Does the robotic lawnmower's charging station need to be removed in winter? Tips for the winter break

As autumn draws to a close and the first frost sets in, lawns rarely require maintenance by robotic lawnmowers. Many garden owners store their robotic lawnmowers in garages or basements during the winter months. However, questions remain regarding the charging station: Does the charging station need to be removed from the robotic lawnmower in winter? Or can it stay outside? In this article, we explore the need to remove robotic lawnmower charging stations and provide tips for proper storage during the colder months.

What happens if the charging station is left outside in winter?

The question of whether the robotic lawnmower's charging station should be removed and brought indoors is often hotly debated in forums. First, it needs to be clarified: What happens if the charging station is left outside in winter? The main points of contention lie in two areas: the electronics and the material of the charging station.

In electronics

Electronic components are not designed to withstand constant humidity or frost. Even if the charging station can withstand low temperatures, temperature fluctuations can lead to condensation. As outdoor humidity increases, moisture accelerates the corrosion of circuit boards and can even cause short circuits. This ultimately shortens the lifespan of the robotic lawnmower's charging station. Some users claim that the circuit boards in charging stations are sealed to prevent frost and moisture from entering. However, most manufacturers' manuals do not explicitly mention this, so this claim remains questionable.

When it comes to material

Most charging stations for robotic lawnmowers are made of plastic. Similar to plastic flowerpots, this material typically becomes brittle with prolonged exposure to low temperatures, making them more prone to cracking. This phenomenon occurs when charging stations are exposed to frost and cold in winter. Furthermore, charging stations in certain regions must withstand enormous external stresses, such as snow loads. While the plastic can regain its original flexibility as temperatures rise, the station's casing may already be damaged by this time.

What do the manufacturers say about the storage of charging stations?

Although users have different opinions on storing robotic lawnmower charging stations, most manufacturers have already addressed this aspect in their manuals. For the more well-known brands, the recommendations are as follows:

Segway Navimow

For optimal performance and longevity, it is recommended to store the Navimow and charging station during the winter months when not in use.

Husqvarna

It's best to store the charging station and power cable indoors. The boundary wire and guide wire can remain in the ground.

Bosch

During the winter season, when temperatures are consistently below 5°C, store the mower and charging station in a safe and dry place out of reach of children.

Robomow

There are no specific instructions for storing the charging station during the winter. It can be left on the lawn during the winter. It is recommended to unplug the power adapter during the winter.

Worx

The charging station can remain outdoors even in winter. If you live in a region with very low temperatures, you should store it indoors.

So, does the charging station of the robotic lawnmower have to be removed in winter?

Now, it may seem like dismantling the charging station isn't absolutely necessary. However, to avoid voiding your warranty, it's advisable to follow the manufacturer's specific instructions for storing the charging station.

Top tip: Proper storage of your robotic lawnmower charging station in winter

After reading the information above, you may already have found the answer. For safety reasons, we strongly recommend that you dismantle the robotic lawnmower's charging station and store it indoors to extend its lifespan. However, in exceptional cases, the charging station can be left outdoors without dismantling it. Detailed preparation instructions can be found below.

Overwintering the robotic lawnmower charging station indoors

If you live in a region with heavy snowfall or winter temperatures below 5°C, it is advisable to store your robotic lawnmower and charging station indoors. The room should be dry and have a temperature between 10 and 15°C.

Regarding removal, many charging stations for robotic lawnmowers are designed to be user-friendly. For example, the manuals for the Navimow i Series robotic lawnmowers include detailed instructions for disassembly, making this process easy even for beginners. After disassembly, the following indoor locations are suitable for storing the mower and charging station:

• garage
• cellar
• storage room
• attic

Store the charging station outside without dismantling it

While it's safer to store the charging station indoors, it's certainly possible to leave it outdoors if dismantling it is too much of a hassle, winters in your region aren't particularly cold, or you don't have indoor space. Many manufacturers advocate this approach. However, be sure to make the following preparations in advance to ensure your charging station survives the winter outdoors:

• For example, use a suitable bucket and secure it so that it provides reliable protection during the winter months (suitable for heavy snowfall).
• Cover the charging station with a weatherproof, water-repellent cover and secure it with weights.
• Alternatively, you can also purchase a robotic lawnmower garage.
• It is best to leave the boundary wire and guide wire connected to the charging station.
• Separate the ends of the boundary wire and wrap them with insulating tape to prevent oxidation.

Implementing the above measures will make charging stations safer even when stored outdoors. However, it's important to note that robotic lawnmowers should still be stored indoors in a dry location—fully charged but unplugged.

Conclusion: Dismantle or keep in the garden?

Does the charging station on a robotic lawnmower generally need to be removed in winter? There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. If you have enough space in your home, we recommend removing the charging station and storing it in the basement or garage for safety reasons. If you can't store the charging station indoors, you'll need to take protective measures to prevent moisture corrosion, which could shorten its lifespan. We hope your robotic lawnmower and its charging station run smoothly in the spring!

FAQs

Can I simply cover the charging station instead of dismantling it?

It's not advisable. Even with a cover, you should look for materials that reinforce the structure. Furthermore, the covering material must be durable.

Can all brands of robotic lawnmower charging stations be left outside in winter?

Not necessarily. Different brands and models have different requirements. Therefore, you should always consult the respective manual. For example, the Segway Navimow i105 manual recommends removing the charging station and storing it indoors with the robotic lawnmower.

Do I need to remove my robotic lawnmower's battery in winter?

Yes, the battery must be removed from the robotic lawnmower and stored in a cool, dry place. This ensures the mower functions properly the following spring.