435X

At the GIE+EXPO last week, it was hard to tear yourself away from the Automower® display at the Husqvarna booth. Not only was seeing the new all wheel drive 535 and 435X robotic mowers (profiled in the Turf Fall edition) zip up and down a 35 degree slope impressive, but hearing from Steve Uljua, robotic product manager for Husqvarna North America, about how this technology is befuddling both thieves and dogs was one of the more enjoyable and amusing aspects of the Show. To create virtual boundaries for Automowers, Husqvarna also introduced new EPOS technology, a high-precision satellite navigation system that delivers an accuracy of up to one inch. The new system will significantly increase the flexibility of robotic mowers since virtual boundaries can be adapted to meet the ever-changing needs of sports fields and public spaces. EPOS technology further opens up historically challenging situations for robotic mowers, such as areas passing over hard surfaces or areas which are often remodeled. It also makes aerating and scarifying easier. It will launch with selected professional customers in the U.S. in 2020 and will work with Husqvarna Autonomous Operation, an autonomous solution for professionals maintaining large green spaces, which will be launched in 2021. More Battery Powered Options With no direct emissions and low operating costs, battery powered options were big news at several booths and Husqvarna was no exception. It added several new products to its growing portfolio of battery-operated solutions: The new 520iHT4 hedge trimmer offers an extended reach (over ...