Robot Mower Multiple Zones options. Maintaining a well-manicured lawn can be a time-consuming task, especially if you have multiple areas in your garden that require mowing.
This is where robotic mowers come to the rescue. These innovative machines can efficiently navigate through different zones, ensuring that every corner of your lawn stays perfectly trimmed.
In this article, we will explore the various techniques and features that enable robotic mowers to handle multiple zones seamlessly, from main areas to secondary and separate zones.
Understanding the Different Lawn Areas
Before delving into the specifics of how robotic mowers handle multiple zones, it’s important to understand the distinctions between the various areas in your garden. Generally, there are three types of lawn areas:
1. Main Area
The main area, also known as the main zone, is the largest section of your lawn where the robotic mower spends most of its time. Typically, the charging station is located in or near the main area. It serves as the central hub from which the mower operates.
2. Secondary Area
The secondary area, or secondary zone, is a smaller portion of the garden that is connected to the main area by a pathway. This pathway can be a narrow strip of grass or even a drivable pathway. The secondary area is included in the boundary wire system, allowing the robotic mower to navigate seamlessly between the main and secondary zones.
3. Separate Area
A separate area, also known as a separate zone, is not accessible from the main or secondary zones. It is completely disconnected and requires special considerations for the robotic mower to reach it. Separate areas can be physically separated by walls, fences, or even located on a different plot of land. These areas pose unique challenges for robotic mowers, and specific techniques are needed to mow them effectively.
Handling Connected Areas
Robotic mowers are equipped with various features and functions to handle connected areas, such as the main and secondary zones. Let’s explore some of the techniques used by these mowers to navigate through multiple connected areas.
Multi-Zone Function
Certain robotic mowers, like those from Worx, offer a multi-zone function that allows them to mow several connected areas with a single mower. This function takes into account the different sizes of each zone and allocates mowing time accordingly. By setting up remote start points along the boundary wire, the mower can easily transition from one zone to another. For example, if you have a main area of 800 m² and a secondary zone of 200 m², you can program the mower to spend 80% of its time in the main zone and 20% in the secondary zone.
GPS-Assisted Navigation
Robotic mowers equipped with GPS technology take mowing efficiency to the next level. These mowers create a digital map of your garden over time, eliminating the need for manual programming of remote start points. Using GPS data, the mower can determine when it last visited each location and adjust its mowing pattern accordingly. This advanced navigation system allows the mower to seamlessly navigate through connected areas without the need for additional programming.
Lawn Coverage Function
Another technique used by certain robotic mowers, such as the Husqvarna Automower, is the lawn coverage function. This function allows you to define remote areas that the mower should approach. By setting up guide wires that run through the middle of the lawn and connect to the boundary wire, you can create remote start points for the mower. The mower will then travel along the guide wire to reach these remote start points and mow the designated areas. This function is particularly useful for complex yards with multiple connected zones.
Mowing Separate Areas
While robotic mowers can handle connected areas with relative ease, handling separate areas requires a different approach. Let’s explore some techniques for mowing separate zones that are not accessible from the main or secondary areas.
Using a Common Boundary Wire
In some cases, it is possible to connect a separate area to the main area using the same boundary wire. For example, if your separate area is located in your front yard while the main area is in the backyard, you can run the boundary wire through the basement or along the gutter to create a connection. The boundary wire would run around the main area, branch off to reach the separate area, and then return to complete the perimeter of the main area. This method allows the robotic mower to seamlessly transition between the main and separate zones.
Separate Boundary Wire
In situations where a separate area cannot be connected using a common boundary wire, a separate wire is needed. This typically occurs when the separate area is located on a different plot of land or is physically separated from the main area. To mow a separate zone, the robotic mower requires its own dedicated boundary wire. This wire is installed around the separate area, allowing the mower to recognize the boundaries and mow the designated zone. While this method requires additional installation and maintenance, it provides the flexibility to mow completely separate areas.
Robotic Mowers Without Boundary Wire
For those who prefer a more flexible approach, there are robotic mowers available that operate without a boundary wire. These mowers rely solely on sensors to navigate and mow the lawn. While they offer the advantage of not requiring boundary wire installation, they do require manual intervention to move the mower between zones. However, it’s important to note that these mowers may not be as precise as boundary wire-based mowers in defining the mowing area, as they rely on grass sensors to detect the boundaries.
Connecting Areas with Narrow Passages
In some cases, you may have areas that are technically separate but can be connected through narrow passages. These passages can be navigated by the robotic mower with the help of certain techniques.
Loop Trick
To ensure that the robotic mower navigates through a passage without getting stuck, a loop trick can be employed. This involves creating small loops at the entrance of the passage, narrowing the opening. The mower can only enter the passage if it approaches directly, preventing it from getting stuck when entering at an angle. This technique ensures that the mower quickly moves through the passage without spending excessive time mowing a non-lawn area.
Passage Control
Another option for connecting areas through a narrow passage is to use passage control. This involves setting up a guide wire along the passage, allowing the robotic mower to follow it and navigate through the narrow path. Passage control ensures that the mower stays on track and efficiently moves from one area to another without veering off course.
Choosing the Right Robotic Mower for Multiple Zones
Not all robotic mowers are created equal when it comes to handling multiple zones. If you have a garden with three or more areas, it’s important to choose a mower that is specifically designed for this purpose. Look for models that offer features like multi-zone functions, GPS-assisted navigation, and the ability to program remote start points. These features will ensure that your robotic mower can effectively navigate and mow all the zones in your garden.
Conclusion – Robot Mower Multiple Zones
Robotic mowers have revolutionized lawn care by providing efficient and automated mowing solutions. With their ability to handle multiple zones, from main areas to secondary and separate zones, these mowers ensure that every corner of your lawn remains well-maintained.
Whether through advanced navigation systems, the use of boundary wires, or innovative techniques for connecting areas, robotic mowers have the versatility to tackle even the most complex garden layouts. By choosing the right mower for your specific needs, you can enjoy a beautifully manicured lawn without the hassle of manual mowing.
FAQ for Robot Mower Multiple Zones
Q1: What is a Robot Mower Multiple Zones feature? A Robot Mower Multiple Zones feature allows the robotic lawn mower to operate in multiple designated areas (zones) within your yard. This capability allows you to efficiently manage and maintain different sections of your lawn without manual intervention.
Q2: How does the Robot Mower Multiple Zones feature work? The Robot Mower Multiple Zones feature works by dividing your lawn into distinct zones using physical or virtual boundaries. These boundaries can be set up using physical wire boundaries or through GPS-based virtual zones, depending on the model of the robot mower. The mower is programmed to mow each zone separately, ensuring complete coverage of your lawn.
Q3: Can I customize the mowing schedule for each zone? Yes, most robot mowers with the Multiple Zones feature allow you to customize the mowing schedule for each zone. You can set different mowing times or days for each zone based on its specific needs and usage.
Q4: How does the robot mower transition between zones? The robot mower uses the predefined boundary settings to navigate from one zone to another. If the mower uses physical wire boundaries, it follows the path defined by the wires to move between zones. In the case of virtual zones, the robot relies on GPS coordinates to navigate and identify the transition points.
Q5: Can the robot mower handle different lawn conditions in each zone? Yes, the robot mower is designed to adapt to varying lawn conditions within each zone. It employs intelligent sensors and algorithms to adjust its mowing pattern based on the terrain, grass height, and other factors specific to each zone.
Q6: How many zones can a robot mower support? The number of zones a robot mower can handle depends on the model and brand. Some models can handle just a few zones, while others may support a larger number of zones, possibly up to ten or more.
Q7: What happens if the battery runs out during mowing in one of the zones? When the robot mower’s battery is low during mowing, it will automatically return to its charging station. Once recharged, it will resume mowing from where it left off, ensuring it completes the mowing cycle in each zone.
Q8: Can I control the robot mower’s movement between zones manually? In most cases, the robot mower automatically moves between zones based on the predefined settings. However, some advanced models may offer manual control or the option to override the automatic settings for more precise navigation.
Q9: Can I adjust the cutting height for each zone independently? Yes, many robot mowers with the Multiple Zones feature allow you to adjust the cutting height separately for each zone. This allows you to cater to different grass types and lawn conditions in various areas of your yard.
Q10: Is the Multiple Zones feature suitable for all types of yards? The Robot Mower Multiple Zones feature is ideal for yards with multiple sections, uneven terrain, or varying grass types. However, it is essential to choose a robot mower model that is compatible with the size and complexity of your lawn to ensure efficient operation.