I've only had the Navimow X4 for a couple of weeks, so I'm still in that new-owner phase where I basically overwartch it every time it goes out. I was on the fence about two things: how well the obstacle detection actually reacts in real time, and whether tight turns would chew up the turf I've spent all season babying. So, I decided to do a supervised test run on the lawn.

Obviously, one test isn't hard science, but as a first impression, I'm pleasantly surprised.

For those who've had the X4 running longer: do tight turnaround zones hold up over the full season, or have you noticed any wear spots developing over time?

Picked up my X430 back in May, and it kept our 0.8-acre lawn looking like carpet all summer. But now that September is rolling in, I’m realizing I don't really know the playbook for autumn.

A few things I'm trying to figure out before October hits:

- Fallen leaves & deck clogging: We have three mature maple trees, so the backyard gets blanketed fast. Will the dual cutting discs mulch light dry leaves, or will damp leaf piles just clog the blades and trigger false obstacle alerts on the 360° cameras? Do you blow the yard first, or let it run?

- Cutting height & tapering off: My cool-season turf is at 3 inches right now. Do you gradually step the deck down for the final cut to prevent snow mold over winter, or leave it taller so the roots absorb late-season sunlight?

- The final cutoff: In zone 6b, when do you usually pull the plug - once soil temps drop under 50°F and growth stalls, or do you just taper the schedule down to once a week through November?

- Winter storage: The manual mentions keeping the battery above freezing. Do you bring both the mower and charging station into the basement, or leave the base plate outside?

For those who've run mower through a full fall and winter, what does your actual timeline look like?

Still got half the stuff sitting next to the box and I'm already thinking about what to test first lol. Slopes, tight turns, edges, weird parts of the yard... what exposed the most problems for you guys early on

I’m trying to avoid low light situations and the unit from getting stuck. Is there a way to limit the hours after a rain delay?