts back. Will order it next week.
The grass has really kicked into action over the last few weeks. Hasn't seen a mower since October with the weather and is in bad need of one. Was sorely tempted last week as it was bone dry several days, bud not with the cold temperatures about.
Need to sharpen the blade on the regular mower this week and service it, oil etc.
Getting tarmac down on the driveways in a couple of weeks. Will leave the boundary wire install until that's done as surely someone will snag it.

Grass will need mowing a couple of times with the regular mower to civilize it ahead of the robo mower anyway.
Looking forward to not having to mow all summer, frees up 1 to 1.5 hrs a week, depending on whether I had to just mulch cut or gather the grass if it had gone too strong.

paulbok · 14-02-2021 2:24pm

KCross wrote: »

Why bother?

It’s rated/designed for outdoors use. It will not significantly reduce the chances of it being stolen and unless you have a keen eye for design probably won’t look any better.

So, what benefit do you see?

I'll be doing similiar for mine when I get it for several reasons.
Even though it's weatherproof, no harm in keeping the worst off it. Also a good idea to keep strong sunshine off it to prevent bleaching of the colour.
Mostly though it adds an extra layer of security, for me that means the kids can't easily go messing with it when not in use.

KCross · 14-02-2021 3:57pm

paulbok wrote: »

I'll be doing similiar for mine when I get it for several reasons.
Even though it's weatherproof, no harm in keeping the worst off it. Also a good idea to keep strong sunshine off it to prevent bleaching of the colour.
Mostly though it adds an extra layer of security, for me that means the kids can't easily go messing with it when not in use.

You can’t keep the sunshine off it really as it will be out and about for alot of the day.

Mine has been in the sunshine for 7 years now. It’s fine.

I don’t get the security element either. If it’s going to be robbed it will be robbed regardless of whether it has a hut or not. Again, it’s freely roaming the lawn for hours on end. If someone sees it and takes a shine to it they will rob it regardless of it being in a cover that night.

The keypads on them are usually pin protected so the kids can’t mess with it either.

Each to their own I guess.

Bedouin79 · 14-02-2021 5:45pm

Baoithin66 wrote: »

Hi I am thinking of making a shelter for my Ambrogio 250i mower to enclose the charging station. Do I need to worry about blocking any signals to the mower from the station if using metal or timber? Any photos of diy shelters would be appreciated. thanks

I got this before brexit, bit of mechano set to put together but held up well through winter. The mower has been indoors keeping warm though.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B08DFJY167?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

There’s a guy on DoneDeal building them to measure repurposed dog house but look fine.

Alfie1 · 14-02-2021 9:15pm

Baoithin66 wrote: »

Hi I am thinking of making a shelter for my Ambrogio 250i mower to enclose the charging station. Do I need to worry about blocking any signals to the mower from the station if using metal or timber? Any photos of diy shelters would be appreciated. thanks

I was advised if considering making a shelter not to use metal as it can cause issues.

Baoithin66 · 14-02-2021 9:34pm

I was thinking that metal might affect the signal from the charging unit to the mower but then the ambrogio mostly uses the guidewire.

Shaneoman1983 · 14-02-2021 10:48pm

So about to take the plunge on a robot mower.

Have 2 unconnected sections of grass to mow.

The ground is flat and kerbed.

First one is 2500m2
Second one is 900m2

I'm just looking for some advice on;

- Where to buy
- online vs local dealer (is there much of a saving)
- Then Maybe a Husvarna or the Ambrogio for the 2500m2 section
- what to go for - I thinking of the Landroid for the smaller section (from myrobot.eu)
- is the installation difficult?

I would be very interested in people's thoughts?

BIMMERAG · 15-02-2021 6:27pm

Has anyone had any recent experience post Brexit of purchasing from myrobotcenter.eu ? Im just wondering if there has been any issues with delivery or additional charges added lately as this seems to be the best route for me to go for a 430X. I dont see any (reputable) sites that are offering Ambrogio mowers similar to the 430X, if anyone has any info they would like to share about sourcing one of these online id appreciate it before i push the button on the 430x. Thanks

slayer91 · 16-02-2021 11:00pm

Hi,

Great thread, looking to get a robot mower this spring. I have 2 non linked gardens, front and back. the front is 400sqm and the back is 300sqm. Front has a small slope and back is level.

I was thinking of a Worx Landroid, Yardforce or Gardena.

Is it possible to get 1 mower with 2 charging bases. I have no issue moving the mower between gardens.

Regards

DaveyDave · 16-02-2021 11:04pm

I must have a read of this thread. Looking to get a mower this Summer and there isn't a whole lot of reviews or info out there from what I can see. Very limited videos, a lot of the mowers aren't available or aren't even reviewed (on the budget end at least)

I'd be looking to spend €500-700, less if possible. Seems Amazon DE is one of the better options.

Rear garden only, 70m². Don't want an actual mower as it's a small garden and don't want a shed or storage unit. Seems you have to spend out if you want edge cutting, it would be good to not need a strimmer but not the end of the world if I have to get one.

krissovo · 17-02-2021 12:48pm

DaveyDave wrote: »

Seems you have to spend out if you want edge cutting, it would be good to not need a strimmer but not the end of the world if I have to get one.

Even with edge cutting I find I still need to strim a few areas but there are other options. In my front lawn I have a Worx s300 that does a great job, the edges that it misses I use a bit of roundup when the growth is obvious and use some mulch to cover the strip after, its only a couple of centimeters and I pour directly from a bag so it takes no time at all. It lasts the whole season so saves on future strimming.

slayer91 · 18-02-2021 9:21pm

Hi,

More or less settled on a Worx M500 or M700. Does anyone know any Irish shops or hardware centers selling them?

Regards

krissovo · 19-02-2021 1:20am

slayer91 wrote: »

Hi,

More or less settled on a Worx M500 or M700. Does anyone know any Irish shops or hardware centers selling them?

Regards

I have seen both of them in B&Q

jod1983 · 21-02-2021 5:01pm

Hi All,
Was putting my automower out today for its first run and the base station LED is flashing blue!
I found the connection between the guide wire & boundary and redid this but the LED is still flshing blue. I checked it with an electrical meter and the loop is ok between the guide wires & boundary wires. Loop resistance is 2ohms.

Any ideas?

dashoonage · 21-02-2021 5:30pm

Boundary wires crossed ?

I've the hounds out a week now. Lovely afternoon reading a tom clancy book in my conservatory watching my lawns being cut for me

Omar Devone Little · 21-02-2021 6:03pm

I bought a AMBROGIO twenty elite late last year. I think it was out for one day.

I was going to put it back out today but there’s a storm on the way again tomorrow.

jod1983 · 21-02-2021 6:44pm

dashoonage wrote: »

Boundary wires crossed ?

I've the hounds out a week now. Lovely afternoon reading a tom clancy book in my conservatory watching my lawns being cut for me

Nope, tried that and linked out the 2 guide connections and still no joy!
Another trip to the dealer!!!!

staples7 · 21-02-2021 7:27pm

Let my fella out a week ago but needless to say he was in most of the week. Even after a few half days he put a lot of manners on the lawn ðŸ‘Œ. 3rd season with a 430x and delighted. Tempted to buy the automower house..

Omar Devone Little · 21-02-2021 11:03pm

staples7 wrote: »

Let my fella out a week ago but needless to say he was in most of the week. Even after a few half days he put a lot of manners on the lawn ðŸ‘Œ. 3rd season with a 430x and delighted. Tempted to buy the automower house..

I bought a dog kennel for half the price. Looks way nicer too.

Renault 5 · 21-02-2021 11:50pm

Gardena taken out of the attic today after winter hibernation and back in his charging station.

jod1983 · 22-02-2021 1:50pm

jod1983 wrote: »

Hi All,
Was putting my automower out today for its first run and the base station LED is flashing blue!
I found the connection between the guide wire & boundary and redid this but the LED is still flshing blue. I checked it with an electrical meter and the loop is ok between the guide wires & boundary wires. Loop resistance is 2ohms.

Any ideas?

Just off the phone to the dealer. Thinks its the circuit board in the base station.

New one on the way and can be fitted by myself. Apparently its a common part to go:mad:

slegs · 22-02-2021 2:51pm

staples7 wrote: »

Let my fella out a week ago but needless to say he was in most of the week. Even after a few half days he put a lot of manners on the lawn &#55357;&#56396;. 3rd season with a 430x and delighted. Tempted to buy the automower house..

I got one of these

https://www.amazon.co.uk/vidaXL-Garage-Protector-Weather-resistant-Outdoor/dp/B06XCY3FDT

Does the job very well

joebre · 22-02-2021 8:27pm

Outside working area query ?

Fixed a number of breaks in the perimeter cable yesterday. Got solid green light. Cut the secondary area for several cycles yesterday.
Set to cut the main area overnight.
Error message to say outside working area. It wasn’t. It had come out of the charging and stopped immediately.
Blue flashing light.
Have read the FAQ but not obvious to me what is wrong.
Am I right that a broken cable will say no loop signal.
This hints at a problem near the charging station ?

23-02-2021 8:42am

Did you check if your left and right loop were in the right connectors ?

I've a Rob 1000,this will be its first season.
Im going to build it a house and try and retro fit a rain sensor .
Haven't quite figured it out yet because I need to see how the mower reacts to a power loss/signal loss.

slegs · 23-02-2021 2:45pm

joebre wrote: »

Outside working area query ?

Fixed a number of breaks in the perimeter cable yesterday. Got solid green light. Cut the secondary area for several cycles yesterday.
Set to cut the main area overnight.
Error message to say outside working area. It wasn’t. It had come out of the charging and stopped immediately.
Blue flashing light.
Have read the FAQ but not obvious to me what is wrong.
Am I right that a broken cable will say no loop signal.
This hints at a problem near the charging station ?

Check the guide wire, Ive had this on my Rob1000 when guide wire was broken on not plugged in back properly

Omar Devone Little · 23-02-2021 3:25pm

Would any one else have an AMBROGIO mower? Just have one or two questions about the app?

slayer91 · 23-02-2021 9:04pm

krissovo wrote: »

Even with edge cutting I find I still need to strim a few areas but there are other options. In my front lawn I have a Worx s300 that does a great job, the edges that it misses I use a bit of roundup when the growth is obvious and use some mulch to cover the strip after, its only a couple of centimeters and I pour directly from a bag so it takes no time at all. It lasts the whole season so saves on future strimming.

Hi,
Just wondering where you picked up your Worx, was in Ireland or from abroad?

Regards

Bedouin79 · 23-02-2021 10:43pm

Omar Devone Little wrote: »

Would any one else have an AMBROGIO mower? Just have one or two questions about the app?

Yeah shout away, it’s a bit confusing the app at times

E30M3 · 24-02-2021 8:39am

Bedouin79 wrote: »

Yeah shout away, it’s a bit confusing the app at times

I'll keep an eye here too and pitch in when I can add value.

(L350 Elite)

RobAMerc · 24-02-2021 9:13am

folks I am considering the Worx Landroid 300 for my small lawn ( split in 2 with path )
I see that its available here on offer for 500 - is this a good deal ?

Also, I have a small lawn but its quite technical - is the Landroid the best option?

Thanks
rob

Renault 5 · 24-02-2021 10:16am

What height are people using for their first few cuts?

My Gardena Sileno first cut at 60mm and will keep that setting for the next few weeks just to keep control of the lawn.

joebre · 24-02-2021 6:37pm

joebre wrote: »

Outside working area query ?

Fixed a number of breaks in the perimeter cable yesterday. Got solid green light. Cut the secondary area for several cycles yesterday.
Set to cut the main area overnight.
Error message to say outside working area. It wasn’t. It had come out of the charging and stopped immediately.
Blue flashing light.
Have read the FAQ but not obvious to me what is wrong.
Am I right that a broken cable will say no loop signal.
This hints at a problem near the charging station ?

Really confused now.
Did nothing since my post above a couple of days ago.
Still have flashing blue light.
Mower is fully charged.
Pressed Start and mower started cutting !

balcan · 25-02-2021 3:33pm

joebre wrote: »

Really confused now.
Did nothing since my post above a couple of days ago.
Still have flashing blue light.
Mower is fully charged.
Pressed Start and mower started cutting !

On my Gardena mower there is an Eco mode setting that turns off the loop signal when mower is not cutting, possibly could be this, I'm unable to check on mine as it's still in hibernation

odoliam · 25-02-2021 5:58pm

RobAMerc wrote: »

folks I am considering the Worx Landroid 300 for my small lawn ( split in 2 with path )
I see that its available here on offer for 500 - is this a good deal ?

Also, I have a small lawn but its quite technical - is the Landroid the best option?

Thanks
rob

Hi
I bought 2x M500 Worx last summer from that website
Prices now look close to what I paid at the time (though I got a bit cheaper since it was late season: €1100 for both M500's! and currently showing closer to €1200 for 2)
€500 for the S300 looks a decent buy....but if you can stretch to the M500, as ever, the longer battery life will mean the mower is out cutting your lawn for less time each week
That website had the best prices I could find, inc shipping - and given it's early in the year, those are good prices

tedimc · 28-02-2021 11:42pm

Has anyone bought an Ambrogio either online or in Ireland lately that could recommend a vendor? Any idea of savings off list price?

myrobotcenter.eu doesn't seem to stock them anymore and I need one or multiple units to tackle 14,500m2. I was toying with some Chinese models from AliExpress, but reconsidered that the savings might not be worth the grief.

I'm still doing my homework - but looking to see am I better going with one of the larger L400 models or multiple smaller units. Has anyone blended multiple units successfully?

Ambrogio and Husqvarna are the only two brands with models who have any sizeable area cover from what I can see.

Also - interested to hear if anyone has purchased the Ambragio 4.36 Elite model?

slayer91 · 01-03-2021 10:27am

Hi,

Has anyone experienced any difficulty purchasing off myrobotceter.eu.

The transaction is rejected by my CC as the purchasing site doesn't have 3DS enabled.

Their support desk is no help at all. - Change my browser and try another purchasing method.

Regards

slegs · 01-03-2021 10:47am

slayer91 wrote: »

Hi,

Has anyone experienced any difficulty purchasing off myrobotceter.eu.

The transaction is rejected by my CC as the purchasing site doesn't have 3DS enabled.

Their support desk is no help at all. - Change my browser and try another purchasing method.

Regards

I just preordered the new Husqvarna 415x on Friday from them. Used Paypal and it went through no problem

Lurching · 01-03-2021 11:18am

Trying to decide whether it's still too early in the year to let my one loose again.

carq · 01-03-2021 11:21am

Recently got a Puppy.

Puppies and robot lawnmowers do not mix.
Currently have a minimum of 2 perimeter breaks in the line due to chewing.
Luckily they are done in areas where there was a bit of slack - hopefully i can join with the connectors and bury.

Really dont want to go through putting down a new perimeter!

listermint · 01-03-2021 11:25am

BrownFinger wrote: »

Did you check if your left and right loop were in the right connectors ?

I've a Rob 1000,this will be its first season.
Im going to build it a house and try and retro fit a rain sensor .
Haven't quite figured it out yet because I need to see how the mower reacts to a power loss/signal loss.

It just dies in the spot of power is cut. I've my Rob 1000 out in all weathers for years. Doesn't flinch.

My autonomous lawn mower thread/blog

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