By August, your robot mower has likely become the MVP of your garden. While your neighbours are out sweating behind heavy petrol mowers in the summer heat, your automated assistant has been quietly keeping your lawn at a consistent, “bowling-green” height.
However, August is the peak season for robotic mowers. High temperatures and potentially dry, dusty conditions mean your robot is working hard. To ensure it keeps performing flawlessly through the late summer and into autumn, a little bit of “Set it and Forget it” maintenance goes a long way.
1. Check and Rotate the Blades
Unlike the heavy, singular blade of a petrol mower, most robots – like the EGO Aura R2 RMR1500E Robotic Lawnmower – use small, razor-like blades attached to a cutting disc. Because these robots mow daily, these blades can eventually become dull or coated in grass sap.
- The Test: Look at the tips of your grass. If they look frayed or white rather than cleanly sliced, your blades are dull.
- The Fix: Most blades are reversible. Flip them over to use the fresh edge, or replace the set entirely. It only takes five minutes but makes a world of difference to the health of your lawn.
2. Sensor Care for Smart Navigation
Modern robot mowers rely heavily on vision and sensors to navigate obstacles. The AL-KO Robolinho 500 Vision Robot Lawn Mower is a prime example of this advanced technology; it uses an integrated camera to “see” the garden and navigate without the need for a perimeter wire.
In August, pollen, dust, and dried grass can coat the camera lens or sensors. If the “eyes” of your mower get dirty, it might start avoiding areas it should cut or struggle to find its charging station. A quick wipe with a soft, microfiber cloth once a week ensures your mower stays smart and efficient.
3. Manage the “Heatwave” Schedule
Even a robot needs a break when the sun is at its fiercest. In August, the ground can become exceptionally hard.
- Adjust the Height: Use your mower’s app to raise the cutting height by 10mm or 20mm. This protects the grass roots from the sun.
- Park it During the Heat: If the temperature is soaring, use the scheduling feature to keep the mower in its charging station during the hottest part of the day (usually 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM). This protects both the grass and the mower’s battery life.
4. Charging Station Housekeeping
Your robot’s home needs a little love too. Ensure the charging pins are clean and free from corrosion; a quick wipe with a dry cloth or very fine sandpaper usually does the trick. Also, keep an eye out for border creep – ensure that overhanging summer plants or tall weeds haven’t grown over the charging station, which could interfere with the mower’s ability to dock.
Why Stick with Robot Mowing?
The beauty of a robot mower is that it prevents the grass from ever looking untidy. By mid-August, when traditional lawns often look patchy or overgrown due to missed weekend mows, a robot-maintained lawn remains perfectly uniform.
Not joined the revolution yet? Explore our full range of Robotic Lawnmowers and find the perfect model to take the work out of your summer.
