Robot Lawn Mower Maintenance
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The Ultimate Robot Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist

There’s a certain joy in watching your robotic lawn mower glide effortlessly across your garden, trimming every blade with quiet precision. No pushing, no noise, no sweat—just a perfectly kept lawn and more free time for you. Whether you’re sipping coffee on a Sunday morning or away on holiday, your smart mower is working behind the scenes to keep your grass looking immaculate.

Even Smart Machines Need Some TLC

As intelligent and autonomous as these machines are, they aren’t entirely maintenance-free. Just like any piece of outdoor equipment, regular care is essential to keep them running efficiently and safely. While today’s models—like the advanced Segway Navimow series—offer wire-free installation, centimetre-level accuracy, and AI-powered navigation, even they benefit greatly from routine checks and cleaning.

This guide provides a comprehensive maintenance checklist designed for almost every robotic mower on the market. Whether you own a Segway Navimow, Husqvarna Automower, Worx Landroid, or another leading brand, the principles remain the same.

Why Maintenance Matters

By following this checklist, you’ll:

  • Prevent common issues that can cause breakdowns or poor performance

  • Maintain optimal cutting quality and lawn health

  • Extend the lifespan of your mower (and its battery)

  • Save money on repairs or replacement parts

  • Protect your investment for years to come

Regular maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs to be consistent. And with this guide, you’ll know exactly what to do and when to do it.

Before You Begin: Safety First

Always switch off your robotic mower and disconnect it from any power source before attempting any inspection, cleaning, or maintenance. This includes removing the battery if possible or activating its service mode (refer to your model’s manual).

Wear appropriate protective gear: long trousers, sturdy work shoes or boots, and durable gloves. Never perform maintenance barefoot or in open-toed footwear such as sandals. Even when powered down, the blades can pose a serious risk. Safety isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Weekly/Bi-Weekly Routine Maintenance

Even the smartest robotic lawn mowers need a helping hand now and then. To keep your mower operating at its best, a simple cleaning and inspection routine every week or two will go a long way. These tasks don’t take long, but they make a noticeable difference in both performance and longevity.

General Cleaning – The Exterior

Dirt, grass clippings, and pollen can quickly accumulate on your mower’s outer shell. Left unchecked, this can lead to clogging around vents, sensors, or wheel arches and compromise your mower’s performance.

How-to:

Use a soft brush or a clean, slightly damp cloth to wipe down the exterior. Focus on areas around the wheels, sensors, and display (if present).

Important: Never use harsh chemicals such as alcohol, gasoline, acetone, or any corrosive or volatile solvents. These can degrade the casing, damage seals, or even affect internal components over time.

Segway Navimow tip: Segway specifically recommends using only gentle materials and methods for exterior cleaning to preserve both function and finish.

Chassis and Blade Disc

Grass clippings, damp soil, and dust can quickly build up underneath your mower, especially around the blade disc. If not cleared regularly, this buildup can lead to uneven cutting and reduced mowing efficiency.

How-to:

Flip your mower (after switching it off and removing the battery or activating service mode) and use a dry brush or soft scraper to loosen grass and debris. A gentle rinse using a standard water hose can help wash away loose dirt.

Caution: Never use a pressure washer. High-pressure water can penetrate seals and damage electronic or mechanical parts, even on waterproof models.

Check movement:

Ensure the blade disc spins freely and that each individual blade pivots easily. If anything feels stiff or stuck, clean more thoroughly or consult your mower’s manual for safe adjustments.

Blade Fender

The blade fender helps protect internal components and ensures smooth blade movement. Over time, it can become caked with mud, thick grass residue, or moss.

How-to:

Use a dry brush or blunt plastic scraper to dislodge hardened debris. Take care not to bend or damage the fender structure in the process.

Wheels (Front and Rear/Universal)

Your robot mower relies on traction and mobility to do its job properly. If the wheels become clogged with grass or mud, it may struggle to move or mow evenly.

How-to:

Inspect all wheels regularly and remove grass, twigs, or caked-on mud. A soft brush or hose rinse can help clear tougher material.
If your mower uses universal wheels, check that they spin freely. If stuck, clean thoroughly and apply light lubrication if the manual recommends it.

Camera Lens & Sensors

Obstacle detection and navigation rely heavily on clear sensors—particularly on advanced models like Segway’s i Series and X3 Series, which feature VisionFence and wide-angle cameras for AI-powered mapping.

How-to:

Check all camera lenses and sensors for dust, sap, or smudges. Use a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water to wipe them clean. Avoid using sprays or lens cleaners unless the manual explicitly allows them.

Charging Port & Contacts

If grass clippings or dampness block the charging connection, your mower may not charge properly—or at all.

How-to:

Inspect the charging port and contact points for dirt or buildup. Use a soft brush or dry cloth to gently clean them. Never use metal tools or abrasive cleaners.

Wet Mowing Considerations

Many robot mowers today, including the IP66-rated Segway Navimow models, are built to withstand wet conditions. However, just because they can mow in wet conditions doesn’t always mean they should.

Why it matters:

Mowing in wet conditions leads to grass sticking to blades, wheels, and the underside, resulting in uneven cuts and extra cleaning. It can also increase the risk of turf damage due to slippage or clogged components.

Best practice:

Avoid running your robot mower during heavy rain or when the lawn is waterlogged. Wait until the grass is dry or just slightly damp for the best results.

Monthly/Seasonal Maintenance

While weekly upkeep keeps your mower in good working order, a more detailed inspection and maintenance routine once a month—or at the change of each mowing season—will help ensure optimal performance and long-term reliability. These tasks are essential for the health of both your mower and your lawn.

Blade Replacement

Why it matters:

Sharp blades are crucial for a clean, precise cut. Dull or chipped blades not only leave your lawn looking ragged, but they can also tear rather than slice grass blades, making your lawn more prone to disease. Worse, they can put strain on your mower’s motor, reducing overall efficiency and battery life.

How often?

For regular use, replacing blades every 1 to 2 months is ideal. If your mower tackles tougher or coarse grass more frequently, you may need to replace them more often. Keep an eye on mowing quality as a visual cue.

How-to: Blade Replacement Steps

  1. Switch off the mower completely and disconnect it from any power source.

  2. Place it upside down on a clean, soft surface.

  3. Put on thick gloves to avoid injury—old blades are still sharp.

  4. Unscrew the old blades and their screws. Remove all of them—even if only one appears worn—to ensure balanced cutting.

  5. Clean the blade mounts with a dry brush or cloth to remove any debris.

  6. Install new blades and screws, making sure not to over-tighten. Each blade should still pivot freely when tapped gently.

  7. Dispose of old blades responsibly—wrap them in newspaper or cardboard to avoid injury when discarding.

Quick Note:

It’s normal for small grass clippings to build up around the blade area. Most robot mowers, including Segway Navimow models, are designed to operate with light debris around the blades. However, excessive buildup should be cleaned away.

Sharpening robot mower blades is not recommended—they are designed for replacement, not reuse.

Charging Station Inspection

Why it matters:

The charging station is the lifeline of your robot mower. Any blockage, misalignment, or damage here can prevent proper docking or stop your mower from charging altogether. Moisture or corrosion in connection points can also lead to long-term faults.

How-to:

  • Clear debris like leaves, grass clippings, or mud from around and under the charging station base. Pay special attention to the contact points where the mower connects to charge.

  • Inspect the entire charging unit, including the back of the dock, where insects or debris may build up unnoticed.

  • Check alignment between the mower and station to ensure smooth docking.

Cables & Power Supply Check:

  • Examine the power cable, plug, and power brick for signs of wear, cracks, or fraying.

  • Inspect the extension cable (if used) for damage and check connections for rust or exposed wires.

  • Do not use damaged cables or power supplies. If you notice wear or damage, replace them immediately using components approved by the manufacturer.

Safety tip: Never touch a damaged power cable or charging unit while it’s connected to mains power. Disconnect first, then inspect.

Annual & Winter Storage Preparation

When the mowing season comes to an end and the grass enters its dormant phase, your robot mower deserves a rest too. But before tucking it away, a few key maintenance tasks will ensure it wakes up in top condition next spring. Skipping proper storage steps can lead to battery damage, corrosion, or costly malfunctions down the line.

Pre-Storage Checklist (End of Mowing Season)

Before placing your mower into storage for the winter months, follow this essential checklist:

Battery Management (Crucial for Longevity)

The battery is the heart of your robotic mower. Taking care of it during the off-season is critical for maintaining performance and avoiding premature degradation.

  • Charge before storage: Make sure the battery is charged to at least 85% before putting the mower away. Storing a depleted battery can lead to over-discharge, which may cause permanent damage.

  • Periodic charging: For long-term storage (more than 3 months), charge the mower every 120 days, or follow your manufacturer’s specific recommendation.

  • Avoid extreme temperatures: Never store the battery in environments above 50°C (122°F) or below -20°C (-4°F). High or low temperatures can reduce battery health and prevent safe charging. Some models (including Segway Navimow) feature temperature protection to prevent charging outside safe thresholds.

  • Warranty warning: Most manufacturer warranties do not cover battery failure caused by over-discharge, so staying on top of charging is crucial.

Thorough Cleaning

Before storage, your mower and charging station should be as clean as the day they arrived.

  • Clean all components: Use the cleaning techniques from earlier sections—soft brushes, a damp cloth, and gentle rinsing with a water hose (never high-pressure). Focus on:

    • Chassis and blade disc

    • Blade fender

    • Wheels and tyre treads

    • Camera lenses and obstacle sensors

    • Charging port and contact points

    • Exterior casing of the charging station

  • Dry fully before storage to avoid moisture damage or mould growth.

Blade Replacement

If your blades are worn or haven’t been replaced recently, now is a good time to fit a fresh set. This ensures your mower is ready for action at the first sign of spring.

Charging Station Disconnection

Leaving your charging station outdoors through winter can lead to cable deterioration and electronic wear.

  • Power down and unplug: Disconnect the charging station from its power supply.

  • Remove from ground: Unscrew or unpeg it from the lawn.

  • Antenna disconnection (if applicable): If your system uses an external GPS antenna, unplug and remove it carefully to prevent water ingress or frost damage.

  • Mark the location: Use silicone ground pegs or small markers (a recommendation from Segway) to identify where your charging station was installed, so reinstallation next year is effortless.

Antenna Storage (If Applicable)

If your mower uses an external antenna (e.g. RTK models), treat it with care:

  • Store it indoors in a dry, dust-free area.

  • Cover any connectors or ports with a protective cap or bag to prevent oxidation or debris accumulation.

Transportation

If you’re moving the mower to another location or bringing it indoors:

  • Power off completely before lifting.

  • Use original packaging or a padded box for longer journeys.

  • Carry by the handle, keeping the blade disc facing away from your body.

  • Avoid dropping, tipping, or applying force to sensitive components.

  • Never carry or transport the mower with the motor running—this poses serious safety risks.

Storage Location

A proper storage environment will significantly extend the life of your mower’s electronics, battery, and frame.

  • Store indoors in a cool, dry space—a garage, shed, or utility room works well.

  • Avoid moisture, frost, direct sunlight, and extreme cold or heat.

  • Keep well away from heat sources such as stoves, radiators, or water heaters.

  • Ensure the power supply is well-ventilated and not exposed to dust or dampness.

Professional Servicing (Optional but Recommended)

Consider booking a professional service before or during winter. Some manufacturers and dealers offer off-season checks that include:

  • Firmware updates

  • Internal diagnostics

  • Deep cleaning and lubrication

  • Blade calibration

  • Battery health checks

Spring Re-Installation

As the weather warms and your lawn begins to grow again, it’s time to bring your robot mower out of hibernation. Reinstalling your mower correctly ensures a smooth start to the new season and avoids any early hiccups.

Reverse the Process: Getting Your Mower Ready

Recommissioning your robotic mower is largely the reverse of winter storage, but a few critical checks will ensure optimal performance from day one.

1. Remove Any Protective Coverings

If you used covers or packaging during storage, take them off and inspect all parts of the mower and charging station for dust, cobwebs, or insect nests. Wipe down surfaces if needed.

2. Clean and Secure the Charging Station

  • Wipe down the charging station and reinstall it in the same location as last season.

  • If you’re using a virtual boundary system (like Segway Navimow), make sure the station is placed within 5 cm of its previous position to avoid triggering a remapping.

  • Re-secure it with ground screws or pegs, ensuring it sits flat and stable.

3. Reconnect Cables and Check for Damage

  • Reconnect the power supply, extension cable, and (if applicable) RTK antenna.

  • Carefully inspect all cables for wear, cracks, or damage. Replace any suspect components before switching on power.

  • Ensure all connections are tight and weatherproof where required.

4. Inspect the Blades and Sensors

  • Check the blades for sharpness, corrosion, or looseness. Replace them if they’re dull or haven’t been changed since last season.

  • Clean the camera lenses and obstacle sensors using a soft, damp cloth to remove dust or residue built up during storage.

5. Power On and Test Functionality

  • Switch the mower on and ensure the battery is charged.

  • Reconnect it to the manufacturer’s app (e.g. the Navimow app), and check for updates or any prompts.

  • Test movement, obstacle detection, and docking to confirm everything is working properly.

  • For smart models, run a connectivity check between the mower, app, and charging station (and external antenna, if fitted).

Keep Your Mower Running Like New

With just a little regular care, your robotic lawn mower can deliver years of reliable, hassle-free lawn maintenance. Whether you’re managing a compact city garden or a sprawling country lawn, following this checklist will help ensure your mower stays sharp, efficient, and ready to go—season after season.

If you’re a Segway Navimow user, don’t forget to stock up on essential accessories like replacement blades, cleaning tools, and more. Visit the official Navimow accessories page to find everything you need to keep your mower in peak condition.

A few minutes of maintenance now can save you hours of frustration later—and protect your investment for the long term. Here’s to a lush, perfectly trimmed lawn all year round!