H U SQVARNA AUTOMOWE R ® 305 OPE R ATOR’S MAN UAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction and safety .............................................................. 1.1 Introduction ..................................................................................... 1.2 Symbols on the product .............................................................. 1.3 Symbols in the Operator’s Manual .......................................... 1.4 Safety instructions ........................................................................ 5 5 6 7 8 2. Presentation ......
MEMO Serial number: PIN code: Dealer: Dealer’s telephone number: If the mower is unexpectedly stolen, it is important to notify your dealer of this. Provide the serial number of the mower so that is can be registered as stolen in the central systems at Husqvarna AB. It is an important step in theft protection procedure which reduces interest in the buying and selling of stolen mowers. www.automower.
1. INTRODUCTION AND SAFETY 1. Introduction and safety 1.1 Introduction Congratulations on your choice of an exceptionally high quality product. To get the best results from your Husqvarna Automower® requires knowledge of its function. This Operator's Manual contains important information about the mower, how it must be installed and how to use it. As a complement to this Operator's Manual, there is more information available on the Automower® website, www.automower.com.
1. INTRODUCTION AND SAFETY 1.2 Symbols on the product These symbols can be found on the robotic lawn mower. Study them carefully. • Read through the Operator’s Manual carefully and understand the content before using your Automower®. The warnings and safety instructions in this Operator’s Manual must be carefully followed if the mower is to be used safely and efficiently. • Automower® can only start when the main switch is moved to the 1 position and the correct PIN code has been entered.
1. INTRODUCTION AND SAFETY 1.3 Symbols in the Operator’s Manual These symbols can be found in the Operator’s Manual. Study them carefully. • Turn the main switch to 0 before carrying out any inspections and/or maintenance. • Always wear protective gloves when working with the mower’s underframe. • Never use a high-pressure washer or even running water to clean Automower®. • A warning box indicates a risk of personal injury exist, especially when the stated instructions are not followed.
1. INTRODUCTION AND SAFETY 1.4 Safety instructions Use • • • • • • • • • • • • • PThis robotic lawn mower is designed to mow grass in open and level ground areas. It may only be used with the equipment recommended by the manufacturer. All other types of use are incorrect. The manufacturer’s instructions with regard to operation, maintenance and repair must be followed precisely.
1. INTRODUCTION AND SAFETY Transport The original packaging should be used when transporting Automower® over long distances. To safely move from or within the working area: 1. Press the STOP button to stop the mower. If security is set to the medium or high level (see 6.5 Security (3) on page 47), the PIN code has to be entered. The PIN code has four digits and is chosen when the mower is started for the first time, see 3.8 First start-up and calibration on page 32. 2. Set the main switch to position 0.
2. PRESENTATION 2. Presentation This chapter contains information that is important to be aware of when planning the installation. An installation of Husqvarna Automower® includes four main components: • The Automower® is a robotic lawn mower that mows the lawn by essentially operating in a random pattern. The mower is powered by a maintenance-free battery. • Charging station, where your Automower® returns when the charge level in the battery becomes too low.
2. PRESENTATION 2.1 What’s what? 2 3 5 4 1 6 7 15 14 11 8 12 9 13 17 10 16 20 18 19 21 22 23 24 The numbers in the picture correspond to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
2. PRESENTATION 2.2 Function Capacity The Automower® is recommended for lawns up to 0.12 acre (500 m2) in size. How big an area Automower® can keep cut depends primarily on the condition of the blades and the type, growth and moisture of the grass. The shape of the garden is also significant. If the garden mainly consists of open lawns, Automower® can mow more per hour than if the garden consists of several small lawns separated by trees, flower beds and passages.
2. PRESENTATION Working method Automower® automatically mows the lawn. It continuously combines mowing and charging. The mower starts to search for the charging station when the battery charge becomes too low. Automower® does not mow when it is searching for the charging station. When Automower® searches for the charging station, it first searches irregularly for the guide wire. Then it follows the guide wire to the charging station, turns around just in front of the station and backs into it.
2. PRESENTATION The control panel on the top of Automower® is where you manage all the mower settings. Open the control panel cover by pressing down the STOP button. When the main switch is set to position 1 for the first time, a start-up sequence begins which includes: When the main switch is set to position 1 for the first time, a start-up sequence begins which includes: language selection, time format, date format and the four-digit PIN code and setting the time and date, see 3.
3. INSTALLATION 3. Installation This chapter describes how you install the Husqvarna Automower®. Before starting the installation read the previous chapter 2. Presentation. Read also through this entire chapter before beginning the installation. How the installation is made also affects how well Automower® will work. It is therefore important to plan the installation carefully. Planning is simplified if you make a sketch of the working area, including all obstacles.
3. INSTALLATION • Charging station (6) • Loop wire for the boundary wire and guide wire (16) • Transformer (20) • Low voltage cable (17) • Staples (21) • Connector for the loop wire (18) • Screws for the charging station (19) • Measurement gauge (22) • Solderless coupler for the loop wire (23) During installation you will also need: • Hammer/plastic mallet to simplify putting the staples in the ground • Combination pliers for cutting the boundary wire and pressing the contact units together.
3. INSTALLATION The charging station must be positioned with a great deal of free area in front of it (at least 10 ft/3 metres). It should also be centrally placed in the working area so that Automower® finds it easier to reach all areas in the working area. Do not put the charging station in confined spaces in the working area. There must be a straight boundary wire, at least 5 feet (1.5 metres) long, to the right and left of the charging station.
3. INSTALLATION If the installation is done in a working area with a steep slope (such as around a house on a hill), the charging station should be placed in the area at the bottom of the slope. This makes it easier for the lawn mower to follow the guide wire to the charging station. The charging station should not be placed on an island as this limits the laying of the guide wire in an optimal way.
3. INSTALLATION The transformer shall be mounted on a vertical surface, for example a house wall. Mount the transformer with screws in the two attachment points. Securing screws are not included. Choose screws suitable for the wall material. Mount the transformer at a height such that there is no risk the transformer can become submerged in water (minimum 12”/30 cm from the ground). The transformer must never be placed on the ground.
3. INSTALLATION IMPORTANT INFORMATION Do not tread or walk on the charging station plate. 3.3 Charging the battery As soon as the charging station is connected, it is possible to charge the mower. The mower can be charged as soon as the charging station is connected. Set the main switch to the 1 position. Place Automower® in the charging station to charge the battery while the boundary and guide wires are being laid. If the battery is empty, it takes around 3 hours to fully charge it.
3. INSTALLATION 3.4 Installation of the boundary wire The boundary wire can be installed in one of the following ways: 1. Securing the wire to the ground with staples. It is preferable to staple down the boundary wire if you want to make adjustments to the boundary wire during the first few weeks of operation. After a few weeks the grass will have grown over the wire making it no longer visible. Use a hammer/plastic mallet and the staples supplied when carrying out the installation. 2. Bury the wire.
3. INSTALLATION Boundaries for the working area If a high obstacle, for example a wall or fence, borders the working area, the boundary wire should be laid 12" (30 cm) from the obstacle. This will prevent Automower® from colliding with the obstacle and reduce body wear. About 8” (20 cm) around the fixed obstacle will not be mown. If the working area borders against a small ditch, for example, a flower bed or a small elevation, e.g.
3. INSTALLATION Boundaries within the working area Use the boundary wire to demarcate areas inside the working area by creating islands around obstacles that can not withstand a collision, for example, flower beds and fountains. Run the cable out to the area, route it around the area to be demarcated and then back along the same route. If staples are used, the wire should be laid under the same staple on the return route.
3. INSTALLATION Passages when mowing Long and narrow passages and areas narrower than 5 – 7 feet (1.5 - 2 metres) should be avoided. When the Automower® mows there is a risk that it will travel around in the passage or area for a period of time. The lawn will then look flattened. Slopes The boundary wire can be laid across a slope that slants less than 10 %. The boundary wire should not be laid across a slope that is steeper than 10 %. There is a risk of Automower® finding it difficult to turn there.
3. INSTALLATION Laying out the boundary wire If you intend to staple down the boundary wire: • Cut the grass very low with a standard robotic lawn mower or a trimmer where the wire is to be laid. It will then be easier to lay the wire close to the ground and the risk of the mower cutting the wire or damaging the wire’s insulation is reduced. • Make sure to lay the boundary wire tight to the ground and secure the staples close together with approximately 30" (75 cm) between each staple.
3. INSTALLATION Laying the boundary wire in towards the charging station The boundary wire must be laid in line with the rear end of the charging station. If the boundary wire is laid in any other way, the robotic lawn mower may find it hard to find the charging station. In many cases, the straight wire section to the left of the charging station can be reduced to 3 feet (1 metres).
3. INSTALLATION 3.5 Connecting the boundary wire Connect the boundary wire to the charging station: IMPORTANT INFORMATION The boundary wire must not be crossed when connecting to the charging station. The end of the right hand wire must be connected to the right hand pin on the charging station and the end of the left hand wire to the left hand pin. 1. Place the cable ends in the connector: • Open the connector. • Place the wire in the connector grip. 2.
3. INSTALLATION 3.6 Installation of the guide wire The guide wire is a wire that is laid away from the charging station, for instance out towards a remote part of the working area or through a narrow passage and then connected with the boundary wire. The guide wire is used by the mower to find its way back to the charging station but also to guide the mower to remote areas of the garden.
3. INSTALLATION Placement and connection of the guide wire 1. Draw the wire through the slot in the bottom of the charger plate. 2. Fit the connector to the guide wire in the same way as for the boundary wire in 3.5 Connecting the boundary wire. Connect it to the contact pin on the charging station that is labelled “guide”. 3. Route the guide wire at least 7 ft (2 metres) straight out from the front edge of the charging plate.
3. INSTALLATION • - In the passage, the guide wire must therefore be placed so that the mower has as much space in which to run as possible. The distance between the boundary wire and the guide wire must however be at least 12” (30 cm). Maximum distance At least 12”/30 cm At least 7ft/2 m If the guide wire has to be installed on a steep slope, it is an advantage to lay the wire at an angle to the slope. This makes it easier for the mower to follow the guide wire on the slope.
3. INSTALLATION 6. Connect the guide wire to the boundary wire with the help of a solderless coupler: Insert the boundary wire in each of the holes in the coupler. Insert the guide wire in the center hole in the connector. Check that the wires are fully inserted into the connector so that the ends are visible through the transparent area on the other side of the connector. Use pliers to completely compress the button on the connector. It does not matter which holes are used to connect each wire. 7.
3. INSTALLATION 3.8 First start-up and calibration Before the mower is operated, a start-up sequence in the mower's menu must be carried out as well as an automatic calibration of the guide signal. The calibration is also a good test to see that the installation of the guide wire has been done in such a way that the mower can easily follow the guide wire from the charging station. 1. Set the main switch to the 1 position. 2. Open the control panel cover by pressing the STOP button.
3. INSTALLATION 3.9 Test docking with the charging station Before using the mower, check that it can follow the guide wire all the way to the charging station and easily dock with the charging station. Perform the test below. 1. Open the control panel cover by pressing the STOP button. 2. Place the mower close to the point where the guide wire is connected to the boundary wire. Place the mower about 7ft (2 metres) from the guide wire, facing the guide wire. 3.
4. USE 4. Use 4.1 Charging a discharged battery When Husqvarna Automower® is new or has been stored for a long period the battery will not be charged and needs to be charged before starting. Charging takes approximately 80 to 100 minutes. 1. Set the main switch to the 1 position. 2. Place Automower® in the charging station. Open the cover and slide the mower in as far as possible to ensure proper contact between the mower and the charging station. 3.
4. USE 4.2 Using the timer The lawn should not be cut too often to obtain the best mowing result. Use the timer function (see 6.3 Timer (1) on page 43 to avoid a downtrodden lawn and to get the maximum life from your Automower®. When setting the timer, calculate that the Automower® mows around 30 m2 (323 sq ft) per hour. For example; if the working area is 359 square yards (300 m2), the mower must operate for 10 hours a day.
4. USE 4.3 Starting 1. Set the main switch to the 1 position. 2. Press the STOP button to open the control panel cover. 3. Enter the PIN code. The PIN code request can be disabled. For more information about theft protection, see 6.5 Security (3). 4. Push the Start button. 5. Shut the cover within 10 seconds. If the mower is parked in the charging station, it will only leave the charging station when the battery is fully charged and if the timer is set to allow the mower to operate.
4. USE 4.6 Adjusting the cutting height The cutting height can be varied from MIN 0.8" (2 cm) to MAX 2" (5 cm). During the first week after a new installation, the cutting height must be set to MAX to avoid damaging the loop wire. After this, the cutting height can be lowered one step every week until the desired cutting height has been reached. 1 2 3 4 5 If the grass is long it is appropriate to let Automower® start mowing at the MAX cutting height.
5. CONTROL PANEL 5. Control panel All forms of commands and settings for Husqvarna Automower® are made via the control panel. All functions are accessed via a number of menus. The control panel consists of a display and a keypad. All information is shown on the display and all input is done using the buttons. When the stop button has been pressed and the cover is opened, the operation window appears to display the clock, selected operating mode, number of mowing hours, battery status and timer setting.
5. CONTROL PANEL 5.1 Operation selection The operation selection button is symbolised by a house. When the button has been pressed, the selected operation mode is shown in the display. By consecutively pressing the button many times, one can choose between three different operation modes. 1. HOME: Sends the mower to the charging station. It remains here until another operation mode is selected. The text Home is shown in the operation window.
5. CONTROL PANEL 5.3 Numbers The number keys are used for instance to enter the PIN code or time settings. The number keys can also be used to enter a number series for shortcuts to the various menus. For more information on number series, see 6.1 Main menu on page 41. 5.4 Main switch Set the main switch in the 1 position to start Automower® . Set the main switch in the 0 position when the mower is not in use or work is being carried out on the blade disc.
6. MENU FUNCTIONS 6. Menu functions 6.1 Main menu The main menu consists of four options: • Timer (1) • Installation (2) • Security (3) • Settings (4) There are a number of submenus under each option. You can access all the functions to set Automower® settings via these. Browse between menus Browse the main menu and submenus using the multi-choice buttons. Enter values and times using the number keys and confirm each selection with the multi-choice button marked OK.
Work period 1 42 - English Work Work period 2 days Timer Guide width Medium Proportion Test in Often Always Test ut Test settings Distance Remote start Medium Wide Rarely Narrow Never Reset timer Installation Drivepast Wire Low Change PIN code Medium Security level Security High New loop signal Set time Set date Time & Date Time format Return to customer settings Date format Language Settings 6. MENU FUNCTIONS 6.
6. MENU FUNCTIONS 6.3 Timer (1) The lawn should not be cut too often to obtain the best mowing result. Consequently, it is important to limit the operating time using the timer function if the working area is less than the mower's working capacity. When Automower® is allowed to mow too much, the lawn may appear flattened. Besides, the mower is subjected to unnecessary wear.
6. MENU FUNCTIONS 6.4 Installation (2) The following operating settings are available via this selection in the main menu. • • Guide width (2-1) to select the distance from the guide wire the mower is allowed to travel when it follows this to and from the charging station. Remote start (2-2) to control the mower so that it can easier reach remote parts of the garden. • Test settings (2-3) to check the above settings.
6. MENU FUNCTIONS Narrow (2-1-3) With a narrow corridor, Automower® runs straight over the guide wire. The Narrow corridor setting is not normally recommended, but in a garden with one or many narrow passages, a narrow corridor may be the only option. The Narrow corridor setting increases the risk for tracks forming along the guide wire. IMPORTANT INFORMATION The distance the mower maintains from the guide wire varies depending on the layout of the working area.
6. MENU FUNCTIONS • Distance (2-2-2) Enter the distance in metres from the charging station along the guide wire to the remote area where the mower begins mowing. Tip! Use the Test OUT (2-3-2) function to determine how far it is to the remote area. The distance, stated in metres, will be shown in the mower display. Test settings (2-3) In the Test settings menu, it is possible to test settings for Remote start (2-2) and to test that the selected guide width works for the garden in question.
6. MENU FUNCTIONS State a distance that easily exceeds the true distance. The maximum distance that can be stated is 165 ft (500 metres). Place Automower® in the charging station and select Test OUT (2-3-2). The mower will immediately leave the charging station. The distance will be shown on the display, stated in metres, as the mower runs. Stop the mower at the required position and note the distance. Enter the number of metres shown in Distance for the area in question.
6. MENU FUNCTIONS Function Low Medium High Time lock X X X X X PIN request Alarm X IMPORTANT INFORMATION We recommend using the High security level at all times. Time lock This function entails that Automower® cannot be started after 30 days without first entering the correct PIN code. When the 30 days has passed Automower® will continue to mow as normal, but the Enter PIN code message appears when the cover is opened. Enter your code again and press OK.
6. MENU FUNCTIONS 6.6 Settings (4) The following operating settings are available via this selection in the main menu. • • • Time & Date (4-1) to set the current time and date, and the required time and date format. Language (4-2) to select which language is to be used in the menus. Timer Installation Time & Date Security Language Settings Reset customer setting Reset customer settings (4-3) to reset the mower to the settings it had when it left the factory.
7. GARDEN EXAMPLE 7. Garden example - Proposed installation and settings The mower's behaviour is controlled to a certain extent by what settings are made. Adapting the mower’s garden settings according to the shape of the garden makes it easier for the mower to regularly reach all parts of the garden and in doing so achieve a perfect mowing result. Different gardens require different settings. The following pages outline a number of examples of gardens with installation and setting proposals.
7. GARDEN EXAMPLE Proposals for installation and settings Area 598 square yards (500 m2). A number of islands and a 25% slope. Timer 07:00 - 23:00 (factory setting) Monday-Sunday Proportion Rarely (factory setting) Guide width Medium Remarks Place the charging station in the lower part of the working area. Lay the guide wire at an angle over the steep slope. Area 240 square yards (200 m2). L-shaped garden with charging station installed in the narrow area. Contains a couple of islands.
7. GARDEN EXAMPLE Proposals for installation and settings Area 180 square yards (150 m2). Unsymmetrical working area with a narrow passage and a number of islands. Timer 07:00 - 17:00 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday Proportion Rarely (factory setting) Guide width Medium Remarks The guide wire must be placed along the narrow passage to ensure the mower can locate the charging station with ease from the right hand side of the working area.
8. MAINTENANCE 8. Maintenance Check and clean Husqvarna Automower® regularly and replace worn parts if necessary to improve operating reliability and to ensure a longer service life. See 8.5 Transport and removal on page 55 for more details on cleaning. When Automower® is first used, the blade disc and blades should be inspected once a week. If the amount of wear during this period has been low, the inspection interval can be increased. It is important that the blade disc rotates easily.
8. MAINTENANCE Charging station Store the charging station and transformer indoors. The boundary wire and the guide wire can be left in the ground. The ends of the wires should be protected from dampness by putting them in a container with grease. 8.2 Service Leave your Automower® to a dealer for service prior to winter storage. This is essential in order to keep the mower in a good condition.
8. MAINTENANCE 4. Clean the blade disc and underframe using, e.g. a dish-brush. At the same time, check that the blade disc rotates freely in relation to the foot protection cover. If long blades of grass or other objects find their way in, these may impede the blade disc. Even a slight braking effect leads to a higher consumption of energy and longer mowing times, and at the worst will prevent the mower from being able to mow a large lawn.
8. MAINTENANCE 8.7 Blades WARNING Always use originalblades and screws when replacing. Only replacing the blades and reusing the screw can result in the screw wearing during mowing and shearing off. The blades can then be thrown out and cause serious injury. There are three blades on Automower®, which are screwed into the blade disc. All three blades and screws must be replaced at the same time to obtain a balanced mowing system.
8. MAINTENANCE Replacing the battery If the operating times for the mower are shorter than normal between charges, this indicates that the battery is getting old and eventually needs replacing. The battery is fine as long as the mower maintains a well-cut lawn. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Use Husqvarna's original battery only. Compatibility with other batteries cannot be guaranteed. 1. Set the main switch to position 0. 2. Turn the mower upside down. 3. Clean around the battery cover. 4.
9. TROUBLE SHOOTING 9. Trouble shooting In this chapter, we have listed a number of messages which may be shown in the display if there is a malfunction. There is a proposal as to the cause and the steps to take for each message. This chapter also presents some symptoms which can guide you if the mower does not work as expected. More suggestions for steps to take in the event of malfunction or symptoms can be found on www.automower.com. 9.
9. TROUBLE SHOOTING Message Cause Action Trapped Automower® has got caught in something. Free Automower® and rectify the reason for it getting trapped. Automower® gets stuck behind a number of obstacles. Check if there are any obstacles which make it hard for Automower® to move on from this place. The boundary wire connections to the charging station are crossed. Check that the boundary wire is connected correctly. The boundary wire is too close to the edge of the working area.
9. TROUBLE SHOOTING Message Cause Action No drive Automower® has got caught in something. Free the mower and rectify the reason for the lack of drive. If it is due to wet grass, wait until the lawn has dried before using the mower. The working area includes a steep slope. Maximum guaranteed slope is 25%. Steeper slopes should be isolated. See 3.4 Installation of the boundary wire on page 21. The guide wire is not laid at an angle on a slope.
9. TROUBLE SHOOTING 9.2 Indicator light on the charging station For a fully functional installation, the indicator light on the charging station must emit a solid green light. If something else appears, follow the troubleshooting guide below. There is more troubleshooting help on www.automower.com. If you still need help with troubleshooting, please contact the local dealer.
9. TROUBLE SHOOTING 9.3 Symptom If your Automower® does not work as expected, follow the troubleshooting guide below. There is a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) on www.automower.com which provides more detailed answers to a number of standard questions. It you still cannot find the reason for the fault, contact the local dealer.
9. TROUBLE SHOOTING Symptom Cause Action Automower® vibrates Damaged blades lead to imbalance in the cutting system. Inspect the blades and screws and replace them if necessary. See 8.7 Blades on page 56. Many blades in the same position lead to imbalance in the cutting system. Check that only one blade is fitted at each screw. Automower® moves but the blade disc does not rotate Automower® is looking for the charging station. No action.
9. TROUBLE SHOOTING 9.4 Finding breaks in the loop wire Breaks in the loop wire are usually the result of unconscious physical damage to the cable such as when gardening with a shovel. In countries with ground frost, even sharp stones that move in the ground can damage the wire. Breaks can also be due to too much tension in the wire during installation. Mowing the grass too low right after the installation can damage cable insulation.
9. TROUBLE SHOOTING 3. Connect the charging station to the power supply. Switch the connections between the guide wire and the boundary wire in the charging station. a) Switch connection A1 and Guide. If the indicator light flashes yellow, then the break is somewhere on the boundary wire between A1 and the point where the guide wire is connected to the boundary wire (thick black line in the illustration). Guide b) Put A1 and Guide back in their original positions. Then switch A2 and Guide.
9. TROUBLE SHOOTING 4. a) Assuming that the indicator light blinked yellow in test a) above. Reset all connections to their original positions. Then disconnect A2. Connect a new loop wire to A2.Connect the other end of this new loop wire somewhere at the centre of the installation. If the indicator light is green or flashing yellow, then the break is somewhere in the wire between the disconnected end and the point where the new wire is connected (thick black line in the illustration below).
9. TROUBLE SHOOTING 5. When the break is found, the damaged section must be replaced with a new wire. The damaged section can be cut out if it is possible to shorten the boundary wire. Always use original connectors.
10. TECHNICAL DATA 10. Technical data Data Automower® 305 Dimensions Length 22 ("55 cm) Width 15" (39 cm) Height 10" (25 cm) Weight 15 lbs (7 kg) Electrical system Battery Specialised Lithium-Ion battery, 18 V/1.6 Ah Transformer 120 V (230 V)/ 24 V Mean energy consumption at maximum use 9 kWh/month with a working area of 0.
ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS AUTOMOWER® is a trademark owned by Husqvarna AB. Copyright © 2012 HUSQVARNA. All rights reserved.
