Yard Force MB400: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying

Thinking about making lawn care a little easier? If you love having a freshly cut lawn but aren't quite so keen on the mowing itself, a robotic lawnmower could be just what your garden needs.

The Yard Force MB400 App Controlled Robotic Lawnmower is designed to take care of regular mowing for you, helping keep smaller gardens looking neat without the need to get the lawnmower out every weekend.

But how does it actually work? Does it need a boundary wire? Can you control it from your phone? And, most importantly, is it right for your garden? We've answered the questions you should ask before buying the MB400, so you can decide whether it's the right fit for your outdoor space.

1. What Is the Yard Force MB400 Robotic Lawnmower?

The Yard Force MB400 is an automatic robotic lawnmower designed for lawns up to 400m².

Rather than waiting for the grass to grow long and tackling it all at once, the MB400 is designed to mow regularly, cutting small amounts of grass to help maintain a consistently tidy lawn.

Once you've installed the boundary wire, positioned the charging station and set your mowing schedule, the MB400 can take care of routine lawn maintenance with minimal intervention.

MB400 Features at a Glance

The MB400 combines practical lawn care features with a compact design, making it an appealing option for anyone who wants to spend less time mowing and more time enjoying their garden.

2. Is the MB400 Suitable for Your Garden?

Before choosing any robotic lawnmower, it's important to consider more than just the size of your lawn. The MB400 is designed for small to medium-sized lawns up to 400m², but your garden's shape, layout and terrain also matter.

The MB400 could be a great choice if:

• You have a relatively straightforward lawn layout.

• Your total mowing area is no larger than 400m².

• You want to maintain your lawn with regular automatic mowing.

• You're happy to install a boundary wire.

• You have a suitable outdoor power supply near the charging station.

• You'd like to manage your mowing schedule from your smartphone.

Things to consider before buying

Complex garden layouts: Narrow passages, separate lawn areas and lots of obstacles may require additional planning when installing the boundary wire.

Steep slopes: The MB400 can handle gradients up to 30% under suitable conditions. However, boundary wire positioning on slopes is subject to additional restrictions, so check the installation manual carefully.

Uneven ground: Large holes, exposed roots, loose stones and very rough terrain can interfere with robotic mowing. Preparing the lawn beforehand will help the mower work more reliably.

Separate lawns: If your garden has multiple grass areas divided by paths, steps or other obstacles, you'll need to check whether a suitable connected mowing route can be created.

🍂 Top Tip: Before buying, sketch out your garden and mark any flower beds, trees, slopes, paths and narrow sections. This makes it much easier to decide where your boundary wire and charging station should go.

3. Does the Yard Force MB400 Need a Boundary Wire?

Yes. The MB400 uses a physical boundary wire to define its mowing area.

This is one of the most important things to understand before purchasing.

The boundary wire creates an invisible operating boundary around your lawn. Once installed and connected to the charging station, it helps the mower recognise where it should and shouldn't mow.

You can also use the wire to exclude areas such as flower beds, ponds and other parts of the garden that you don't want the mower to enter.

Is the boundary wire difficult to install?

Installation requires some initial preparation, but the process is straightforward when you follow the instructions carefully.

You'll need to:

1. Choose a suitable location for the charging station.

2. Plan the route of your boundary wire.

3. Lay the wire around the lawn

4. Secure the wire using the supplied pegs.

5. Connect the wire to the charging station.

6. Check the installation before starting the mower.

The MB400 comes with 100 metres of boundary wire and 120 boundary pegs, giving you the essential materials to get started.

Remember that the amount of wire required depends on your garden's shape and perimeter, not simply its total area. A lawn with lots of curves, flower beds or obstacles may need more wire.

Did You Know? Boundary wire can become less noticeable as grass grows around it, helping you maintain the appearance of your lawn after installation.

4. Can You Control the MB400 From Your Phone?

Yes! The MB400 offers smartphone control through the CloudHawk app, using Bluetooth connectivity.

This allows you to manage your mower and its mowing schedule from your compatible smartphone when you're within Bluetooth range.

Why is app control useful?

Instead of manually starting your mower every time the lawn needs cutting, you can set up a mowing routine that suits your garden.

For example, you might prefer your mower to operate while you're working from home, rather than when the family is enjoying the garden.

Important: The MB400 uses Bluetooth app connectivity, not remote Wi-Fi control. You'll need to be within Bluetooth range to use its connected app features.

5. How Does the MB400 Cut Your Grass?

Unlike a traditional lawnmower that you push across the lawn, the MB400 moves around its designated mowing area automatically.

It features a 16cm cutting width and three steel cutting blades, designed to trim small amounts of grass during regular mowing sessions.

The cutting height can be adjusted between 20mm and 55mm, allowing you to choose a height that suits your lawn.

What happens to the grass clippings?

Because robotic lawnmowers are designed to cut frequently, they remove small amounts of grass at a time. These fine clippings are left on the lawn, where they can break down naturally. This means there's no grass collection box to empty after every mowing session.

Can the MB400 cut long grass?

Robotic lawnmowers work best when they're maintaining an already manageable lawn. If your grass has grown particularly long, it's best to give it an initial cut with a conventional lawnmower before introducing your robot.

For the MB400, the installation guidance recommends preparing the lawn to 45mm or less before its first use.

🌱 Top Tip: Start with a slightly higher cutting setting and gradually adjust it to your preferred finish. Avoid removing too much grass in one go, particularly when the lawn is stressed or growing slowly.

6. Does the MB400 Return to Its Charging Station Automatically?

Yes. One of the MB400's most convenient features is its automatic return-to-charge function. When the battery is running low, the mower can return to its charging station, ready for its next mowing session.

The MB400 features a built-in 20V 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery and comes with a docking station and protective cover.

Typical operating times are:

• 60 minutes mowing time per charge.

• 100 minutes charging time.

Actual performance can vary depending on grass conditions, terrain, battery condition and the mowing workload. The important benefit is that you don't need to carry the mower back to its charger after every session. 

7. What Safety Features Does the MB400 Have?

Safety is an important consideration with any automatic garden tool. The Yard Force MB400 includes several built-in sensors designed to help it respond to different situations.

Lift and tilt sensors

These detect when the mower is lifted or tilted and help stop blade operation when necessary.

Obstacle detection

The mower is designed to detect contact with suitable solid obstacles, allowing it to stop, reverse and change direction. However, obstacle detection isn't a substitute for preparing your garden properly.

Small toys, loose objects, low obstacles and garden debris should still be removed before mowing.

Emergency stop

The mower includes a STOP control, allowing operation to be halted when needed.

Important: Always keep children and pets away from the mower while it's operating. Check the lawn for wildlife, toys and other hazards before starting a mowing session.

8. How Much Maintenance Does a Robotic Lawnmower Need?

Although the MB400 reduces the amount of manual mowing you need to do, it isn't completely maintenance-free. A little regular care helps keep it working efficiently.

Your MB400 maintenance checklist

• Clean the mower: Remove grass clippings, dirt and debris using the methods recommended in the manual.

• Check the blades: Inspect them regularly for wear or damage and replace them when necessary.

• Keep the charging contacts clean: Check for dirt or debris that could interfere with charging.

• Inspect the boundary wire: Look for damage if the mower reports a boundary signal problem.

• Keep the lawn clear: Remove fallen branches, toys and other objects before mowing.

• Prepare for winter: Follow the manufacturer's guidance for cleaning, charging and storing your mower when the growing season ends.

Never clean the mower with a pressure washer or immerse it in water. For maintenance involving the underside or cutting blades, always switch the mower off and follow the safety instructions in the manual.

9. Can You Use the MB400 During Autumn and Winter?

This is particularly relevant if you're considering buying a robotic lawnmower towards the end of the gardening season. In the UK, grass growth generally slows during autumn as temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten.

During mild autumn weather, your lawn may still need occasional mowing. However, robotic mowing should be reduced or stopped when conditions become unsuitable.

Avoid mowing when:

• The ground is frozen or covered in frost.

• The lawn is waterlogged.

• Snow is present.

• Grass growth has effectively stopped.

• Conditions are too slippery for safe operation.

For most UK gardens, regular mowing becomes less necessary as winter approaches.

Once your lawn has stopped growing, it's time to clean and prepare your robotic mower for winter storage according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Planning ahead? Buying a robotic lawnmower during autumn or winter can give you time to understand the setup process before the main spring growing season begins. For more seasonal advice, read our guide to When Should You Stop Mowing Your Lawn in the UK?

10. Is the Yard Force MB400 Worth Buying?

If you're looking for a practical way to maintain a small or medium-sized lawn without regular manual mowing, the MB400 is certainly worth considering. Its combination of automatic mowing, Bluetooth app control, adjustable cutting height and automatic charging makes it particularly appealing for gardeners who value convenience.

However, the right choice depends on your garden.

The MB400 is best suited to people who are happy to complete the initial boundary wire installation and have a lawn layout that supports reliable robotic mowing. If you have a highly complex garden, very steep slopes or disconnected grass areas, take time to review the installation requirements before buying.

The key is choosing a mower that suits your garden rather than simply choosing one based on its maximum coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Yard Force MB400

How big a garden can the Yard Force MB400 mow?

The MB400 is designed for lawns up to 400m². Your garden's layout, obstacles, slopes and boundary wire requirements can also affect suitability.

Is the Yard Force MB400 boundary-free?

No. The MB400 requires a physical boundary wire, which is included with the mower.

Does the MB400 work with an app?

Yes. The MB400 uses the CloudHawk app with Bluetooth connectivity for compatible smartphone controls and mowing schedule management.

Does the MB400 have Wi-Fi?

The MB400's advertised app control is Bluetooth-based. It should not be confused with robotic lawnmowers offering remote Wi-Fi connectivity.

Can the MB400 mow slopes?

The MB400 is rated for slopes up to 30%, subject to the installation manual's restrictions. This is a percentage gradient, not a 30-degree angle.

Does the MB400 collect grass clippings?

No. The mower leaves fine clippings on the lawn, where they can break down naturally.

Does the MB400 return to its charger?

Yes. The mower can automatically return to its charging station when its battery needs recharging.

Can I use the MB400 straight out of the box?

Some initial setup is required, including installing the charging station, laying the boundary wire, preparing the lawn and configuring the mower.

Can the MB400 mow around flower beds?

Yes, provided the boundary wire is installed correctly to define the mowing area and exclude any flower beds or other areas you want protected. The boundary wire has to be in one continuous circuit and is therefore unsuitable for excluding areas within the boundary such as ornamental garden features.

Is the MB400 suitable for a first-time robotic mower owner?

It can be a good option for first-time owners with a suitable lawn who are comfortable following the initial installation instructions. Its automatic charging and Bluetooth scheduling are designed to make routine lawn care more convenient.

Ready to Make Lawn Care Easier?

A robotic lawnmower can make a real difference to how you look after your garden, particularly if you'd rather spend your weekends enjoying your outdoor space than pushing a mower.

The Yard Force MB400 App Controlled Robotic Lawnmower is designed to help keep lawns up to 400m² neat and well maintained, with automatic mowing, convenient scheduling and adjustable cutting heights.

If your garden meets the requirements and you're happy to install the boundary wire, it could be a great addition to your lawn care routine.

Discover the Yard Force MB400 Robotic Lawnmower and find out whether it's the right choice for your garden.

For more advice, explore our lawn care guides and seasonal gardening tips to help keep your garden looking its best throughout the year.