CHARLOTTE, N.C., Apr 19, 2000 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The Auto Mower(TM), a
battery-powered lawn mower is set to revolutionize the lawn and garden
marketplace and change the way America spends its Saturday mornings.
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"The Husqvarna Auto Mower is designed to keep lawns neatly trimmed throughout
the growing season with minimal human assistance," said John Bailey, business
unit manager for consumer lawn and garden for Husqvarna. "All that's required is
the installation of a boundary wire and some initial pre-programming of the
mower's timer," he added.
Computer-Controlled Thinking
A built-in circuit board with a microprocessor and a wire loop that carries a
low voltage signal are the brains of the Auto Mower. The wire loop forms the
outer boundary of the area to be cut. This thin green wire is stapled to the
ground and the grass grows to cover it in a matter of a few weeks.
"Installation and initial programming will be performed by a Husqvarna retailer
or independent contractor," added Bailey.
The secret of the mower is a docking station that serves as a conduit through
which the mower recharges itself. When the mower recognizes that it's low on
power, it begins to search for the dock station. Subsequently, it follows the
wire back to the station where it recharges. Fully recharged, it returns to its
task of cutting grass. Once it reaches its pre-programmed cutting time, it turns
itself off. After its timed rest period, it turns itself back on and continues
cutting.
Just Say Mow
The Auto Mower operates in a random pattern, until it reaches an area of long
grass. The mower then switches to cutting systematically in squares.
"On a fully charged battery, the Auto Mower will run for approximately one and a
half hours," said Bailey. "It takes about an hour to recharge the battery, then
it's on its way again," he added.
A collision sensor informs the mower when it has hit a solid object, such as a
tree, rock or lawn furniture. When this happens, the mower backs up, turns and
then begins mowing in another direction. It continues to operate in this
fashion, automatically, or a programmed period of time each day, so you never
see your grass grow. Your yard maintains a manicured look throughout the growing
season.
Benefits Include Reduced Noise and Emissions
Key benefits of the Auto Mower include the elimination of noise and emission
free operation. In addition to mowing your lawn by itself, it will do it without
refueling, or waking the neighbors early in the morning. The Auto Mower can be
programmed to run day or night.
"In developing this mower, we are paying careful attention to the long-term
effects its use will have on the environment," said David Zerfoss, president of
Husqvarna North America. "Husqvarna's Auto Mower is a shining example of how to
reduce society's effects on the environment," he added.
In addition, the Auto Mower contributes to the improvement of soil conditions
since it cuts grass in tiny pieces that are left to disintegrate on the lawn to
provide the lawn with added nutrition.
To guard against theft, the Auto Mower is switched on using a personal code, and
has a built-in theft alarm. The Auto Mower will have an introductory retail of
$1,999 plus a nominal installation fee.
Husqvarna offers forest, lawn and garden power equipment for all applications.
The company markets a complete line of chain saws, clearing saws, cut-off saws,
and lawn and garden products, including riding and walk-behind mowers, yard and
garden tractors, tillers, edgers, brushcutters, grass trimmers, backpack and
hand-held blowers, snow throwers, commercial mowers and more. For more
information about the Auto Mower call 1-888-HUSKY-66 or visit www.husqvarna.com
.
AUTO MOWER
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL AutoMower
Drive 2 Direct Drive Geared Motors
Mowing System Blade disc with 3 steel pivoting blades
Cutting Height 1.2 to 3.7 inches
Cutting Heights Steps Variable
Length of Unit 28.3 inches
Width of Unit 23.6 inches
Height of Unit 10.3 inches
Housing ABS Plastic
Weight 15.6 lbs.
SOURCE Husqvarna |
