Improvements in Robotic Lawn Mowers

Robotic lawn mowers are creeping their way in toto recharge.
everyday American life. Like the dishwasher, theyRobotic lawn mowers have become more reliable too.
were really more trouble than they were worth in theThe addition of thermistors that detect when motors
beginning. But technological advances have made theare overheating and less heat sensitive circuit boards
robotic lawn mower practical.and higher quality components extend the life
Robotic lawn mowers can now mow on a timeexpectancy past 10 years, about the same as a new
schedule and return to the charging base all seasonquality riding lawn mower.
long without human intervention, this is the breakthroughRobotic lawn mowers are now pretty much
that makes them truly useful.maintenance free. Changing the blade once a year
An advanced feature on at least one model is theand winter storage is about all the attention needed on
self-programmable mode. As these robotic lawna routine basis.
mowers work they determine the size of the yard andRobotic lawnmowers are now able to handle yards as
how fast the grass is growing, when they go back tosmall as 1/8 acre up to 5 acres. Depending on the
their charging base they calculate the next time theymodel, they can handle slopes of up to 30 degrees. All
need to come out to keep the grass at the optimalmajor brands of robotic lawn mowers are waterproof
height.and can remain outdoors all mowing season long.
Rain sensors are becoming standard equipment. WhenResidential robotic lawn mowers require a perimeter
it starts to rain or the sprinkler system activates, theywire similar to an electric dog fence to be laid prior to
return to their charging base. Mowing in the rain was aoperating. Laying the wire is a one-time event that will
major complaint for early adopters.last the life of the mower.
Some robotic lawn mowers even have a wet grassSetting the perimeter wire is probably the scariest part
detection system. Rain sensors are a step in the rightof purchasing a robotic lawn mower. It is not difficult to
direction, but it is the wet grass detection system thatstake the wire in place. It usually takes about 3 hours
cures the problem. Heavy or long periods of rain canfor 1,000 ft. of wire. The wire need not be buried as
leave the grass wet and the ground soft for days.the grass and roots will grow over it in about 2-3
Heavier robotic lawn mowers could get stuck and digweeks.
trenches losing traction and spinning tires. Keeping bagsIf the mower should cross the wire boundary it will
of sand handy was just considered part of roboticimmediately stop. So there is no need to worry about it
lawn mower ownership.running away or mowing the neighbor's yard.
Light weight lithium ion batteries allow mowers to cutOperating the robotic lawn mower is simple, actually
longer and recharge much faster. In fact some caneasier than programming a VCR. In theory,
recharge in as little as 4 hours allowing the mower toprogramming the mowing schedule need only be done
go out twice a day if needed.at the beginning of the season. The LCD screens
In addition to faster recharge times, lithium ion batterieshave full instructions and are easy to read.
do not have the 'memory' problems associated withThere are quite a number of internet sites that have
lead acid batteries. Basically the memory effect isdetailed information about specific features of the
caused when a battery is not fully discharged on adifferent models of robotic lawn mowers. Hopefully this
consistent basis, they remember the shortened lifegeneral description will give readers the interest to look
cycle, reducing the useful length of time until the needinto these new appliances.