You may have gotten a "lift error" on your LawnBott or Ambrogio robotic lawn mower and have been wondering what it means.
First, let's learn how it works and is activated. The Lift Error is caused by the robot's software detecting that a non-driving wheel is not turning. How does it know? Well, there are magnets and "hall effect" sensors installed in and near the non-driving wheels on certain LawnBott/Ambrogio robot mower models.
What is a "hall effect" sensor? It is a sensor that can detect the magnetic field of a magnet located nearby. Certain LawnBott/Ambrogio models have magnets installed in the non-driving wheels (that is, the spinning wheels not connected to the wheel motors). The sensor is embedded into the chassis near the wheels on a tiny circuit board. There are wires that connect the sensor to the display board that is mounted on the lid or near the back of the chassis. The tiny board is sunk into the plastic so that the sensor aligns very close to the associated turning wheel and is held by a single screw.
Lift Error occurs when the software determines the wheel is not turning because it no longer gets a signal from the sensor. The first thing to check when you get a lift error is the mechanical integrity of the non-driving wheels. They should turn freely. Sometimes debris, wear and tear or the condition of the ground where the robot is traveling prevents them from turning, so check for anything that inhibits them.
But, Lift Error can also occur commonly in certain LawnBott/Ambrogio robot models due to the wires getting squashed between the lid and the chassis after a repair, inspection or Winter Service. The models are LawnBott LB75DX v4 Chassis and LawnBott LB85EL.
It is a really common issue because the wires are not tacked down well at the factory. There are two places the wires can get caught. 1) In the channel that goes all around the robot lid and 2) In the posts that insert into the lid where the bolts go to hold the lid on.
When your robot comes to us for service, we will tape the wires down to the chassis with strong strapping tape to prevent this problem from occurring.
If you find the wires are squashed, usually it is easy to repair them. Even just a dab of E6000 glue on each exposed wire is enough to provide insulation and protection. Then tape the wires carefully and look underneath as you put the lid on. If the lid does not drop on easily, if it is sitting cock-eyed, or if a lid bolt won't go into its hole, most likely the wires got caught. Rather than forcing the lid on, carefully lift it up and inspect. Then tape the wires down and try again.
Of course, it is possible the hall effect sensor failed, the wire came out of the display board or the display board failed. All of these cases require additional troubleshooting steps so please call your dealer for assistance.
I hope you find this post helpful!
Robot Lady
