Yard Force Robotic Mower

Introduction

This document provides installation and operation guidance for the Yard Force Robotic Mower.

Languages included: English (GB), German (DE), French (FR), Dutch (NL), Czech (CZ), Polish (PL).

Installation Overview

The installation process involves setting up the boundary wire, docking station, and the robotic mower itself. It is recommended to plan the layout before starting.

Product Description & Contents

Product Components:

• STOP button ?
• Ultrasonic sensor
• Charging inlet
• Rear wheel
• Height adjustment dial
• Control panel
• Blade plate
• Carry handle
• Power switch button

Parts Included in the Box:

• Robotic Mower
• Docking station
• Boundary Pegs
• Spare blades
• Connectors
• Extension cord
• Switching Power Supply
• Measurement ruler
• Boundary wire
• Manuals (Installation Guide, Warranty)

Installation Steps

Before You Begin

Create a sketch of the lawned area, marking obstacles like bushes, flower beds, and paving. Ensure you have a hammer, wire cutters, pliers, or scissors.

Avoiding Obstacles

The mower uses ultrasonic sensors to detect rigid obstacles higher than 100mm (walls, fences, furniture). Upon detection, it stops, reverses, and changes direction. Correct boundary wire placement is crucial for obstacle avoidance.

Trees

Trees are treated as obstacles. If tree roots are exposed and lower than 100mm, they must be excluded from the mowing area using the boundary wire to prevent damage to roots, blades, or wheels.

Stones

It is recommended to clear small stones (less than 100mm high) and those with round or sloped edges. The mower might attempt to climb such stones, leading to it getting stuck and requiring manual intervention, potentially damaging the blades.

Driveways and Corridors

For same-level driveways, use the boundary wire to create a corridor, allowing the mower to cross.

Uneven Lawn Surfaces

For soft or uneven surfaces around the docking station, use a grass protection mesh to prevent turf damage from the mower's wheels.

Placing the Docking Station

Position the docking station near a mains power outlet. Ensure 2m of straight wire in front and 50cm to the side facing the cutting area. A shaded location is beneficial for battery health. The surface must be even and flat, away from ponds, pools, or stairs. Protection from the elements (e.g., a robot port or garage) is recommended.

Do not place the docking station on slopes or surfaces with an inclination exceeding 5 degrees.

Pegging Your Boundary Wire

Mow the lawn to 60mm or less before laying the wire. Burying the wire is optional; laying it closer to the ground reduces tripping hazards. Maintain a 20-30cm distance from obstacles. Pegs should be spaced approximately 80cm apart on straight sections and closer on curves. Ensure the peg's hook and wire slit face the outside of the boundary.

Flowerbeds

Use the boundary wire to exclude flowerbeds. Two methods:

1. Wires >10cm apart: The mower treats this as an obstacle and takes a detour.
2. Wires <5mm apart (do not cross): The mower crosses unhindered. Requires an obstacle (e.g., rock) near position A with a 1m x 1m flat area around it.

Ponds and Pools

The mower is protected against rain and spray, but submersion will cause severe damage. Exclude all open water sources. A fence around water bodies is recommended for safety.

Boundary Corridors

If creating a corridor, it should be at least 2m wide and a maximum of 8m long. Narrow or long corridors may cause navigation issues.

Connecting the Docking Station to the Boundary Wire

Run the boundary wire under the front of the docking station. Connect the wire end to the left (black) connector marked 'F' (front) and the other end to the right (red) connector marked 'B' (back).

Testing and Docking

Once the blue LED is lit, test the mower's function. Ensure the boundary wire connection is stable and the signal is set to S1 on the charging station. Place the mower near the docking station and turn the main power switch ON.

Press the STOP button ?, then the power button. The mower should automatically return to the docking station by following the boundary wire anti-clockwise. If docking fails, reposition the station.

A flashing symbol after docking indicates the battery is charging correctly. The mower will remain in the station until fully charged. Successful docking confirms a suitable station position; proceed to fully secure the pegs. Be careful not to damage or kink surplus wire.

Signal Selection

Choose between two signals: S1 (blue indicator) ? and S2 (red indicator) ?. Ensure the mower and docking station use the same signal.

Neighboring Mowers: Maintain a 0.5m distance between boundary wires and position docking stations at least 10m apart. Use different signals for neighboring mowers to prevent interference.

Operation

Control Panel

The control panel features buttons for setting mowing duration (4H, 6H, 8H, 10H). LEDs indicate selected signal (S1/S2) and Wi-Fi status.

• Indicator Meaning:
• Will flash when lifted or climbing an obstacle.
• Will flash when no signal received from boundary wire.
• Will flash when battery is low ?.
• Will flash when charging in the docking station.

Physical Buttons

• LED shows selected signal (S1/S2).
• Wi-Fi LEDs indicate connection status (slow flash: no connection, solid: ready, quick flash: connected).
• Lock button ? locks the control panel.

Starting Mowing

Press the start button, then close the top cover. The mower will begin mowing after a long beep.

Returning to Docking Station

The mower automatically returns to the docking station after the set working time or can be manually directed.

Emergency Stop

Press the STOP button ? at any time to halt the mower.

Rain Sensor

The mower is protected against rain.

PIN Code Management

To change the PIN code: Switch OFF mains power, press and hold the lock button ?, switch ON main power. After LEDs flash, release the button and enter the new PIN within 6 seconds. The mower confirms with a beep. Note: The default PIN cannot be reset if forgotten.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Adjust the cutting height using the dial, ranging from 20mm to 60mm. For best results and to prevent damage, mow the lawn to 60mm or below before the first use of the robotic mower.

Technical Data

Maintenance and Storage

General Maintenance

Regularly check and clean the mower using a dry brush, damp cloth, or a sharpened wooden piece. Avoid using a hose or high-pressure water. Replace worn parts as needed.

Winter Storage

Store the mower, docking station, and power supply in a dry place (shed, garage, or indoors). Fully recharge the battery, set the main power switch to OFF, clean the mower thoroughly, and unplug all power connections. Disconnect the boundary wire from the docking station. Protect the boundary wire against corrosion with water-free grease or sealing tape. Consider a winter service for a check-up and software upgrade.

Preparing for Spring

Clean the charging contacts on the mower and docking station using fine abrasion paper or a brass brush for optimal charging efficiency.

Cleaning the Mower Body

Use a soft brush for rough dirt. For intensive cleaning, use a mild household detergent spray and wipe dry with a damp cloth.

Cleaning the Underside

With the main power switch OFF, turn the mower on its side. Clean the blade disc and frame with a soft brush or damp cloth. Ensure the blade disc rotates freely and blades can move without obstruction.

Cleaning Contact Pins and Charging Strips

Use wire wool, metal cleaner, or fine emery paper to clean contact pins and charging strips. Remove debris to ensure efficient charging.

Reversing or Replacing Blades

WARNING: Ensure the mower is completely shut off and wear protective gloves before handling blades. Always use recommended replacement parts. The mower has three blades; inspect them weekly. Blades are double-edged and can be reversed when blunt. Replace all three blades simultaneously for best performance.

Spare Parts List

Contact customer support for spare parts such as boundary pegs, spare blades, connectors, and boundary wire.

Software Update

Contact customer support for software updates.

Troubleshooting

Robotic Mower Cannot Dock with Docking Station

• Check that the boundary wire in front and underneath the charger is straight.
• Verify the docking station's position is suitable as per manual instructions.

Robotic Mower Runs in Circles or Loses Boundary Wire

• Ensure no power cables run parallel and close to the boundary wire; reposition if necessary.
• Check if a front wheel is stuck.
• If a neighbor uses a similar mower, signals may interfere. Try setting your mower and station to an alternative boundary signal.
• A damaged driving motor may require contacting customer support.

The Robotic Mower is Noisy

• Inspect and tighten blade fixing screws if necessary.
• Inspect blades for damage and replace if needed.
• If grass is too high, increase cutting height or pre-mow with a standard lawnmower.
• For cutting motor failure, contact customer support.

Mower Remains at or Returns to Docking Station When Pressing START

• Check if the mower has already completed its programmed working time for the day.
• The battery may be low ?; allow time for charging and try again.

LED Signal Indicator on Docking Station

Status: Battery charging faulty

LED Indicator ON: S1 ?

LED Indicator Flashing: S2 ?

Status: Normal

LED Indicator ON: S1 ?

LED Indicator Flashing: S2 ?

Status: Boundary wire broken

LED Indicator ON: S1 ?

LED Indicator Flashing: S2 ?