Do Robot Mowers Need a Garage? Critical Tips to Shelter and Secure It

As a gardening enthusiast with over a decade of experience using robot mowers, proper storage is one of the most critical factors I’ve learned for protecting these investments. When you have hundreds or even thousands of dollars invested in an automated mower, leaving it exposed to the elements all year long is asking for trouble. I constantly get asked – does my robot mower need special accommodations like a garage for storage? Or are basic precautions enough?

In this article, I’ll share my insight on ideal storage conditions for robot mowers and why more protection is better. I’ll cover the key risks from temperature, moisture, and security threats that indoor storage mitigates. You’ll learn the unique conditions a garage offers compared to sheds or basic tarps. And I’ll summarize alternatives that balance protection and convenience when garage space is limited.

By the end, you’ll understand the ideal scenarios for securing your robot mower investment against corrosion, battery damage, theft, and other storage dangers. I aim to help savvy homeowners make informed choices on storage to maximize the lifespan of their robot mower. Let’s take a look at best practices for keeping your automated assistant safe and functional for years of reliable service!

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Key Storage Factors to Protect Your Robot Mower

Like any major appliance or electronic device, robot mowers have ideal storage conditions to maximize their longevity. Based on my experience, three critical factors lead to the greatest risk of damage or degradation during storage if not properly addressed.

Temperature Extremes

Robot mowers rely heavily on lithium-ion batteries for power. Extensive exposure to freezing or hot temperatures can permanently reduce battery capacity and lifespan. The circuit boards and LCD displays are also vulnerable in temperature extremes. Ideal storage keeps the mower between 40-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

I learned this lesson after losing nearly 30% of original battery capacity by leaving a mower outdoors two winters unprotected. Maintaining moderate temperatures is critical.

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Moisture and Humidity

Exposure to rain, sprinklers, snow, and humidity presents corrosion risks to the metal chassis and electrical components in robot mowers. Water seeping into cracks can lead to short circuits or rust over time. A dry storage space prevents moisture damage.

One of my first mowers malfunctioned constantly after being left uncovered through damp winters. Keeping my current mower in a garage has prevented any further corrosion issues.

Security from Theft

Mowers left openly in yards remain vulnerable to thieves eyeing expensive electronics and lithium batteries. Locking garages or secure enclosed areas add critical protection against pricy robot mowers disappearing overnight.

After having an early mower stolen from my backyard, I now insist on locked garage storage. The peace of mind is worth the garage space.

Securing ideal conditions for temperature, moisture, and security through proper robot mower storage pays dividends by extending the operating lifespan of these investments. Don’t cut corners – a little preventative maintenance goes a long way.

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Ideal Garage Storage Conditions for Robot Mowers

For homeowners with available space, storing robot mowers in garages provides optimized conditions to maintain your investment. Based on my experience, garages alleviate the three core hazards – temperature, moisture, and security.

Stable Temperatures

Insulated garage walls and ceilings protect mowers from temperature extremes and fluctuations compared to outdoor storage. Heated garages maintain ideal temps above freezing in winter. And shaded garages keep summer temps below levels that degrade batteries. Avoiding seasonal temperature swings prolongs battery life.

My heated garage keeps my mower at perfect 60-70 degrees year-round. The battery still operates like new after 3 years thanks to stable temps.

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Dry Environment

Sealing out precipitation and preventing water contact keeps corrosion at bay. Concrete garage floors also minimize ambient moisture and humidity for sensitive electronics. Proper drainage in garages also reduces flooding risks during heavy rain.

I added weathersealing strips on my garage door which sealed out drips and drafts. The mower has stayed bone dry regardless of rain or snow outside.

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Physical Security

Locked garage doors provide protection against theft that open yards lack. For expensive robot mowers, the peace of mind of secure garages is significant. Integrating smart garage access also enables monitoring your mower remotely.

I added a smart lock with an app to monitor my garage access. Combined with cameras, I can check on my mower from anywhere and get alerts if the garage is breached.

While a basic shed or patio cover offers some protection, fully enclosed garages are ideal for combining stable temps, dryness, and locking security. The garage is the gold standard if you have room to shelter your robot mower indoors.

Other Suitable Robot Mower Storage Options

While garages are ideal, not every homeowner has available garage space to dedicate. Based on my experience, three alternate storage options can provide reasonable protection when garaging isn’t feasible.

Shed or Enclosed Patio

Freestanding sheds and enclosed patios offer sheltered spaces separate from the home. Metal sheds in particular provide more temperature insulation than fabric shelters. The key is selecting sturdy buildings rated for year-round weather, not temporary sun shades. Add lighting and cameras to enhance security.

When my mower outgrew the garage, I upgraded to a custom rigid shed with lighting, cameras, and insulation. It maintains suitable year-round conditions while freeing garage space.

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Covered Carport

For homeowners with covered carports, these covered spaces are ideal for storing robot mowers with some protection. Open walls allow some humidity and temperature variation, but the roof eliminates rain and snow contact. Securing mowers with locks and cables provides security.

Until I bought my shed, I locked the mower to a carport post with a weatherproof cover. This cost-effective solution worked for years.

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Fenced Yard Area

Absent any covered spaces, a fenced backyard area still improves security over open driveways. Chaining the mower frame within the fence prevents theft. Heavy duty weatherproof covers minimize exposure while allowing ventilation. This is basic protection on a budget.

When traveling for extended periods, I still chain my mower in the backyard rather than the front. The privacy fence adds much needed security.

Get creative if your garage space is limited. Prioritize robust shelters over flimsy fabric ones for the best temperature and moisture protection. And make sure to integrate physical locks to halt potential thieves.

FAQ: Storing Your Robot Mower Properly

When investing in an expensive robot mower, questions naturally arise on how to store it properly. As a seasoned owner, here are some of the key storage-related questions I regularly receive.

Will a robot mower get damaged in the rain?

While brief rain exposure won’t immediately damage mowers, over time constant moisture degrades gaskets, erodes metal, and seeps into electronics. Frequent exposure to wet conditions risks corroded contacts or shorted circuits if water enters the chassis. It’s best to wipe dry any rain on the mower’s body.

I try to avoid mowing in downpours. But when caught in rain, I’m diligent about thoroughly towel drying my mower before storage. Keeping it dry prevents deterioration.

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How cold is too cold for my mower?

Below freezing temperatures begin reducing lithium-ion battery capacity. But the bigger risks are from condensation freezing inside the mower, or trying to charge an ice-cold battery. Ideally store above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Move mowers inside if temps are frigid for long periods.

Once overnight lows hit the 20s, I bring my mower into my insulated garage to protect the battery and electronics. Extended sub-freezing cold risks permanent damage.

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Do I need to disconnect the battery when storing?

For storage beyond 2-3 months, disconnecting the battery is wise to prevent gradual self-discharge. Just be sure to leave it 40-60% charged rather than fully depleted. Disconnecting also protects against electrical shorts during lengthy storage.

Anytime I’m away more than a month, I disconnect the battery and leave it 50% charged to avoid issues. Self-discharge can ruin an unused battery.

Asking key storage questions shows you aim to properly maintain your mower. Sheltering it from temperature extremes, moisture, and theft will maximize the operating lifespan.

Conclusion: Securing and Protecting Your Robot Mower Investment

As a seasoned robot mower owner, proper year-round storage is critical to protecting these investments from temperature damage, moisture, and theft. While an insulated garage is ideal, solutions like sturdy sheds, carports, or fenced areas also safely shelter mowers when garage space is unavailable. Taking time to securely store your mower avoids thousands in preventable damage over its lifetime.

I advise researching storage options during the buying process, not as an afterthought. Prioritize lockable buildings over flimsy temporary shelters. And don’t neglect battery maintenance while stored. With reasonable precautions tailored to your specific climate and property, robot mowers can deliver years of reliable service. Sheltering your investment properly saves money and headaches down the road. Let me know if you need any tips adjusting storage as the seasons change!

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