RoboMower RL1000 (withRain Sensor and Back-Lit Display)
Suitable for lawns up to 21,500 SF
The RL1000 is the ultimate RL series mower. Not only does it include all of the great features on the RL850, it also includes a docking station and system for true automation. Simply select the day and times you want the lawn mowed and the RL1000 will do it automatically for you, day after day and week after week, truly the most efficient way to keep your lawn maintained. The RL1000 still includes all the same functionality as before, manual trim mowing and the ability to drive it anywhere and even use it in other smaller areas without the docking station.
RL-1000 Series Robomower with Docking Station:
For up to a 1 acre lot size (21,500ft² net lawn area), including yards where lawn tractors are used Video and more details of the Robomower
Mowing Height:
6 settings at the front and 2 at the rear
High Cut Blade: 1.75"-3.25"(44-81mm)
Low Cut Blade: 1"-2.5"(26-63mm)
Average area covered on a single charge:
5,400ft² (500m²)
Average Work Time:
2.5-3 hours
Theft Guard:
User controlled theft protection and disabling system using a personal password
Color: Green
RoboMower requires a one time simple set-up, which can be easily done by anyone. A wire is laid around the outer edges of the lawn, and attached to the surface of the lawn with pegs every few meters. The wire and pegs are supplied with the RoboMower. The wire is connected to a small battery powered current source called Perimeter Switch (also supplied in the box). Typically the wire will be covered by grass and become unnoticeable in a matter of 2-3 weeks. RoboMower recognizes the wire using a special sensor, and makes sure it always stays inside the designated area.
See video of the Robomower automatic lawnmower in action
RoboMower is operated automatically by programming the unit to automatically begin mowing at the day and time that you select! Or you can manually start the robomower by pressing the green "Go" button on the unit. It travels on the lawn in a systematic criss-cross pattern covering the lawn several times from side to side to ensure that the entire yard is covered and the grass is cut from several angles.
See video of the Robomower automatic lawnmower in action
How does it cut the grass?
It features a battery powered three blade, 21" (53 cm) powerful cutting system equivalent to a 5.5 HP gas mower. RoboMower is a dedicated mulching mower that mulches better than a traditional mower thanks to its Triple-Chamber-Mulching system and the 5800-RPM blade speed, double that of a typical gas mower. Grass is cut into very small clippings that are buried in the roots of the lawn, where they decompose and act like a natural fertilizer. This results in a healthier and better-looking lawn, and eliminates the need to collect and remove the clippings.
RoboMower RL1000 features:
- The RL1000 can be programmed to operate on a pre-selected day and time for the entire season.
- A rain sensor that "sends it home" when it begins to rain or "keeps it home" when it is raining to prevent clogged mowing chambers.
- The RL1000 can enter the lawn consecutively from as many as four pre-selected points along the perimeter to increase efficiency.
- The RL1000 departs and returns on a schedule you select, never a need to start it or return it for recharging.
- Want it to skip the next planned mowing session? easy - push one button and it will skip the next session.
- Fully weatherproof for all season outdoor installation.
Additional attributes are:
- 2006 Generation Software
- Includes docking system and station
- Programmable for lawn entry points
- Programmable for weekly schedule
- Triple Chamber Mulching System
- 21" Cut Width
- Quick Snap no tool blade replacement
- LCD Operation Display with back-lit display for easy reading in bright sun or at night.
- Dual Navigation Systems
- On Board Charging
- Up to 4 hours mowing time
- Edge learning capabilities
- Simple set-up
- Includes Docking Station
- Completely waterproof for outdoors
- 2 year limited warranty
- Theft-Guard theft deterrent system
- Adjustable Cut Height from 1.5 -3."
- Manual controller for easy use
- 360 degree touch sensitive bumpers
- Drop and Go power pac
- Powerpac life up to 3 years
- Safety Sense mower lift detection
- Power management system
- 5.5 HP equivalent cutting system
HOW DOES IT WORK?
RoboMower requires a one time simple set-up, which can be easily done by the consumer himself. A standard electric wire is laid around the outer edges of the lawn and attached to the surface of the lawn with pegs every few feet. The wire is connected to a small battery powered current source called the Perimeter Switch. Typically the wire will be covered by grass and become unnoticeable in a matter of 2-3 weeks. RoboMower recognizes the wire using a special sensor and makes sure it always stays inside.
RoboMower is operated by pressing the green button on the unit. It travels on the lawn in a systematic criss-cross pattern covering the lawn several times from side to side to ensure that the entire yard is covered and the grass is cut from several angles.
With the RL1000 and its docking station, it is even easier! After completing the one-time set-up of wire around the yard, including the docking station, set the weekly program and forget about mowing for the entire season! The RoboMower will automatically depart at the day and time scheduled and automatically return to the docking station to recharge and get ready for the next scheduled operation. The weekly program can be reset at any time, if and when required.
The docking station has a built-in perimeter switch that will turn on automatically when the RoboMower is scheduled for operation. At the end of each operation, when the RoboMower returns to the docking station, the perimeter switch will turn itself off.
RoboMower is provided with an integral manual controller that is used to drive the unit from the storage area to the lawn before operation and back to storage after operation. The manual controller also allows the user to use RoboMower as a manual mower in order to cut areas of the grass that could not be reached in the automatic operation if necessary. While in storage, the unit is connected to a charger in order to recharge the battery. Recharging typically takes 24 hours, so the RoboMower is ready to run the next day. Typically, however, customers run the unit as often as they used to cut their grass with a conventional mower, i.e. once or twice per week.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Are you kidding, does it work? What will they think of next?
The Robomower® is the next generation of lawn mowing products, a natural evolution to the next level in mowing, automatic mowing. It really does work, providing an exceptional quality of cut, equal to or better than what a walk-behind mower will provide. It provides a means and convenience for you to save time and effort, all while keeping a manicured lawn.
2. How does it work and how does it know where it is going?
A small wire is pegged to the ground below the grass level around the perimeter of your lawn, a similar type of technology that invisible pet containment systems use. This is a one-time setup and takes about as long as it does to mow your lawn one time. This wire will virtually disappear from sight in two to three weeks in normal growing conditions. This wire forms the virtual fence for the Robomower®, containing it to the area you are mowing.
The Robomower® uses an onboard navigation system, monitoring it's position relative to the wire around the lawn. In addition, it is always aware of its current driving direction and distance traveled. This is done by means of an internal compass-like device. This device provides the data to the mower and uses this information to determine the next most efficient path for the mower to take.
3. Is the setup difficult and how long will it take?
The setup is quite easy, involving staking a wire down to the perimeter of your lawn. An setup video is available and a small ruler to help guide you in the setup. The average setup will take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
4. Do I have to bury the 'perimeter' wire?
No, in fact most people simply stake it down to the lawn, at the ground level. The pegs/stakes hold it down to the ground, and the grass grows over and covers it very quickly. You may bury it up to 3-4 inches if you desire.
5. How do I know it will work for my yard?
The best answer for this is to say that if you are currently using a walk-behind mower to cut your grass, the Robomower® will replace it.
6. I have trees and other objects in may lawn. How will it work with these obstacles?
Obstacles or other areas within the lawn that should not be accessible to the mower are handled in one of two ways. If the object is rigid and at least six inches tall, the mower simply bumps into them, as the bumper sensors will detect the small impact and cause the mower to change direction. Other areas, like a flowerbed or swimming pool, are excluded from the cutting area by using the same wire as installed on the perimeter. The object is simply looped out during setup of the perimeter wire. The inbound and outbound leads of the wire used to loop out the object are installed right next to one another. This causes the signal in this section of the wire to cancel, allowing the mower full access around the obstacle, but keeping it out of the area excluded.
7. What about slopes?
The best way to respond to this question is that if a slope is currently being cut safely with a walk-behind, the Robomower® will handle it fine. Technically, it is 15-20 degrees, but this does not sound like much of a slope. If you have ever walked up a 15-20 degree slope, you will find it is much steeper than it sounds.
8. How long will it take to mow my lawn?
Generally speaking, it takes from 2 to 3 times longer for the Robomower® to mow than a walk-behind mower. This can be an understandable concern from people who have never used the mower, but once a customer has used the mower once or twice, they are no longer concerned about this. Generally, an setup will consist of one plot for the front yard and one plot area for the back yard. The side yards are often included with either the front or the back. For best results on average lot sizes, where the lot size is from one-third to one-half acre, it is recommended that one battery operation is used to cut one plot and a second operation is used to cut the second plot.
While many lots can be effectively cut with one operation, it is recommended that you first operate the Robomower® in one plot for the entire operation and view the results before choosing how to manage the two areas. Typically, we see the customer cut their lawn 2 or 3 times a week, because it is so easy - simply push the button and the lawn is again freshly cut and looking great. In fact, this is actually healthier for the lawn.
Remember, the customer can cut grass whenever they choose, any time day or night. Since they are free to spend this time elsewhere, it is truly a time-saving product.
9. Is the height of cut adjustable?
Yes, from 1.5 to 3.5 inches. This is controlled from the front wheel and a rear wheel ground clearance adjustment.
10. How long will a power pack charge last?
Depending on grass height and type, but normally up to 4 hours of run time per charge. 4 hours will cut from 4,000 - 6,0000 square feet, depending on conditions. The average US lawn has less than 5,000 square feet of lawn (grass).
11. What is the life of the power pack?
When properly maintained, two to three years/seasons on average.
12. Is the mower safe, I'm worried about it running when I am not around?
The customer needs to decide if running un-attended is right for their situation or not. Whether it does or does not, the Robomower® will still save the customer time and provide a convenient way to maintain their lawn.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the top two injuries from walk behind mowers are from thrown objects and from feet slipping under the mower. It is their opinion, and our experience as well, that simply separating the operator from the mower will dramatically reduce these injuries. The mower currently meets or exceeds all CPSC mandated requirements for walk behind mowers, such as foot probe testing and blade stop speed. Additionally, the safety sensors to detect bumping into an object, sensors to detect a lift of the cutting deck, child lock safety features and manual operator presence controls all add in significant safety measures and systems to the consumer, far above that found on conventional walk mowers today. Simply a safer way to mow.
13. If I cut my lawn while I am away or at night, I'm afraid it will be stolen.
The RL800 includes a TheftGuard theft deterrent system which enables you to select a personal 4-digit code that must be entered for each use. The mower is totally useless to anyone else without the code. The mower weighs approximately 75 pounds with battery, so it is not easily carried away. If the mower is operating, one must know how to stop it. The mower is very quiet, so it will attract little attention when running unattended.
While theft of our personal property is an unfortunate aspect of our daily lives, we have seen no trend for theft of the Robomower®. This is of course a personal decision, and must be weighed on your own experience in your community and neighborhood.
14. What happens to the clippings?
The Robomower® is a 21-inch cut, triple chamber, dedicated mulching system, and the healthiest way to manage clippings for your lawn. Because we mulch in three separate chambers, we actually mulch more effectively than most conventional mowers, thereby leaving smaller clippings that fall into the grass. These smaller clippings provide for quick decomposition into a natural fertilizer for your lawn.
15. Does rain or water hurt the mower?
Under normal circumstances, a unit exposed to rain will not be damaged. We would not advise putting the mower into operation during a severe storm, however should it begin raining while it is operating, there is no problem for the Robomower®. We do not recommend washing the unit with a water hose, particularly from the underside.
16. I really enjoy mowing the lawn, besides this is just pure laziness.
Again, this is a very common comment. The best way to respond is to say that while many people enjoy mowing their lawn, most enjoy other activities more. Activities such as spending time with the family, golfing or gardening to name a few examples. The Robomower® is no different from many other products we use everyday. A dishwasher washes our dishes, a washing machine washes our clothes and answering machines answer our phones. These are all time saving products, just like the Robomower®. It is not laziness by any means, but a more intelligent way to manage your time, so you can spend it on other more enjoyable activities.
17. Since it moves across the lawn in many different directions, won't I have lawn stripes that make my lawn look like a puzzle?
The Robomower® does not leave stripes on your lawn after cutting, it is best described as a sea of green. Since it does not create a large air flow from the blade rotation it will not lay the grass down similar to a walk mower, which is what creates the stripes. However, since it is moving across the grass in all directions it offers a much better quality of cut than a traditional walk behind.
18. I like stripes on my lawn - how do you respond?
The best way to answer this is to say that a traditional walk mower has to leave stripes, there is no choice. So, if you must have stripes, it would be preferable to have them look nice and neat. With the Robomower®, there are no stripes, so no need to worry.
19. Do I have to keep up with the charging process and unplug the charger when the battery becomes completely charged?
No, the charger is equipped with a float control, allowing the charger to remain connected at all times without risk of damage. In fact, this is the recommended procedure between uses and for winter storage.
20. What is the warranty and how long will the mower last?
The standard warranty is 24 months parts and labor, 12 months battery. This is the typical parts and workmanship statement.
21. Will it work with an invisible dog fence?
The Robomower® has been tested with several different systems, with little or no adverse effect. Worse case scenario from our experience is that the pet must be moved out of the area being cut, which is of course a normal safety precaution.
22. What is the cost of electricity to recharge the battery?
Assuming you used the mower every single day, the average cost of electricity to recharge the power pack is approximately $7.00 a year.
The average American lawn is 5,000
square feet, less than 1/8 of an acre.
Friendly Robotics
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