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Which mower is right for me?
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Which mower is right for me?
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For many homeowners, the idea of a robot mower conjures images of effortless lawn care. No more weekend mowing sessions or tangled extension cords—just a neatly trimmed lawn with minimal input. While modern robot mowers, including advanced models like the Segway Navimow, are designed for user-friendliness, understanding the installation process beforehand is key to a smooth setup.
This guide will walk you through the typical steps and considerations, helping you determine how simple it really is to get your automated gardener up and running.
Before you even unbox your new robot mower, some crucial groundwork can save you time, hassle, and a fair bit of frustration. Although robot mowers are designed to make lawn care easier, their performance hinges on how well you’ve prepared your garden in advance. Here’s what to consider before installation begins.
Most modern robot mowers rely on a form of smart navigation, whether it’s GPS, GNSS, or vision-based technology. A strong, unobstructed signal is essential for the mower to function correctly and mow efficiently.
Check for signal interference: Look for potential obstacles such as tall buildings, dense tree canopies, or garden structures that might disrupt satellite signals. A good signal ensures that the mower stays on course and doesn’t repeatedly lose its position.
Think about your garden’s layout: Is your lawn fragmented by flower beds or split into different levels? Does it include steep slopes or narrow strips of grass? These elements could confuse or restrict the movement of your mower.
While wire-free robot mowers using virtual boundaries are growing in popularity, many models still require a physical perimeter wire to be laid. Even with virtual systems, you’ll still need to map and define your mowing area accurately.
Walk the lawn: Identify potential problem spots, such as:
Narrow gateways or passages that the mower may struggle to navigate.
Steep inclines that could be too challenging for certain models.
Ponds, garden furniture, or play equipment that may need to be cordoned off.
Understanding your garden’s quirks early on can help you decide which type of mower suits you best and how your boundary should be set.
Every robot mower requires a charging station, and this station needs access to mains power. The location you choose for the base station will have a direct impact on the mower’s efficiency and reliability.
Location, location, location:
Choose a flat, stable surface ideally in a shaded area to protect the charging station from sun exposure.
Ensure the area has strong signal coverage, especially for GPS-guided mowers.
Leave enough space around the station so the mower can dock and depart easily, without running into walls or obstacles.
Think of this space as a “parking spot” that the mower needs to find and access regularly, so ease of entry and exit is key.
Your lawn might not be quite robot-ready yet. A little manual work upfront will help the mower navigate more effectively from day one.
Clear debris: Remove large stones, fallen branches, forgotten toys, or anything else that could block the mower or damage its blades.
Tidy up the grass: If your grass is unusually tall or overgrown, give it a once-over with a traditional lawnmower. Most robot mowers are designed to maintain a lawn, not tackle a jungle on their first run.
Once you’ve prepared your lawn and selected the right location for your charging station, it’s time to move on to the actual installation. While robot mower setup is far simpler today than it was just a few years ago, there are still some key steps to follow. Whether you’re using a wire-free model or one with a perimeter cable, here’s what you can expect during the installation phase.
The first task is assembling and positioning your robot mower’s base station. This is the home base where your mower will charge and begin its mowing cycles.
Assembly: Most charging stations come in two or three pieces that simply clip or screw together. Once assembled, secure it firmly to the ground in the spot you identified during the planning phase.
Antenna placement (for satellite-guided mowers): If your mower relies on GPS or similar systems, an external antenna may be necessary for improved signal reception. This antenna should be installed in an elevated, unobstructed location—such as mounted on a wall or a dedicated post—where it has a clear view of the sky.
Power connection: The charging station will need to be plugged into a weatherproof outdoor socket. Use a socket with appropriate IP rating to ensure safety and long-term durability in UK weather conditions.
Now that your station is ready, it’s time to activate the mower and charge it fully before use.
Activation via app: Most new robot mowers connect via a smartphone app. You’ll typically be prompted to:
Download the relevant app from your app store
Create or log into an account
Pair your mower using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or both
First charge: Once paired, dock the mower and allow it to fully charge. This first charge is important for battery conditioning and ensures the mower has enough power to complete initial setup tasks such as mapping.
For robot mowers that use virtual boundaries instead of perimeter wires, mapping your lawn is a key step. This tells the mower exactly where it can and cannot go.
Virtual boundary creation: Using the app, you’ll manually guide the mower around the edge of your lawn—often via an on-screen joystick or remote control feature. This defines the virtual perimeter and helps the mower understand the shape of your lawn.
Exclusion zones: Within the app, you can also create ‘no-go’ areas such as flowerbeds, ponds, tree roots, or trampolines. These zones help prevent damage and ensure the mower doesn’t get stuck.
Multi-zone management: If your lawn is split into multiple areas, you’ll need to define each one separately. Some mowers can be programmed to travel between zones via designated paths, making it easy to manage complex garden layouts.
The final part of the setup involves checking that the mower’s system is operating at its best.
Calibration: Some models will prompt you to perform a calibration step, which may involve placing the mower in a specific spot or letting it drive a short path to verify its positioning accuracy.
Firmware updates: Don’t skip this. The manufacturer may have released updates that improve navigation, cutting performance, battery life, or app connectivity. Most apps will automatically check for updates, but you can also check manually in the settings.
Although robot mower installation is relatively straightforward, a few challenges may arise. Here’s what to watch out for—and how to make things easier.
Challenge: Poor GPS reception can cause your mower to lose its way, stop mid-job, or fail to return to base.
Tip: Adjust the position of the charging station or antenna. Try higher mounting points and avoid placing the station near thick walls, sheds, or large metal objects.
Challenge: Irregular lawns, narrow side paths, or multiple zones can complicate mapping and navigation.
Tip: Take your time when mapping. Use the app’s zone management tools to break the job into smaller sections. Ensure there’s enough space between objects and walls for the mower to turn comfortably.
Challenge: Setting boundaries, using the app controls, and managing zones may seem overwhelming at first.
Tip: Watch video tutorials, consult your mower’s instruction manual, and experiment with features gradually. Don’t hesitate to delete and recreate your virtual map if things go awry.
Challenge: Robot mowers are smart, but not perfect. Small toys, low branches, or unexpected garden clutter can cause problems.
Tip: Make a habit of scanning your lawn before each mow. You might also consider physical edging or low fencing around particularly delicate areas, especially in gardens with children or pets.
In truth, yes—with a bit of preparation. While robot mower installation isn’t quite “plug and play,” it’s designed to be manageable for most homeowners. A careful site assessment, some basic lawn prep, and a bit of time spent with the app are usually all it takes to get up and running.
Advanced models like the Segway Navimow have made huge strides in ease of use, offering intuitive interfaces, wireless boundary systems, and AI-powered navigation. For many, the slight initial effort is well worth the convenience of an always-tidy lawn.