Technological progress does not stand still, and today the robotic lawn mower has become a familiar attribute of garden tools. This robotic lawnmower is able to tidy up a lawn or lawn without operator intervention.

How the robotic lawn mower works

Like a conventional self-propelled lawn mower, the lawn mowing robot consists of a metal chassis, a plastic body, an electric drive (to the wheels and to the cutting tool separately). The automatic lawn mower is distinguished by the presence of an automatic control system and a mandatory battery power supply.

This automation system allows you to independently mow lawns according to a user-defined schedule within the designated boundaries of the site. A special cord will indicate to the robot where these boundaries are located, which must be laid along the perimeter of the lawn. Of course, the automatic mower has obstacle sensors, but the point is, they will see a barrier ten centimeters high. But a water barrier or a creeping flower garden will not be counted abroad.

Robot lawn mower

Most models of robots move chaotically along the selected area, but some manufacturers provide the ability to ride in a spiral, zigzag, snake.

Advanced models are equipped with a rain sensor that allows you to take a break from work in wet weather.

The grass chopping mode is the only one for all models - mulching. That is, complete shredding of the green mass and throw it back onto the lawn.

Additional Information! There are solar-powered models, but they are unlikely to become widespread in Russia with its few sunny days.

Automatic mower models

Trade marks

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Aggregates of trade brands are popular on the Russian market:

  • Husqvarna;
  • Robomow;
  • Caiman;
  • Worx;
  • Al-ko;
  • Wiper;
  • Gardena;
  • Stiga;
  • Bosch;
  • Honda.

Also in specialized stores you can find models of Chinese manufacturers.

Functions and job description

Robot lawn mower

At the beginning of the working cycle, the mower starts cutting a strip of grass until it reaches an obstacle. After that, she backs up, turns at a given angle and again tries to move forward.

During operation, the mower passes through the same place several times, increasing the cleanliness of the mow, finely chops the grass and throws it back onto the lawn, where it dries quickly and serves as a fertilizer for the green grass.

The developers of all models have paid special attention to safety. In situations that are potentially dangerous for people or animals, either the turning and leaving of the unit, or the complete stop of the knives, is provided.

The developers of all models have paid special attention to safety.

The anti-theft function is also in demand among lawn mowers - because, thanks to its small size, it does not cost anything to carry it away from the site in your hands. But this is pointless, because you need to know the pin code to activate the unit. There may also be additional security measures that work in conjunction with GPS, and even a built-in siren that turns on when an attempt is made to steal.

It is convenient when the lawn mower is equipped with a charging station - in this case you do not need to monitor the battery charge level, everything happens without human intervention.

Specifications

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The unit is equipped with driving wheels (most often rear) and one or two swivel wheels. The wheel drive is separate, which ensures high maneuverability of the mower.

There are two types of cutting tools used in automatic brush mowers:

  • disc milling cutter;
  • free-floating knives - they are fixed at only one point and can rotate around it, automatically assuming a working position depending on the load.

The disc cutter is better at tackling thick stems.

A general requirement for machines of this kind is that there are no small objects on the lawn that could break the knives. Therefore, the lawn must be cleared of this kind of debris.

The lawn needs to be cleaned

Most mowers are not designed to cut tall grass, so you may need to trim the area with a professional lawn mower or trimmer before starting seasonal operation.

Operation of automatic lawn mowers

Before starting operation, a special cord should be laid along the border of the site and connected according to the instruction manual. Next, you should make sure the battery is charged. Then you can program the operation timer - and the unit is ready for operation.

Do not forget about periodic maintenance of the mower:

  • clean the body and deck as it gets dirty;
  • monitor the sharpness of the knives, periodically sharpen and replace them;
  • clean the electrical contacts of the mower and the charging base from dirt and oxidation.

At the end of the summer season, thoroughly clean the mower, fully charge the battery and store the machine for winter storage.

Homemade automatic mower

The simplest version of a do-it-yourself lawn mower robot does not require any knowledge of robotics - you need to drive a peg in the center of the lawn, attach a strong long cord to it, at the other end of which is a manual lawn mower. When turned on, the mower starts to cut the lawn, the cord is wound around the peg, the mower spirals closer and closer to the peg. Cheap and cheerful. But the degree of automation is zero.

Homemade automatic mower

Important! A hand lawnmower left unattended and switched on can pose a hazard to people and animals.

To manufacture a full-fledged robotic mower, skills are required:

  • locksmith and mechanic for the manufacture of chassis, chassis and working parts;
  • an electrician for the installation of a power electrical system;
  • electronics engineer for installation and adjustment of the control system;
  • programmer to write control code.

If having the right skills is not a problem, then you can find on the Internet the construction of such a robot, developed by enthusiasts. For example, the ArduMower project, based on the Arduino Mega module and other electronic modules available for purchase on the Internet. The program code of the project is open, it can be added or corrected for yourself. On the project's website, you can order a set for the manufacture of mechanical and power parts, which, of course, no one forbids to develop and manufacture independently.

Choice of automatic lawn mowers

The unit should be chosen according to the following parameters:

  • availability of an accessible service center - automatic lawn mowers are complex technical devices, therefore it is unlikely that it will be possible to repair the device outside an authorized center;
  • width of the mowing strip - the wider it is, the faster the robot will mow the lawn, the less it will use up its resource;
  • top units, such as Husquarna or Bosch, automatically change the power depending on the density and height of the grass, which improves the quality of work;
  • battery capacity - the battery life depends on it;
  • the presence of a charging station;
  • it is important to have an edge mowing function, without which the mower will leave an unmown edge along curbs, fences, etc.

And most importantly: you should not postpone the purchase of a mower until the last moment - it is better to study in advance all the issues and subtleties associated with the operation of such units and choose the model that is most suitable for the given working conditions.