1. Installation Does Not Mean Immediate Operation

• Complete mapping before first use: During the initial setup and mapping process, mark drinking stations, headlocks, stall openings, corners, and blind spots as restricted areas. Otherwise, feed may be pushed into water troughs or against equipment structures.

• Adjust the push blade angle correctly: Set the blade angle only high enough to return feed to the feed line. An excessive angle can compress the TMR too tightly, reducing feed accessibility and discouraging cattle from eating.

• Prepare the floor surface before operation: Repair uneven ground before running the machine. Trackless models are especially sensitive to uneven surfaces, while magnetic guidance models may be affected by metal objects pressing on or interfering with the magnetic strips.

2. Daily Pre-Start Inspection

• Check radar, cameras, and reflectors: Clean off manure, dust, and dirt regularly. Blocked sensors can cause positioning errors or navigation failure.

• Inspect push blade, pivot pins, and tires: Listen for abnormal noises and check for cracks, looseness, or unusual wear before operation.

• Keep the charging station clear: Do not allow cattle to lie in front of or behind the charging station, and prevent manure buildup around the area. Failure to return to the charging station is one of the most common causes of overnight service calls.

3. Proper Interaction with Cattle

• Keep operating sounds and warning lights enabled: Cattle adapt better to consistent operating patterns than complete silence. Maintaining a predictable routine helps reduce stress.

• Slow down when approaching cattle: Allow cattle to move away naturally. Do not stop directly in front of them or attempt to push through animals.

• Avoid stopping near headlocks: A robot becoming trapped in front of headlocks is one of the highest-risk situations. Remote emergency stop and automatic return-to-charger functions should always be available.

4. Seasonal Maintenance Adjustments

• Summer maintenance: Provide shade protection where possible and rinse the rear side of the push blade regularly to prevent feed buildup and corrosion.

• Winter operation: Reduced battery performance in cold weather is normal, so charging frequency should be increased. Prevent slipping on frozen surfaces, and note that vision-based models may become less reliable during heavy snowfall.

• Rainy season preparation: In muddy conditions, use a flexible rubber scraper strip on the blade edge instead of a rigid steel edge for easier cleaning and smoother operation.