Robot mower maintenance, lifespan and winter storage

Lifespan

eufy suggests 5 to 10 years for the mower and 3 to 5 years for the lithium-ion battery; most makers publish no figure. Our 5-year cost includes one replacement battery for that reason.

Blades

Husqvarna says its small pivoting blades typically last 3 to 6 weeks in normal use. Change them when grass tips look frayed or whitened. They are cheap, but worn blades tear the grass.

Cleaning

Brush clippings off the underside every week or two. Check the mower's water rating before hosing: IPX5 and IPX6 models can usually be rinsed, but never pressure-washed unless the maker says so.

Winter

1. Clean the mower and blades.
2. Charge the battery to the level the manual suggests.
3. Store indoors, dry and frost-free.
4. Bring the dock in if you can, or cover its contacts.
5. Update the firmware before spring.

Electricity

Running costs are small: about £15 a year on our assumption of 8 kWh a month for 7 months at 27p.