Winterizing your robotic lawnmower: The 7-point professional checklist for 2025

As soon as the first frost hits the lawn, many owners wonder how to properly winterize their robotic lawnmower. Improper preparation can lead to damage to the battery, electronics, or cutting mechanism, delaying the start of the next season. This seven-step checklist will show you how to winterize your robotic lawnmower. From proper battery care and cleaning to blade replacement and safe storage of the charging station, we cover everything you need to ensure your robot survives the winter unscathed and is ready to go in the spring.

Point 1. Choose the perfect time to winterize your robotic lawnmower ✅

Timing is crucial; those who react too late risk a robotic lawnmower stuck in a zombie-like state in spring instead of a ready-to-use garden helper. Here's how to avoid costly surprises at the start of winter.

When should robotic lawnmowers be stored for the winter?

Fixed calendar dates are irrelevant; nature sets the pace. If nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 10 degrees Celsius and grass growth stagnates, it's time to winterize the robotic lawnmower. The robot should be brought indoors to a dry location no later than the first frost; otherwise, the battery will suffer unnecessary damage.

Does the robotic lawnmower need to mow one more time before winter?

Yes, absolutely. This isn't an option, it's a necessity, not for the robotic lawnmower, but for the health of your lawn. A final clean cut to about 4 centimeters prevents long, wet blades of grass from rotting under the snow and fungal diseases like snow mold from developing.

What else needs to be done before the robotic lawnmower is switched off for the winter?

Check for a firmware update. Many manufacturers, like Segway Navimow, optimize the charging algorithm and battery hibernation mode in the fall. Briefly connect, install the update, and then switch off. One small click to prepare the battery for winter storage.

Point 2. Perform a general cleaning before putting the robotic lawnmower into winter storage ✅

The timing is set, now it's time to get down to business. After a whole summer of wet grass, soil, and insect remains, a mixture clings to the bottom of the robotic lawnmower that not only looks unsightly but can also cause serious technical problems if left over the winter.

Why is pre-winter cleaning so important for your robotic lawnmower?

Damp grass clippings are acidic and promote corrosion of blade screws and charging contacts over weeks and months. Dried dirt can block moving parts like wheels or the mower deck in the spring, putting unnecessary strain on the engine. Not to mention that nobody wants to cultivate a moldy breeding ground in their garage or basement.

How does the cleaning of the robotic lawnmower work before the winter break?

Before getting down to business, first gather the right tools. Pressure washers or running water are taboo. Anyone reaching for a pressure washer risks damaging bearings and electronics, and potentially resulting in an expensive total breakdown this spring. Instead, you should have the following on hand:

• Brushes: hard for coarse dirt, soft for the casing
• A wooden or plastic spatula, or even an old kitchen scraper, will do to loosen encrusted grass from the mower deck.
• Compressed air spray or compressor for hard-to-reach corners
• A slightly damp cloth for the finish on the case

Step-by-step battle plan:

• Safety first: Put on work gloves, the knives are sharp even when stationary.
• Remove coarse debris: Turn the robot upside down and use a spatula to loosen the thick dirt from the mowing deck and wheel wells.
• Fine work: Clean the mower deck and wheels with a stiff brush, blow compressed air into all crevices and ventilation slots.
• Finish: Wipe the casing with a damp cloth to ensure everything looks clean.
• Check charging contacts: Thoroughly wipe the robot and charging station dry. If you notice any signs of corrosion, carefully use fine sandpaper. Clean contacts guarantee a smooth start in the spring.

Point 3. The battery – Making the heart of the robotic lawnmower winter-proof ✅

Your robotic lawnmower may look sleek on the outside, but its true heart, the battery, is invisible and also the most expensive part. Welcome to the biggest holy war in the robotic lawnmower world, where even manufacturers contradict each other. We'll show you the only truly sensible method to get your battery through the winter unscathed.

To what percentage should the battery be charged?

Modern lithium-ion batteries don't like being charged to either 0% or 100%. Both put unnecessary stress on the cells. An ideal charge level is between 80% and 90%. This allows the battery to compensate for natural self-discharge over several months without constantly being under maximum voltage.

How do you properly store the robotic lawnmower battery over the winter?

• Reaching the target charge level: After cleaning, fully charge the robot once. Then, allow the battery to discharge slightly by letting it idle briefly without mowing. This will bring it to the ideal winter charge level of approximately 80 to 90 percent. Finally, completely switch off the robotic lawnmower using the main switch.
• Proper storage: If the battery is removable, take it out. Store the battery or the entire robot in a dry, cool, and frost-free location. Temperatures between 10°C and 15°C are ideal. A boiler room is often too warm, and an unheated garage too cold.
• Optional professional check: For optimal performance, check the battery charge level in mid-January. If it drops below 40%, recharge for one to two hours. This will prevent deep discharge and noticeably extend the battery's lifespan.

Point 4. Sharpen your knives for the new year ✅

Once the battery and robot are prepared, it's time to focus on the cutting mechanism. A sharp blade isn't just a gimmick, but essential for a healthy lawn. The winter break is the ideal time to get everything sorted out.

Why change the blades now and not in the spring?

Two reasons: First, time and stress. In spring, you want to mow, not order spare parts and tinker. Second, the cutting result. Dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly. This leads to frayed tips and a higher susceptibility to disease.

Sharpen or replace the knife?

For small blades, like those on the Segway Navimow i-series, sharpening is more theoretical than practical. Replacement is the clear solution. A new set costs little, guarantees perfect sharpness, and the correct balance. With large, fixed blades, like those on the Segway Navimow X3, sharpening can work, but here too, replacement is the hassle-free solution.

Point 5. Properly secure the charging station and cable for the winter ✅

The electronics in the charging station are almost as sensitive as those in the robot. Moisture and frost can cause corrosion and expensive damage, so handle with care.

Should I dismantle the charging station or leave it outside?

The clear recommendation is: dismantle the charging station. This will reliably protect the electronics and charging contacts from frost and moisture. If you cannot dismantle the station, disconnect it from the power grid and cover it completely with a bucket or a sturdy tarpaulin.

What happens to the cables of the robotic lawnmower during the winter break?

With a traditional robotic lawnmower, the exposed ends of the boundary wire at the charging station must be protected from moisture, for example, in a waterproof box or with contact grease. For a simpler solution, the ends can be placed in a plastic bag and wrapped tightly. The wireless Segway Navimow i105 doesn't require a boundary wire at all, so this point is irrelevant for winter storage. The only remaining requirement is to store the charging station and power supply in a dry, frost-free environment.

Point 6. Storage – Finding the perfect winter quarters ✅

You've cleaned the robot, charged the battery, and replaced the blades. But if you store it in the wrong place now, it will all have been for nothing. Winter storage isn't a minor matter; it's the final test.

The three commandments for the perfect storage location:

Remember these three words: dry, frost-free, safe.

• Dry: High humidity is detrimental to electronics. The storage location must be absolutely dry.
• Frost-free: Temperatures must not fall below freezing. Ideally, the temperature should be a constant 5°C to 15°C. An unheated metal garage or a drafty wooden shed is unsuitable.
• Of course: The robot must not fall over, be knocked over by bicycles, or be used as a storage place for heavy boxes.

How should the robot be stored?

Always store it upright on its own wheels on a flat surface. Never lay it upside down or on its side, otherwise pressure will be exerted on the wrong components for months. Wall mounting is only possible if the manufacturer offers a dedicated wall bracket that distributes the weight correctly. Without this bracket, wall mounting is strictly prohibited.

Point 7. Emergency plan and luxury option for winterizing your robotic lawnmower ✅

Life rarely goes according to plan. If you only discover this guide after the first frost, or if the whole procedure is too complicated, there are two lifelines.

Help! My robotic lawnmower was already outside in the frost. Is it now ruined?

Don't panic, but do the right thing. The biggest mistake is bringing the freezing cold robot indoors and immediately connecting it to the charging station. This can cause a short circuit. Here's the correct way:

• Get the robot into your home immediately.
• Place in a dry location and do not touch for 24 hours. Condensation will form inside the cold device in a warm room.
• Only switch it on after 24 hours of acclimatization and complete the remaining checklist, such as cleaning and charging. There's a good chance it survived.

I want to save myself the work. Is there an easier way to winterize my robotic lawnmower?

Yes, the "worry-free" or luxury option. Many specialist retailers and manufacturers offer a professional winter service. You drop off the appliance in the fall and pick it up perfectly serviced in the spring. The service includes:

• Professional cleaning with special tools
• Blade replacement and engine inspection
• Software update and functional diagnostics
• Controlled charging and storage of the battery
• Safe, dry storage

Yes, it costs money, but it saves work, guarantees a perfect result, and is the best insurance for your investment.

Conclusion: Well prepared for the next season

An hour's work in autumn will save you expensive repairs and gray hairs in spring. With this checklist, you've not only done everything right, but more than most. Now your robotic lawnmower deserves its winter break, and so do you.