Perimeter wire is used to mark out your boundaries and the docking station will send out a signal for the iMow to go about its business within your clearly set out perimeter. The perimeter wire will be grown over after a certain amount of time, making it less visible.
STIHL iMOW FAQ
How does it know where to mow?
How does it know where the obstacles are in my garden?
The mower is equipped with sensors which can detect obstacles and then work a way of avoiding them. You must lay your wire around these bushes, shrubs, trees and other obstacles for the mower to understand they are obstacles.
Does it have any safety devices?
Firstly, a PIN code can be set so that only the operator is able to access machine settings, rendering theft useless and this also allows you full control over who is using the mower at home. It is also fitted with a manual stop button and sensors which automatically cut the power when it is touched or lifted.
What happens once the battery is flat?
The robotic lawn mower will automatically return to the charging station when the battery goes flat. It can also control the speed of charging, depending on how much mowing you have planned over the period of time the mower has gone flat.
How much time will it spend mowing my lawn?
It is very hard to pinpoint the exact amount of time, but as a rule, the iMow will be active on a piece of land 1000m2 for approximately 15 hours per week. This will increase and decrease depending on your lawn size.
What happens when it rains?
iMow can function when it is raining but the settings also allow for operation in dry weather only.
Can I use the iMow manually?
The mower actually comes with a removable control panel, which allows you to manually handle the mower as if you were steering a car.
How does iMow work out when to mow?
You will need to create a mowing plan which is done automatically or manually. The robotic mower will then decides when to cut within a set timeframe, and also decide whether to catch up on any aborted mowing operations.
What kind of slopes can the iMow robotic mower handle?
The robot mower can handle slopes of up to 45%.
Can the iMow be used on all gardens?
Technically yes, the iMow can be used on all gardens, depending on the size and shape of your garden. The selection of models in the iMow range can handle areas up to 5000m2 and for large, more complex, areas you could also install a second mower.
Where do the clippings go?
The lawnmower functions on short grass, cutting less but more frequently. This allows the grass clipping to naturally return to the lawn, providing mulch to fertilise existing grass.
Does it mow in a set pattern?
No. It cuts in a random fashion, providing better results as the grass gets cut from a variety of different angles. It also ensures all areas of the lawn are cut due to improved access from all angles.
Can the mower be used overnight?
Yes. The mower has been designed to run with minimal noise, meaning you can cut overnight without disturbing the neighbours.
How much energy does it use?
Due to STIHL's sustainability policy, they have gone to extreme lengths in ensuring the mower is as environmentally friendly and efficient as possible.
Do I have to trim the edges afterwards?
No. iMow has been developed to handle edges such as walls and raised patios. This is achieved by travelling as close and parallel to the edge as possible. If you wish to further trim your edges, this is perfectly fine.
Can the iMow be used on different gardens?
So long as a second perimeter wire and charging station has been installed in the other garden, you can go to and from each garden with a single mower.
Can I specify certain zones for to mow?
Yes, you can assign specific zones of focus. This is done through GPS sensors installed on all models of iMow. You can even add specific requirements and time frames to each zone.
How does the robot mower return to the docking station?
Generally via a perimeter wire which directs the mower back, but you can also use a variety of other options to better suit your needs.