Operator‘s Manual GARDENA Robotic Lawn Mower R40Li
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction and safety .............................................................. 1.1 Introduction ..................................................................................... 1.2 Symbols on R40Li ....................................................................... 1.3 Symbols in the Operator’s Manual .......................................... 1.4 Safety instructions ........................................................................ 5 5 6 7 8 2. Presentation ...
MEMO Serial number: PIN code: Product registration key: The Product Registration Key is a valuable document and must be stored in a safe place. This key is necessary for example to register the product on GARDENA’s website or to unlock the mower in the event of a lost PIN code. If the mower is stolen, it is important to notify GARDENA of this.
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 GARDENA R40Li 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 GARDENA’s website, www.gardena.
1. INTRODUCTION AND SAFETY 1.2 Symbols on R40Li 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 R40Li. The warnings and safety instructions in this Operator’s Manual must be carefully followed if the mower is to be used safely and efficiently. • R40Li 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 R40Li. • 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 • This 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 R40Li 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), the PIN code has to be entered. The PIN code contains four digits and is selected when you start the mower for the first time. See 3.8 First start-up and calibration. 2. Set the main switch to 0. 3.
2. PRESENTATION 2. Presentation This chapter contains information that is important to be aware of when planning the installation. An installation of GARDENA R40Li includes four main components: • R40Li, a robotic lawn mower that mows the lawn by essentially operating in a random pattern. The mower is powered by a maintenance-free battery. The mower is powered by a maintenance-free battery. • Charging station, where your R40Li 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 1 2 3 4 5 15 Start 14 9 12 3 5 6 7 8 9 13 17 10 18 2 4 0 11 8 1 16 19 20 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 R40Li is recommended for lawns up to 400 m2 in size. How big an area R40Li 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, R40Li 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 The R40Li 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. R40Li does not mow when it is searching for the charging station. When R40Li 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 R40Li is where you manage all the mower settings. Open the control panel cover by pressing down the STOP button. When the main switch is turned to 1 for the first time, a start-up sequence begins which includes the selection of the language, time format, date format and four-digit PIN code as well as setting of the time and date. See 3.8 First start-up and calibration for setting the main switch to position 1. See 6.
3. INSTALLATION 3. Installation This chapter describes how you install the GARDENA R40Li. 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 R40Li 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 • 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. • Edge cutter/straight spade if the boundary wire must be buried. 3.
3. INSTALLATION The charging station must be positioned with a great deal of free area in front of it (at least 3 metres). It should also be centrally placed in the working area so that R40Li 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 1.5 metres long, to the right and left of the charging station. The wire must be laid straight out from the rear end 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 Installation and connecting the charging station 1. Position the charging station in a suitable spot. 2. Connect the low voltage cable to the charging station. 3. Connect the transformer’s power cable to a 230V wall socket. If the transformer is connected to wall socket outdoors, it must be approved for outdoor use. 4. Attach the charging station to the ground using the supplied screws. Ensure the screws are screwed all the way down in the countersink.
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 30 cm from the obstacle. This will prevent R40Li from colliding with the obstacle and reduce body wear. About 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. a low verge (3 - 5 cm), the boundary wire should be laid 20 cm inside the working area.
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. Obstacles that can withstand a collision, for example, trees or bushes higher than 15 cm, do not need to be demarcated by the boundary wire. R40Li will turn when it collides with this type of obstacle.
3. INSTALLATION 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 R40Li finding it difficult to turn there. The mower will then stop and show the fault message Outside working area. The risk is at its greatest in damp weather conditions, as the wheels can slip on the wet grass.
3. INSTALLATION Laying out the boundary wire If you intend to staple down the boundary wire: • Cut the grass very low with a standard 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 insulation of the wire is reduced. • Make sure to lay the boundary wire tight to the ground and secure the staples close together with approximately 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, R40Li may find it hard to enter the charging station. In many cases, the straight wire section to the left of the charging station can be reduced to 1 metre.
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 right hand wire end must be connected to the right hand pin on the charging station and the left hand wire end to the left pin. 1. Place the cable ends in the connector: • Open the connector. • Place the wire in the connector grip. 2. Press the connector together using a pair of pliers.
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 same cable roll is used for both the boundary and guide wires. The guide wire is used by the R40Li 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 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 to run in as possible. The distance between the boundary wire and the guide wire must however be at least 30 cm. Maximum distance At least 30 cm/12” At least 2m/7ft 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. Avoid laying the wire at sharp angles.
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 centre hole in the coupler. Check that the wires are fully inserted into the coupler so that the ends are visible through the transparent area on the other side of the coupler. Use pliers to completely compress the button on the coupler. 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 position 1. 2. Open the control panel cover by pressing the STOP button.
3. INSTALLATION 3. Select Home mode by pressing the house symbol key and pressing OK when the cursor is at Home. Press Start and close the cover. 4. Check that the mower follows the guide wire all the way to the charging station and that it docks with the charging station. The test is approved only if the mower is able to follow the guide wire the entire distance to the charging station and dock at the first attempt. If the mover is unable to dock on the first attempt, it will automatically try again.
4. USE 4. Use 4.1 Charging a discharged battery When GARDENA R40Li 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 R40Li 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. The display shows a message that charging is in progress.
4. USE 4.2 Using the timer 24 h A B 2:30 h Standby The factory setting for the timer is 07:00-22:00 and it can operate every day of the week. This setting is suitable for a working area of about 400 m2. Mowing Ch arg ing The lawn should not be cut too often to obtain the best mowing result. Use the timer function (see 6.3 Timer (1) to avoid a downtrodden lawn and to get the maximum life from your R40Li. When setting the timer, calculate that R40Li mows around 30 m2 per hour and 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. 4. Push the Start button. 5. Shut the cover within 10 seconds. Start 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 7 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. 0 Before the blade disc starts, 5 beeps are heard for 2 seconds. 4.4 Stopping 1.
5. CONTROL PANEL 5. Control panel All forms of commands and settings for GARDENA R40Li 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.
5. CONTROL PANEL The keypad consists of four groups of buttons: operation selection button, multi-choice buttons, numbers and start button. Start 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 7 0 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.
5. CONTROL PANEL 5.2 Multi-choice buttons The three multi-choice buttons offer various functions, among others depending on where in the menu structure you are. The button function is shown at the very bottom of the display. Example: If you are in the main menu, the left button can be used to go back, the middle button confirms any selections and the right button helps you to scroll the menu. Start 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 7 0 5.
6. MENU FUNCTIONS 6. Menu functions 6.1 Main menu The main menu consists of three options: • Timer (1) • Security (2) • Settings (3) There are a number of submenus under each option. You can access all the functions to set R40Li settings via these. Start 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 hour 1 40 - English Work hour 2 Work days Timer Reset timer Low Change PIN code New loop signal Medium High Security level Security Set time Set date Time format Date format Time & Date Language Backlight Proportion Remote start Settings Calibrate Reset guide user 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 R40Li is allowed to mow too much, the lawn may appear flattened. Besides, the mower is subjected to unnecessary wear.
6. MENU FUNCTIONS 6.4 Security (2) Through this selection, settings relating to security and the connection between the mower and the charging station can be made. Timer Change PIN code Security Change PIN code (2-1) Security level Settings Enter the new PIN code and press OK. Enter the same code again and confirm by pressing OK. When the PIN code is changed, a message stating that the PIN code has been changed appears in the display momentarily.
6. MENU FUNCTIONS Alarm This function means that an alarm sounds if the PIN code is not entered within 10 seconds after the STOP button has been pressed or the mower has been lifted up for any reason. A ticking noise indicates that the PIN code must be entered to prevent triggering the alarm. The alarm can be turned off at any time by entering the correct PIN code. New loop signal (2-3) The loop signal is randomly selected to create a unique link between the mower and the charging station.
6. MENU FUNCTIONS Time & Date (3-1) This function allows you to set current time and required time format in R40Li. • Time (3-1-1) Enter the correct time and press OK to exit. • Time format (3-1-2) Place the cursor at the required time format:12h 24h Press OK to exit. • Date (3-1-3) Enter correct date and press OK to exit. • Date format (3-1-4) Place the cursor at the required date: YYYY-MM-DD (year-month-day) MM-DD-YYYY (month-day-year) DD-MM-YYYY (day-month-year). Press OK to exit.
6. MENU FUNCTIONS Remote start(3-4) One important function with the guide wire is the capacity to steer the mower to remote garden areas when required. This function is very useful in gardens where, for instance, the front and back are joined by a narrow passage where the charging station cannot be installed. With this function activated, (any option other than Never is selected) the R40Li will follow the guide wire from the charging station to the point where the guide wire connects to the boundary wire.
6. MENU FUNCTIONS Calibrate guide (3-5) The Calibrate guide (3-5) function allows you to test if the mower can follow the guide wire out from the charging station. To test the guide wire: 1. Place the R40Li in the charging station 2. Select Calibrate guide (3-5) and press OK. The mower will now leave the charging station, run a calibration process in front of the charging station and then follow the guide wire to the connection point with the boundary wire and then start mowing. 3.
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 GARDENA R40Li to frequently 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 400 m2. Open area. Timer 07:00-22:00 (factory setting) Monday-Sunday Proportion Never Remarks The factory settings are suitable for this installation. Area 400 m2. A number of islands and a 25% slope Timer 07:00-22:00 (factory setting) Monday-Sunday Proportion Rarely (factory setting) 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 200 m2.
7. GARDEN EXAMPLE Proposals for installation and settings Area 250 m2. U-shaped garden linked with a narrow passage. Timer 07:00 - 22:00 Monday - Friday Proportion Medium Remarks The guide wire must be placed along the narrow passage to ensure the mower can with ease locate the charging station from the left hand side of the working area. The Proportion Average is selected as the left hand area is nearly half of the total area. Area 1,5 m/3 ft 150 m2.
8. MAINTENANCE 8. Maintenance Check and clean GARDENA R40Li regularly and replace worn parts if necessary to improve operating reliability and to ensure a longer service life. See 8.5 Cleaning for more details on cleaning. When R40Li 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. The edges of the blades should not be damaged.
8. MAINTENANCE 8.1 Winter storage R40Li The R40Li must be cleaned carefully before putting it away for the winter. See 8.6 Replacing the blades on page 53. Charge the battery fully before winter storage. Then set the main switch to 0. Check the condition of wear items such as knives and bearings in the rear wheels. Rectify if necessary to make sure the mower is in good condition prior to next season. Store the mower upright in a dry area free from frost, preferably in the mower's original packaging.
8. MAINTENANCE 8.3 Cleaning It is important to keep R40Li clean. A mower with large amounts of grass stuck to it will not cope as well with slopes. It is recommended to clean using a brush and a spray with water. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Never use a high-pressure washer or even running water to clean R40Li. Solvent must never be used when cleaning. Underframe and blade disc 1. Set the main switch to the 0 position. 2. Wear protective gloves. 3. Lift R40Li onto its side. 4.
8. MAINTENANCE 8.4 Transport and removal Secure the machine during transport. It is important that R40Li does not move when it is being transported, for instance, between lawns. 8.5 In the case of thunderstorms To reduce the risk of damage to components in the R40Li, we recommend that all connections to the charging station are disconnected (power supply, boundary wire and guide wire) if there is a risk of a thunderstorm. 8.
8. MAINTENANCE 8.7 Replacing the battery The battery is maintenance-free, but has a limited life span of 2 to 4 years. Battery life is dependent on the length of the season and how many hours a day the R40Li is used. A long season or many hours of use a day means that the battery must be replaced more regularly. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Fully charge the battery at the end of the season before winter storage.
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 steps to take for each message. This chapter also presents some symptoms that 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.gardena.com/int. 9.
9. TROUBLE SHOOTING Message Cause Action Trapped R40Li has got caught in something. Free R40Li and rectify the reason for it getting trapped. R40Li gets stuck behind a number of obstacles. Check if there are any obstacles which make it hard for R40Li 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 R40Li 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 20. The guide wire is not laid at an angle on a slope.
9. TROUBLE SHOOTING 9.2 Indicator lamp in the charging station For a fully functional installation, the indicator lamp in 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.gardena.com/int. If you still need help with troubleshooting, please contact GARDENA Central Service. See MEMO on page 4.
9. TROUBLE SHOOTING 9.3 Symptom If your R40Li does not work as expected, follow the troubleshooting guide below. There is a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) on www.gardena.com/int which provides more detailed answers to a number of standard questions. Contact GARDENA Central Service if you still cannot find the reason for the fault. See MEMO on page 4.
9. TROUBLE SHOOTING Symptom Cause Action R40Li vibrates Damaged knives lead to imbalance in the cutting system. Inspect the blades and screws and replace them if necessary. See 8.6 Replacing the blades on page 53. Many knives in the same position lead to imbalance in the cutting system. Check that only one knife is fitted at each screw. R40Li moves but the blade disc does not rotate R40Li 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 the high 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 lamp 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) Assume that the indicator lamp 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 lamp is green or flashing yellow, then the break is somewhere in the wire between the disconnected end to the point where the new wire is connected (thick black line in the illustration below).
9. TROUBLE SHOOTING Continue until only a very short section of the wire remains which is the difference between a flashing blue light and a solid green light. b) If the indicator lamp flashed yellow in test 3b) above, a similar test is carried out but with the new loop wire connected to A1 instead. 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 couplers.
10. TECHNICAL DATA 10. Technical data Data R40Li Dimensions Length 58 cm Width 46 cm Height 26 cm Weight 8 kg Electrical system Battery Specialised Lithium-Ion battery, 18 V/1.6 Ah Transformer 230 VAC / 21.
11. GUARANTEE TERMS 11. Guarantee terms GARDENA guarantees this product’s functionality for a period of two years (from date of purchase). The guarantee covers serious faults relating to materials or manufacturing faults. Within the guarantee period, we will replace the product or repair it at no charge if the following terms are met: • The mower and the charging station may only be used in compliance with the instructions in this Operator’s manual.
13. EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 13. EU declaration of conformity EU Declaration of Conformity (only applies to Europe) GARDENA Manufacturing GmbH, Hans-Lorenser-Straße 40, D-89079 Ulm, Tel (+49) 731 490-123, hereby declares that robotic lawnmower GARDENA R40Li from 2011's serial numbers and onwards (the year is clearly stated in plain text on the rating plate with subsequent serial number), complies with the requirements of the COUNCIL'S DIRECTIVE: • Directive "relating to machinery" 2006/42/EC.
We reserve the right to make changes without prior notice. Copyright © 2012 GARDENA Manufacturing GmbH. All rights reserved.
