Husqvarna Automower® FAQs
- What if it rains or is hot?
- Are slopes a problem?
- How does it work first time round on long grass?
- I have a nice flower bed or vegetable garden. Will Automower® harm it?
- Will the Automower® mow over stepping stones, sidewalks, driveways, and other rocky areas?
- Can Automower® detect objects such as toys, pinecones, or fruit?
- Can Automower® handle dog waste?
- What is the maximum mowing area Automowers® can handle?
Is Automower® Safe, & Does It Have Theft Protection?
- Is Automower® safe for pets and children?
- Can pets eat and get sick from the grass clipping from Automower®?
- Will Automower® be stolen?
- Will it go in the street or mow my neighbor's lawn?
- Can I sharpen the blades instead of changing them each time?
- Can I change the cutting height, or is there only one option?
- How is Automower® powered? Will I still need to buy gas?
- Will the operation of my Automower® be time consuming?
- Do I need to be tech savvy to use Automower®?
- Will I still need to trim/weed eat?
- When I go on vacation, will Automower® still work?
- Do I need to bury a wire in the ground?
- Does Automower® work in tight spaces?
- Can I use Automower® in a small yard?
- Will I still need to rake the grass clippings?
What Are Benefits Of Using Automower®?
- What about noise?
- Is Automower® a good choice for landscapers or facility owners/managers?
- Is Automower® good for the environment?
- Does Automower® make allergies worse?
- Is Automower® good for lawn health?
- Can Automower® possibly deter moles and other pests?
- Do I need to use my regular fertilizers and weed control chemicals with Automower®?
How Long Do The Parts Last, & How Do I Service My Automower®?
- What's the lifetime of the battery?
- What's the lifetime of the blades?
- How do I keep my Automower® in the best possible condition?
- How often do I need to charge the battery on my Automower®?
- How do I change the blades on my Automower®?
- I noticed during Summer months that Automower® doesn't mow/charge as long. Why?
- I noticed that sometimes my Automower® isn't cutting when it's moving. Why?
- My Automower® seems to be vibrating and not cutting as well. Why?
- Do I need to store Automower® inside during the winter?
- What happens if Automower® is operating and there's a power outage?
- How do I install an Automower® if I so choose instead of having Leeper Hardware install it?
- What if I already have an underground dog fence wire?
- What happens if I forget my Automower® pin code?
- I want to use Automower® at my summer home, too. Will it work at two different locations?
- Can Automower® be programmed for specific times?
- Are Husqvarna Automowers® reliable?
- What is the Automower® Connect App, and how do I connect to my Automower®?
How does it compare to a traditional lawn mower?
Average Hours Mowing Per Year | Total Injuries Per Year | Total Gallons of Gas Used Per Year | Cost To Run Per Year | Average Decibels Emitted | |
Traditional Mower | 70 | 20,000 | 600,000,000 | $225 | 90 - 100 |
Husqvarna Automower® | 0 | 0 | 0 | $25 | 58 - 62 |
What Can Automower® Handle?
What if it rains or is hot?
Automower® is weather proof and is designed to withstand wet, rainy weather. It can be outside around the clock and is designed to function properly and unattended regardless of the weather conditions. In fact, your Automower® will continue cutting in dew or light rain. If the downpour becomes too much, the unit will head back to the recharging station. However, we do recommend you bring the mower inside during extreme weather conditions. Also, Automower® is designed to function in temperatures up to 113ºF. The NiMH battery capacity is lower in hot conditions. As a result, Automower® will charge and mow in shorter periods. However, the area mowed remains unchanged. Automower® models using Li-Ion batteries mow equally regardless of temperature range.
- Works in wet and rainy conditions
- Returns to station as needed
- Weather resistant
Are slopes a problem?
Thanks to its large driving wheels, Automower® works well on uneven ground and slopes up to 24° (and a model that go up to 45° is coming soon). Unlike traditional mowers, Automower® will not scalp hills. To help Automower® complete its job perfectly, it’s helpful to fill any gaps or holes in the yard prior to starting your mower. Likewise, Depending on the model, Automower® can handle passages as narrow as 24 inches.
- Handles slops up to 24°
- Large driving wheels
- Won't scalp hills
How does it work first time round on long grass?
If the grass is very long and thick you should raise the cutting height and then gradually reduce it to the preferred level. In very extreme conditions the lawn may need to be cut by a conventional mower before Automower® takes over.
I have a nice flower bed or vegetable garden. Will Automower® harm it?
Nope! After the boundary wire is installed correctly around your flowerbed, garden, tree, shrub or water feature, Automower® will not enter that area.
Will the Automower® mow over stepping stones, sidewalks, driveways, and other rocky areas?
Yes, Automower® can handle them without an issue if level in height to your lawn. However, the mower cannot navigate over raised stepping stones that are sitting taller than the height of the lawn.
Can Automower® detect objects such as toys, pinecones, or fruit?
Automower® doesn’t detect small objects, so it’s up to you to keep your lawn free of clutter to avoid damage to your belongings or Automower®’s blades.
Can Automower® handle dog waste?
If you have a Mastiff or multiple dogs you may need to clean it up daily but most large breed or smaller dogs the Automower® should not have any issues. However, cleaning up on a regular schedule will always help keep the mower running cleaner.
What is the maximum mowing area Automowers® can handle?
Automower® can mow lawns up to 44,000 square feet (approximately 1 acre), depending on the model and yard’s complexity. If the yard is larger than one acre, two or more Automower® units can work together in a multi-Automower® installation.
Is Automower® Safe, & Does It Have Theft Protection?
Is Automower® safe for pets and children?
Automower® is safe for use around your children or pets. The blade will automatically stop if the mower is even slightly lifted, and the outer body of Automower® is extra wide, and the very small blades (designed only to cut grass) are recessed to provide ample space between the blades and the outer edges of the cover, making it much more difficult to be cut by a blade if someone accidentally sticks their foot underneath the mower while it is running. Additionally, the mower is equipped with collision sensors so that if it runs into an object such as a pet, it will stop, reverse direction and choose another path, and if Automower® does collide with a pet or child, the contact is light and unlikely to cause any harm. Finally, Automower® can be scheduled to dock when kids or pets are in the yard.
- Blades stop immediately if unit is lifted
- Gently moves around yard
- Small, recessed, non-fixed blades
- Can be docked when yard is in use
Can pets eat and get sick from the grass clipping from Automower®?
Because Automower® cuts just a tiny bit of grass at a time, the clippings are too small for a cat, dog, or horse to find and eat.
Will Automower® be stolen?
Your Automower® is uniquely yours. To discourage theft, every Automower® comes with a unique PIN code that must be entered to make the unit operational, so even if the mower was taken it would be of no use to the thief. Additionally, Automower® has an audible anti-theft alarm built in that sounds if the mower is lifted and the pin is not entered. Likewise, each Automower® can only use its own charging station and no other. In the event of theft, models equipped with GPS tracking can pinpoint where the unit is. Furthermore, the mowers are serialized, and if a reporting the mower as stolen to Husqvarna allows them blacklist it so it can’t be paired with the smart phone app for operation. Finally, a geofence can be setup around the home, and a notification will be sent to the your smart phone in the event that the mower is moved beyond the geofence.
- Smartphone-viewable GPS
- PIN code activation
- Anti-theft alarm
- Unique charging station
- Stolen units will be blacklisted
- Geofence will send an alert
Will it go in the street or mow my neighbor's lawn?
Automower® cuts inside a boundary wire that’s easily installed by you or the selling dealer. It’s a dependable and effective system that can be customized to any yard or series of obstacles. As a result, your Automower® will go only where you want it to go – never in the street or a neighbor’s yard.
- Easily installed boundary wire
- Stays within pre-defined area
- Returns to charger on own
Can I sharpen the blades instead of changing them each time?
Please do not attempt to sharpen the blades. Instead, replace them all with new ones.
Is Automower® Easy To Use?
Can I change the cutting height, or is there only one option?
Yes, you can adjust the cutting height. A simple control panel allows you to set your cutting heights and time settings exactly how you wish. The cutting height can be varied from a minimum of 3/4" to a maximum of 2 1/4". If the grass is long, it's best to let the Automower® start mowing at the maximum cutting height, then once the grass is shorter, gradually lower the cutting height.
How is Automower® powered? Will I still need to buy gas?
No. Automower® is powered by rechargeable batteries and comes with a charging station that you plug into an outdoor outlet. When the battery gets low or the mower has completed its stint, the machine makes its own way back to the charger. Since Automower runs on batteries, there are no emissions generated by the mower, and the actual energy consumption is very low. The running costs are only around $14 to $28 per year for the electricity consumed, depending on the size of the lawn,. while traditional mowers consume 1 to 2 gallons of fuel per hour!
Will the operation of my Automower® be time consuming?
No. Once installed, Automower® offers a solid and continuous cut with very little required on your part. The Automower will work while you are away from the home, and you can control it via a smartphone app, providing your model of mower has GPS functionality
Do I need to be tech savvy to use Automower®?
No, anybody can use Automower®! Once in use, the Automower® can be left alone to do its job. And the control panel is intuitive to operate. For example, to start Automower®, all you’ll have to turn on the main switch, press the START button (on applicable models), and close the keypad hatch, and to stop Automower®, simply press the large STOP button. Also, the robot mower is very light compared to conventional lawn mowers, weighing only 15 to 30 pounds.
Will I still need to trim/weed eat?
Yes. Even though Automower® can get closer to obstructions than most riding mowers, a trimmer will still be needed to clean up around trees, shrubs, next to fences, etc. However, the time to perform that task is still significantly less than it would take to mow an entire lawn in addition to trimming.
When I go on vacation, will Automower® still work?
Absolutely, one of the best days of your life is when you come home from vacation to find your mower has maintained your grass in your absence so you don’t have to worry about it.
Do I need to bury a wire in the ground?
No. The wire can be laid on the ground using the supplied staples. In a few weeks, the wire will disappear into your lawn. Remember to cut your lawn as short as possible around the perimeter in order to get the wire as close as possible to the ground. However, if you do wish to bury the wire from the beginning, you can. The recommended depth is 1 to 4 inches.
Does Automower® work in tight spaces?
Yes. Depending on the model, Automower® can handle passages as narrow as 24 inches.
Can I use Automower® in a small yard?
Yes. You can adjust Automower®’s mowing time to suit your yrd size using the TIMER function. Find your Automower® model's cutting time per hour, then adjust the TIMER to the size of your lawn.
Will I still need to rake the grass clippings?
No. Because Automower® cuts your lawn daily, it cuts just a small bit from the top of the grass. These bits of grass fall back down to the soil where they decompose and provide fertilizer-like nutrients to the roots. Likewise, because the clippings are so small, they won't end up in landscape beds, and there won't be any smell of rotting grass.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Automower®?
What about noise?
Silence is golden. The best time to mow is any time! The sound level of the Automower® is very low, ranging from 69 dB(A) to as little as 58 dB(A), depending on the model. That's comparable to the sounds of an air conditioner. By contrast, the average level of normal mowers is between 95 and 100 dB(A). You can easily have the mower working in your yard without disturbing yourself or the neighbors.
- Far quieter than traditional mowers
- Won't disturb the neighbors
- Can be set to run at night
Is Automower® a good choice for landscapers or facility owners/managers?
Yes! As a business owner, you can sometimes find yourself torn between time-consuming lawn care and the million other tasks that are your responsibility. By choosing to invest in Automower® robotic mowers, you can confidently focus on your core business and leave the care of lawns to your new, capable and unobtrusive team members. Automower® reduces the overall costs of lawn maintenance, while delivering excellent, professional-grade results every day. Automower® is a smart investment for municipalities, facilities, sports clubs, landscaping companies and other businesses.
- Automower® complies with noise and pollution regulations.
- Automower® saves you money on labor and maintenance.
- Automower® creates a superior quality cut.
- Automower®'s autonomous operation frees up time to devote to other tasks.
- For more information, check out Automower® For Pros.
Is Automower® good for the environment?
Yes. Since Automower® runs on batteries, there are no emissions generated by the mower. Plus, the energy consumption is extremely low. Though running costs depend on the size of your lawn, it’s usually only $10 to $50 per mowing season, depending on the amount of electricity consumed.
Does Automower® make allergies worse?
On the contrary, if you suffer from grass allergies or hayfever, Automower® is a great solution. Since you don’t need to be present when Automower® is cutting your lawn, you won't be exposed to allergens or pollen. Plus, because the grass is kept short, plant allergens can't become airborne.
Is Automower® good for lawn health?
Absolutely! Because Automower® cuts just a little grass on a continuous basis, the clippings are small enough to be recycled back into the soil as a natural fertilizer. The result is a greener, fuller, healthier lawn.
Can Automower® possibly deter moles and other pests?
Yes! The consistent motion of Automower® can scare them off, and moles won't like having their holes driven over.
Do I need to use my regular fertilizers and weed control chemicals with Automower®?
No. Because Automower® is cutting your lawn daily, it cuts just a small bit of the grass. These bits of grass fall back down to the soil where they decompose and provide fertilizer-like nutrients to the roots. This makes for a much greener and healthier lawn overall. Likewise, Automower® keeps weeds cut down.
How Long Do The Parts Last, & How Do I Service My Automower®?
What's the lifetime of the battery?
This depends on the area and set running time of the mower. If you run Automower® six months per year on an area of 8,600 sqft, your battery will last up to four seasons. To extend battery life, you should set the timer according to the size of your lawn. During colder months you can easily reduce the running time without losing performance.
What's the lifetime of the blades?
The life of the blades depends on the type of soil and grass. Typically, the life is 1-2 months for .25 acre mowing area. The lightweight blades are super easy to replace. You can replace them in five minutes using a regular screwdriver.
How do I keep my Automower® in the best possible condition?
Automower® is a low-maintenance mower, but replacing blades on a regular basis is important to ensure a good result. Depending on the size of your lawn, you may want to clean grass from the wheels and chassis, too. It’s best to clean the mower (turned off) with a damp cloth (body) and brush (underside). While it is not encouraged, you can wash the body only with a gentle shower spray. Never use directed spray or a pressure washer, this could damage the mower.
How often do I need to charge the battery on my Automower®?
The Automower® will charge itself using its docking station whenever necessary.
How do I change the blades on my Automower®?
To change the blades, turn the mower off and wait for everything to stop. Wearing protective gloves, gently place the mower upside down. Using a standard or Philips screwdriver, loosen each screw that retains a blade, you will need to rotate the blade guard so that the hole lines up with each screw. Replace each blade using a new screw and as you tighten it make sure the screw isn’t too tightly pressed against the blade, it should still move freely. With the screw tight the blade should still be able to swing.
I noticed during Summer months that Automower® doesn't mow/charge as long. Why?
This is a normal reduction, and the charge will last longer again as the temperature cools as the colder months approach. The on-board battery monitor scales back the work time and the charge time in part based on ambient temperature for best battery health.
I noticed that sometimes my Automower® isn't cutting when it's moving. Why?
As Automower® discharges to a certain voltage, the blade automatically shuts off, and the mower starts searching for the charging base station. Once Automowerr® has recharged, it will return to mowing.
My Automower® seems to be vibrating and not cutting as well. Why?
Please check the blades for damage and replace as needed.
Do I need to store Automower® inside during the winter?
Only store Automower® indoors if you don't need to mow during the winter. The ideal time is once the grass has stopped growing, but you’ll want to bring Automower® inside prior to snow or ice. Before putting Automower® away for the winter, clean and dry the unit. Store the mower in a dry, frost-free location. Also, we recommend the charging station be stored indoors as well. The loop wire can remain in the lawn without any problems.
What happens if Automower® is operating and there's a power outage?
The Automower® will stop where it is once it no longer has the boundary wire signal. Depending how long the power is out, you may have to manually restart the mower once power is restored, but other than that, Automower® will not be affected.
Other
How do I install an Automower® if I so choose instead of having Leeper Hardware install it?
Check out the Automower® Installation page for more information.
What if I already have an underground dog fence wire?
Not a problem! Though the frequency on the dog fence cant' be changed, Automower® can be switched to a random frequency so that the boundary wire can be used, thus making it so you don't have more wire in the ground except for the Automower® Guide Wire. Also, the capability for Automower® and an dog fence to run on the same frequency is currently in the making!
What happens if I forget my Automower® pin code?
We can help you retrieve your PIN code. Just drop by or give us a call at 865-475-3365.
I want to use Automower® at my summer home, too. Will it work at two different locations?
Yes. If you buy two charging stations and two loop wire cables, you can have two separate installation sites and use the same Automower® in both locations.
Can Automower® be programmed for specific times?
Absolutely, it can be setup for a specific schedule If your mower is working in the yard when your ready to use your yard, you can park it immediately and have it resume when you are ready. Because of its built in timer, it can be scheduled to operate within certain hour ranges or just on certain days. For example you could have it mow from 9 – 5 during weekdays, so it’s finished working when you get home, and then have it mow early in the morning and late at night during the weekends so you can enjoy the garden uninterrupted. It has the option of 2 daily timers, 2 weekend timers, and individual days. Likewise, you can program it to mow only at night.
Are Husqvarna Automowers® reliable?
Husqvarna has researched, developed, and refined its Automower® concept for more than 20 years now, so they know what features you need and how to make Automower® the perfect lawn care choice.
What is the Automower Connect App, and how do I connect to my Automower®?
The Automower® Connect app allows for remote monitoring and control of your mower. You can receive your mower’s current status on your iOS or Android smartphone, allowing you to control, adjust and monitor your Automower® with ease. Now compatible with Amazon Alexa, Automower® can also fit seamlessly into your smart home ecosystem. For the first time in history, cutting the grass is as simple as saying:
• Alexa, ask Automower® to start
• Alexa, ask Automower® to park
• Alexa, ask Automower® what it's doing
• ...and more!
Get Automower® Connect For IOS
Get Automower® Connect For Android
Amazon Alexa compatibility available via Automower® Connect. Automower® Connect comes standard on select models. Google Home compatibility coming soon.