Friendly Robotics robomower RL1000 Instruction Manual

Operating & Safety Manual
RL1000 & Docking Station
www.friendlyrobotics.com
DOC0064A

2
EC Declaration of Conformity
1. F. Robotics Acquisitions, 1 Ha’yassur St., Hasharon Industrial Park, Kadima, Israel declares that
the machines described in item 2 conforms with the directives listed in items 3 & 4.
2. Product: 24 Volt Battery operated automatic lawn mower, models RL500, RL550, RL800 RL850
and RL1000*.
Serial number: see mark on the machine.
3. Tested by the British Standards Institute (BSI) to comply with The supply of Machine (Safety)
Regulation 1992 Essential Health and Safety Requirements relating to the design and construction
of machinery.
The following European standards were taken into consideration when testing the machine:
EN 292: Parts 1 and 2:1991, Safety of Machinery - Basic concepts, general principles for design.
EN 294: 1992, Safety of Machinery - Safety distances to prevent danger zones being reached by
the upper limbs.
EN 418:1992, Safety of Machinery - Emergency stop equipment, functional aspects - Principles for
design.
EN 60204: Part 1:1997, Safety of Machinery - Electrical equipment of machines - general
requirements.
EN 60335: Part 1:1994, Safety of household and similar electrical appliances.
In addition the following National standard and draft were taken into consideration when testing the
machine:
BS 3456: Part 2: Section 2.42: 1997, Safety of household and similar electrical appliances -
Section 2.42 Battery-operated lawnmowers.
PrEN 50338: 1999, Safety of household and similar electrical appliances –Particular requirements
for pedestrian controlled battery powered electrical lawnmowers.
Noise level testing was conducted to the requirements of: 79/113/EEC and 88/181/EEC.
Results are published by BSI in report number 282/4077203 dated 14 July 2000.
Marylands Avenue, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4SQ, UK.
4. Also tested by Hermon Laboratories to comply with The Electromagnetic compatibility directive
89/336/EEC. Results are published By Hermon Laboratories in report number Frienmc_EN.14123
dated 21 June 2000.
Rakevet Industry Zone, Binyamina, 30550, Israel.
5. Measured sound power level: 85 db.
6. Guaranteed sound power level: 90 db.
7. Technical documentation kept by Mr. Dedy Gur, QA director.
I hereby declare that the above product conforms to the requirements as specified above.
*The original RL500 was tested by BSI in 2000. All Friendly Robotics models currently sold were tested by
F.Robotics Acquisitions Ltd.
Issued at Shai Abramson – Senior VP R&D
Kadima, Israel

3
The products are manufactured by F. Robotics Acquisitions (Friendly Robotics).
© Friendly Robotics, 2004-A. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied,
reproduced, electronically or translated without the prior written consent of Friendly Robotics.
Product, product specifications and this document are subject to change without notice. All other
trademarks are property of their respective owners.
CE approved.
Welcome to the world of home robotics with the Friendly Robotics RoboMower!
Thank you for purchasing our product. We know that you will enjoy the extra free time you will have while
using RoboMower to mow your lawn. When set up and used properly, RoboMower will operate safely on
your lawn and provide you with a quality of cut matched by a few mowers of any kind. You will be
impressed with your lawn’s appearance and best of all, RoboMower did it for you.
IMPORTANT!
The following pages contain important safety and operating instructions.
Please read and follow all instructions in this manual. Carefully read and review all safety
instructions, warnings and cautions contained in this manual.
Failure to read and follow these instructions, warnings and cautionary statements may result in
severe injury or death to persons and pets or damage to personal property.

4
Table of Contents
Safety Warnings & Precautions ………………………………………….….……… 5
Safety Features …………………………………………………………….….…..…. 7
What’s in the Box ……………………………………………………………….……. 9
Chapter 1 – Docking Station & Perimeter Wire Setup…………………….….….. 11
Chapter 2 – Preparing the RoboMower®…………………………………………. 28
Chapter 3 – Manual & Automatic Operation…………………………………….…36
Chapter 4 – Setting the Weekly Program…………………………………………..42
Chapter 5 – Charging…………………………………………………………………46
Chapter 6 – Operator Settings and Advanced Features……………………….…50
Chapter 7 – Text Messages and Troubleshooting……………………………..….56
Chapter 8 – Specification……………………………………………………………..62
Chapter 9 – Care and Maintenance…………………………………………………63
Chapter 10 – Accessories……………………………………………………….…...66

5
Safety Warnings & Precautions
1. Read the owners/operating manual carefully and follow all safety and warning instructions.
2. This machine has sharp rotating blades! Never allow the mower to operate unattended;
keep bystanders, children and pets away from mower when in operation.
3. Never allow anyone to ride or sit on mower.
4. Never allow children or persons not familiar with the safe operation of the mower to operate
the mower.
5. Keep hands and feet away from the cutting blades and other moving parts.
6. Never attempt to service or adjust the mower while it is in operation.
7. Inspect and clear the mowing area of all debris before operating the mower.
8. Never raise the mower or attempt to inspect the blades while the mower is operating.
9. Always remove the power pack before lifting the mower or attempting any adjustments.
10. When operating the mower in manual mode, maintain a safe distance from behind or
around the mower and wear proper foot apparel.
11. Do not operate the mower on slopes greater than 15 degrees or use it in manual operation
on slopes where a firm footing is not possible.
12. Do not operate the mower if any safety feature or device is damaged or inoperable.
13. Do not attempt to disable or defeat any safety feature or device.
14. When programming the automatic departure times and days, insure these windows of
operation are programmed when children, pets and other bystanders are not in the lawn.
15. Use heavy gloves when inspecting or servicing the blades.
16. Wear eye protection and use gloves when installing the perimeter wire and driving the wire
stakes/pegs. Firmly drive all pegs in order to keep the wire form becoming a tripping
hazard.
17. Do not use the Docking Station power supply with an extension cord.
18. Use only the original equipment power pack and power supply/charger with this mower.
19. Do not use the power supply/charger if the cord has become damaged.
20. Follow all applicable codes when attaching and placing the power supply.
21. Do not place metal objects in the area of the charging contacts on the Docking Station.
22. Do not place metal objects across the charging pins of the RoboMower.
23. Always set the current day and time after removing the power pack from the mower failure
to do so may result in improper setting of the day and time and non-intentional operation of
the RoboMower, which may cause sever bodily injuries.
24. Do not spray water directly into the docking area of the Docking Station or onto the
operating panel of the Docking Station.

6
Safety Warnings & Precautions
Warning Decal Definitions
1. WARNING-this is a dangerous power tool. Use care when operating and follow all safety
instructions and warnings.
2. Read the owner/operating manual carefully and follow all safety instructions.
3. Objects can be thrown from mower while operating, take caution.
4. Keep children, pets and bystanders away from mower.
5. Sharp rotating blades. Keep hands away and do not attempt to lift mower from this area.
6. Sharp rotating blades. Keep feet away.
.
!CAUTION!
Position this side of the Docking Station
towards lawn interior.
The Docking Station fence must face towards the interior section of the lawn when
installed. Failure to do so may result in damage to property or persons.
12
3
4
5
6
DANGER! Sharp rotating blades.
Keep hands and feet away.
Serious injury can occur.
CAUTION! Remove
battery/power pack before
attempting to lift the
mower for any reason.

7
RoboMower®- Safety Features
1. Child Guard / Safety Guard
This menu option offers a safety feature to help prevent children or others not familiar with the safe
operation of the mower to operate it freely.
2. Lift Sensor
There is a sensor located on the front caster wheel of the mower. In the event the front of the
mower is raised approximately 1-inch from its resting position on the ground during blade
operation, the blades will stop rotating immediately (< 1 second).
3. Sensor Equipped Bumpers
The front and rear bumpers are equipped with contacts that will activate when the mower strikes a
solid, fixed object when that object is at least 6-inches in vertical height from the supporting
surface of the mower. When the bumper sensor is activated, the mower will stop movement in that
direction and reverse itself away from the obstacle. In manual blade operation, bumper activation
will stop the rotation of the blades immediately (<1 second).
4. Emergency Stop Switch
Located on the top outer surface of the manual controller, red in color. Pressing this button at any
time during operation will stop all mower movement and stop the rotation of the blades
immediately (<1 second).
5. Automatic Mode Recognition
The RoboMower is designed so that it cannot be operated in the manual mode while the Manual
Controller is in its pocket and it cannot operate in the automatic mode while the Manual Controller
is removed.
6. Two-Step Operator Presence Control
While in manual mode, it requires two independent finger actions in order to engage the mower
blades. Once engaged, the mower blade button must remain depressed to continue blade
operation. Once released, the two-step engagement process must be repeated.
7. Electronically Controlled Charging System
The RoboMower is equipped with an on-board charge control system. This allows you to keep the
charger connected at all times, even after the battery is fully charged. The control system will
prevent an overcharge to the battery and keep it fully charged and maintained for the next use.
8. Sealed Power Pack
The power pack that operates the RoboMower is completely sealed and will not leak any type of
fluids, regardless of position. In addition, the power pack contains a one-time-use fuse in the
event of a short-circuit or power malfunction.
9. Perimeter Switch and Perimeter Wire
The RoboMower cannot operate without a perimeter wire installed and activated through the
Perimeter Switch. In the event the Perimeter Switch is turned off or otherwise fails to function, the
RoboMower will stop operating. Likewise, should a break in the perimeter wire occur the
RoboMower would again stop operation. A break in the perimeter wire prior to operation will
prevent the RoboMower from operating. The RoboMower can only operate within the boundary of
the perimeter wire.
10. Auto-Off Perimeter Switch
The auto-off feature of the perimeter switch shuts down the perimeter switch operation after
approximately 5 hours of continuous operation. This is typically 1 to 2 hours after which a fully
charged Power Pack will need to be re-charged. This helps to prevent unauthorized persons from
attempting to re-start the RoboMower after it has completed its operation.

8
11. Over-Current Monitoring Protection
Each of the three blade motors and each of the two wheel drive motors are monitored continuously
during operation for any situation that may cause these motors to over-heat. In the event this is
detected, the RoboMower will stop operation of at least that motor and possibly the mower itself
and indicate that the motor is cooling down. While unusual, this may happen when the mower is
put in grass that is severely overgrown; the underside of the mower is clogged from poor cleaning
maintenance; the mower has encountered an obstacle that is unable to activate the bumper
sensor preventing it from moving; or a problem landscape area has caused the mower to get stuck
and is preventing it from moving.
12. Automatic departure warning alert
When the mower is scheduled to depart the Docking Station automatically per a scheduled time, a
warning buzzer and the operating lamp will activate 5 minutes prior to departure. This is a warning
notification to clear and inspect the area.
This warning symbol will be found at several points throughout the
pages of this manual. It is intended to highlight an important safety,
warning or cautionary message. Please pay particular attention to
these areas and be sure you fully understand the message before
proceeding.
WARNING!
!

9
What’s in the Box
(RoboMower®)
1. RoboMower®
2. Power Pack
3. Operating & Safety Manual
4. Standard charger
Used for recharging the RoboMower
power pack. Indoor use only.
5. RoboRuler
Used for setting the distance of the
perimeter wire from the lawn edge.
6. Pegs
Used for securing the perimeter wire to
the ground around the lawn perimeter
and around obstacles.
7. Wire
Used to create a virtual wall for your
RoboMower.
8. Perimeter Switch (& C-Cell Batteries)
Activates the perimeter wire, which
defines the area in which the
RoboMower will operate.
9. Perimeter Switch Mounting Stake
Used for supporting the perimeter
switch in the lawn.
10. Wire connectors
Used for splicing wires (as needed).
11. Plot connectors
Used for connecting the completed
perimeter wire set-up to the perimeter
switch.
6
2
4
5
7
89
11
10
6
10

10
What’s in the Box
(Docking Station)
12. Base
Used for directing the RoboMower to
the charging contacts.
13. Cover including the Perimeter Switch
& a Power Supply
Used for recharging the Robomow
Power Pack and activates the perimeter
wire, which defines the area in which
the RoboMower will operate.
14. Docking Fence
Used for preventing the RoboMower to
climb on the Docking Station during
operation.
15. Docking Stake x5
Used for securing the Docking Station to
the ground.
16. Screws x2
Used for assembling the Docking
Station Cover to the Base
17. Wire Connector
Used for splicing wire (as needed).
12
13
14
15
16
17

11
1
2
3
4
5
Base
Cover
Fence
Stake (x5)
Screw (x2)
11
22
33
44
55
Base
Cover
Fence
Stake (x5)
Screw (x2)
The Fence
should be
inside lawn
40 Volts
Maximum 50 ft (15m)
Power Supply
Receptacle
120 V
230 V
The Fence
should be
inside lawn
40 Volts
Maximum 50 ft (15m)
Power Supply
Receptacle
120 V
230 V
Chapter 1
Docking Station & Perimeter Wire Setup
Figure 1.1 Docking Station Assembly
1.1 Docking Station Zone
Before setting up the perimeter wire and Docking Station, it is best to examine your lawn and determine
the best location for the docking station. The Docking Station is a fully automatic solution suitable for one
area or zone, thus it is recommended to set it up in the largest area or zone. To mow other areas, simply
drive the RoboMower to the area you want to mow and operate it in the automatic mode as explained in
this Manual. When this area is completed, drive the mower back to the station for re-charging.
Setup in Docking Zone
1.2 Docking Station Placement
 There is a maximum distance of 50 feet (15 meters) from the receptacle to the Docking Station, see
figure 1.2. Do not use an extension cord to increase this distance. Should a distance of more than 50
feet (15 m) be required, refer to a locally qualified electrical professional to install a power source in
order to place power within the specified distance.
 Position the Docking Station with the fence facing to the inside of the lawn. See figure 1.2.
Figure 1.2 – Distance From Power Receptacle
CAUTION! Refer to the specific safety instructions related with operation of
the RoboMower with a Docking Station, as specified in the Safety chapter.

12
Greater than
8 feet (2.5m)
Important Note: The power supply is for indoor use only, be sure to locate it and its connection to the
extension cord in a dry location. It is recommended to place the Docking Station as close as possible to a
receptacle, roll the extra cable and store it near the power supply. See paragraph 1.15 for further details on
the cable.
• Place the Docking Station at minimum distances from corners of the perimeter as shown in figure 1.3
• A minimum distance of 6 feet (2 meters) is required between the Docking Station fence and any
obstacle not excluded with the perimeter wire. See figure 1.3.
Figure 1.3 – Distance From Corners and Obstacles
• A minimum distance of 8 feet (2.5 meters) is required between the Docking Station fence and the
perimeter wire. See figure 1.4.
Figure 1.4 – Distance From Perimeter Wire
CAUTION! Serious Injury Can Occur! When placing the power
cord leading to the Docking Station insure it is fastened securely
to the ground and does not present a tripping hazard.
Do not cross over surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways
where it cannot be fastened securely.
!
Greater than
6 feet (2m)
Greater than
8 feet
(
2.5m
)
Greater than
6 feet
(
2m
)

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Greater than
8 feet (2.5m)
• A minimum distance of 8 feet (2.5 meters) is required between the Docking Station fence and the
perimeter island. See figure 1.5.
Figure 1.5 – Distance From Perimeter Island
 Place the Docking Station on level ground. Do not place the Docking Station on a slopping ground.
See figure 1.6. The area under and around the Docking Station MUST be flat to insure proper docking
of the mower into the Docking Station. Ensure both drive wheels are leveled with the Docking
Station base.
Figure 1.6 – Placing Docking Station on Level Ground
U
O
K
U
U
Relatively Level – OK
Slo
p
in
g
– im
p
ro
p
er

14
• The RoboMower is impervious to water and rain, however it is recommended to place the Docking
Station away from sprinkler heads for maximum protection. See figure 1.7
Figure 1.7 – Avoid Placement Near Water Sprinklers
Now, knowing the location of the Docking Station, you can begin to setup the Perimeter Wire in the
docking zone.
1.3 Perimeter Wire Setup for Docking Zone and Non-Docking Zone
The perimeter wire setup in a docking and non-docking zone is identical in terms of placement and
fastening. In a non-docking zone, the perimeter wire ends will attach to the perimeter switch, where in the
docking zone they attach to the docking station board.
Puncture the plastic covering of the perimeter wire with your finger and feel around inside the center of the
wire spool for the end of the wire. Pull the wire end out of the plastic covering. The plastic covering is
designed as a dispenser for the wire, so do not remove the wire spool from the covering.
IMPORTANT: It is necessary to first read this chapter (Docking Station & Perimeter Wire Setup) before
starting to layout the Perimeter Wire, in order to be aware of all setup rules and instructions.
Starting at the location of the Perimeter Switch or the Docking Station, begin pulling the perimeter wire out
of the plastic covering as you walk along the area of the lawn you are setting up. Be sure to leave enough
wire at the beginning, where the Perimeter Switch or the Docking Station will be located. In the Docking
Station zone leave 8 inches/20cm – see figure 1.8. For Perimeter Switch (none-docking zone) leave no
less than 5 feet (1.5 m) of wire at the beginning of the setup.
After removing enough wire within a given section, use the RoboRuler (see section 1.4) to identify the
correct placement of the wire. Initially place a minimum number of pegs to fasten the wire down. You will
want to test the proper position of the wire for the edge mowing process and you may find some areas
where you will need to move the wire position slightly. See section 2.8 for details on testing. You can lightly
insert pegs into the ground by hand to hold the wire temporarily in place before driving the pegs to the
ground level with a hammer.

15
1.4 Using The RoboRuler
The RoboMower includes a ruler style measurement stick called a RoboRuler that is used to help position
the perimeter wire along walls, fences, sidewalk, driveways, flower beds and other perimeter zones. There
are two basic measurements that are used on the RoboRuler. The shorter distance is used along
perimeter edges where the area outside the immediate perimeter (about 12 inches/30 cm) is free of
obstacles and is the same relative height as the perimeter edge. The longer distance is used along
perimeter edges where the area outside the immediate perimeter has obstacles or differences in the height
along the perimeter edge. See Figure 1.9.
1.5 Fastening The Wire To The Ground
It is not necessary to bury the perimeter wire, though you may do so if you wish, up to 3 inches (7.5 cm).
Small pegs or stakes are supplied with the RoboMower and they are used to fasten and hold the perimeter
wire to the ground, below grass level. They resemble a small tent stake. When properly fastened to the
ground, the wire and pegs will soon disappear under the growth of new grass. The pegs simply hold the
wire in place at the ground level to allow for the grass to grow over it. Pegs should be driven at distances
between one another that will keep the wire down below the grass level and prevent it from becoming a
tripping hazard while in the process of being covered with grass growth. See Figure 1.10. Remember, you
want to test the wire setup for edge mowing before you fill in the additional pegs. See section 2.8 for
details on testing.
Damage to the eye is possible. Use proper
eye protection and wear appropriate work
gloves when hammering the pegs.
Hard or dry ground may cause pegs to
break when driving them in. In extreme
cases, watering the lawn where the pegs
will be driven can be beneficial.
!
WARNING!
Figure 1.8 –
Starting The Perimeter Wire in a Docking Station zone
Short distance
Perimeter
wire
position
Area outside perimeter. Same basic
level and free of obstacles.
Area outside perimeter. Has a wall as
an obstacle.
Lon
g
distance
Perimeter
wire
position
Figure 1.9 – Using the RoboRuler

16
1.6 Corners & Sharp Turns
Care must be taken not to create a corner sharper than 90 degrees when setting up the perimeter wire. A
corner sharper than 90 degrees can cause the RoboMower to lose track of the perimeter wire. In
situations where a corner may require a wire placement of less than a 90-degree angle, placement can be
adjusted using several angles to avoid this. See Figure 1.11.
1.7 Narrow Areas And Narrow Passes
There is a limitation to the width of an area the RoboMower can effectively navigate through in order to
move into another larger, but attached area. A narrow pass is defined as an area that narrows down
substantially from the initial width and in which the RoboMower must pass through in order to access and
cut other zones, an hourglass shape. The minimum distance for an effective narrow pass is 5.5 feet (1.7
m) between perimeter wires. The larger a pass can be made, the better access RoboMower will have
between the zones. This will greatly improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the mower. See Figure
1.14. For an area that is narrow in width, but does not provide access to another section of the same
zone, there is a minimum working distance of 5.5 feet (1.7m). Figure 1.14.
Correct corner
setup, using several angles
to avoid an angle of less
than 90-de
g
rees
Incorrect corner
setup
Figure 1.11 – Proper Setup in Sharp Corners
Lawn area
90 degrees
Perimeter Wire
Add pegs in to pull the perimeter wire
down to the ground surface, below the
grass tips.
Figure 1.10 – Pegging the Perimeter Wire

17
1.8 Defining Obstacles-Perimeter Islands
Many obstacles can be left in the lawn without consideration to excluding them using the perimeter wire.
The basic rule of thumb is that the obstacle must be at least 6 inches (15 cm) high from the ground and the
obstacle must be relatively rigid. Good examples of these kinds of obstacles include many trees, phone
poles, power poles and flag poles. When obstacles like this are encountered in the lawn, it is easiest to
allow the RoboMower to bump into them, causing the bumper sensor to activate and assist in navigating
around them. Young, sapling aged trees are not good examples, as they are not very rigid. Other
obstacles that are not rigid and at least 6 inches high (15 cm) must be protected from the RoboMower
using the perimeter wire. This is done as part of the setup process and is commonly referred to as a
perimeter island. Good examples of these types of obstacles are flowerbeds, islands, small trees and low
bed edging.
The RoboMower is designed to easily work in the lawn with both types of obstacles. The only decision is
which obstacles should be excluded using the wire and which ones can simply be bumped by the
RoboMower, activating the bumper sensors. Take a moment and consider your lawn and the obstacles
contained within the zone to be cut.
If you are unsure about a particular obstacle, it is best to exclude it with the perimeter wire. It will have no
effect on the efficiency of the mower and can later be removed if not needed.
To create a perimeter island, take the wire from the perimeter section closest to the obstacle and peg the
wire around the obstacle, returning back to the same spot of the perimeter. There are two keys to setting
up the perimeter wire to exclude an obstacle; 1) place the wire going to the obstacle from the perimeter
and the wire going from the obstacle to the perimeter adjacent to one another. This area is between the
obstacle and the normal lawn edge where the perimeter wire is set up; and 2) follow the direction of
installation when going to the interior of the lawn to exclude an obstacle. While the picture in figure 1.12
may appear to have the wires leading to and from the island set up with a space between them, this is for
illustration purposes only. A proper placement of these two wires is to have them touching one another,
but in no event should they be farther than 1/8 of an inch (3 mm) apart from one another. For the best
results, place both wires under the same peg when placing them in the lawn around obstacles. Placement
of the wires as described allows for the signal in the two wires to cancel, but only in the area where they
are installed adjacent to one another and touching. By canceling the signal in this section, the RoboMower
is free to cross this area but will still recognize the signal of the perimeter island. See Figure 1.30.
Perimeter
wire
Flowerbed
While the picture shows two
wires separate, they should be
adjacent and no more than 1/8
inch (3 mm) from one another
Perimeter switch placed at least 3 feet
(0.9 m) from perimeter. Wires to
perimeter switch should be placed
adjacent, the same as wires leading to
an obstacle.
Direction of
set up
Figure 1.12 – Excluding Obstacles With the
Perimeter Wire
Direction of set up
followed around
obstacle

18
Large trees, OK to be
treated as an
obstacle and not
excluded with the
perimeter wire. Be
sure they are at least
4 feet (1.2m) from the
perimeter.
Zone one Zone two
Width must be greater than 5.5
feet (1.7 m), measured from
perimeter wire to perimeter wire
3 feet (0.9
m) wide
Distance greater than
5 feet (1.5 m)
Figure 1.14 – Two Zone Setup With One Docking Zone
Narrow passes should
be at least 5.5 feet (1.7
m) between wires
Closer than 4 feet (1.2 m) to
perimeter wire, loop out
Trees large enough to allow
RoboMower to bump into do not
require a perimeter wire around it
Small tree, must
exclude with perimeter
wire
Tree too close to
perimeter, less than 4
feet (1.2m), loop out with
perimeter wire
Minimum distance
between obstacle wire
and perimeter wire = 5
feet (1.5 m)
Greater than 3 feet
(0.9 m)
The RoboMower can freely move across this section, but will still
recognize the perimeter island. By allowing this, multiple obstacles in a
given lawn will have little effect on free movement of the RoboMower or
its’ efficiency.
Figure 1.13 – Perimeter Wire Setup Distances for Obstacles
Docking Station

19
Perimeter
Switch
Docking
Station
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Driveway
House and
garage
Dock Zone
Back yard
Zone B
Front yard
Plot
Connector
Zone C
Side yard
1.9 Multiple Zones/Areas
As mentioned earlier, your home may require more than one zone to be set up in order for the RoboMower
to work in all of your lawn effectively. Having two or even three zones does not affect the efficiency of the
RoboMower and in many circumstances is more desirable than one large zone. Where grass areas are not
contiguous, or are separated by fences or other objects, it is also recommended to make each of these a
separate zone. A simple but effective and common way to set the RoboMower up is to have one zone for
the front yard and one for the back yard, where one zone is a docking zone.
The key is to set up the zones that will allow the RoboMower to operate with the greatest efficiency, even if
it is more than one or two zones. You will quickly find that mowing the lawn in these zones is an easy
process that will allow you greater flexibility in your mowing habits. The RoboMower gives you the ability
to control the operating time for each zone independently, up to four different zones. In this way, if one
zone needs a shorter operating time than another, it can easily be set for such a process. See Chapter 6,
Operator Settings and Advanced Features for detailed information on how to use this feature. There are
several ways to set up these zones, including the placement of the Perimeter Switch, depending on the
actual layout of the lawn. Examples are given in figures 1.14 and 1.15.
Figure 1.15 – One Perimeter Switch for Multiple Zones With One Docking Zone

20
1.10 Slopes
As a general rule of thumb, any slope that can safely be cut using a walk behind mower can also be cut
using the RoboMower in the automatic mode. The maximum slope limit is 15 degrees, the same as a
traditional walk behind mower. Bear in mind that a 15-degree slope, though it may not sound very steep, is
in fact a relatively steep slope. In cases where it is attempted to operate the RoboMower on a slope that is
too severe, normally the front of the machine will try to rise from the ground surface slightly when climbing
the slope vertically. The lift sensor will then activate, shutting the blades down for safety. The mower will
drop back into position and may attempt the maneuver again. In any event, a slope that causes the front
of the mower to raise from the ground while climbing is too steep and should not be included as part of the
cutting area. In some cases, this area can be cut manually with the RoboMower, using the manual
controller. Insure that you can maintain a sure and safe footing before attempting to cut a slope area in
manual. If you are unsure as to whether a slope is too steep or not, attempt driving the RoboMower
manually up the slope. If the front of the mower does not lift from the ground, the slope is fine to include in
the cutting area. If however it does lift, exclude this section from the cutting area.
1.11 Completing The Perimeter Wire Setup – Docking Zone
 Once the perimeter wire is completed and pegged to the ground, the last step to complete is
attaching the perimeter wire ends to the docking board and testing the setup.
 A properly installed perimeter wire will have two loose wire ends located where the perimeter wire
set up was started, the wire end from the start of the perimeter installation and the wire end from
finishing the perimeter installation. See Figure 1.16.
 Use the same peg to fasten these two perimeter wire ends down to the ground and twist them as
shown in figure 1.16.
 Cut the two loose perimeter wires so they are of equal length (Minimum length of 8 inches/20cm) -
removing any excess wire.
 Strip back ¼ inch (6 mm) of insulation from each wire end. See figure 1.16.
 Thread the two wire ends through the center aperture in the base and insert each perimeter wire
into hole of connector using a small flat screwdriver, tighten these two screws to secure the
perimeter wires into the connector. See figure 1.17.
Severe injury can occur. When attempting to mow sloped
areas that are too steep for automatic operation of the
RoboMower, insure that you can maintain a safe and sure
footing before attempting to mow. Cut across slopes for
safety. Always wear appropriate closed toe shoes when
operating the RoboMower manually.
!
WARNING!
Figure 1.16 Figure 1.17
Completing the Perimeter Wire
Setup in a Docking Station zone