Optimising an Automower® installation for steep slopes

Slope (%) = vertical height / horizontal distance x 100

• Example: 15 cm (6 in) / 100 cm (40 in) x 100 = 15%.

• Respect maximum slope limits: Ensure that slopes in the work area and near boundaries do not exceed the limits specified for your lawn mower. Areas with slopes that are too steep must be excluded from the installation.
• Safety near roads: Where a slope borders a public road, install a protective barrier (e.g. wall or fence) of at least 15 cm (6 in) along the outer edge.
• Outer edge adjustments: If the outer edge of the work area is steeper than your lawn mower’s limit, position the boundary further in on flat ground before the slope begins (A).

Slope installation for EPOS™ wire free installation

• Isolate too steep areas: Create stay-out zones around slopes beyond your lawn mower’s limit. Follow the step-by-step guide below to create stay-out zones.
• Obstacles on slopes: Obstacles like trees or rockeries require the lawn mower to turn to avoid them. On steep slopes, this increases slipping risk, especially in wet conditions, and can wear out the grass. An irregular mowing pattern can minimise these risks. If the issues persists, exclude the area with a stay-out zone.
• Pattern direction: For better traction and less grass wear, set mowing patterns straight up the slope where possible. Use irregular patterns in complex areas.
• Transport paths: Route transport paths in straight or diagonal lines across slopes. Follow the step-by-step guide below to create transport paths.

Create transport paths & stay-out zones

Installing physical wire installations on slopes

• Isolate areas that are too steep: Create boundary wire islands or if your model supports it, create AIM stay-out zones around slopes that are beyond your lawn mower’s limit.
• Obstacles on slopes: Obstacles like trees or rockeries require the lawn mower to turn to avoid them. On steep slopes, this increases slipping risk, especially in wet conditions, and can wear out the grass. If the issues persists, exclude the area with a boundary wire island or if your model supports it, with an AIM stay-out zone.
• Guide wire placement: Lay the guide wire diagonally across the slope for optimal traction and minimal grass wear.

All general boundary wire rules above apply. The points below are AWD‑specific additions.

• Maximum slope: Operates on slopes up to 70%. Isolate anything steeper with boundary wire or a stay-out zone, depending on installation type.
• On slopes up to 50% steep inside the work area, the lawn mower will operate normally. Keep 1.5 m (5 ft) between the boundary wire and obstacles, or between obstacles (A).
• For slopes between 50% and 70% steep, avoid having obstacles on slopes (B). Maintain 1.5 m (5 ft) from the bottom of the slope to the boundary wire (C).

• Transition area: Provide at least 50 cm (1.6 ft) of level ground between flat areas and steep slopes.

• Guide wire on slopes: Place the guide wire in a straight line or diagonally from the bottom to the top of the slope.

• When using systematic mowing, setting the pattern at a 45-degree angle to the slope can help the lawn mower handle the incline better and cut edges in both directions.
• Create a separate work area with an irregular mowing pattern for steep slopes if you notice uncut edges or grass wear.

• Clean the wheels: Slopes become harder to manage if wheels are clogged with grass. Use a soft brush or a water hose to keep them clean. The Automower® Cleaning and maintenance kit includes all equipment needed for lighter cleaning and maintenance of the lawn mower during the season.

• Use a Terrain Kit: Most models offer an optional Terrain Kit with heavy rear wheels and wheel brushes for better grip and improved performance on sloping lawns.

• New Automower® models: Slope control is built-in and always active. No manual setting changes are needed.
• Older models: These models include a setting called Slope Control, which improves performance on steep slopes and reduces lawn wear near the boundary wire. This feature is enabled by default.
• To adjust the setting: On the lawn mower display, go to: Settings > Slope Control > Use Slope Control.