Hackaday · Creativity & design

Center-Pivot System Adapted for Lawn Mowing

A miniature center-pivot irrigation system has been modified to function as a lawn mower, addressing the engineering challenge of navigating large, circular areas.

The system operates with semi-independent sections flexibly coupled together. Initially, the outermost wheels were driven at a constant speed, with limit switches controlling inner wheel sets. This was later upgraded to a potentiometer-based proportional controller.

A mower attachment was developed, featuring pivoting precision knives on motors that move along a carriage attached to the system's linkages. Limit switches guide the carriage back and forth to cut the grass.

Challenges encountered include the damp climate of the Pacific Northwest, leading to corrosion and water damage. Mud also complicated wheel navigation, and rapid plant growth often impeded the robot's operation. However, previous projects had already established a cleared circular area.

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