Husqvarna Launches New Automower(TM) Solar Hybrid in the U.S. Utilizing Solar Energy...

Husqvarna Launches New Automower(TM) Solar Hybrid in the U.S. Utilizing Solar
Energy to Mow More Efficiently

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Husqvarna's Automower(TM) 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, Husqvarna
will launch the new mower in the U.S. at Green Industry and Equipment Expo
(GIE + EXPO) 2008. Powered by innovative and groundbreaking technology that
combines solar power with electricity, the new Automower(TM) Solar Hybrid
mower is more environmentally responsible and easy to program.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081023/CLTH048 )
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
responsible 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.
The Automower(TM) 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 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.
About Husqvarna
Husqvarna is the world's largest producer of lawn mowers, chainsaws and
portable gas-powered garden equipment such as trimmers and blowers. The Group
is also a world leader in diamond tools and cutting equipment for the
construction and stone industries. Net sales in 2007 were SEK 33.3 billion and
the average number of employees was 16,000.
www.husqvarna.com

www.automower.com

INDOOR BOOTH #9094
OUTDOOR BOOTH #7800D

Contacts:
Barbara Zerfoss Dane Roth
Husqvarna Ketchum
704-921-7004 312-228-6843
dane.roth@ketchum.com

SOURCE Husqvarna

Barbara Zerfoss, Husqvarna, +1-704-921-7004; or Dane Roth of Ketchum, for
Husqvarna, +1-312-228-6843, dane.roth@ketchum.com