Operation and safety manual Original Operating Instructions (EN) RC304, RC308, RC312 MC400, MC800, MC1200 2016A
Table of Contents Chapter 1 – Introduction And Safety ....................................................................................................... 3 1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 3 1.2 Warning Decal Definitions ........................................................................................................ 4 1.3 Safety Warnings & Precautions ............................
Chapter 1 – Introduction And Safety EC Declaration of Conformity Manufacturer: F. Robotics Acquisitions Ltd. Hatzabar St., Industrial Zone P.O.Box 1412 Pardesiya, 42815 Israel The products covered by this Declaration 26 Volt Battery operated Robotic Lawn Mower model: Robomow RC304/308/312 MC400/800/1200 - EN F. Robotics Acquisitions Ltd.
1.2 Warning Decal Definitions These are the symbols on Robomow®; Read about them carefully before operating Robomow ®. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1. This is a dangerous power tool. Use care when operating and follow all safety instructions and warnings. 2. Read the Operating & Safety Manual carefully before operating your Robomow ®. 3. Hazard of thrown objects during operation. 4. Keep safe distance from Robomow® while operated.
EN Transportation – To safely move from or within the working area: 1. Press the STOP button to stop Robomow®. 2. Use the Remote Control (available as an accessory) to drive it from one place to another. 3. In case of different ground height level, switch off the Safety Switch, and carry the mower by its carrying handle. IMPORTANT! It is recommended to keep the original packaging for shipping purposes.. 4. When transporting Robomow® over long distances switch off the Safety Switch.
1.4 Robomow Safety Features 1. Child Lock The Child Lock prevents unintended operation of Robomow® by an accidental press of one of the buttons. Only pressing two buttons in the right order will initiate the operation. 2. Anti-Theft / Disabling Device The Anti-Theft / Disabling Device system function will prevent anyone from using or driving the Robomow ® unless they have the valid code to enter. You will be prompted to enter a four digit code of your choice to use as your personal security code. 3.
Chapter 2 – Know Your Robomow® 2.1 What’s in the Box 1 8 9 EN 10 2 3 12 11 4 5 Operating & Safety Manual 6 7 1 Robomow® 7 RoboRuler Used for measuring the distance of the Perimeter Wire from the lawn edge. 2 Wire Pegs Used for securing the wire to the ground. 8 Base Station Used by Robomow to dock and charge when it is not mowing. 3 Perimeter Wire Used to create a virtual wall for your Robomow.
2.2 How Robomow Works for You • First, you need to install a perimeter wire around the entire lawn and around protected areas within the lawn area. • The Perimeter Wire sets the boundaries for Robomow. The Perimeter Wire is laid on the edges of the lawn and around trees, plants, ponds and objects that you want to prevent Robomow to run into. • If the supplied wire is not sufficient, more wire can be purchased and spliced to the existing wire with a supplied connector.
2.3 Robomow Features • Simple One-Time Setup – Robomow requires a simple one time setup, which can easily be done by the consumer. Robomow recognizes the wire using special sensors, and makes sure it always stays inside the designated area. Essential accessories are supplied with the product. • Edge Cutting – Unlike other robotic lawn mowers, Robomow is the only robotic mower that has a special Edge mode, in which it follows the perimeter wire for complete coverage of the lawn edges.
Chapter 3 – Planning Ahead Getting your lawn ready for Robomow is rather simple. As every lawn is unique, we recommend reading this chapter before starting to install the perimeter wire. Planning the wire route and drawing a sketch of the lawn, including all obstacles and Base Station location, will make it easier and will prevent mistakes during the setup. Scan and watch Robomow setup & operation video. Also available on Robomow website.
3.1.2 “Main Zone + Sub-Zone(s)“ Type Lawn Su b-Z on e Main Zone Main Zone EN This type of lawn consists of more than one zone, where zones are connected by a narrow pass. In this type of lawn, Robomow will be able to drive from one zone to the other in order to mow the whole area.
3.1.4 Types of Separated Zone setups: A Separated Zone smaller than 100 m² (1100 ft²) o Separated area that is smaller than 100m² (1100 ft²) can be covered in a single operation, thus, if possible, the separated area may be connected to the main area’s Perimeter Wire (have the signal come from the Main Base Station). Separated Zone Smaller than 100m² (1100ft²) 2 Wires under same peg Or o It may need its own separate Perimeter Wire.
There are two options to set the Base Station: 3.2.2 Internal Setup (on the lawn perimeter) • • Choose a place along the Perimeter Wire where you want to place the Base Station, based on the onditions detailed in paragraph 3.2.1. Place the Base Station in the direction shown in the figure to the right. 3.2.3 External Setup (off the lawn perimeter): There are two types of External Setup: A.
3.3 Select Power Box Location Consider the following in order to select the Power Box location: The Power Box will be connected to the Base Station using the 15m (50ft.) Extension Cable. Select a suitable location for the Power Box to be mounted on a wall near a power outlet. Locate it outside the lawn perimeter. Select an easily accessed spot. Select a dry and sheltered location. The Power Box is to be mounted vertically.
Slope inside the lawn Robomow can mow areas inside the working area with a slope of up to 35% (35cm rise per 1m). Tip: If the mower tilts off the ground while climbing a slope, it is too steep. Exclude this steep area from Robomow’s cutting area. In Lawn Slope 35% EN How to calculate the slope of your lawn? Length 35cm (1.1ft) Max 35% slope Elevation 100cm (3.3ft) How to calculate the slope of your lawn? 35cm (Elevation) 100cm (Length) 35% (slope) 3.4.
Chapter 4 – Initial Setup 4.1 Preparations Recommendations before you start During setup, you need to insert pegs into the ground. To complete this task smoothly, we recommend not to do it while the grass is high and to water it before starting. Hammer Combination Piers 4.1.1 Getting Ready Make sure all parts needed for setup are within your reach. Have the Robomow box nearby, so all items are available.
4.2.1 Starting Point: Perimeter Wire at the Base Station area. ft) 0 er (1 rn m co . 3 ny in a M om fr • Place the Base Station, according to your plan, as shown in the figure to the right. Do not place the Base Station within 3m (10 ft.) after a corner EN • Select the roll of wire with a green plot connector attached to the end. • Pull the plot connector and some wire out of the plastic covering. Do not remove the spool of wire from its covering. The plastic covering is the dispenser for the wire.
• If the working area borders against a flat path that lies level with the lawn, it is possible to allow Robomow to run over the path. The Perimeter Wire should then be laid 10 cm (4 inches) from the edge of the path. • When the working area is divided by a flat path that is level with the lawn, it is possible to allow Robomow to run over the path. The Perimeter Wire can be laid under the pavement blocks or in the joint between them.
4.3 Perimeter Wire within the Working Area 4.3.1 Hard Obstacles o Obstacles that can withstand a collision, for example, trees or bushes higher than 15 cm (6”), do not need to be demarcated by the Perimeter Wire. Robomow will turn when it collides with this type of obstacle. EN 4.3.2 Perimeter Islands o o o o o o o Use the Perimeter Wire to demarcate areas inside the working area by creating islands around obstacles that cannot withstand a collision, for example, flower beds and fountains.
4.3.3 Setting a Narrow Pass A Narrow Pass is defined as a path that connects two zones of the lawn. The path enables Robomow to drive between the zones while following the wire, but prevents the mower from crossing between them while mowing the inner area of the zones. The pass has to be at least 1.2 m (4 ft.) wide to allow Robomow to drive through it. If the pass is wider than 2 m (6.5 ft.), There is NO need for any special setting of the Perimeter Wire. Skip to section 4.3.4.
If the passage is WIDER than 1.5m: If the Narrow Pass is wider than 1.5m (5 ft.), and you want Robomow to mow the area inside the Narrow Pass, then you can set the wire as shown in the figure below. Such a setup allows the mower to mow inside the Narrow Pass while mowing the inner part of the lawn, but prevents it from crossing between the zones. 1. Define the entry to the Narrow Pass - the point you want the mower to start driving towards the Sub-Zone. 2.
4.3.4 Using Sub-Zones as Remote Starting Points There are cases when a Main Zone has two or more big parts connected by a wide (more than 2 meters) passage, like a front and a back yards. In order to ensure proper coverage of all Main Zone’s parts in such cases, you may want the mower to occasionally start mowing at some specific point (other than the Base Station) along the perimeter wire. We call these points – Remote Starting Points.
o If an additional wire is required in order to complete the setup, connect it using the water-proof wire connectors supplied with Robomow. (See Section 11.6 – Splicing the Perimeter Wire). Use only the wire connectors supplied with Robomow. EN Neither Twisted cables, nor a screw terminal insulated with insulation tape are a satisfactory splice. Soil moisture may cause the conductors to oxidize, which will later cause a broken circuit. 4.
4.6 Placement and connection of the Base Station o o Place the Base Station on the Perimeter Wire as shown in the figure to the right. Align the center of the Base Station on the wire. o Attach the Perimeter Wire connector to the Base Station Head. o After the Base Station has been positioned, insert 2 stakes into the Base Station holes as shown in the figure to the right. Only after the Base Station position has been tested during the One-Time Setup process (see Section 5.
4.7.1 At the Power Box Location: • Connect the DC Cable from the Power Box to the 15 m (50 ft.) Extension Cable. Docking Indicator Automatic Operation • Connect the Power Box to a regular power outlet (230V / 120V). )) The Docking Indicator will light up if the mower is in the Base Station. EN )) The Operating Indicator will light up if the mower is not in the Base Station.
4.8 Setup in a Non-Base Zone A Non-Base Zone is an area of the lawn that is not connected to a Base Station. A Perimeter Switch should be installed in these areas. When necessary, the Perimeter Switch can be easily moved to other zones. The Perimeter Switch MUST be Mounted vertically in order to maintain its’ water resistance 4.8.
• Once completing the Perimeter Wire loop, lay the wire back towards the Perimeter Switch. 2 wires under the same peg • At the end of the Perimeter Wire loop, you have now two wires. Lay the two loose wires in the direction of the Perimeter Switch location and peg them to the ground using a single peg for both. EN 4.8.4 At the Perimeter Switch’s location: • Trim the ends of the loose wire to equal length and twist them together. • Strip 5mm (0.
• Hold the Perimeter Switch and squeeze its side tabs (1) to remove it from the back cover (2). 2 1 • Connect the Power Supply plug to the Perimeter Switch board. Replace the cover. • Connect the power supply to a regular power outlet (230V / 120V). ! IMPORTANT ! The Power Supply is for indoor use ONLY. Choose a sheltered, dry, and well ventilated location that is NOT exposed to direct sunlight, water, or rain. • Press the ‘ON’ button on the Perimeter Switch.
Chapter 5 – Preparing Robomow Before using Robomow for the first time, you have to perform some simple preliminary settings. Once the preparations are complete, your Robomow will be ready to mow your lawn. 5.1 Adjust the Cutting Height Safety Switch EN Blade Cutting Range: 15 – 60 mm (0.6 – 2.4 inches) To adjust the cutting height of the blade, do the following: CAUTION! ALWAYS TURN THE SAFETY SWITCH OFF BEFORE ADJUSTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT! • • • • • Lift the front side of the mower.
5.2.3 Set Day and Time • Scroll to set the Day and press OK to confirm. • Scroll to set the Time and press OK to confirm. 5.2.4 Main Zone Area • Scroll to select an approximate area (EU- m² / US- ft²) for the Main Zone, where the Base Station is installed. If an additional zone (Sub-Zone or Separated Zone) exists, do not include it in main zone’s area (it will be set separately). Note – It is necessary to complete the above settings (5.2.2 – 5.2.3) in order to operate the mower.
5.2.6 Test Wire Position • U003 is displayed (Test Wire Position) – press OK. • Robomow will follow the wire along the edge to test the wire position. Walk alongside Robomow while it is following the edge. Having completed the process, Robomow will enter the Base Station and the setup process will be completed. EN If the mower collides with obstacles along the edge, the mower will stop and drive backwards with ‘U052’ (Adjust Wire) displayed: • Move the wire slightly inward.
Chapter 6 – Robomow Operation 6.1 Automatic Operation o Once the One-Time Setup is finished, Robomow will be set to perform automatically the following cycle of mowing operations: - When the battery is fully charged, Robomow will automatically depart from the Base Station. - It will mow the lawn. - It will start searching for the Base Station, when the battery level gets low (Robomow will not mow when it is searching for the Base Station).
OK to choose / approve selection Mowing with Edge / Left arrow ok Mowing without Edge / Right arrow EN Settings STOP GO to Base (Home) Stop (during operation) / Back while in the menu 6.3 Manual Operation Manual Operation is used when you want to manually send the mower to mow your lawn, regardless the Automatic Operation’s schedule. To initiate Manual Operation, while Robomow is at the Base Station, press one of the buttons (except the STOP button) to show the display.
6.4 Menu Options There are several levels of menu options that can be set in your Robomow: A. Basic Settings B. Advanced Settings C. Robomow App Settings 6.4.1 Basic Settings The Basic Settings are the most common menu options changed by the user. Each of the Basic Settings has an icon on the mower (refer to 6.2 – Operating Panel) that is lit to indicate the selected menu option. o To change Basic Settings, press the ‘Settings’ button.
6.4.1.4 Area – Update the size of the lawn in case it has been changed. EN • Press the ‘Setting’ button 4 times until the Area icon is blinking. • Scroll to change the area and press ‘OK’ to confirm. • If more than one zone is defined, then first scroll to select the zone you want to edit and set the area for that zone as described above. Names of zones are as follows: L1 – Main Zone L2 – Separated Zone A L3 – Separated Zone B A1 – Sub-Zone 1 A2 – Sub-Zone 2 A3 – Sub-Zone 3 A4 – Sub-Zone 4 6.4.
Screen Setting Description • When Robomow completes its operation, or when the ‘Home’ button instructs it to Go To Base, it drives itself to the Base Station. • Robomow drives along the Perimeter Wire with a dynamic offset (not centered) to prevent wheel tracks along the same path. This return behavior can be turned off. • This menu is not available for RC304 and MC400 models. • For all other models, the Near Wire Follow feature can be enabled and configured for a Sub-Zone as well.
Screen P010 Child Lock (Default = OFF) Anti-Theft / Disabling Device (Default = OFF) Anti-Theft / Disabling Device Description • The Child Lock feature locks the buttons to prevent unintended operation, especially by children and pets. • If the Child Lock is set to ‘On’, to operate the mower it is required to first press one of the operating mode buttons and then to press the OK button to confirm.
Screen P022 P023 P024 Setting Add Sub-Zone Update Distance To Sub-Zone SmartMow (Default = OFF) SmartMow P025 Edge Overlap (Default = 10) P026 38 TurboMow (Default = OFF) Description • Enables the addition of a Sub-Zone. Maximal number of SubZones may be different for each Robomow model. • A1/A2/A3/A4 (name of the first available sub-zone) is displayed - press OK. • If the mower is not at the Base Station, then ‘U044’ (“Place the mower in the Base Station”) is displayed.
6.4.3 Robomow App Settings Using the Robomow App you will have access to additional menu options that are not available on the mower, such as an option to define an external setup of a Base Station or an option to set an additional window of Inactive Hours. 6.5 Operation in a Non-Base Zone (using a Perimeter Switch) EN In order for Robomow to operate in a Non-Base Zone, the Perimeter Switch has to be turned on and the mower should be inside the active perimeter area.
Chapter 7 – Using The Power Box 7.1 Power Box Alerts Event Description Docking Indicator is lit. The mower is in its Base Station. Operating Indicator is lit The mower is not in its Base Station. Automatic Operation On/ OffIndicator is lit. ‘PAUS’ will be displayed on the mower. Docking Indicator Automatic Operation Operating Indicator Wire Indicator Automatic Operation is paused. Wire Indicator – Flashes and Beeps The Perimeter Wire is cut, disconnected, or too long.
Chapter 8 – Charging 8.1 Charging During the Season The Base Station is the primary charging source when Robomow is docked and will maintain the optimal battery charge while awaiting departure. 8.2 Charging Out of Season During out of season months, such as winter, it is required to: EN • Fully charge the battery in the Base Station till the Battery indicator is green and lit constantly. LED indicators for charging: - Red is lit constantly – Charge the battery.
Chapter 9 – Troubleshooting and User Messages 9.1 General Error Codes Robomow Error Codes Table • Robomow continuously monitors its operation. It produces error codes to assist you in running it smoothly.
Display Message Probable Cause/Event Corrective Actions -- Make sure the Base Station is connected to the mains supply. -- Power Box/Perimeter Switch is not turned on or not connected E3 No Wire Signal -- Disconnect the Power Box from the mains power and reconnect after 10 seconds. -- Check that the low voltage cable between the Power Box and the Base Station is connected. -- The Perimeter Wire is not connected to the Base Station/ Perimeter Switch. -- Check the LED indications on the Power Box.
Display Message Probable Cause/Event -- Too many Inactive Days and/or Hours have been set for your lawn area. Current settings will not be changed. E8 Decrease Inactive Time -- Mowing Frequency is too high for current settings of Inactive Time. The Inactive Time settings will be set to defaults. -- Area setting is too high for current settings of Inactive Time. The Inactive Time settings will be set to defaults.
Display Message Probable Cause/Event --CAUTION – Switch Off the Safety Switch before checking the blade. --Mowing motor has faced overcurrent for too long in the Base --Remove the mower from the Base Station. Station before starting the operation. Inspect the blade for foreign material or debris preventing rotation. Check mowing motor 0023 Check power --See E4 in the above table Base problem --Robomow fails to enter the Base Station several consecutive times. --Adjust the Base Station position.
9.3 User Messages The next table gives information about User Messages that can be displayed on the mower: Display Message / Description BATT Recharge Battery. Low battery voltage. Recharge the Battery. PAUS Automatic operation is paused via the Power Box or the Program On/Off menu. Enable automatic operation on the Power Box or via the Program On/Off menu (refer to section 7.3 or section 6.4.2, menu P021). U001 Test Base Station position. Displayed during the One-Time Setup. Refer to section 5.
Display Message / Description Child Lock feature is activated. U089 The operational buttons are locked to prevent unintended operation, especially by children. Sub-Zone 1/2/3/4 entry problem. U094 The mower will try to reach the Sub-Zone every two hours. If the mower fails to reach the SubZone within threeattempts, it will stay in the Base Station until the end of current mowing cycle. To operate the mower, first press one of the operating mode buttons and then to press the OK button to confirm.
Problem Encountered Uneven mowing results Probable Cause/Event -- The time between operations is too long because of long inactive time windows. -- Minimize the Inactive Time windows to allow Robomow to complete the Mowing Cycle faster and to achieve even mowing results. -- Grass is growing very fast. -- -If it is during a fast growing season – change the Mowing Frequency (refer to Section 6.4.2 – P001). -- In a complicated lawn more time is required for the mower to achieve better mowing results.
9.4.1 Description of No-Depart Codes Code Description Corrective Action None. Automatic departure is working properly None. Wait for the end of current charging cycle 01 Mower’s battery is not yet in the required state forautomatic departure None. Wait for the end of current charging cycle. May take longer than usual 02 Inactive Time is activated. No automatic departure during Inactive Time None. Validate Inactive Time settings (see Section 6.4.1.3) 03 Mowing cycle is completed.
Chapter 10 – Product Specification RC304 RC308 Designation Robotic Mower Max Lawn Size 400 m / 4400 ft 2 RC312 Robotic Mower 2 Robotic Mower 800 m / 8600 ft 2 2 1200 m2 / 13000 ft2 Base Station Included Included Included Robot Dimensions 63x46x21cm/25x18x8” 63x46x21cm/25x18x8” 63x46x21cm/25x18x8” Package Dimensions 80x54x33cm/32x21x13” 80x54x33cm/32x21x13” 80x54x33cm/32x21x13” Robot Weight 11.1 kg / 24.5 lb. 11.4 kg / 25 lb. 11.1 kg / 25 lb. Package Weight 21.3 kg / 46.9 lb.
Chapter 11 – Maintenance and Storage 11.1 General Instructions • • • EN • Always switch off the Safety Switch of Robomow® before checking/ cleaning/ working on Robomow® or replacing the blade. Never attempt to service or adjust the mower while it is in operation. Check and clean Robomow® regularly and replace worn parts to improve performance and operation and to ensure a longer lifetime of your product.
• • Inspect the underside of the mower periodically. Clean if necessary. Carefully scrape the collected grass debris from under the mowing deck. -- Most grass accumulation can be removed using a small wooden stick or similar object. -- You may remove the blade to gain better access to the mowing chambers. IMPORTANT! Do not place the mower upside down. Instead, lean the mower against a surface to gain access to the mowing deck area.
11.6 Splicing the Perimeter Wire If the Perimeter Wire needs to be spliced, use a connector supplied in the Robomow box. It is waterproof and gives a reliable electrical connection. IMPORTANT! Before slicing the Perimeter Wire, disconnect the PowerBox from the power outlet. EN 1. Insert both wire ends in the connector at left-most and rightmost positions. 2. Confirm that the wires are fully inserted into the connector. 3. Use a pair of pliers to press down the button on top of the connector.
Chapter 12 – Accessories Blade (Part No. MRK7003A) Keep a spare blade on hand. A sharp blade is important for safety and best cutting performance. Perimeter Wire (Part No. MRK0040A for 100m, MRK0060A for 200m) For larger lawns or additional zones. Wire Repair Connectors (Part No. MRK0039A) Used for repairing or splicing wires. Base Station and Power Box (Part No.
Chapter 13 – Tips for maintaining your lawn Robomow® – Lawn care has never been so easy Best time to mow Mow your lawn when the grass is dry. This prevents the clippings from clumping and leaving piles on the lawn. Mow it late in the day rather than during the heat of the day. EN Mowing frequency Mow often in order to produce short, small clippings. During the active growing season the mowing frequency should be increased to once every 3-5 days, before the grass is too long.
Warranty Card ‘C’ Series Limited Warranty Friendly Robotics warrants to the original purchaser that the ‘C’ series ‘Product’ is free from defects in materials and workmanship when used under normal residential purposes for a period of three years** (on RC304, RC308 and RC312 models purchased in Europe), two years (on MC400, MC800 and MC1200 models purchased in Europe) or one year (on any models purchased in the US). A one-year warranty is given for the batteries, beginning from the date of purchase.
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