Honda is
set to herald in a ‘New age of cutting’ for the 2020 season, with several new
and updated products across five categories in its Lawn & Garden machinery
range.
Most
significantly, Honda will enter the cordless lawn mower market with the launch
of two all-new premium models building on its renowned class-leading IZY
platform.
Carrying over the
same qualities, build standards and traditional styling as IZY, the HRG416XB
and HRG466XB ‘IZY-ON’ models will deliver exceptional performance even in
demanding conditions, offering 4.5Nm and 6Nm of torque respectively.
Both will feature a
new brushless motor design, for optimum efficiency and contributing to noise
ratings of just 91dB(A). The larger HRG466 model will also offer integrated
on-off selective mulching – 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 class-leading ‘Thermo-Smart’ control technology to
keep the battery cool even in demanding conditions and over long periods of
use, 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 Product Products at Honda (UK) comments:
“Lawn mowers are absolutely core to the Honda Lawn & Garden business, it’s
what we’re famous for, and after more than 40 years in the market we continue
to set the standard. 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 revered petrol and ro
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 offer
the power and performance more associated with petrol-power, but with
additional convenience, ease of use and comfort. The new handheld range will
extend the application of the universal battery system.
Honda’s
move into the cordless Lawn & Garden market comes at a time of a continued
shift of customer preference towards cordless products, thanks largely to
developments in battery technology. Nonetheless, Honda remains committed to
their petrol models, seeing them as a core part of their line-up, with the new
cordless range now offering customers the widest possible choice based upon
their requirements and preferences.
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 new model will feature several
new intelligent features for enhanced convenience, usability and connectivity.
The ‘Live’ version offers full smartphone connectivity through an app, voice
control via Alexa and adapts automatically to weather conditions. Installing
all-new Miimo couldn’t be easier, with a four-step process compared to nine
steps for a typical competitor model. Honda’s ‘Map & Mow’ technology
eliminates the need for the customer to install the guide wire, set mowing
start points and home position, or to set its cutting schedule. The docking
station is also very simple to install, with the power cable conveniently
encased in a tube and out of the way.
Honda’s lawn tractor models will also get a refresh for 2020,
with new engines in the form of the GCV530 and commercial-grade GXV690, and a
wide range of new features for enhanced convenience and comfort. Among the
latest additions are a speed hold system, a full colour LCD display, a USB port
and device holder.
That isn’t all! Honda continues to bring innovation to its
revered IZY range, famed for being lightweight, robust and versatile and packed
with technology. For next season the line-up of nine petrol models with a
choice of three different cutter deck sizes will be powered by the latest
four-stroke Honda GCV engines – the GCVx145 for 41cm and 46cm models, and the
larger GCVx170 for 53cm models, offering improved efficiency and Auto Choke for
easier starting.
Finally, Honda has added a new model with extra power to its
4-stroke brushcutter range – the UMK450 - designed to suit the needs of
professional and semi-professional users. The new UMK450 features a 47.9cc
power unit and has three version available including the UMK450LE with a D-loop
handle, the UMK450UE with a bike-type handlebar, and the UMK450XE with a
bike-type handlebar and full anti-vibration mounts. The UMK450XE is a
professional version with a new frame and handlebar design, to improve handling
and operator comfort during longer working periods.
The UMK450 is powered by Honda’s GX50 4-stroke engine producing
2hp and with plenty of torque to maintain constant engine and cutting speed,
even in heavier working conditions.
The new models will be available from Honda’s Authorised
Dealer Network ready for the start of 2020 season.
