Jan 5 2009
Husqvarna's Automower Solar Hybrid is a fully robotic lawn mower partly powered by the sun and uses no fuel or oil.
Expanding its current fully-robotic lawn mower line, the Solar Hybrid model joins three other Husqvarna battery-powered units proven in the global marketplace. Powered by innovative and groundbreaking technology that combines solar power with electricity, the new Automower™ Solar Hybrid mower has less impact on the environment and is easy to program.
The Solar Hybrid mower is designed to handle lawns of up to a half acre. Incorporating solar and battery power, it uses considerably less energy than any conventional mower with its large integrated solar panel and is emissions-free. When there is daylight available, the solar cells enable the mower to extend its cutting periods before requiring a recharge. Lower power consumption and an extended battery life enable a faster, more environmentally improved cut.
A small wire is staked to the ground below the grass level, or buried just beneath it, around the perimeter of the lawn to be mowed. The on-board navigation system monitors its position relative to the wire keeping it in the area to be mowed. The irregular pattern of movement, the long battery life, and its ground speed enables it to effectively mow all parts of the lawn. Obstacles or other areas within the lawn that should not be mowed are handled in one of two ways: if the object is rigid and at least six inches tall like trees or fences, the mower gently bumps into it, reverses, and starts off in another direction; other areas, like a flowerbed, are excluded from the cutting area by using the perimeter wire.
Automower™ Solar Hybrid mower is programmable to be personalized via timer, and charges itself when required by returning to its base. The 22-pound mower cuts every day, day or night, rain or shine and has a 4-digit pin code lock feature required to operate the mower and an alarm for security. Other safety features include lightweight and out-of-reach blades and automatic shut off when the device is lifted from the ground. Additionally, the three razor-like blades cut the grass cleanly and more often than a traditional mower which leaves shorter clippings that decompose faster and provide a natural fertilizer for an even better-looking yard. The Automower Solar Hybrid is available for $2999.95 nationwide.