How to optimize an Automower® robotic lawn mower installation for steep slopes
If you have a challenging, hilly yard, it is important to choose an Automower® model that is suited for the job. This is the first step ensuring that your robotic lawn mower can handle the steep slopes. On top of that, you should also optimize the boundary and guide wire installation, maintain the mower properly, and use the right accessories and settings.
How steep slopes does my Automower® robotic lawn mower handle?
Tough slopes need to be matched by a robotic lawn mower optimized for slope performance. Standard Automower® models can manage slopes of 25–50% incline, depending on model. Our all-wheel-drive models 435X AWD or 535 AWD can tackle slopes up to an impressive 70% (35˚), which is equal to a black ski slope. Check the operator's manual of your Automower® model to see what inclination your robotic lawn mower can handle.
How to calculate the slope gradient
The gradient (%) is calculated as the difference in elevation in centimeters for every 100 cm. Example: 15 cm / 100 cm = 15%.
How to lay the boundary wire in a steep hill
How to lay the boundary wire in a steep hill differs between our standard models and our AWD models.
Standard Automower® models
- Inside the working area, the robotic lawn mower can handle areas that slope up to the maximum guaranteed slope for the model. Steeper areas must be isolated by the boundary wire.
- Do not lay the boundary wire across a slope that is steeper than 15 % (10% for Aspire R4, 25% for NERA models), as there is a risk that the robotic lawn mower will find it difficult to turn there. The risk is at its greatest in damp weather conditions, as the wheels can slip on the wet grass.
- When a part of the working area's outer edge slopes more than 15 % (10% for Aspire R4, 25% for NERA models), the boundary
wire must be laid 20-35 cm / 8-13.8” in on flat ground (distance varies between models, see the operator's manual
for details) before the beginning of the slope.
- For slopes adjacent to a public road, put a barrier of a minimum of 15 cm / 6 in. along the outer edge of the slope. You can use a wall or a fence as a barrier.
AWD Automower® models:
- For slopes up to 50% steep inside the work area, the product will operate normally. Keep a distance of 1.5 m / 5 ft between the boundary wire and obstacles, or between obstacles.
- For slopes between 50 and 70% steep, make sure that there are no obstacles in the slope.
- There must be a distance of 1.5 m / 5 ft from the bottom of the slope to the boundary wire.
- For slopes adjacent to a public road, put a barrier of a minimum of 15 cm / 6 in. along the outer edge of the slope. You can use a wall or a fence as a barrier.
How to lay the guide wire on a steep hill
How to lay the guide wire on a steep hill differs between our standard models and our AWD models.
Standard Automower® models
- Lay the guide wire diagonally on a tough slope, to give your Automower® robotic lawn mower optimal traction and minimize the wear on the grass.
- It is recommended to make sure that there are no obstacles, such as trees or stones and Islands in the slope.
AWD Automower® models:
- Put the guide wire in a straight line from the bottom of the slope to the top of the slope to achieve optimal traction and minimize the wear on the grass.
- If it is not possible to make a straight line, lay the guide wire diagonally across the slope.
- Do not put the guide wire in parallel with the slope, as the illustration shows. This can increase the wear on the grass.
Improve traction with clean wheels and terrain kit
Clean the wheels from grass regularly with a soft brush. If there is a lot of grass stuck on the wheels, the mower may not be able to get up and down the slope as intended.
There is also a terrain kit available for most models (accessory), including heavy rear wheels and wheel brushes for excellent traction on sloping lawns.
Adjust the settings
Enable slope control
Most Automower® models have a feature called Slope Control. When enabled, the performance is improved in steep slopes. This is to decrease lawn wear near the boundary wire in the slope. Slope control is enabled by default in the factory setting.
To change the Slope Control setting, navigate to Settings > Slope control > Use Slope control on the mower display.
