LB3510

[RoyMercer]

Tool Belt is right!  

OK, the new LB3510 has some really great improvements. Some of these are not necessary improvements but required for the new machine.  However, the improvements are wonderful. Even the menu is much easier to navigate:

LB3510 Improvements
--------------------------------
1) Larger diameter wheels and longer front wheel shafts
2) Modified shell to accommodate larger wheel
3) New front bumper on shell. (Very nice. Protects the shell)
4) Revised blade guard
5) Bump sensor refinements (Bump sensor more sensitive. Doesn't hit objects as hard)
6) New direction control on motherboard instead of compass (works well. Doesn't "dog walk" and drives straight up inclines)
7) Changes to recharging wiring harness to motherboard (Eliminated elect. connections from charge nuts to MB, less Vdrop for longer run times)
Touch sensitivity on handle (no info on what was changed)
9) Mods and improvements to motherboard and receiver cards, including:
improved motor temp reading and variance, improved motor signal drivers, increased processor memory (that's why there are more menu items now), larger non-volatile memory, slave boards programmable through serial port (this means if they provide software and if an update is needed, it can be updated by the dealer or customer), improvements to the accelerometer (used for sensing tilt)
10) Addition of C channel for future use (not sure what for)
11) Protection cap on signal sensor for better moisture control (must be for reliability)
12) Larger diameter wire on docking station (12 gauge wire for less Vdrop from charger to charging plates, longer run times)
13) Plates raised due to larger wheels.

[RoyMercer]

My lawn has never looked better. This thing cuts over 3 inches with the blade guard!  The traction is better than my LB3500 with spikes. It drives straight up hills without the "dog walk" and reduced run times I had with the the LB3500 w/electronic compass.

[RobotLady]

That's interesting.  Zucchetti has been telling KA the new wheels do not need spikes.  They are still trying to get them, so if they do, we will offer them for those really tough lawns...

[RoyMercer]

 I think they might just be right this time! The machine is not perfect, I saw him slide in places but only places that my big gas mower would have. The traction without spikes is by far the best I have seen on any robotic lawnmower. You told me it would be and you were right! I would still push for them though. People will want them just because they make the robot look cool and probably provide even more traction. It might be difficult though because the new wheel design does not look like you can just screw some spikes onto them.

[RoyMercer]

The front wheels do not build up as much grass as the LB3500 did due to the new wheel design. However, it seems to build up more underneath to the rear of the machine. You can tell when there is too much grass; when the blade is starting to spin up you can hear it hit the build up of grass.

[someguy]

Has anyone traded in their 3500 for a 3510?

[roninwar]

Has anyone traded in their 3500 for a 3510?

I didn't realize this was possible - I've mostly been too busy to check the old board and just registered tonight for this forum.
Anyone knowledgeable in this topic?
What is the difference between a 3500 and 3510?  never   mind - didn't read up top
How much is the cost if there is a difference?

[jzawacki]

I remember there being a program for the LB3200 as well.. But the upgrade was like $800 if I remember correct.. to much for me, even if it does mean getting a whole new bot.

[RoyMercer]

At this time I don't think anyone is doing any type of trade-in. I suspect that is up to each dealer. I sold my LB3500 and purchased a new LB3510 from Paradise Robotics. All of the changes I can think of are listed above. The best change of all is that it will cut the grass over 3" with the blade guard. Take the blade guard (at your own risk) off and it cuts higher than 3.25".  I just received my LB3510 the first of this month but If you have any questions let me know. There is talk of Kyodo negotiating with Zucchetti to offer an upgrade for the LB3500 to a 3510. However, nothing has been decided yet and if it does happen it could be a long while before it happens.  Had it been available now, I would have paid $1,000 to upgrade my 3510.

[someguy]

At this time I don't think anyone is doing any type of trade-in. I suspect that is up to each dealer. I sold my LB3500 and purchased a new LB3510 from Paradise Robotics. All of the changes I can think of are listed above. The best change of all is that it will cut the grass over 3" with the blade guard. Take the blade guard (at your own risk) off and it cuts higher than 3.25".  I just received my LB3510 the first of this month but If you have any questions let me know. There is talk of Kyodo negotiating with Zucchetti to offer an upgrade for the LB3500 to a 3510. However, nothing has been decided yet and if it does happen it could be a long while before it happens.  Had it been available now, I would have paid $1,000 to upgrade my 3510.

Roy:

How'd you go about selling the 3500 and how much did you get for it?

[RoyMercer]

That was difficult to decide and I wanted to sell it quickly. I sold it for $2,100 which in my opinion the buyer got a very good deal. Paradise Robotics sold it for me. I can't remember for sure but I think paid Paradise about the same I would have paid Ebay and the buyer gets full dealer support. You could try posting on Ebay too but Paraidse sold it faster. If they come out with an upgrade option I will shoot myself in the foot. O-well, it is what is and I do like the new machine much better.

[someguy]

I was thinking of going with the upgrade, but if I have problems with my motors, I'd prefer to have the mower under warranty.  Does anyone have any idea if KA is going to start figuring out when we bought our mowers and stop replacing motors for free if our warranty has run out?

[jzawacki]

Well, the one good thing is that the new motors they send under warranty extend the motors warranty another year.  So, as long as your yard will work the motors hard enough to wear them out each year, you'll get free motors for life..

Unfortunately for me, my yard doesn't.  I'm getting an average of 2.5 years out of a motor (LB3200).  of course, I have only replaced each motor once so far, one under warranty and one not, so it's very limited data.

[RobotLady]

There is a two year warranty on the upgrade parts (motors and everything).  Then, if a motor fails there is a one year warranty on the replaced part.  I have not heard of any changes to the warranty policy.  I think they are trying to make it more reliable to avoid warranty cost.