Robotic Lawnmower Perimeter Wire Installation Tip

I have written on this topic before, in my popular Robot Lawn Mower Perimeter Wire Repair Kit post. Regular readers will be happy to hear that the chickens are still causing chaos, and so it looks rather like I'll have to reinstall the wire after all.

Before I get around to that, my ongoing DIY projects have meant that, at the very least, I've had to move some wire so that I could install some decking.

Moving the Perimeter Wire

Why not just leave the wire there and let the mower bump up against the fence?

This question was from my wife, and it's a good one. The thought had occurred to me, too, but then I remembered the palaver I had to go through to replace the suspension rubbers (see my Damper Picture and Repair Instructions) and decided to try and preserve them a little longer.

I spun the mower onto its back over the weekend, and noted when I tried to unscrew one of the rubbers that it was twisting and flaking, so it looks like it's on the way out as it is, so probably best not to take any chances.

Of course, I couldn't find the wire, since I never did buy that wire detector for perimeter wire I promised myself, so after a bit of trial and error (okay, I could have just let loose the mower and noted where it turned around, but I didn't think of that), I finally located the cable and started digging.

Naturally, I cut through it by accident, despite taking as much care as I could.

As I was moving the wire, which meant shortening its path, a point occurred to me.

Adding Coils of Wire to Improve Repairs

I could have chopped off the excess wire and thrown it away. However, instead I wound it around the pegs; not all of it, just a couple turns here and there.

Why?

Not for any strange electrical reason. Simply this: when I next cut through the wire, as will surely happen, at least I'll have enough slack to make a decent fist of the repair.

There's nothing worse when you're trying to repair a cut wire than the ends not meeting, no matter how hard you tug them. This simple tip, winding around every other peg, means that you should always have wire available.

I can't believe I didn't think of it before; but I didn't. And, you might not have. So, I'm sharing it to help you out; let me know if it was helpful at all in the comments below.

Robot Lawn Mower Perimeter Wire Repair Kit: Tips & Product Advice

While researching an article about aftermarket robot mower blades I cam across a pack that had all the bits in one place: screwdriver, blades and new screws. Now, it seemed obvious to me that the next most obvious kit would be a perimeter wire repair kit, but I've not yet found one.

So, here is my own list of things that you would need to put together such a kit, based on bitter experience of:

• chickens digging up the wire;
• having to move the wire due to 'garden redesign';
• natural breakage due to corrosion;
• expansion of the mowing area, etc.

Even once you have installed the mower and its perimeter wire, it is likely at some point that it will break, be broken, or you'll have to move it. So, it's sensible to have a troubleshooting and repair kit to hand.

Wire & Quick Splice Connectors

The first thing to note is that while there are many different vendors of wire, with each specifying the make and/or model of mower that they should be used with, I have had good results with both single and multi-strand off-the-shelf wire.

Single strand (solid) wire can be easier in some cases, bit is very rigid: originally my own Gardena (Flymo / Husqvarna) mower came with a supple, green, multi-strand cable. However, I have since extended with a mix, and also carry a 'flying wire' for use in troubleshooting breaks in the perimeter, which is single strand.

For those who want some inspiration, Amazon carries a number of different types of wire specifically made for use with robotic lawn mowers.

One of the more specific things I have in my repair kit is called the "quick splice" connector.

Pictured on the right is the type that I favour -- these are used to clip onto the perimeter wire at a specific point, and then attach a 'flying wire' via a spade connector.

In my case, their purpose is not as a permanent way to connect the wires together (see below for that) but when I need to find a break in the wire.

Often, I'll leave them in place as it's more hassle than taking them off, and I suspect that removing the clip from the wire may leave it open to corrosion.

On the other hand, five years have gone by since I hooked up the first one, and took is off again, and I haven't had a break in the same place since. Regular readers will remember that I've had other breaks to repair, but none thus far due to rusting.

Pegs

One thing that also crops up is the need to re-position the wire on occasion.

I find that when I do this, inevitably some of the pegs break. When I eventually run out of pegs -- I bought replacements from the shop before researching replacement pegs online, rookie error -- I'll buy some different types and see if there's anything to choose between them.

Here's what they look like:

Those of us with the Husqvarna/Gardena/Flymo mowers will be familiar with the hooks on the right, which have the tendency to pop out easily when you need them too. However, I've had a few issues keeping the wire underneath the hooks at the end.

That's where the Bosch style pegs have the edge. It looks rather as if you can loop the cable underneath the hook, and around the peg, making it more secure.

On the left is an unknown (to me) brand of peg. The advantage looks to be that they will stay in the ground more permanently, and there is a flat top holding the cable close to the ground.

Whichever you choose, make sure you have a few in your repair kit!

Permanent Perimeter Wire Connectors

Above, I mentioned that I have a collection of quick splice (spade type) connectors to get me out of a bind when I need to test the conductivity around the perimeter wire.

However, on occasion, it's necessary to replace a section of wire, or to re-position the central guide wire, also known as the return wire.

I wouldn't trust quick splice connectors for something permanent, preferring instead to go with the type of connector seen on the left. These are filled with a liquid to protect against moisture and dirt.

The blue one, and some of the red ones are made by 3M, and those are what I bought as 'extras' from the same place I got the pegs. This was before I shopped around.

It turns out that Amazon has a good selection of connectors. Wherever you buy them, I would advise having around 5 just in case the worst happens and you need to splice together two or three perimeter cable ends!

Keeping it All Together

Finally, some additional bits and pieces:

• a hammer for the pegs -- I prefer a rubber head one;
• pliers and cable cutters;
• wire stripper
• ...and a box to keep everything in!

Stanley, make a small, robust toolbox for only about £15. I've tried to keep everything in plastic bags, or in my regular toolbox, but bits go missing (presumably borrowed!) or I use them for other projects; in the end, I bought a dedicated toolbox and I advise you to do the same!

If you have any other tips or tricks for lawn mower perimeter wire maintenance, please let us know in the comments section below.