How Long Will the Battery on My Robotic Lawnmower Last?
As robotic lawnmowers grow in popularity, many homeowners and businesses are enjoying the convenience of having a pristine lawn without the effort associated with traditional mowing. That’s because these intelligent, self-sufficient machines work tirelessly to keep your grass neat and healthy, navigating gardens with ease and precision. But one question we’re constantly asked is this: How long does the battery of a robotic lawnmower really last?
Whether you’re the proud owner of a high-tech robomow or considering making the switch, understanding battery longevity is essential. Not only does the robot mower battery determine how long the mower can operate between charges, but it also plays a key role in the long-term cost and efficiency of the machine. In this guide, we’ll explore what affects battery life, how to make your battery last longer, and why Ron Smith is the best company to use for all things robotic mower.
What Affects the Lifespan of a Robot Lawn Mower Battery?
There’s no single answer to how long a battery robot lawn mower will last. On average, the lifespan of a robot mower battery ranges from 2 to 5 years, but this can vary based on how and where the mower is used, the quality of the battery, and how well it’s maintained.
Usage Patterns and Lawn Size
A key determinant of robot mower battery lifespan is how frequently the machine is used. If you have a larger lawn and your automower is active for long hours every day, the number of charging cycles will accumulate faster, gradually degrading the battery. Smaller lawns typically require less frequent mowing, leading to fewer charging cycles and extended battery life.
If your garden size is close to the upper limit of what your robotic lawnmower can handle, it will need to operate nearly continuously. This intensive use places greater strain on the battery and can shorten its life. Conversely, choosing a model designed for larger spaces than your garden actually requires can reduce wear on the battery, allowing more downtime between charges.
Environmental Conditions
Temperature matters. Like most lithium-ion batteries, your Segway, STIHL, or Husqvarna robot mower battery is sensitive to extremes in temperature. Prolonged exposure to heat—such as mowing under direct summer sun—or operating in very cold conditions can reduce the battery’s ability to hold a charge. Therefore, It’s best to keep your charging station shaded and avoid using your robot mower during extreme weather.
During winter, when mowing isn’t needed, storing your mower in a dry, frost-free environment helps preserve the battery. Aim to charge the battery to around 80% before storage and avoid full discharges during this downtime.
Battery Quality and Technology
The vast majority of modern robotic lawnmowers use lithium-ion batteries. These are lighter, more powerful, and significantly more efficient than older types of battery. They also suffer less from the ‘memory effect’, which used to reduce capacity over time if batteries weren’t fully discharged before recharging.
That said, not all lithium-ion batteries are created equal. Higher quality brands tend to feature more robust battery technology. The Husqvarna Automower battery life, for instance, tends to be on the longer end of the spectrum, thanks to advanced cell design and intelligent power management systems built into the mower.
How to Tell When It’s Time to Replace the Battery
As its battery ages, you may notice your mower returning to its charging station more frequently or not covering the full lawn before needing a recharge. This is a clear sign that the robot mower battery capacity is declining.
Most robot lawnmowers are smart enough to report their battery health through their companion apps. With the Husqvarna Automower Connect Kit, for example, you can monitor battery levels, run times, and charging performance in real time. Once you notice a significant drop in runtime or erratic behaviour, it might be time to replace the battery. Fortunately, we can easily fit a new Automower battery for you, restoring your mower’s performance without the need to replace the entire unit.
Best Practices to Extend Robot Mower Battery Life
A little care goes a long way in ensuring you get the most from your robot lawn mower battery. Here’s how you can maximise its performance and longevity.
Keep Your Mower Clean
Dirt and grass clippings can cause drag on the mower’s wheels and put extra strain on the battery, so it’s important to regularly clean the cutting deck, blades, and wheels. Doing so not only reduces power consumption but also helps maintain a consistently good cut. STIHL and Husqvarna even offer dedicated cleaning and maintenance kits to make this task easier.
Dust and debris can also affect the mower’s sensors, leading to operational errors and wasted battery power. A quick wipe with a damp cloth can prevent such issues.
Maintain Sharp Blades
Dull blades require more energy to slice through the grass. This extra effort drains the battery faster and leads to uneven mowing. Changing the blades every few months keeps your robot working efficiently and reduces battery strain.
Use Smart Features Wisely
Most robotic lawnmowers come with smart scheduling options, for example adjusting mowing frequency based on grass growth. During dry spells, when growth slows, reducing mowing time helps conserve battery life without compromising on lawn quality.
IFTTT applets can also help by ensuring your mower only runs when necessary—such as avoiding mowing just after watering or when nobody is home—further reducing unnecessary battery usage.
Shaded Charging Stations and Smart Storage
Positioning the charging station in a shaded or cool location prevents overheating during charging. This is especially important in summer when direct sunlight can raise the battery’s internal temperature and shorten its lifespan.
During winter, store the mower indoors in a cool, dry place. Ideally, charge the robot mower battery to 80% and switch the machine off. Avoid full discharges during this period and store the unit horizontally to help preserve internal components.
Regular Servicing
Annual servicing by an authorised dealer, like us, is vital. During a service, we test the battery and use diagnostics to identify early signs of degradation. We also carry out other essential checks and update the software, ensuring your robotic lawnmower delivers top-notch performance throughout the mowing season.
Make the Most of Your Investment
A robotic lawnmower is an investment not just in convenience, but in the long-term health and appearance of your lawn. With proper care, the automower battery life can easily stretch beyond the three-year mark. By selecting a high-quality mower like those from Honda, Husqvarna, Segway, STIGA, or STIHL, you’ll be benefitting from state-of-the-art battery technology designed to go the distance.
So, if your current mower is approaching the end of its battery life, or if you’re just starting to explore the world of robot mowers, it pays to choose the right model—and the right supplier.
Why Buy Your Robotic Lawnmower from Us?
Here, at Ron Smith & Co, we don’t just sell garden machinery—we live and breathe it. With decades of experience and a superb selection of the most reliable robotic lawnmowers on the market, we’re perfectly placed to help you find the best match for your garden.
And whether you need advice on a Husqvarna automower battery life, support with installation, or just want to discuss the latest features in robotic mowing, our Robotic Mower Experts are always on hand to guide you.
Browse our unbeatable collection of robot mowers online today, or visit us in-store to explore the best in robotic lawn care. With our unbeatable product knowledge and after-sales support, your perfect lawn can be just a click away.
