Robotics Bigmow User manual

USA Version
BIGMOW
BIGMOW
Please read this manual carefully to fully understand its content prior to using BIGMOW
for the first time
User Manual
Authorized Dealer:
Probotics
215-886-4717

This page intentionally left blank.

Introduction
You have decided to invest in a revolutionary piece of machinery – the
Bigmow robot mower.
Congratulations on choosing this high-tech equipment!
We would like to thank you for the trust you have placed in our young
company. After having completed the industrial development of the Bigmow robot
mower, we have now begun the manufacture and marketing of this extraordinary
product, which will take care of the maintenance of your leisure areas, lawns and
sports fields, all by itself!
As fantastic as it is, the Bigmow must be put into operation, its areas of work must
be defined, its recharging station must be installed and its electrical supply must be
controlled. This brochure aims to answer all your questions and give you the infor-
mation required for obtaining the best return and service from your Bigmow.
It is suggested in our brochure that you carry out certain checks, controls and basic
maintenance in the course of the season; if you do these, the return from the Big-
mow will be all the better.
We also suggest in the brochure that you follow the safety instructions, as provided
for all garden tractors and lawnmowers on the market. In paying a little attention to
Bigmow now, you will gain a great deal of satisfaction from it in the long run.
We will help you to obtain these results.
Michel Coenraets
Managing Director
BIGMOW
PAGE 3

BIGMOW
PAGE 4
The safety of B
B
BIGMOW
IGMOW
IGMOW
IMPORTANT !
Please read this manual to fully understand its content prior to using your Big-
mow for the first time.
WARNING!
This automatic lawnmower can be dangerous when used improperly. It is impera-
tive that the usage and safety instructions be followed for optimum use and
safety.
WARNING!
Never place your hands or feet near the rotating blades or under the bonnet
when the Bigmow is in operation. Do not place any objects on the Bigmow.
WARNING!
When children, animals or persons who are unaware are in the mowing area,
never use your Bigmow. Always allow your Bigmow to operate on its own.
IMPORTANT !
Always use suitable protective gloves when working on the Bigmow.
Instructions and diagrams.
The B
B
BIGMOW
IGMOW
IGMOW
automatic lawnmower has been designed from a user-safety perspective.TheB
B
BIGMOW
IGMOW
IGMOW
auto-
matic lawnmower is subject to a specific patent relating to the cutting blades. The blades are self-retractable on con-
tact with objects, which is one of Bigmow’s main assets. Moreover, its sonar system allows it to detect the presence of
a person or object nearby, which makes it slow down instantaneously and, on slight contact, to stop and change direc-
tion automatically.
The B
B
BIGMOW
IGMOW
IGMOW offers peace of mind and safety when on the lawn. This does not preclude the need to take certain
precautions when handling the machine.

BIGMOW
Table of contents
1. Introduction ..................................................................................3
2. Safety instructions and diagrams. ..................................................4
3. Description of the
BIGMOW
BIGMOW............................................................6
4. Composition...................................................................................7
5. Technical Specifications. ...............................................................8
6. BIGMOW BIGMOW mowing methods .............................................................9
7. Options and spare parts for the BIGMOW BIGMOW.....................................10
8. Installing the peripheral wire: land boundaries.............................11
9. Installing the peripheral wire: boundaries and incline. .................12
10. Installing the peripheral wire: marking boundaries.......................13
11. Installing the recharging station ..................................................14
12. Cutting height of BIGMOW. BIGMOW............................................................15
13. Using
BIGMOW:
BIGMOW: Charging ............................................................16
14. Configuring
BIGMOW:
BIGMOW: Keyboard ..................................................17
15. Configuring
BIGMOW:
BIGMOW: Menus .......................................................18
16. Using
BIGMOW:
BIGMOW: Miscellaneous ....................................................19
17. Using
BIGMOW:
BIGMOW: Reminders on setting parameters ......................20
18. BIGMOW BIGMOW quick start in 5 steps .....................................................22
19. Maintenance of
BIGMOW.
BIGMOW..............................................................24
0. Troubleshooting...........................................................................27
PAGE 5

Description of the BIGMOW BIGMOW
The BIGMOW BIGMOW
The Bigmow is a completely automatic lawnmower for areas up to
5 acres. By moving in an area defined by a low-voltage under-
ground sheathed wire, it allows the owner to maintain his lawn
consistently and independently. The Bigmow moves mainly at
random while adapting to its environment, avoiding any obstacle
through sonar and different sensors. The Bigmow will recharge its
battery automatically when it reaches a minimum charge level.
The Bigmow uses modern cutting-edge technology, such as the
electronics managing a multitude of information in real time on
safety, the battery charge, maintenance and work requirements,
amongst other things.
The Bigmow has a display showing a large amount of information
that is useful in its operation.
The use of the keyboard allows the owner:
1. to enter the anti-theft security code essential to the opera-
tion of the Bigmow
2. to modify certain options in order to optimise usage (e.g.
choice of mowing mode, choice of language, information
display,...).
A sound alert is also used to inform the user.
BIGMOW
PAGE 6

Composition
PAGE 7
1. 3.8.
2.
4.
6.
5.
10.
7.
9.
11.
11.
13.
13. 13. 13.
13.
13.
12.
14.
15.
17.
16.
18.
19. 20.
1.Bigmow upper
2.Bodywork
3.Bigmow underneath
4.Case containing computer
5.Battery compartment
6.Charger socket on Bigmow
7.Power switch
8.Cutting elements
9.Protective plate (deflector)
10.Cutting blades
11.Sonar
12.Front wheels
13.Back wheels
14.Bonnet
15.Command keyboard with dis-
play
16.Recharging station
17.Charging socket on station
18.Tactile flange
19.Contact sensor
20.Lever for adjusting cutting
height
BIGMOW

PAGE 8 BIGMOW
Technical Specifications.
Once installation is complete, you get start your
new automatic lawnmower: the Bigmow. Depend-
ing on its mowing mode (automatic or system-
atic) and its programme, the Bigmow will start
mowing the lawn.
When it encounters an obstacle (minimum height
16 in), its sonar will instruct it to slow down and,
on contact with the obstacle, its various sensors
will instruct it to stop, reverse, change direction
and continue to mow the lawn.
The Bigmow will also systematically mow the
thicker areas of the lawn, and it will do so auto-
matically.
The Bigmow will instantly recharge when his bat-
teries fall below the minimum charge level. It
moves in the direction of the peripheral wire and
follows it in the right direction towards the re-
charging station. After recharging fully, the Big-
mow automatically resumes mowing the lawn.
When the lawn does not need mowing, the Big-
mow remains at its recharging station and re-
sumes mowing later. It only works when required
to do so.
** There are 12 manual incremental positions for
height control. The height is changed by 0.25 inch
General Operation
Cutting system 5 discs with 3 blades
Cutting height From 0.75 in. To 3.75 in **
Cutting disk motor 3 phases, 24 Volts, 50 Watts
Rotation speed 3700 RPM
Back wheel motor 24 Volts, 50 Watts
Maintenance capacity 5 acres, +- 20%
Mowing speed 3600 sq yds.
Weight 105 pounds
Length 51.2 in.
Height 19.7 in.
Width 47.2 in.
Recharging station 30 Volts AC
Peripheral wire 0.5 Volts, 50mA
Transformer 230 / 15 V, double insulation
Consumption 100w/h

PAGE 9
BIGMOW
Mowing modes of the BIGMOW
BIGMOW
Mowing modes
Random
Random mode is the most frequently used
mode for use of the Bigmow. It consists in
choosing the route to be taken at random.
Every time it encounters an obstacle or the
peripheral wire, the computer instructs Big-
mow to move in a different direction. In this
way, the route taken will never the same.
Systématic.
Systematic mode is more specific to certain
applications and requires a uniform area with
as few obstacles as possible (e.g. sports
fields). The idea is to turn concentrically fol-
lowing the shape of the lawn, until Bigmow
reaches the center of the mowing area. Ap-
proaching the center (at ± 20% of the remain-
ing surface), the Bigmow will mow the center
at random for a time before resuming its con-
centric mowing, but this time heading for the
exterior of the mowing area. The placement of
the peripheral wire thus remains the same, as
does the response to obstacles. The Bigmow
detects and goes around them in order to re-
sume the position it was in the process of
reaching. The selection of systematic mode is
done via the “Options” menu (F1). It is possi-
ble to begin mowing from the center towards
the exterior ('#' 'F1' 'F3' 'F3' 'F3' '#' 'F3' '#')

PAGE 10
Cutting blade kit
……………….
Battery Kit
…………….
Options and spare parts for the BIGMOW
BIGMOW
When you require a spare part, it is recom-
mended that you contact the local distributor
directly.
Approximately two sets of cutting blades are
needed in the course of a season. It is therefore
important to change the blades at the beginning
of the season and then around the month of
June. When the cutting blades are used on
harder materials (such as branches, gravel,
etc.), it is strongly recommended that the
blades be checked more frequently and
changed. The cutting blades kit is available
from your local distributor.
The usual lifespan for a set of batteries is 2
years. A battery management system regularly
checks their condition. A battery kit is available
from your local distributor.
Each option has its own specific use. As regards
the different options available for your Bigmow,
you will find more information and different de-
velopments on the following websites: http://
www.bigmow.com or http://www.belrobotics.be
BIGMOW

PAGE 11
It is advisable to let the local distributor install your Bigmow. He has the necessary equipment
and knowledge of how to install the peripheral wire. However, it is possible for you to install it
yourself by following the explanations given in this chapter. If you wish to increase your mowing
area after installation, you must contact your local distributor so that he may carry out the modifi-
cation(s), as only he is authorized to do. The guarantee does not cover problems arising after
modifications are carried out by the owner.
Installing the peripheral wire: land boundaries
Installing the peripheral wire: boundaries
Positioning boundaries in relation to the property
When placing the peripheral wire, the outer lim-
its of the mowing area must be taken into ac-
count.
If there is a fragile boundary (e.g. flowerbed)
just outside the mowing area, the peripheral
wire will have to be positioned 24 inches away
to prevent the Bigmow from causing damage.
When the boundary runs along a wall, it is advis-
able to provide a distance greater than 24
inches to avoid scraping unnecessarily along
the wall.
For boundaries such as planting beds or land-
scaped areas, a distance of 20 inches is possi-
ble. In this way, the grass will be cut right up to
the edge.
If the boundary lies on a slope in the lawn, the
distance must be increased by up to 4 inches
depending on the incline.
With regards paths or terraces on the same
level as the lawn, the Bigmow can encroach a
little on the path or terrace. The wire should be
placed 12 inches away from the edge of the
grass.
BIGMOW

PAGE 12
Installing the peripheral wire: boundaries and incline
Boundaries for a long path or a lane.
When the Bigmow has to pass along a long
path, a lane or a narrowing in the path/lane, it
is imperative that this passage be at least 13
feet wide, otherwise there is a risk that part of
the lawn will not be cut when the lawn is
mowed.
Maximum incline of the slope
The incline limit is 30% (15°). Over and above
this limit, the Bigmow may spin in difficult con-
ditions (humidity, rain, lawn thickness, uneven-
ness of the ground). For this reason, when the
Bigmow comes to an overly steep incline, it per-
forms a maneuver similar to the one it per-
forms when it comes to an obstacle. BigMow is,
however, capable of descending steeper
slopes.
BIGMOW

PAGE 13
Installing the peripheral wire: marking boundaries
Marking boundaries within the mowing area
When you have large trees or a garden shed
in the mowing area, it is not particularly nec-
essary to mark boundaries for these, but de-
pending on certain conditions, the Bigmow is
able to detect them with its sonar and change
direction when it comes into contact with the
obstacle.
No tree roots should be above ground. The
tree must have a diameter of at least 2 inches
and be rigid for the Bigmow to manuever
around it.
For sheds, please ensure that the structure is
solid and that there are low obstacles under 6
inches in height.
For any other boundaries within the mowing
area, there are two different methods: either
by marking the area as an isolated patch with
the peripheral wire, or by setting up obstacles,
such as small posts or a border of at least 16
inches in height. Sloped obstacles (stones,
roots, etc.) should also be protected or re-
moved. It is advisable to protect hazardous
areas (such as ponds) to avoid any problems.
When marking areas to be isolated be sure to
run the peripheral wire around the entire
area. Use the same furrow for the return wir-
ing.
When marking the boundary of the mowing
area, you need to be aware that there can be
interference caused by metallic objects (metal
fencing, metal bedplate, waste or reinforced
concrete). The peripheral wire must therefore
be installed at least 12 inches away from
these objects. If the BigMow always stops un-
expectedly in the same spot, there may be
interference caused by a metal object. The
display will show an alarm as though the pe-
ripheral wire had been cut (loss of signal). Re-
moving the metal object will resolve this is-
sue. If not, please see the “Troubleshooting”
section.
The peripheral wire should ideally be buried at
a depth of 1 to 2 inches. Ideally, the periph-
eral wire should not cross any electrical instal-
lation, so as to avoid any interference with the
signal.
BIGMOW

Installing the recharging station
Positioning the recharging station
When setting up the station, an ideal place must be found
which is both close to a power supply (220VAC) and on a rela-
tively level, steady surface, which allows at least 10 feet of
peripheral wire to be placed in a straight line in front of and
behind the recharging station.
The power connection must be made to a circuit breaker
(National Electrical Code Approved) safe for underground and
outdoor use.
The recharging station should be set back from the peripheral
wire in such a way that when your Bigmow goes to recharge, a
visible connection is made to the top and bottom charging
bars.
BIGMOW
1. Close to 220 AC power supply
2. Plug connected to a NEC approved
circuit breaker suitable for outside un-
derground service
3. Level surface
4. Peripheral wire straight for 10 feet in
front and behind station
5. Station to be set back from the periph-
eral wire line.
Recommendation for
the recharging station
PAGE 14

3.
BIGMOW
Cutting heights of the BIGMOW.
BIGMOW.
Adjusting the cutting height
The cutting height can be adjusted between
0.75 and 3.75 inches in 12 positions. This se-
lection is made by means of a sliding bar under
the cover. To change cutting height, lift the
maintenance pin (the small ball) and slide the
selection bar (the large ball). Each position
raises or lowers the height one quarter of an
inch.
When using Bigmow for the first time or when it
has not been used for a few days, the lawn may
be too thick or too long. It is then advisable to
increase the cutting height for a few days and
then reduce it gradually. When the height of the
grass is irregular, the Bigmow systematically
mows those places where the grass is too long.
Progressive lowering of the cutting height gives
an optimum return in relation to consumption
and wear and tear.
1. Open cover
2. Lift selection pointer/indicator pin
3. Slide selection bar to chosen height
4. Release pin
5. Close cover
Adjusting the cutting height
2.
1.
PAGE 15

Using BIGMOW :
BIGMOW : Recharging
Charging the battery
When using Bigmow for the first time, place it
on the recharging station for an initial battery
charge (the Bigmow is delivered with an un-
charged battery for safety reasons). The first
charging will take longer (approximately 3
hours). Recharging in normal operation takes
approximately one and a half hours. It is possi-
ble to speed up the recharging process (in
BOOST mode) by selecting the O000:) option.
In this mode, one hour of recharging gives one
hour of operation.
In continuous operation mode, the Bigmow will
automatically recharge itself when its battery
charge level falls too low. Once the battery is
recharged, the Bigmow begins a cycle again
(one mow + one recharge) If, during a cycle, the
resistance of the grass is weak (which means
the grass has not grown much), the Bigmow will
wait a few hours before starting again. In this
way, it will work only when needed.
If the Bigmow has not returned to recharge
automatically, or after a long period in storage
(after winter), it may be that the display remains
inactive after pressing ' ' . In this case, take it
to the recharging station and put on charge
manually (contact). If, after ten minutes, there is
still no display, refer to the “Troubleshooting”
section. If this fails please contact your local
distributor.
The Bigmow is configured in the factory with standard parameters. When the property presents
certain characteristics, it is advisable for your local distributor to configure the Bigmow for your
property conditions.
When the peripheral wire (see “peripheral wire” section) and the recharging station (see
“recharging station” section) are correctly connected, you may put the Bigmow into operation.
BIGMOW
Position in recharging mode
1. Place Bigmow on recharging station
2. Switch the power switch to ‘ON’
3. Press ‘ ’
4. Enter your code followed by ‘#’
5. Leave to charge
Charging
PAGE 16

BIGMOW
Configuring the BIGMOW
BIGMOW :
: Keyboard
Using the keyboard.
Control panel
Belrobotics
Shutdown
Info
Statistics
History
Version
serial
Settings
Options
Clock
New code
Language
See debug
‘*’ + ‘ _ _ _ _’ user code
Menu structure :
: Shortcut to menu « Options »
: # Up, « Stats »
: $ Down, « See debug »
: Ä Select
: Enter code
: Return to previous menu option
…: Number entries
Keys
PAGE 17
The keyboard is under the rear cover. Open the
cover. The keyboard consists of 16 keys and
one operation key.
There are 10 numerals and 6 action keys: 'F1'
isa short cut to the menu «Options »; 'F2’ and
‘F3’ for scrolling up/down the various sub-
menus or to select an action in a menu; ‘#’to
select the chosen action; ‘’to enter the code
and ‘C’ to go back to the previous menu or to
delete.
Prior to closing the cover, the user must always
press . The screen will flash for the Big-
mow to start up again.
Functions.
In the “Belrobotics” menu, there are 3
sub-menus:
• The “stop” menu to put the Bigmow;
• The “data” menu for all information on the
operation of your Bigmow;
• The “settings” menu to access the user
parameters.
Selecting ‘*’ allows the user code to be en-
tered and the machine to be activated for
one month. After this period, the machine
will stop and the code will have to be re-
entered. Prior to a long absence, the code
must be entered; the Bigmow will thus be
activated for 1 month. Without this code, the
machine will not function.

25/02
9
O001:
28.3
Selected user option or action
Selected factory setting
25/02 O001:-
28.3
PAGE 18 BIGMOW
Configurating the BIGMOW
BIGMOW :
: Menus
« Data » Menu
There are three sub-menus in the “Data” menu:
• The "statistics" menu allows general data to
be displayed on the operation of your Bigmow.
• The "history" menu
allows the events re-
corded by the Bigmow
to be displayed.
• The "version"menu
allows the Bigmow’s
software version to be viewed.
« Settings» Menu
There are five sub-menus in the “Settings”
menu:
I. The "Options" menu (‘F1’) is configured as
follows:
1. Normal or demonstration mode (does not
mow).
2. Mowing mode (random or systematic).
3. Direction for systematic mode (clockwise or
counter-clockwise).
4. Action after next battery recharge (stand-by
at station or automatic).
5. Sound alert when on charge (with or without).
6. Automatic search for recharging station.
7. Starting direction for systematic mode
(towards inside or outside of mowing area)
8. Manual Mode (for traction)
II.The "Clock" menu
allows the time and
date to be adjusted.
Entering values into
the fields as follows: "hour / minute; day /
month / year". On entering the new value,
press ‘#’ to confirm. The ‘F2’ and ‘F3’ keys
allow the selection of the number to be ad-
justed.
III.The "New Code"
menu allows the user
code to be changed.
When the following field is displayed Ԧ_ _ _ _
_’, enter the old code, followed by‘#’; the fol-
lowing field is then displayed: '# _ _ _ _'; now
enter the new code followed by '#' to confirm.
When the old code is incorrect, the display re-
turns to "New Code".
IV.The “Language”
menu gives the choice
between English,
French, Dutch, Italian and German. In this
sub-menu, scroll through the different possi-
bilities with the ‘F2’ and ‘F3’; then select by
pressing ‘#’.
V.The “See Debug”
menu offers the choice
of displaying either the
"Time" or the "info-service" (technical infor-
mation).
25/02
15H40
* new CODE
28.3
25/02
15H40
* LANGUagE
28.3
25/02
15H40
* data
28.3
25/02
15H40
* statistics
28.3
25/02
15H40
* history
28.3
25/02
15H40
* version
28.3
25/02
15H40
* settings
28.3
25/02
15H40
* clock
28.3
25/02
15H40
* see Debug
28.3

PAGE 19
BIGMOW
Using the BIGMOW
BIGMOW :
: Miscellaneous
Sound and visual alerts
In the course of different functions, your Big-
mow alerts you to its condition through short
‘beeps’ and/or information shown on the dis-
play.
Error Messages
An error message is displayed on the proces-
sor window when the Bigmow encounters an
unforeseen situation. The message is dis-
played in the form of codes, such as A00,
which correspond to a particular alarm. In or-
der to put the Bigmow back into operation,
please refer to the "Troubleshooting" section.
To solve any problem with the machine,
please refer to the "Troubleshooting" section.
Information messages
The computer window can display either the
time or technical data ( "See Debug" menu).
1 long beep : machine stop
1 short beep : action on one key
2 long beeps/2sec: recharging
Beeps

PAGE 20 BIGMOW
Using the BIGMOW :
BIGMOW : Summary for setting parameters
« SETTINGS » MENU
• Setting the password
1. « New code » Menu
2. Enter code ‘’Ô_ _ _ _’’
3. Confirm
• Setting the clock
1. « Clock » Menu
2. Enter time ‘’hh:mm’’ ...
3. Enter date ‘’DD/MM/YY’’
4. Confirm
• Setting the language
1. « Language » Menu
2. Scroll through the menu: press or
3. Language selected by
« OPTIONS » MENU
• BOOST mode (quick recharge)
1. « Options » Menu
2. O000:√; to change :
3. Close cover
• Immediate return to recharging station
1. « Options » Menu
2. O001:√; to change :
3. Close cover
• Stand-by at recharging station
1. « Options » Menu
2. O002:√; to change :
3. Close cover
• Return in automatic mode(continuous
cycle of recharging and mowing)
•
1. « Options » Menu
2. O002:- ; to change :
3. Close cover