How to Winterize a Robot Mower

Updated 2026-09-24

Robot mowers aren't built to sit out in snow and freezing temperatures all winter. Most manufacturers recommend bringing the mower indoors once mowing season ends. The job takes about 30 minutes and keeps the battery healthy. Your model's manual has the final word; the steps below cover what nearly every brand asks for.

When to put it away

Stop when the grass stops growing, usually after a few weeks of nights near freezing. Most robot mowers also shouldn't charge in cold weather: lithium batteries can be damaged by charging below freezing, and many mowers simply won't charge or mow when it's too cold.

1. Charge the battery partway, not to full or empty

Lithium-ion batteries store best partly charged. Most manuals ask for a full or partial charge before storage. The one thing to avoid is putting it away nearly empty, because the battery slowly drains over the winter and can drop low enough to be damaged. If your manual gives a number, use it.

Then switch the mower fully off (not just docked or paused). Many models have a main power switch underneath or behind a cover.

2. Clean it properly

• Never use a pressure washer or hose on the underside. Most mowers are rated to handle rain on top, not jets of water into the motor and electronics.
• Tip it on its side as the manual shows, with the power off, and scrape packed grass off the blade disc, the underside and the wheels using a stick or brush.
• Wipe the body, the charging contacts and the camera, LiDAR or sensor windows with a damp cloth.

3. Check the blades

Most robot mowers use small pivoting razor-style blades that are cheap and quick to replace. Winter is a good time to swap them out so the mower starts spring with a clean cut. Check that the blade screws turn freely.

4. Store it indoors, flat and dry

A garage, basement or shed works well. Keep it off a damp floor, and within the storage temperature range in the manual (for most, avoid long periods well below freezing or in a hot attic). Store it on its wheels, not standing on its end, and don't stack things on top of it.

5. The charging station and antenna

This is where brands differ the most:

• Charging station: many manuals say to unplug the power supply and bring the charging station and power supply indoors. If you leave the station out, at least unplug it.
• RTK antenna: satellite (RTK) mowers use a separate reference antenna. Some brands say it can stay outdoors; others suggest bringing it in. If you move it, mark its exact position — your saved map depends on it, and a moved antenna may mean re-mapping in spring.
• Boundary wire (older wired models): leave it in the ground. It's designed to stay there year-round.

6. Spring restart

1. Charge the mower fully indoors before its first run.
2. Put the charging station and antenna back in their exact spots, then plug in.
3. Check the app for a firmware update. Updates often roll out over winter.
4. Mow the first cut higher than usual, and raise the height after lawn repairs or overseeding.
5. Walk the yard to check that the map still matches. New beds, paths or furniture may need no-go zones.

Can you leave a robot mower out all winter?

Some models advertise weatherproof ratings, but those ratings cover rain, not months of freezing weather and snow load. Unless your manual specifically says winter storage outdoors is fine, bring it in. Doing so also keeps it out of sight of thieves during the months you're not using it.

Picking a new mower for next season?

Start with the yard matcher to narrow down models by lawn size and slope, or see how RTK, LiDAR and vision navigation compare.