Robotic Lawn Mower Boundary Errors: Complete Fix Guide

Robotic lawn mowers use either GPS/RTK positioning or perimeter wire to define their working area. Boundary errors prevent the mower from operating safely. This guide covers troubleshooting for both wire-free (GPS/RTK) and wire-guided systems.

1. RTK GPS Mowers: Base Station Issues

Applies to: Mammotion LUBA, Segway Navimow, Ecoflow Blade, Husqvarna EPOS, and other RTK GPS models.

Error: "RTK Signal Lost" or "GPS Signal Weak"

Cause: RTK base station cannot communicate with satellites or mower.

Fix:

1. Check base station power: Ensure the RTK base station is plugged in and powered on. LED should be solid or blinking to indicate active GPS lock.
2. Verify sky visibility: RTK base station requires clear, unobstructed view of the sky. Must see at least 60 degrees of open sky in all directions.
3. Move away from obstructions: Trees, buildings, metal structures, and rooflines block GPS signals. Base station should be on lawn, not under eaves or near walls.
4. Check antenna orientation: RTK antenna must be perfectly vertical. Use the built-in level indicator or a bubble level to verify.
5. Satellite count: In the mower's app, check satellite count. RTK requires 15+ satellites for accurate positioning (GPS + GLONASS + Galileo + BeiDou).
6. Weather conditions: Heavy rain, thick clouds, or storms can temporarily degrade GPS signal. Wait for weather to improve.
7. Reposition base station: Try moving base station 5-10 feet to a more open area. Run the mower's boundary setup again.

Error: "RTK Base Station Not Found"

Cause: Mower cannot communicate with the base station via WiFi or radio link.

Fix:

1. Check WiFi/radio connection: Most RTK systems use 2.4GHz WiFi or proprietary radio. Ensure base station is within 300-500 feet of mower (check your model's specs).
2. Reduce interference: Thick walls, metal fences, and large appliances interfere with radio signals. Reposition base station to minimize obstacles between it and the mower.
3. Restart both devices: Power off mower and unplug base station for 30 seconds. Power on base station first, wait for GPS lock (2-5 minutes), then power on mower.
4. Re-pair devices: In the app, delete the base station connection and re-add it following the pairing procedure in your manual.
5. Update firmware: Ensure both mower and base station have the latest firmware. RTK positioning improves with software updates.

RTK Base Station Setup Best Practices

• Location permanence: Once positioned, do not move the base station. Moving it requires re-mapping the entire lawn.
• Weatherproofing: Most base stations are weatherproof (IP65+), but ensure cables and connectors are protected from standing water.
• Cable management: Route power cable safely to avoid damage from mowing or foot traffic. Use cable protectors if crossing walkways.
• Height: Place base station on the ground, not elevated. RTK works best when base and mower are at similar heights.
• Avoid metal: Do not place base station on or near metal surfaces (reinforced concrete, metal sheds, cars). Metal reflects GPS signals and causes errors.

2. Virtual Boundary Setup Errors (GPS/RTK Mowers)

Error: "Cannot Create Boundary" or "Boundary Mapping Failed"

Cause: App cannot complete boundary walk due to GPS accuracy issues.

Fix:

1. Ensure RTK fix status: Before starting boundary walk, verify the app shows "RTK Fixed" or "High Accuracy Mode." Do not proceed if status is "Float" or "Single."
2. Walk slowly: Move at walking pace (2-3 mph) during boundary mapping. Too fast = inaccurate GPS logging.
3. Hold phone/remote steady: Keep the device at waist height, pointed forward. Do not swing it or hold it at varying heights.
4. Follow lawn edge exactly: Walk along the precise edge of where you want the mower to cut. Leave 30cm (12 inches) buffer from flower beds, fences, and pools.
5. Clear line of sight: During boundary walk, ensure you're under open sky. Walking under tree canopy can cause GPS drift.
6. Complete the loop: End the boundary walk within 5 feet of the starting point. App will automatically close the boundary.
7. Redo if needed: If the mapped boundary looks jagged or inaccurate in the app, delete it and re-walk. Good boundary = smooth, accurate lines.

Error: "Mower Outside Boundary" / "Out of Zone"

Cause: GPS accuracy drift caused mower to think it's outside the defined boundary.

Fix:

1. Check current RTK status: If status is "Float" or "Single," mower has lost accurate positioning. Wait for "RTK Fixed" status to return.
2. Manually retrieve mower: Lift mower back inside the boundary area and place it in the center of the lawn.
3. Expand boundary buffer: Edit the boundary in the app and add 20-30cm of margin around the edges. GPS accuracy is ±2cm but can drift to ±10cm in poor conditions.
4. Check for tall grass at edges: Mower may have physically moved outside the boundary if grass is very tall at the lawn edge. Manually trim the perimeter first.
5. Remap boundary: If errors are frequent, delete and re-walk the boundary on a day with clear weather and good GPS conditions.

3. Wire-Guided Mowers: Perimeter Wire Issues

Applies to: Husqvarna Automower (non-EPOS), Worx Landroid, Gardena Sileno, Robomow, and other wire-guided models.

Error: "No Loop Signal" or "Boundary Wire Broken"

Cause: Perimeter wire is cut, disconnected, or not forming a complete loop.

Fix:

1. Check base station connections: Ensure both ends of the boundary wire are firmly connected to the base station terminals. Wires can loosen over time.
2. Inspect wire at high-traffic areas: Check wire where it crosses driveways, walkways, or lawn edges. These areas are prone to cuts from shovels, edgers, or vehicle tires.
3. Use a wire break detector: Many mowers include a wire break detector accessory. Walk along the wire path with the detector - it will beep or light up when you pass the break point.
4. DIY wire detector method: Use an AM radio tuned between stations. Hold it near the wire - you'll hear static when wire is intact. Static disappears at the break location.
5. Repair the wire: Once break is found, dig up 6 inches of wire on each side of the break. Strip wire ends, twist together, and secure with waterproof wire connectors (included with most mowers). Bury the repair.
6. Check for corrosion: If wire is old (5+ years), breaks may be due to corrosion underground. Consider replacing the entire wire.

Error: "Weak Loop Signal"

Cause: Wire is intact but signal is degraded due to poor connections or wire damage.

Fix:

1. Tighten all connections: Check base station wire terminals, any splices, and guide wire connections. Tighten or re-strip and reconnect.
2. Check for partial cuts: Wire may be damaged but not fully severed. Inspect areas where wire crosses hard surfaces or sharp edges.
3. Reduce wire length if possible: Maximum wire length is typically 400-500 meters. Excess wire creates resistance and weakens signal.
4. Replace corroded connectors: Outdoor-rated connectors can corrode after 2-3 years. Replace with new waterproof connectors.
5. Check for nearby interference: High-voltage power lines, underground cables, or metal pipes can interfere with wire signal. Reroute wire at least 1 meter away.

Perimeter Wire Installation Best Practices

• Bury depth: Wire should be 1-4 inches underground. Deeper = better protection from edgers and aerators.
• Distance from obstacles: Keep wire 30cm (12 inches) away from fences, flower beds, and pools. Mower needs space to turn around.
• Avoid sharp angles: Use gentle curves instead of 90-degree corners. Sharp angles confuse wire signal.
• Mark wire path: Use wire flags or take photos of the wire layout before burying. Helps locate wire for future repairs.
• Use quality wire: OEM wire or thick-gauge (14-16 AWG) outdoor-rated wire lasts longer than thin, cheap wire.

4. Multi-Zone and Island Boundary Issues

Error: "Cannot Navigate to Zone" or "Island Detection Failed"

Cause: Mower cannot find path to secondary zone or around obstacles (islands).

Fix (GPS/RTK mowers):

1. Create wider passages: Passages between zones must be at least 1.5 meters wide (twice the mower width). Narrow passages confuse GPS navigation.
2. Ensure clear path: Remove temporary obstacles (toys, hoses, lawn chairs) blocking the passage between zones.
3. Check zone priority settings: In the app, ensure multi-zone mowing is enabled and zones are prioritized correctly.
4. Manually drive mower to zone: Use manual control to drive mower to the secondary zone and start a manual cleaning. This helps the mower "learn" the path.

Fix (Wire-guided mowers):

1. Install guide wires: Guide wires help the mower navigate to remote zones. Install according to manufacturer instructions.
2. Check guide wire connections: Guide wires connect to separate terminals on base station. Ensure tight connections.
3. Adjust guide wire settings: In mower settings, configure guide wire following distance (typically 20-40cm).

5. Satellite Visibility and Environmental Factors

Common GPS/RTK Interference Sources

6. Firmware and Software Issues

Error: "Boundary Data Corrupted" or "Map Error"

Cause: Stored boundary data is corrupted or incompatible with new firmware.

Fix:

1. Update firmware: Ensure both mower and RTK base station (if applicable) have the latest firmware.
2. Restart mower: Power off for 30 seconds, then power back on. This reloads boundary data from memory.
3. Re-sync with app: Open the app and force a sync between mower and cloud-stored map data.
4. Delete and remap boundary (last resort): If error persists, delete the boundary in the app and perform a new boundary walk or wire verification.

When to Contact Manufacturer Support

Preventing Boundary Errors

• Monthly checks: Verify RTK base station is clean, vertical, and powered. Check wire for exposed sections.
• Seasonal re-verification: After winter or heavy landscaping, walk the boundary to ensure wire or virtual boundaries are intact.
• Trim boundary edges: Keep grass at lawn edges trimmed. Long grass can physically push the mower outside its boundary.
• Update firmware: Manufacturers improve GPS accuracy and boundary detection with software updates. Check monthly.
• Document your setup: Take photos of RTK base station location, wire path, and app boundary settings. Saves time during troubleshooting.

FAQ

Related Guides

• RTK GPS for Lawn Mowers: How Wire-Free Navigation Works
• Best Wire-Free Lawn Mowers (2026)
• Best Lawn Mowers for Steep Hills

← Back to All Troubleshooting Guides