A motorized passage system designed specifically for robotic mowers. MowGates install in fence lines and automatically open and close to allow the mower to pass between zones. They are triggered by boundary wire signals, Bluetooth, or proximity sensors.
The Multi-Zone Challenge
An estimated 40% of robot mower owners have yards divided by fences, walls, or hedges that create separate mowing zones. The mower can only reach the second zone by passing through a physical barrier. Without a solution, one of the zones requires manual mowing or a second mower — defeating the purpose of automation.
Solution 1: Motorized MowGate (Best for Full Automation)
Cost: $200–$400
Installation: 1–2 hours
Automation level: Fully automatic
MowGates are small motorized flaps or sliding panels that install directly into your fence. When the mower approaches (detected via boundary wire signal or Bluetooth beacon), the gate opens. After the mower passes through (confirmed by a second sensor on the other side), the gate closes.
Most MowGates are battery-powered (rechargeable via USB-C or solar panel) and require no permanent wiring. They are designed to be pet- and child-safe, closing gently if an obstruction is detected.
Compatibility: Works with boundary-wire mowers (Husqvarna, Worx) natively. RTK mowers (Mammotion, Segway) may require an additional Bluetooth trigger module.
Solution 2: Permanent Fence Cutout (Best Value)
Cost: $20–$80 (DIY materials)
Installation: 2–4 hours
Automation level: Fully automatic (no gate mechanism needed)
The simplest solution: cut a mower-width opening in the fence at ground level. The opening should be 60–80cm wide and 30–40cm tall. Frame the cutout with treated lumber or aluminum channel to prevent fence damage from repeated mower contact.
To maintain pet containment, install a "flap" made from heavy-duty rubber matting (horse stall mat works well) that the mower can push through but that a dog or child would see as a barrier. Alternatively, use a weighted fabric strip that hangs over the opening.
HOA consideration: If your HOA prohibits visible fence modifications, position the cutout on the side of the fence that is not visible from the street or common areas. Some owners install the cutout behind shrubs or decorative panels.
Solution 3: Underground Passage (Premium Option)
Cost: $300–$800 (professional installation recommended)
Installation: Half day
Automation level: Fully automatic
For fences on a raised concrete or masonry base, an underground ramp tunnel can be constructed beneath the fence. A shallow trench (8–12 inches deep) runs under the fence base, lined with concrete board or heavy PVC, with ramped entries on both sides.
This approach is invisible from above, requires no fence modification, and works with any mower that can handle a slight ramp gradient. The main limitation is that it requires the fence base to have enough clearance for a mower-height tunnel, which is typically 15–20cm.
Solution 4: Manual Secondary Area Mode (Zero Cost)
Cost: $0
Installation: None
Automation level: Manual (5 minutes per session)
All premium mowers support a "Secondary Area" feature. You physically carry the mower to the second zone, place it down, and start it via the app. The mower will mow the mapped secondary zone, then stop and wait for you to carry it back. Most owners do this once or twice per week.
Battery consideration: The mower uses its existing battery charge for the secondary zone. Ensure it is at 80%+ before moving it. If the battery runs low mid-mow, you will need to carry the mower back to the dock, charge it, and retry — a frustrating cycle that makes this the least convenient option for large secondary zones.
Comparison: Which Solution Is Right for You?
| Solution | Cost | Automation | HOA-Safe | Pet-Safe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MowGate | $200–400 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | Full automation priority |
| Fence Cutout | $20–80 | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Budget-conscious owners |
| Underground Passage | $300–800 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | HOA-restricted properties |
| Manual Secondary | $0 | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Small secondary zones |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, with a motorized "MowGate" or similar automated passage system. These battery-powered gates open when they receive a signal from the mower (usually via the boundary wire or Bluetooth) and close after the mower passes. Prices range from $200–400.
Not necessarily. Most premium mowers support "Secondary Area" or "Multi-Zone" functionality where the mower navigates from one zone to another through a corridor or passage. A second base station is only needed if the zones are completely separate with no physical connection.
Most mowers require a minimum corridor width of 60cm (2 feet). Some models like the Mammotion LUBA 2 can handle corridors as narrow as 50cm. Below this width, the mower may struggle to navigate the passage reliably.
Yes, repeated passage over the same narrow strip of grass can cause wear tracks. Mitigate this by: (1) setting the passage corridor wider than the minimum, (2) installing stepping stones or a narrow paver strip, or (3) randomizing the mower's approach angle in the corridor settings.
Yes. All mowers support a "Secondary Area" mode where you physically carry the mower to a second zone, start it manually, and it mows that zone before you carry it back. This works but eliminates the convenience of full automation.