Robot Mower Winter Storage Guide — How to Store Your Mower Correctly
If you live in a climate where the ground freezes and grass goes dormant, you need to winterize your robot mower. Proper winter storage extends the life of your mower significantly — a mower that's stored correctly will last 7-10 years, while one that's left outside all winter may only last 3-5.
When to Store Your Mower for Winter
Stop mowing and store your robot mower when daytime temperatures consistently drop below 50°F (10°C) — typically late October to early November in most US climates. Grass stops growing at this temperature, so there's nothing for the mower to mow. Don't wait until the first frost — cold temperatures can damage the battery and electronics.
Step 1: Clean the Mower Thoroughly
Before storing, give the mower a thorough cleaning. Remove the cutting deck and clean out all grass buildup. Use a brush or compressed air to clean the underside of the deck, the wheels, and the chassis. Don't use a pressure washer — the high-pressure water can force moisture into the electronics. Let the mower dry completely before storing.
Step 2: Remove and Inspect the Blades
Remove the cutting blades and inspect them. If they're still sharp and in good condition, store them with the mower for next season. If they're worn or damaged, this is a good time to order replacements so you have them ready in spring. Clean the blade mounting area on the cutting deck.
Step 3: Prepare the Battery for Storage
The battery is the most expensive and most sensitive component of your robot mower. For lithium-ion batteries (used in all modern mowers), the ideal storage charge is 40-60% — not 0% and not 100%. Most mowers have a 'storage mode' or 'winter mode' in the app that automatically sets the battery to the correct charge level. If your mower doesn't have this feature, run the mower until the battery is about half-charged, then turn it off.
Step 4: Choose a Storage Location
Store the mower in a dry, temperature-controlled location. Ideal storage temperature is 50-70°F (10-21°C). Avoid locations that drop below freezing (which can damage the battery) or get above 80°F (which can accelerate battery degradation). A garage, basement, or climate-controlled shed works well. Avoid unheated sheds in cold climates.
Step 5: Store the Charging Station Too
Don't leave the charging station outside all winter — the electronics can be damaged by freezing temperatures and moisture. Unplug the charging station, disconnect the RTK base station antenna (if applicable), and store both in the same location as the mower. Clean the charging contacts on the station before storing.
Step 6: Update Firmware Before Storage
Before storing the mower, check for firmware updates and install them. This ensures the mower is ready to go when you take it out in spring. Updates can take 30-60 minutes, so do this before you put the mower away for the season.
Step 7: Spring Reactivation
When spring arrives (typically late March to early April in most US climates), reverse the process. Take the mower and charging station out of storage, install the blades (or new blades if you ordered replacements), set up the charging station in the same location as last year, and turn the mower on. The mower should remember your lawn map from last season — you shouldn't need to re-map unless you've made significant landscaping changes. Run one test mow cycle to make sure everything's working correctly before trusting it to run unsupervised.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What temperature is too cold for a robot mower?
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