Prep the lawn first
Mow the grass before the first robot run. One guide says makers want grass under about 3.9 in (10 cm) before the first run. A manual for one RTK mower gives the same 10 cm limit. It adds that if grass is over 60 mm, set the cutting height to 40 mm or higher and remove about one-third of the height per pass.
That matches turf advice. The University of California says to mow often enough that only one-third of the leaf is removed at any one time. Kansas State University lists tall fescue at 2.5 to 3.5 in and bluegrass at 2 to 3.5 in.
Then clear the lawn. Remove sticks, toys and hoses. Fill holes. The RTK manual recommends excluding holes, gullies and tree roots.
Place the charging station
Put the station on flat, solid ground. One manual says the base plate must not be bent or tilted and wants the 1 x 1.5 m (3 x 5 ft) area in front kept clear. Another allows a tilt of no more than 2 cm. It also wants a docking point 2 m in front with open sky.
Clearances vary by maker. A review site lists 5 m of straight path for one brand, 6 m for Husqvarna's wire-free system, and 3 m in front plus 1.5 m to each side for Husqvarna wire installs. Read your manual.
Pick a spot near an outlet, with shade or a shelter that has airflow. Avoid places where people may trip, and avoid standing water.
Place the RTK antenna
If your mower uses a base antenna, place it with open sky all around. One manual says to keep obstructions at least 5 m (16 ft) away and to avoid areas under trees. Another says the distance from any obstacle should be at least the obstacle's height. Stay 5 m from large glass walls and water. Mount the antenna straight, and do not let a roof or concrete wall cover it.
For U-shaped or multi-part lawns, mount it higher, such as on a roof or wall. Keep antennas away from metal roofs, solar panels, glass and HVAC units. Do not move the antenna after mapping. The same guide warns that moving a reference station shifts the saved map. The navigation guide explains why.
Map the lawn
Most RTK models map by remote control. The manual's steps: confirm positioning is good, tap Create, and drive the mower around the perimeter. The boundary closes automatically when the mower returns to the start point. Stay within 3 m of the mower for Bluetooth during setup.
Leave a margin. One guide suggests 20 to 30 cm from walls, drop-offs and beds. The RTK manual says 10 to 15 cm from walls, fences and ditches. Draw no-go zones around trees, sprinkler heads and flower beds. Map one simple zone first, then expand. Expect to adjust over the first week.
Wired mowers need more digging. Keep guide wire at least 30 cm (12 in) from the boundary wire, and lay it straight for at least 2 m (6.5 ft) out from the station. Avoid bends sharper than 45 degrees.
Set up Wi-Fi and 4G
Check Wi-Fi at the dock before you install. One guide says to use a 2.4 GHz network, because most mowers don't support 5 GHz. The first firmware update can take 20 to 60 minutes. Do not close the app or cut power during it. Charge the battery to at least 50 percent first.
One manual says a good Wi-Fi or hotspot signal is required before operation, though Wi-Fi is optional if you use 4G. Cellular is worth it when Wi-Fi doesn't cover the property and remote alerts matter.
Winter storage
Store the mower indoors in a dry place above freezing. Husqvarna says to keep the mower, station and power supply indoors above 0 C (32 F). It recommends deep cleaning, a full charge and fresh blades. It says boundary and guide wires can stay in the ground, and that you should leave grass 6 to 8 cm long before winter.
Another maker says to keep the battery at 50 to 60 percent and charge fully once every 90 days during long storage. Follow your own manual, because models differ. If you are still choosing, see the buying guide and the model table.
