HONDA SET TO ENTER CORDLESS MOWER MARKET

Honda has announced that they are set to enter the cordless lawn mower market for the first time for the 2020 season, with the launch of two models, which they say build on their IZY platform.

The manufacturer says that carrying over the same qualities, build standards and traditional styling as IZY, the HRG416XB and HRG466XB ‘IZY-ON’ models offer 4.5Nm and 6Nm of torque respectively. Both will feature a new brushless motor design which contributes to noise ratings of 91dB(A). The larger HRG466 model will also offer integrated on-off selective mulching - which Honda claim is a first in the cordless lawn mower market.

Providing the power for the new cordless models will be a choice of three batteries - 4Ah, 6Ah and 9Ah - which make up the ‘Universal Battery System’ for Honda cordless products. Featuring ‘Thermo-Smart’ control technology to keep the battery cool, the company says these units offer high performance and long life, with the professional-grade 9Ah version capable of delivering up to 45A of current for heavy garden work, and fully weatherproof to the IP56 standard.

Steve Morris, Head of Power Products at Honda (UK) said, “Lawn mowers are absolutely core to the Honda Lawn & Garden business. With customers increasingly moving towards cordless products and battery technology, now so advanced that it offers no compromise compared to petrol-power, it’s a natural fit for us to introduce premium cordless models alongside our petrol and robotic lawn mower line-up."

Continuing on a similar theme, the 2020 season will also see Honda introduce a new range of cordless handhelds consisting of a hedgetrimmer, brushcutter and leaf blower. Using the same choice of three batteries available in Honda’s forthcoming cordless lawn mower range, the new handhelds will extend the application of the universal battery system.

2020 will also see two new additions to Honda’s robotic mower line-up, Miimo, with the introduction of the HRM40 and HRM40 Live. Designed for smaller gardens of up to 400 square metres, the ‘Live’ version offers full smartphone connectivity through an app, voice control via Alexa and adapts automatically to weather conditions. 

Also new for next season Honda has announced new engines for their lawn tractor models; the IZY range will be powered by the latest four-stroke Honda GCV engines; and they have added a new model with extra power to their 4-stroke brushcutter range, the UMK450.