Robomower RL350 Instruction Manual

Operating & Safety Manual
RL350/550/850
www.friendlyrobotics.com
DOC0015D

EC Declaration of Conformity
1. F. Robotics Acquisitions, Hatzabar St., Industrial Zone, Pardesiya, 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 RL350, 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
Pardesiya, Israel
2

The products are manufactured by F. Robotics Acquisitions (Friendly Robotics).
© Friendly Robotics, 2006-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.
3

Table of Contents
Safety Warnings & Precautions ………………………………………….….……… 6
Safety Features …………………………………………………………….….…..…. 8
What’s in the Box ……………………………………………………………….…... 10
Chapter 1 – Perimeter Wire Setup………………………………………….….….. 12
Chapter 2 – Preparing the RoboMower®…………………………………………. 21
Chapter 3 – Manual & Automatic Operation…………………………………….…28
Chapter 4 – Charging…………………………………………………………………33
Chapter 5 – Settings and Advanced Features…………………….…………….…36
Chapter 6 – Text Messages and Troubleshooting……………………………..….41
Chapter 7 – Specifications………………………………………………….………..47
Chapter 8 – Maintenance and Storage…………………………………………..…48
Chapter 9 – Accessories………………………………………..……………….…...51
4

Safety Warnings & Precautions
Training and Instructions
1. Read this manual carefully before operating RoboMower®. Be familiar with the controls and
the proper use of RoboMower®and follow all safety and warning instructions.
2. Do not use RoboMower®for any purpose other than for which it is intended.
3. Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to operate RoboMower®.
4. Never mow while people, especially children, or pets are nearby.
5. The user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their
property.
6. It is strongly recommended to use the "Child Guard/Safety Guard" menu option in order to
prevent operation by children or other who are not familiar with the safe operation of the
mower.
Preparation
7. Make sure to layout and install the perimeter wire according to the instructions.
8. While mowing using a manual controller always wear substantial footwear and long
trousers.
9. Periodically inspect the area mowed by RoboMower®, and remove stones, sticks, wires,
bones and other objects. Objects struck by the blades may be thrown and cause severe
injuries to people.
10. Before using RoboMower®, always remove the power pack and visually inspect the blades
for wear or damage. Replace any worn or damaged blades.
11. Only use accessories and attachments designed for this product.
Operation
12. Never let RoboMower operate without supervision.
13. When using the Manual Controller mow only in daylight or in a good artificial light.
14. Do not operate RoboMower®using the manual controller when barefoot or wearing open
sandals. Always wear substantial footwear and long trousers.
15. Avoid operating RoboMower®on wet grass. Do not use it in rain.
16. When using manual controller always be sure of your footing on slopes.
17. 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.
18. Keep all guards, shields, safety devices, and sensors in place. Repair or replace damaged
parts, including decals. Do not operate RoboMower®if any parts are damaged or worn.
19. Do not operate RoboMower®if any safety feature or device is damaged or inoperable.
20. Do not attempt to disable or defeat any safety feature or device.
21. When using the manual controller always switch on the motor according to instructions
and with feet well away from the blades.
22. This machine has sharp rotating blades! Never operate the mower if unattended; keep
bystanders, children and pets away from mower when in operation.
23. Never allow anyone to ride or sit on mower.
5

24. Use caution when lifting RoboMower, it’s heavy! Before lifting it, always take out the
battery.
25. Keep hands and feet away from the cutting blades and other moving parts.
26. Never pick up or carry this appliance while the motors are running.
27. Never attempt to service or adjust the mower while it is in operation.
28. Never raise the mower or attempt to inspect the blades while the mower is operating.
29. Always remove the power pack before lifting the mower or attempting any adjustments.
30. Do not start RoboMower®operation in automatic mode outside the plot bounded by the
perimeter wire.
Maintenance and storage
31. Maintain, service, and store RoboMower®according to the instructions (refer to chapter 9).
32. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to assure safe condition of this appliance.
33. Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
34. Use heavy gloves when inspecting or servicing the blades.
35. Use only the original equipment, power pack and power supply with this mower. Incorrect
use may result in electric shock, overheating or leakage of corrosive liquid from the battery.
36. The Power Supply is for indoor use only. Do not use in areas where moisture or water is
likely. It is required placing it in a sheltered place, dry location, which is well ventilated and
not exposed to direct sunlight.
37. Do not open or mutilate the power pack. Released electrolyte is corrosive and may damage
the eyes or skin.
38. 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 from becoming a tripping
hazard.
39. Do not use the power supply if the cord has damaged.
40. Transport - to safely move from or within the working area:
1. Use caution when lifting RoboMower, it’s heavy! Before lifting it, always take out the
battery. 2. Use the Manual Controller to drive it from place to place (See section 2.4)
3. In case of different height level or stairs, remove the Power Pack from the mower and
carry the mower by the carrying handle (See Figure no. 2.1).
Product end of use
41. RoboMower and its accessories should be collected separately at the end of their life to
prevent waste electrical and electronic equipment from ending up in landfill sites, to
promote the reuse, treatment and recovery of electrical and electronic equipment in
purpose to preserve, protect and improve the quality of the environment, protect human
health and utilize natural resources prudently and rationally.
42. Do not dispose RoboMower or any other part of it (including the Power Supply, Charging
Station and Perimeter Switch) as unsorted municipal waste – it should be collected
separately.
43. Ask your local distributor/dealer about return and collection systems available.
44. Do not dispose of the battery pack in a fire and do not place used batteries in your
household trash. The battery must be collected, recycled, or disposed of in an
environmentally sound manner.
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! Remove
battery/power pack before
attempting to lift the mower
for any reason.
DANGER! Sharp
rotating blades.
Keep hands and
feet away.
Serious injury
can occur.
12
3
4
5
6
Do not dispose
RoboMower or any other
part of it as unsorted
municipal waste – it
should be collected
separately.
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
Power Supply 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 such
event, 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.
WARNING!
!
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.
9

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

A Basic
How It Works
A small wire, called the perimeter wire, is placed around the perimeter of the lawn and any
other areas where you do not want the mower to enter. A small signal is generated from a
device attached to the perimeter wire, called the Perimeter Switch. When turned on, this
signal is carried through the perimeter wire, creating what we define as a virtual wall. The
virtual wall is visible only to the RoboMower, keeping the RoboMower where you want it, on
your lawn. The perimeter switch must be turned on to activate the perimeter wire before the
RoboMower will operate. Perimeter switch
turned on to
generate signal
Virtual wall, visible
only to the Robomow
11

Chapter 1
Perimeter Wire Setup
1.0 Where To Start
In order to determine the best location to begin the setup, it is best to first make some basic
decisions based on your lawn. While many lawns can be effectively cut during the course of one
single, most lawns and homes are not laid out in such fashion to efficiently allow the RoboMower to
operate freely all over the lawn. Because of this, the typical setup of the perimeter wire may actually
be two separate areas or zones, as they are called. For each zone that is set up, allow for
placement of one Perimeter Switch for that zone. Find a convenient spot outside the perimeter of
each zone, but a location that is relatively easy for you to access. It is recommended to place the
perimeter switch in a dry and sheltered location. Consider placing the perimeter switch near shrubs or
bushes to hide them. Now, knowing the Perimeter Switch location, you can begin the setup by starting the
wire at each of the Perimeter Switch locations.
In figure 1.1, the front yard and the back yard are physically separated by fence. The fence prevents the
RoboMower from moving freely between the front and the back. In this example, there are two zones, one
for the front and one for the back. Knowing ahead of time that two zones will be needed will help the setup
go smoothly.
1.1 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 1.2.
12

Note: Use the short distance of the RoboRuler to set the wire position around the obstacle while creating a
Perimeter Island (See section 1.8).
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 1.2 – Using the RoboRuler
1.2 Perimeter Wire Setup
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.
If an additional wire is required in order to complete the set-up, use the wire connectors to connect
between the two wire ends, as explained in chapter 8.6.
IMPORTANT: It is necessary to first read this chapter (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, 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 will be located. 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 1.1) 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.
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!
1.3 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 1.3. 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.
13

Add pegs in to pull the perimeter wire
down to the ground surface, below the
grass tips.
Perimeter Wire
Tip!
It is recommended to
water the ground prior
to pegging the wire.
Figure 1.3 – Pegging the Perimeter Wire
1.4 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 1.4.
Correct corner
setup, using several angles
to avoid an angle of less
than 90-de
g
rees
Lawn area
90 de
g
rees
Incorrect corner
setup
Figure 1.4 – Proper Setup in Sharp Corners
1.5 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
1.7. 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 1.7.
14

1.6 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 and power 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, however, for the most
gentle and silent operation, it is preferable to demarcate all fixed objects in and around the working area. 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 1.5
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.
Perimeter
wire
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
followed around
obstacle
Figure 1.5
Excluding Obstacles With the Perimeter Wire
Flowerbed
Direction of
set up
15

Trees large enough to allow
Robomow 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)
Figure 1.6 – Perimeter Wire Setup Distances for Obstacles
The Robomow 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 Robomow or
its’ efficiency.
16
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
Distance greater than
5 feet (1.5 m)
Closer than 4 feet
(1.2 m) to perimeter
wire loop out
Narrow passes should
be at least 5.5 feet
(1.7 m) between wires
Figure 1.7 – Two Zone Setup
3 feet
(0.9 m)
wide

1.7 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. It is suggested that each
zone be no larger than what the RoboMower can mow in one full Power Pack charge cycle. 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. The side yards can be included with a front or
back section, or even set us a separate zone if desired.
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 5,
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 1.7 and 1.8.
Perimeter Switch
location 3
Driveway
House and
garage
Zone A
Back yard
Zone B
Front yard
Zone C
Side yard
Fence
Perimeter Switch
location 2
Perimeter Switch
location 1
Perimeter Switch
location 3
Driveway
House and
garage
Zone A
Back yard
Zone B
Front yard
Zone C
Side yard
Fence
Perimeter Switch
location 2
Perimeter Switch
location 1
Figure 1.8 – One Perimeter Switch for Multiple Zones
17

1.8 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.
1.9 Completing The Setup
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!
 Once the perimeter wire is completed and pegged to the ground, the last step to complete is attaching
the Perimeter Switch to the perimeter wires and testing the setup. A properly set up perimeter will
have two loose wire ends located where the perimeter set up was started; the wire end from the start of
the perimeter setup and the wire end from finishing the perimeter setup. See Figure 1.9. Pull the two
loose perimeter wire leads taut and peg them down to the ground, adjacent to one another, as you
move away from the perimeter and towards the Perimeter Switch location (use the same pegs to
attach the two wires from the lawn to the Perimeter Switch location).
Two wire ends from
perimeter setup.
Perimeter witch > 3 feet
(1m) from perimeter.
Note that the wires are adjacent and touching leading from the perimeter to
the Perimeter Switch. Peg firmly to the ground leading away from the
perimeter and towards the perimeter switch location
Figure 1.9 – Completing Perimeter Wire at Perimeter Switch
 At the location of the perimeter switch, cut the two loose perimeter wires so they are of equal length,
removing any excess wire. Strip back ¼ inch (6 mm) of insulation from each wire end. Insert the wire
ends to the connector (either wire to either screw, as there is no polarity) and tighten the screws as
shown in figure 1.10.
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