Safety and maintenance: how to keep your robotic lawn mower in top condition
A robotic lawn mower largely takes mowing off your hands. Handy. But underneath, sharp blades are still spinning, of course. So it makes perfect sense that many people wonder: is a robotic lawn mower really safe when children, pets or hedgehogs are roaming around the garden?
Modern robotic lawn mowers have become a lot smarter. Cameras, AI object recognition and sensors help avoid obstacles. At the same time, a bit of maintenance is still needed to keep your robot safe, sharp and reliable.
So we’ll mow our way through the two most important questions: how safe is a modern robotic lawn mower and what maintenance should you take care of yourself?
How safe is a robotic lawn mower for children and animals?
A robotic lawn mower is not a toy. Although the blades are well shielded underneath the device and stop when the robot is lifted or heavily tilted, it is still advisable not to let children play on the lawn while the mower is active.
The same applies to pets. A dog or cat will usually keep its distance on its own, but sensors are no substitute for supervision.
The technology has evolved significantly in recent years. Whereas older robotic lawn mowers often only noticed an obstacle after bumping into it, modern models with AI Vision can recognize objects before they are hit.
The camera continuously analyses what is in front of the robot. If it sees, for example, toys, a football, gardening equipment or an animal, it can adjust its route and drive around the obstacle.
Does AI Vision also work at night?
That depends on the model.
The Husqvarna Automower 308V and 312V use AI Vision in sufficient daylight. They can still mow at night, but visual object detection is not active then. Other models, such as the 405VE, 410VE NERA, 430V NERA and 450V NERA, have infrared support. This allows them to detect obstacles even in the dark.
Still, that does not mean mowing at night is always the best choice.
And what about hedgehogs?
Hedgehogs are mainly active at night and often curl up when they sense danger. That is why we recommend running your robotic lawn mower during the day whenever possible, especially if you know hedgehogs regularly visit your garden.
Using the app, you can easily set a mowing schedule so the robot automatically gets to work at the desired times. In addition, you can take a few simple precautions:
- check the lawn before the robot sets off;
- do not let it run around piles of leaves or other hiding places;
- keep the camera and sensors clean;
- do not rely blindly on object detection.
So smart technology helps, but smart scheduling helps at least just as much.
And the robot itself also deserves some attention from time to time. Proper maintenance helps it continue working safely and reliably. Fortunately, you do not need to set aside half a day for it.
What maintenance does a robotic lawn mower need?
1. Keep your robot mower’s blades sharp
Sharp blades ensure a neat mowing result and allow your robot to work more efficiently. With standard Husqvarna mower blades replacement is usually needed after 3 to 6 weeks, depending on use and conditions. Above all, look at the grass: if it looks ragged, the blades probably need replacing.
Want to replace them less often? The Husqvarna Endurance blades have a harder and sharper cutting edge on all four sides and last more than twice as long as classic blades.
When replacing loose blades, always replace the screw as well and change all blades on the same cutting disc at the same time.
Need new blades? Browse our range of robot mower blades and order easily online.
2. Keep the robotic lawn mower clean
Grass and dirt collect around the wheels, mowing disc, and underside. Therefore, clean them regularly with a soft brush or cloth. Some models can also be rinsed off with a regular garden hose.
Pressure washer? Best to leave it alone. The powerful jet of water can damage sensitive parts of your robotic lawn mower. So it’s better to clean the mower with a soft brush or cloth.
3. Keep the camera and sensors unobstructed
Does your robot have AI Vision? Then clean the camera lens and sensors regularly. A layer of mud can hinder object detection, after all. It is also best to keep the charging contacts free of dirt. That way, the robot will continue to detect properly and charge well.
4. Prepare it for winter
When the grass stops growing, your robotic mower can also go on vacation. Clean it thoroughly, check the blades and charging contacts, and charge the battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions. With recent Husqvarna Automower models, fully charge the battery before winter storage. Then store the robot in a dry, frost-free place.
We fully prepare your robotic mower for the winter and can safely store it for you during the winter months in a frost-free environment. That way, it will be ready for use again as soon as the new mowing season begins.
