I have been using a Husqvarna Automower 305 since 2015. After a short time I equipped it with a WLAN module. He has been mowing peacefully for 9 years now. Hardly any maintenance work had been necessary so far, but it had already lost some of its efficiency last year. The tech nerd then of course immediately checks the current market for the latest robotic lawnmowers, but now sensibly decided on the sustainable route:
Automower battery upgrade – double capacity
Since the mowing times were getting shorter and shorter, it was clear to me that after 9 years a new battery could be given. I did some research and quickly realized that today you can get batteries with twice the capacity for the same volume. When delivered, I had an original Husqvarna battery with 18V and 1.6Ah installed. I looked for the best price/performance ratio on the market and then got myself an Advtronics 3.0Ah lithium replacement battery. The 3Ah is almost double and not only solves the problem with shortened mowing time for me, but even improves it compared to the delivery condition.
Changing the battery on the Automower is easy / loosen the cover with 4 screws
Replacement blades for the Automower
There are also numerous replacement blade products on the market. For around 4 years I have always bought the blades from Filzada, which come in packs of 30 and usually last me for 2 seasons. Especially when they are on sale again for €11, an absolute no-brainer.
New Automower battery vs. the old one – same size but twice the capacity
Care
Some Automower models can be cleaned with running water, but the 305 is not one of them. Accordingly, when changing the blade, it is advisable to dry clean the underside with a brush if they are removed anyway. Remove clippings from the sliding plate, wheels and housing. I recommend checking the charging ports on the side once or twice a year, cleaning them and, if necessary, refreshing them with sandpaper for better contact – the same applies to the charging station.
Especially at the end of the season, I recommend cleaning the robotic lawnmower well, switching it off and storing it in the basement or garage until the next use in spring.
New battery in the Automower massively increases runtime
Conclusion
With more or less regular care, which can be done in just a few minutes and changing the mowing blades, a robotic lawnmower lasts significantly longer than expected. Especially after the end of the mowing season, storing it well and switching it off helps to protect the battery. When I bought it, I didn’t think that the robotic lawnmower would last so well for 9 years and that it was only now that I had to change the battery…
How long have your robotic lawnmowers been in use?
Buy recommendation: Advtronics 3.0Ah lithium replacement battery costs €42 and the replacement blades from Filzada cost €22.