Robotics Operating & Safety Manual Robomow RL500 / RL550 RL800 / RL850 www.friendlyrobotics.
EC Declaration of Conformity 1. F. Robotics Acquisitions, 1 Ha'yassur St., Hasharon Industrial Park, Kadima, Israel declares that the machines described in item 2 conforms with the directives listed in items 3&4. 2. Product: 24 Volt Battery operated automatic lawn mower,models RL500, RL550, RL800 and RL850*. Serial number: see mark on the machine. 3.
,_ _ :............... ......................._ © Robotics, 2003-A be photocopied, prior written Product, reproduced, consent product All rights reserved. electronically of u _ • No part of this document or otherwise or translated without may the Robotics. specifications notice. All other trademarks CE approved Eur. w'_ and this document are subject are the property of their respective to change owners.
FriendlyRobotics Wolcome. .. • To the world of robotic lawn mowing with the FriendlyRobotics Robomower. Thank you for purchasing our product. We know that you will enioy the extra free time you will have while using Robomower to mow your lawn. When installed and used properly, Robomower will operato safely an your lawn and provide you with a quality of cut marched by few mowers of any kind. You will be impressed with your lawns' appearance and best of all Robomower did it for you.
Safety Warnings & Precautions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Read the owners/operating manual carefully and follow all safety and warning instructions. Keep bystanders, children and pets away from mower when in operation. Never allow anyone to ride or sit on mower. Never allow children or persons not familiar with the safe operation of the mower to operate the mower. Keep hands and feet away from the cutting blades and other moving parts.
Safety Warnings & Precautions Warning Decal Definitions /k A.,,.**/x A II 1 2 3 4 5 6 1. WARNING-this is a dangerous power tool. follow all safety instructions and warnings. Use care when operating 2. and follow all safety Read the owner/operating instructions. manual 3. Objects can be thrown from mower 4. Keep children, pets and bystanders 5. Sharp rotating blades. Keep hands mower from this area. 6. Sharp rotating DANGER! blades. Sharp carefully while operating, take caution.
Robomower RL500/RL550/RL800/RL850 Safety Features 1. Child Guard / Safety Guard This menu option offers a safety feature to help prevent children or others not familiar with the safe operation of the mower to operate it freely. 2. Lift Sensor There is a sensor located on the front caster wheel of the mower. In the event the front of the mower is raised approximately 1-inch from its resting position on the ground during blade operation, the blades will stop rotating immediately (< 1 second). 3.
9. Perimeter Switch and Perimeter Wire The Robomower cannot operate without a perimeter wire installed and activated through the Perimeter Switch. In the event the Perimeter Switch is turned off or otherwise fails to function, the Robomower will stop operating. Likewise, should a break in the perimeter wire occur the Robomower would again stop operation. A break in the perimeter wire prior to operation will prevent the Robomower from operating.
What's in the Box Robomower Power Pack Fuse (Must 1. Standard Charger Used for recharging the Robomower pack. insert to operate) power Power Pack , 2. RoboRuler Used for setting the distance of the perimeter wire from the lawn edge. Operating Manual 3. Pegs Used for securing the perimeter wire to the ground around the lawn perimeter and around obstacles• 4. Wire Used to create a virtual wall for your Robomower 5.
Table of Contents Welcome, Basic How It Work The world of automatic ........................................................ mowing 2 with the Robomower Safety Warnings and Precautions .................................................... Safely operating the Robomower What's 3 In The Box .......................................................................... A list and descriptions of the items found in the Robomower 7 box Chapter 1 - Perimeter Wire Setup .......................................
Chapter 1 Perimeter Wire Setup 1.0 Where To Start In order to determine the best location to begin the setup, it is best to first make some basic decisions based on your lawn. For each zone that is set up, allow for placement of one Perimeter Switch for that zone. Find a convenient spot outside the perimeter of each zone that is relatively easy for you to access. A spot sheltered from the elements is preferred 1.1 Using The RoboRulsr There are two basic measurements that are used on the RoboRuler.
Damage to the eye is possible. Use proper eye protection and wear appropriate work gloves when hammering the pegs. Hard or dry ground may cause pegs to break when driving them in. In extreme cases, watering the lawn where the pegs will be driven can be beneficial. 1.3 Fastening The Wire To The Ground Add pegs in to pull the perimeter wire down to the ground 1.3 Perimeter Wire surface, below the grass tips Figure Add pegs in to pull the perimeter wire down to the ground surface, below the grass tips.
1.5NarrowAreasAndNarrowPasses The minimum Figure 1.8. distance for an effective 1.6 Defining Obstacles-Perimeter narrow pass is 5.5 feet (1.7 m) between perimeter wires. Islands Many obstacles can be left in the lawn without consideration to excluding them using the perimeter wire. The basic rule of thumb is that the obstacle must be at least 6 inches (15 cm) high from the ground and the obstacle must be relatively rigid.
Smalltree,must excludewith perimeter wire Treeslargeenoughtoallow Robomower tobumpintodo notrequirea perimeter wire aroundit Treetoo closeto perimeter, lessthan4 feet(1.2m), loopout with I Figure 1.7 Minimum distance between obstacle wire and perimeter wire = 5 feet (1.5 m) Greater than5feet (1.5m) / / The Robomower can freely move across this section, but will still recognize the perimeter island.
1.7MultipleZones/Areas As mentioned earlier, your home may require more than one zone to be set up in order for the Robomower to work in all of your lawn effectively Where grass areas are not contiguous, or are separated by fences or other objects, it is also recommended to make each of these a separate zone. Perimeter switch can be moved between different zones or you can use one switch for each zone.
1.9Completing TheSetup Oncetheperimeter wireis completed andpegged totheground, the last step to complete is attaching the Perimeter Switch to the perimeter wires and testing the setup. Figure 1.12 Note that the wires are adjacent and touching leading from the perimeter to the Perimeter Switch. Peg firmly to the ground leading _4 away from the perimeter and towards the switch location Two wire perimet Switch > 5 from pe After installing the batteries, Figure 1.
Insertthetwo perimeter wire ends into the male connector as shown in Figure 1.17. Using a small flat blade screwdriver, fasten the two screws tightly to hold the wire. Figure 1.17. Using a small flat blade screwdriver, tighten these two screws to secure the perimeter wires into the connector Strip back 1/4inch (6 mm) of insulation from each wire end and insert each perimeter wire end into hole of connector.
Chapter 2 Preparing The Robomower Blade operating lamp Power Pack Manual Controller Rear of Robomower [I Figure2.0 I] Carrying handle Front of Robomower A basic 'what is what' 2.1 Inserting Bumpers with touch sensitive sensors on the Robomower Power Pack Fuse Carefully lower the Power Pack into the Robomower. After inserting the Power Pack back into the Robomower. See Chapter 4, Power Pack Charqinq & Power Manaqement for more details on the Power Pack and charging.
2.2UsingTheManualController TheRobomower is equipped with a Manual Controller. It allows you to manually drive and operate the mower. To get started on using the Manual Controller, study figure 2.2 to view the various operating controls and their functions. Refer to Chapter 5, Manual Operation for full details regarding use of the Manual Controller. IIF,0ure2,2 II 8. Navigation button 1. Manual blade engagement button 7. Manual drive speed control - fast/slow 2. LCD display window 6.
2.3 Setting The Cutting Height And Ground Clearance Remove the Power Pack before making any adjustments. The Robomower has two basic adjustments, cutting height and ground clearance. The cutting height adjustment is located at the front wheel and is controlled by rotating the front wheel hub in or out, which effectively causes the front wheel to be raised or lowered. See Figure 2.6. Rotate the front wheel hub in (lower) or out (higher) to adjust the cutting height.
2.4 SetCountryandPerformOneTimeCalibration The one time calibration process is simple and the Robomower this step before it can ever be used in the automatic mode. is designed to ask you to perform • Remove the Manual Controller • • • Drive the Robomower to a flat and level section of the lawn, at least 4 feet (1.2 m) from the perimeter wire Insert the Manual Controller in the holder and pivot it down flush Turn on the Perimeter Switch • Foltow the calibration setup process as shown in Figure 2.10.
Calibration Setup Sequence h Figure2.10 I LCD Display Action Required Press 'GO" m Press 'GO' Scroll up or down to find your country Press 'GO" to confirm selection Press 'GO" I Press 'GO" Press 'GO'. Process will begin and last 1-2 minutes.
Chapter 3 Automatic Operation 3.1 Activating The Perimeter Switch The Robomower cannot operate unless the Perimeter Switch is turned on and the mower is on the inside of the active perimeter. Press the 'ON" button to turn on the switch. You will hear one short beep when the switch is first pressed, indicating it is on. If one of the other indicators is on refer to Chapter 7, Text Messaqes and Troubleshootinq for further help. WARNING! Serious injury or death can occur.
3.4 Scanning (Mowing) Keep in mind that the Robomower will not mow all the grass on its first pass, in fact it will leave uncut grass in between many of the legs it makes. This is expected and is entirely normal. These uncut areas will be cut on subsequent passes of the Robomower across the lawn. Just like a dishwasher, wait until the job is finished before you can appreciate the results. The Robomower will continue to run for the amount of time selected or for the default 'MAX' time, which is generally 2.
Chapter 4 Power Pack Charging & Power Management 4.1 Charging The standard charger (power supply) included with your Robomower will re-charge the Power Pack from the 'Recharge Battery' level in approximately 24 hours, depending on conditions. Figure 4.1 There is a fast charger available as an accessory. See the accessories available for your Robomower in Chapter 10. Connect the output lead of the charger, Figure 4.2, into the charging socket, located under the Manual Controller holder, Figure 4.3.
_ry Icc! The importance of proper charging and maintenance of the Robomower Power Pack cannot be stressed enough. Failure to follow the recommended charging procedures will result in poor performance of the Robomower and shorten the life of the Power Pack. 4.3 Off-season storage The Power Pack is best to stay connected to the charger at all times of non-use. The charging system is designed to operate continuously without a problem and will not damage the Power Pack.
Chapter 5 Manual Operation 5.1 Driving and Navigating The Robomower is equipped with a Manual Controller that allows you to easily drive it. Using your thumb or index finger of your right hand, gently press the navigator button in the direction you want to drive. The button is omni-directional, allowing for slight turns as well as sharp turns, all the way to a complete circle. WARNINGt Serious injury can occur. Always wear appropriate footwear when driving and using the Robomower in the manual mode.
Chapter 6 Operator Settings and Advanced Features 6.1 User Options Lifting the Manual Controller from its holder will change the text display on the LCD to the manual operating menu, as seen in Figure 6.1. Use the arrow keys to view options. Pressing 'GO' once w= take you to the next screen, User Preferences'. Figure 6.2. Press 'GO' to view the menu of user preferences, beginning with 'Sound" Figure 6.3. Using the 'Up 1_Down _: arrow keys will allow you to scroll through these menu items.
6.2 Sound Allows user to shut off non-safety related operating sounds. 6.3 Mowing Allows user to turn blade operation and manual mowing. off, preventing blade operation during automatic operation 6.4 Language Allows the user the option of viewing the LCD text in several different language versions. 6.5 Work Time Allows the user the option of setting the operating time from the 'MAX' default ranging from 20 minutes up to 2 hours. Figure 6.5 This option is available for zones, A, B, C or D.
I Figure 6.6 I Use the 'Up" _ or 'Down" _ arrow keys to scroll to the next message text. [ User Options Press GO UserPressPreferehceSGo ! L Learn Edge Press GO Press 'GO' Press 'GO' Press 'GO" Scrolling up or down will change the zone, if a time is set for that zone. Press 'GO" Driving around perimeter. Press the 'Stop' button when the ees_red distance has been reached. 6.8 Set Default Edge Selecting Default Edge restores the factory default edge distance to the specific zone selected. 6.
6.11 Safety Tests When selected, the safety test feature will allow you to test the primary safety devices on the Robomower; 1) front and rear bumpers, 2) lift sensor and 3) the Manual Controller buttons. Follow the prompts on the menus for testing. Never use the Robomower with a safety device or feature not properly operating. Never attempt to disable or bypass any safety device or system. See an authorized Friendly Robotics service facility for repair or information regarding any safety system or device.
Chapter 7 Text Messages and Troubleshooting 7.1 Messaging The Robomower is equipped with a sophisticated monitoring system that will notify you in the form of a text message in the LCD panel when common operational faults occur. In addition, it will also communicate in text form several messages that are meant as a prompt to the user to perform a certain function or action.
Probable Cause/Event Restart Elsewhere Start Elsewhere Theft Guard On (RL800 & RL850 only) Move From Wire Calibration failure from interference in the immediate area. An unknown fault has occurred and operator help is required. The theft guard system is activated. The Robomower is positioned too close or on top of the perimeter wire. Mowing Overload Coolin.q TWait... The drive motors have been working under a severe load for too long of a time.
7.2 Other Operational or Fault Problems Problem Encountered Probable Cause/Event ! ! Wire disconnected "Cut wire" indicator flashing on Perimeter Switch ! from switch Perimeter wire cut Poor connections Weak batteries "Replace Battery" indicator flashing on Perimeter Switch Perimeter wire too long for one zone Perimeter Switch will not activate when turned on Batteries are completely discharged. Batteries installed with wrong polarity position.
Problem Encountered Probable Cause/Event Corrective/User Action Power Pack is not fully charged "Work Time' for that zone is set to Short run time, operates less time than normal stop at a pre-determined duration. Grass is extremely over grown or very wet. Dull blades. Power Pack is reaching a normal end of life state. Connect the charger to the mower and keep it connected until the 'Ready- Keep Charging" message displays in the LCD screen.
Chapter 8 Specifications Dimensions 35" L x 26" W x 12.5" H (89 x 66.5 x 31.5 cm) Weight 50 lb. (22.6 Kg) Unit & 28 lb. (12.6 Kg) Power Pack Front Power Pack 24 volt, sealed Rear Normal Ground Speed 20"/sec. (.
Chapter 9 Care and Maintenance 9.1 Mowing Deck The underside of the mowing deck needs to be inspected, and cleaned if necessary, between operations. The Robomower is a dedicated mulching mower and because of this can accumulate clippings under the mowing deck, particularly when mowing wet and damp grass. Figure 9.2 Serious injury can occur. Always remove Power Pack before lifting mower. Blades are very sharp and can cause severe cuts or lacerations.
Squeeze tabs & pull I ! I 0 Squeeze tabs & pull Locking tabs i Figure 9.1 ! ! Squeeze here ALWAYS REMOVE POWER PACK BEFORE SERVICING BLADES! Squeeze here I Mating spline I To remove blades, squeeze locking tabs on each side of blade retainer, then pull blade assembly off, away from mower. When reinstalling the blade, line up the mating splines and push until a firm click is heard, indicating a proper seating of the blade onto the shaft. Figure 9.
Chapter 10 Accessories Perimeter Switch Convenience of having a switch for each zone and not moving one switch from zone to zone. Peg Pack (50) -or arger lawns and additional zones. Perimeter Wire -or arger lawns and additional zones. Power Pack Convenience of increasing capacity with a second battery. Connector Kit Includes two Perimeter Switch connectors for additional zones and three silicon filled wire nuts for repairing or splicing the perimeter wire.
FricndlyRobotics Friendly Robotics RL Series Limited Warranty Friendly Robotics warrants to the original purchaser that the RL series 'Product' is free from defects in materials and workmanship when used under normal residential* purposes for a period of 24 months, 12 months for the batteries, beginning from the date of purchase. Product accessories, including replacement batteries, are warranted for a period of ninety days from the date of purchase.
Robotics allen Have a question? Please contact your local dealer Or call us at: 01964 503817
