Spring Robot Mower Startup Checklist — 12 Steps to a Great Season

MA MowAutonomous Editorial Team · Updated 2026-06-23 · 10 min read

After winter storage, your robot mower needs a proper startup procedure before its first mow of the season. This 12-step checklist ensures your mower is ready to perform all spring and summer.

1. Inspect the Mower for Damage

Before powering on the mower, inspect it for any damage that may have occurred during storage. Check the chassis for cracks, the wheels for damage, and the cutting deck for bent or missing parts. If you find damage, contact the manufacturer for repair before using the mower.

2. Clean the Mower Thoroughly

Even if you cleaned the mower before storage, give it another cleaning now. Use a brush to remove any dust or debris from the chassis, wheels, and sensors. Wipe down the camera lens (if applicable) and LiDAR sensor with a soft, dry cloth. Don't use water or cleaning solutions.

3. Install Fresh Blades

Install a fresh set of blades for the new season. Starting the season with sharp blades ensures clean cuts and reduces strain on the motor. Order 2-3 spare sets now so you have replacements throughout the season. Most mowers need new blades every 1-3 months.

4. Check the Battery

After winter storage, the battery should be at 40-60% charge (storage level). If it's below 30%, charge it to 50% before first use. If it's been stored at 0% or 100%, the battery may have degraded — check runtime per charge in the first few sessions and compare to last season.

5. Set Up the Charging Station

Reinstall the charging station in the same location as last year. Make sure it's level and the charging contacts are clean. Reconnect the power supply and verify the LED indicator is lit. If you have an RTK-GPS mower, reinstall the base station antenna in the same location.

6. Update Firmware

Check for firmware updates in the app. Manufacturers often release updates over the winter — install the latest version before the first mow. Firmware updates can take 30-60 minutes, so do this a day before you plan to start mowing.

7. Reconnect to Wi-Fi

If you changed your Wi-Fi password over the winter (or got a new router), you'll need to reconnect the mower to your Wi-Fi network. Follow the app's instructions for Wi-Fi setup. Make sure your router is on 2.4 GHz — most mowers don't support 5 GHz.

8. Verify Your Lawn Map

The mower should remember your lawn map from last season. Open the app and check the map — make sure the boundary is still accurate. If you've made landscaping changes (new garden beds, removed trees, etc.), you'll need to update the map.

9. Do a Test Mow

Before letting the mower run unsupervised, do a test mow while you're home. Watch the mower complete one full mow cycle: Does it stay within the boundary? Does it handle slopes and obstacles correctly? Does it return to the charging station when the battery gets low?

10. Set Your Mowing Schedule

Set a mowing schedule for the season. For most lawns, 2-3 mows per week is ideal during peak growing season (April-June). Reduce to 1-2 mows per week during summer (July-August) when grass grows slower. Increase again in fall (September-October).

11. Prepare Your Yard

Before the first mow, walk your yard and remove any debris that accumulated over winter: branches, leaves, toys, garden tools. Check for new obstacles (kids' play equipment, garden hoses) that weren't there last season. Mark any new no-mow zones in the app.

12. Set a Maintenance Schedule

Plan your maintenance for the season: (1) Replace blades every 1-3 months. (2) Clean the mower deck weekly. (3) Clean sensors weekly. (4) Check charging contacts monthly. (5) Update firmware when prompted. Put these on your calendar so you don't forget.