Husqvarna Automower Problems | Robotic Mower Guide

Lawn Mowers
M
Marcus Chen
Small Engine Mechanic, ASE Certified
Husqvarna Automower robotic lawn mower
Husqvarna Automower robotic lawn mower

Husqvarna Automowers are the leading robotic mowers worldwide. These autonomous machines handle lawn care with minimal human intervention. When problems occur, troubleshooting differs completely from traditional mowers. This guide covers common Automower issues and solutions.

Table of Contents

Model Overview

Popular Husqvarna Automower models:

ModelLawn SizeFeatures
115HUp to 0.4 acreBasic, guide wire
315XUp to 0.4 acreGPS, cellular
430XHUp to 0.8 acreAWD, GPS
450XHUp to 1.25 acreAWD, GPS, cellular

[NEED REAL IMAGE: Husqvarna Automower on charging station]

All models share similar troubleshooting approaches. Higher models add GPS-assisted navigation and connectivity features.

Boundary Wire Issues

The boundary wire defines the mowing area. Most Automower problems trace to wire issues.

”No Loop Signal” Error

Most common Automower problem. The mower can’t detect the boundary wire signal.

Check in order:

  1. Charging station power - Verify outlet has power
  2. Wire connections at station - Tight and corrosion-free?
  3. Wire break - Most likely cause

Finding a wire break:

  1. Walk the entire boundary looking for damage
  2. Check areas with heavy foot traffic
  3. Inspect near edging tools or aerator paths
  4. Use an AM radio tuned to low frequency - signal stops at break

Wire Break Repair

Tools needed:

  • Wire stripper
  • Waterproof wire connectors (3M ScotchLok recommended)
  • Trowel or small shovel

Repair procedure:

  1. Locate break (may need to dig up sections)
  2. Cut clean ends on both wire sections
  3. Strip 1/2” of insulation
  4. Connect with waterproof connector
  5. Bury wire 2-3” deep
  6. Test signal before covering completely

”Outside Working Area” Stops

Mower stops and won’t continue, claims it’s outside boundary.

Causes:

  1. Narrow passages - Wire too close together
  2. Signal interference - Metal objects nearby
  3. Wire too shallow - Exposed wire degrades
  4. Guide wire problem - If using guide wire

Fixes:

  • Widen narrow passages (minimum 24” between wires)
  • Move metal objects or install shield wire
  • Re-bury exposed sections deeper

Guide Wire Problems

Mower can’t find its way back to station:

  1. Check guide wire connections
  2. Verify guide wire unbroken
  3. Ensure guide wire enters station correctly
  4. Clean guide wire path of debris

Charging Problems

Won’t Charge

Mower docks but doesn’t charge:

  1. Clean charging contacts - On mower and station
  2. Check station power - Outlet working?
  3. Verify proper docking - Mower fully seated
  4. Inspect charging plates - Damage or corrosion?

[NEED REAL IMAGE: Automower charging contact cleaning]

Battery Drains Quickly

Expected runtime: 60-90 minutes depending on model

If battery life is poor:

  1. Battery age - Typically 2-4 year lifespan
  2. Grass conditions - Tall grass uses more power
  3. Terrain - Hills demand more energy
  4. Blade condition - Dull blades increase load

Battery Replacement

Signs battery needs replacement:

  • Runtime less than 50% of original
  • Won’t hold charge overnight
  • Multiple charging cycles per day

Replacement cost: $150-300 depending on model

Most users can replace battery themselves. Locate battery compartment, disconnect old, connect new. Reset may be required.

Station Not Powering On

Check:

  1. Outlet power (test with another device)
  2. Power cable connections
  3. Fuse in charging station (some models)
  4. Power supply unit (transformer)

Mower Gets Stuck

Common stuck locations:

  • Around trees and obstacles
  • In corners
  • On slopes
  • Near garden beds

Solutions:

  1. Create smooth transitions - Automowers need gradual edges
  2. Add island boundaries - Around problem objects
  3. Adjust boundary wire - Give more clearance
  4. Check wheel condition - Worn wheels lose traction

Poor Coverage

Some areas rarely mowed while others get cut repeatedly:

For non-GPS models:

  • Adjust mowing schedule - more hours means better coverage
  • Add guide wires to direct mower
  • Check for hidden obstacles affecting path

For GPS models:

  • Update zone settings in app
  • Verify GPS signal quality
  • Adjust coverage zones

Slope Problems

Mower struggles or stops on hills:

Automower slope ratings:

  • Standard models: Up to 22°
  • AWD models: Up to 24°
  • EPOS models: Up to 35°

If stopping on acceptable slopes:

  1. Check wheel traction - clean debris
  2. Verify correct model for slope
  3. Grass may be too tall (reduce height gradually)
  4. Consider AWD model for challenging terrain

Cutting Performance

Uneven Cut

Robotic mowers cut differently than traditional mowers.

Expect:

  • Slightly longer cut than setting indicates
  • Random pattern leaves eventual uniform appearance
  • May take 1-2 weeks for best results on new installation

If truly uneven:

  1. Check blade condition
  2. Verify deck level
  3. Increase mowing hours
  4. Inspect wheels for wear

Scalping

Mower cutting too low in spots:

  1. Raise cutting height overall
  2. Level lawn - Fill low spots
  3. Adjust boundary - More clearance from edges
  4. Check deck pivots - Should float freely

Blade Replacement

Replace blades every 1-2 months during mowing season.

Signs of dull blades:

  • Brown tips on grass (tearing vs cutting)
  • Mower running longer without better results
  • Unusual sounds from cutting deck

Replacement procedure:

  1. Turn off mower, flip over
  2. Remove old blades (usually 3)
  3. Install new blades
  4. Ensure pivots move freely

Blade cost: $10-25 for blade pack

Error Codes

Common Automower error codes and solutions:

“Trapped” or “Lifted”

Meaning: Mower detects it’s stuck or picked up.

Check:

  • Obstacle blocking mower
  • Mower actually lifted
  • Tilt sensor malfunction

Fix: Clear obstacle, place mower on flat ground, restart.

”Wheel Motor Blocked”

Meaning: Wheel can’t rotate.

Check:

  • Debris wrapped around wheel
  • Wheel bearing seized
  • Motor failure

Fix: Clean debris, lubricate if needed, may need service.

”Cutting Motor Blocked”

Meaning: Blade disc can’t spin.

Check:

  • Debris jamming blades
  • Blade disc binding
  • Motor issue

Fix: Clear debris, check blade movement, may need service.

”No Loop Signal” / “Outside”

Meaning: Can’t detect boundary wire.

See Boundary Wire Issues section above.

Seasonal Maintenance

Spring Startup

  1. Clean mower body and charging contacts
  2. Inspect blades - replace if worn
  3. Test boundary wire signal
  4. Update firmware via app
  5. Test run in daylight

During Season

  • Replace blades monthly
  • Clean wheels weekly
  • Check boundary wire integrity monthly
  • Update software when available

Winterization

  1. Final mow of season
  2. Full charge before storage
  3. Clean mower thoroughly
  4. Store indoors above freezing
  5. Charge monthly during storage
  6. Consider removing battery for cold climates

Connectivity Issues

App Not Connecting

Bluetooth models:

  1. Enable Bluetooth on phone
  2. Stay within 30 feet of mower
  3. Update Automower Connect app
  4. Restart phone and mower

Cellular models:

  1. Check cellular subscription status
  2. Verify coverage in your area
  3. Update firmware
  4. Contact Husqvarna support

GPS Not Working Properly

GPS-enabled models:

  1. Allow 24 hours for GPS learning
  2. Check for overhead obstructions
  3. Update firmware
  4. Reset GPS if erratic

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Automowers last?

With proper maintenance, 8-10+ years. Battery replacement needed every 2-4 years.

Are Automowers worth the cost?

For those who value time over money, yes. Initial cost is high but saves 50+ hours per year of mowing time.

Can Automowers handle complex yards?

Yes, with proper installation. Multiple zones, passages and islands can be configured. Complex yards may need professional installation.

What happens if it rains?

Automowers have rain sensors. Most models return to station during heavy rain and resume when dry.


Automowers require different maintenance thinking than traditional mowers. Focus on boundary wire integrity, blade condition and seasonal care for years of hands-off lawn maintenance.