How to Winterize a Robot Lawn Mower

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Emily Fazio | Last updated Oct 19, 2024 3:50 PM ET

Lawn mower winterization is one of the most important things you can do to round out the year. While many consumers focus on tips for how to winterize gas-powered or electric lawn mowers, robot mowers are quickly making their mark, captivating smart home enthusiasts and homeowners who seek to simplify.

Unlike conventional lawn care equipment, robot lawn mowers stay outdoors all season. They're already exposed to rain and dust, yet designed to persevere for upwards of six months of the year. And, while you'd expect that a robotic lawn mower could stay outdoors year-round in moderate climates, it's still important to be aware of the risks and take steps to prolong the life of the system. "Leaving a robotic lawn mower outside in winter can shorten its lifespan and lead to costly repairs or replacements," shares Ken Kohlmann, VP and co-founder of Yarbo. Read the owner's manual for your product to better understand best practices.

Be Wary of Moisture, Ice, and Electrical Failures

“Robotic lawnmowers left outside during winter can suffer significant damage. Cold temperatures can severely affect lithium batteries, causing them to lose capacity or fail altogether," shares Ken Kohlmann, VP and co-founder of Yarbo. "Moisture from snow and ice can seep into the mower's components, leading to rust, corrosion, and potential electrical failures."

Take Care of the Docking Station

He adds, "The docking station is also vulnerable, with exposure to the elements leading to rust and damage that can impact its ability to charge the mower properly." Recommendations can vary by brand based on how the main body, cutting module, and wireless docking station are designed. Kohlmann emphasizes that Yarbo's lawn mower only needs to be moved to a dry space, or covered for the winter season. In fact, leaving it out allows the homeowner to adapt the lawn mower with the snow blower or leaf blower module so they can get more use out of the tool.

Winter Maintenance for Your Robot Lawn Mower

While the robot lawn mower is in its winter storage, there are several things you can do to maintain it:

Maintain the battery. Periodically check the battery’s charge level to ensure it doesn’t fully deplete (it can cause long-term damage to the battery). You can also check the contacts for corrosion
Give it a functional check. Use this as a time to maintain or replace the lawn mower blades, air filters, and clean the sensors to prevent dirt buildup. While you don't have to deal with fuel hoses or stabilizers like consumers with gas-powered lawnmowers, it still helps to wipe down the body with a damp cloth. A garden hose or pressure washer not necessary!
Update the software. Check for any firmware updates that may improve performance. Most robotic mowers will let you do this through a smartphone app.

Can a robotic lawn mower be used in areas with frequent winter storms?

Yes, robotic mowers can be used in regions with winter storms, but extra precautions are necessary, especially in areas with extreme temperatures. In storm-prone areas, bring the mower and charging station indoors or invest in protective weather-resistant covers to keep the mower safe.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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