How long do robot lawn mowers last?

What decides lifespan

A robot that mows a small lawn for a few hours a week has an easier life than one working long days on a large, sloping plot. Build quality, the availability of spare parts and the maker's software support all matter. Brands with long histories and dealer networks, such as Husqvarna, have well established spares and servicing, which helps a robot stay in use for longer.

Husqvarna Automower models compared →

Part by part

Most of a robot's wear is concentrated in a few parts, and most of them can be replaced.

The battery

Lithium batteries lose capacity gradually with charge cycles and age. You will notice the robot needing to return to the dock more often. Many makers sell replacement batteries, and swapping one is often straightforward, sometimes a dealer job. A new battery can give an older robot a new lease of life.

Battery life is extended by storing the robot indoors over winter at the charge level the maker recommends, and by avoiding extreme heat. Our guide to storing mower batteries over winter applies.

Blades and wheels

Blades are designed as consumables. Replacing them on schedule keeps the cut clean and reduces strain on the blade motor. Wheels and tyres wear faster on slopes and rough lawns; keeping them clean preserves grip and reduces slipping, which also wears them.

How to clean and maintain a robot mower →

Boundary wire and wire-free hardware

A boundary wire can last for many years once buried or bedded in. It is most often damaged by edging tools, scarifiers and digging. Breaks are easy to repair with joiners. On wire-free robots, the RTK antenna and any reference station have no moving parts; keep them secure and clear of growing branches. Software support matters for wire-free models, as maps and navigation rely on app and firmware updates.

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How to make a robot last longer

A few simple habits add seasons to a robot's life. The list below sets them out.

• Store it indoors over winter, clean and dry
• Clean the underside every week or two in season
• Replace blades on schedule and all at once
• Keep the charging contacts clean
• Install software updates
• Choose a robot rated comfortably above your lawn size
• Have it serviced if the maker or dealer offers a winter service

Before you buy: check spares and support

Look at whether the maker sells replacement batteries, wheels and blades in the UK, and whether there is a service network. A model rated for more area than you need will work fewer hours and wear more slowly. Our guides to the best robot lawn mowers and robots for slopes list established models.

Are robot mowers worth it? →

Signs your robot is wearing out

Watch for a few tell-tale signs. The robot returns to charge more often or cannot finish its schedule, which points to a tired battery. The cut becomes uneven or the robot is noisier, which can mean worn blades or a blade motor that needs attention. The robot slips on slopes it used to climb, which suggests worn wheels. Most of these have straightforward fixes.

If a robot needs a new battery, wheels and blades in the same season, compare the cost of the parts with a new model. A newer robot may offer better navigation, but an established model with fresh parts often still mows perfectly well.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a robot mower battery last? It loses capacity gradually over several seasons. Replacement batteries are available for most models.

Is it worth replacing a robot mower battery? Often, yes, if the robot is otherwise in good order.

Do robot mowers break down a lot? Most faults are simple: dirty contacts, wire breaks or worn blades. Regular cleaning prevents many of them.

Should I leave my robot mower out in winter? Most makers recommend storing it indoors over winter.