Honda’s new cordless range: Honda is launching a new range of cordless products, including its first cordless lawn mower and introduces new smaller robotic mower as part of a major refresh to its Lawn & Garden range
– Honda enters the cordless lawn mower market with two new machines
– A hedgetrimmer, brushcutter and leaf blower make up the new cordless handheld range
– Two new small robotic lawn mowers join the Miimo family
– Popular petrol powered IZY lawn mower and premium lawn tractor ranges get a refresh
– New petrol powered Brushcutter joins the line up
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 robotic lawn mower line-up.”
Continuing on a similar theme, Honda is also introducing 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.
Updates to Honda’s petrol-powered line up
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 and online store (store.honda.co.uk) ready for the start of 2020 season. For further information please visit www.honda.co.uk/lawn-and-garden.
Introducing the all-new premium ‘IZY-ON’ models
Honda will enter the cordless lawn mower market with the launch of two all-new premium models, building on its renowned class-leading IZY range.
Carrying over the same qualities, build standards and traditional styling as IZY, the HRG416XB (‘416’) and HRG466XB (‘466’) ‘IZY-ON’ models deliver exceptional performance even in demanding conditions, powered by a choice of a 4Ah, 6Ah or 9Ah lithium-ion battery, featuring unique and innovative cooling technology. Both feature a new brushless motor design, for optimum efficiency and to minimise noise. The 466 model also offers integrated on-off selective mulching – a first in the cordless lawn mower market.
The new lawn mowers will be available through authorised Honda dealers and from the online Honda Store from December 2019 at an RRP starting from £650 for the IZY-ON 416XB including the 4Ah battery and charger.
Born of IZY
Honda’s new IZY-ON models bring new levels of performance and quality to the cordless market – a product on a par with Honda’s petrol models – by carrying over every technology, feature and benefit that IZY is famed for, apart from its power source and motor. Most notably this includes IZY’s revered high-quality pressed steel powder coated deck – in a market made up of plastic – to offer superior robustness and durability. It also carries over IZY’s tried and tested unique blade design, which along with its high airflow collection bag maximises grass collection and minimises clogging.
Other premium IZY functionality to benefit the IZY-ON models includes its high quality transmission and robust steel frame, while the 466 variant also offers the convenience of on-off mulching, and self-drive for comfortable, smooth and effortless operation.
The result is two high-performing, robust and durable cordless models offering 4.5Nm (416) and 6Nm (466) of torque, with extremely stable RPM of 2900 (416) and 2800 (466), for constant high performance in all conditions.
Three high-performance lithium-ion batteries
The new IZY-ON models are powered by either of three high-performance batteries which make up the ‘Universal Battery System’ – offering ‘one battery for everything’. For medium to large domestic gardens the 4Ah and 6Ah units provide a maximum current flow of 24A, IPX1 rated for excellent water resistance, and weigh in at just 1.3kg. The larger 9Ah version, for heavy, frequent, professional usage, offers a maximum current flow of 45A, IP56 rated for all-weather usage, with a weight of just 2.3kg.
All three batteries feature unique ‘Thermo Smart’ technology to keep cool even in the most demanding conditions and over long periods of use, ensuring consistent high performance and longer battery life. Thermo Smart constantly monitors each cell’s voltage for temperature, which coupled with a unique battery housing design using advanced subframe material ensures fast and efficient heat dissipation for continuous current requirement. The professional 9Ah unit is designed to be recharged more than 1000 times, with a robust outer casing which can withstand a two metre drop test. It also features a battery charge level indicator and charge cycle count, motion activated sensor and rotational display.
Integrated seamlessly into the IZY-ON models Honda’s all-new batteries provide superior cutting and charge time against competitors, with the 9Ah unit capable of cutting 730m² on one charge, with a charge time of just 77 minutes. The 6Ah and 4Ah units will cut 485m² and 365m² on one charge, with a charge time of 55 and 35 minutes respectively.
Cutting-edge brushless motor design
At the heart of the IZY-ON models lies a cutting-edge brushless EC motor providing direct drive to the cutting head for exceptional performance – offering up to 100% longer lifetime and 30% more efficiency per charge and lower noise (91dB(A)) compared to a fanned design. With a multi-pole design as used in Honda’s EU generators and hybrid cars, it also features a hall sensor to maintain a stable RPM and consistent high performance, with a heat sink to draw heat away from the motor’s copper windings for optimum strength and durability.
Honda’s new cordless handheld range
Honda will introduce a new premium cordless Lawn & Garden handheld range for the 2020 season, consisting of a leaf blower, brushcutter and hedge trimmer, offering the power and performance more associated with petrol-power but with the convenience, ease of use and comfort of battery. The new handheld range is powered by a choice of three high-performance batteries, a 4.Ah, 6Ah or 9Ah unit from Honda’s new universal battery system.
Each model in the 36-volt range features a brushless EC motor giving direct drive to the head, for superb performance even in the most demanding conditions and over long periods of use, as well as being fully waterproof to the IX4 standard*.
These new products will be available through authorised Honda dealers and from the online Honda Store from December 2019 at an RRP of £780 for the brushcutter and £720 for the hedgetrimmer – both of which include the 4Ah battery and charger. The leaf blower’s RRP is £640 including the 6Ah battery and charger.
Leaf blower – HHB36AXB
Honda’s all-new cordless leaf blower offers powerful and robust performance with the versatility of an interchangeable flat and round nozzle as standard, to best suit the job in hand. Ease of use is assured through optimum balance to keep the nose towards the ground, while fully-variable speed control allows the operator to work at their own pace to suit their preference and the needs of the task and working environment. Comfort and convenience were also a priority in the development of the new unit, with a belt-mounted battery to reduce weight, padded with a single-hand release, a universal fit for right or left-hand operation, and an adjustable waist strap.
Weighing in at just 2.6kg without the battery, and with a noise level of just 99dB(A), the new blower puts out a powerful air volume of up to 860m³ per hour, with an air speed of up to 68 metres per second.
Brushcutter – HHT36AXBEUE
The new brushcutter ensures optimum usability with the familiar ‘handlebar’ handle system and harness for complete control. It also offers the safety and convenience of stall-free operation, with the head automatically releasing if jammed. A three tooth blade and nylon line head are provided as standard. Weighing in at just 6.5kg without the battery, and with a noise level of just 93dB(A), it offers top-class performance with superior comfort for even the most demanding user.
Hedge Trimmer – HHH36AXB
Honda’s new roughing hedge trimmer provides a fast, precise and clean cut thanks to its 60cm Swiss-made hardened steel double-sided blades. It also offers the safety and convenience of stall-free operation, with the blade automatically releasing if jammed. Ultimate comfort and ease-of-use is assured with a rotating rear handle, which can move 90 degrees right or left.
Weighing in at just 5kg without the battery, and with a noise level of just 104dB(A), the new trimmer delivers 3,000 cuts per minute, making light work of anything thrown at it.
Cordless – a new era of cutting for Honda
The introduction of Honda’s new cordless handheld range comes at a time of consistent year-on year growth in the cordless market, thanks largely to developments in battery technology which sees battery-power now offering no compromise over petrol-power for most customers. Honda also remains committed to its petrol models, seeing them as a core part of the line-up. The new cordless range will sit alongside Honda’s petrol handheld models to offer customers the widest possible choice based upon their requirements and preferences.
Steve Morris, Head of Power Products at Honda (UK) comments: “The cordless handheld market continues to grow at pace, and with battery technology now so advanced we can offer products with the performance and capability of petrol-power with the convenience of battery. These new premium handhelds sit perfectly in the Honda range to offer customers ultimate choice, even for the most demanding professional user.”
Honda expands premium robotic lawn mower range with introduction of smaller, smarter HRM40
Honda is also strengthening its premium robotic lawn mower range in time with the introduction of the all new HRM40, a smaller, smarter model packed with new intelligent features for enhanced convenience and usability. Perfect for gardens up to 400m² – considerably less than the recommended 1500m² of Honda’s next smallest model – HRM40 completes Honda’s range by offering something for everyone from a 100m² garden up to 4000m² plus. HRM40 will be available in two variants – the standard model and a ‘Live’ version which offers full smartphone connectivity through an app, voice control via Alexa and adapts automatically to weather conditions.
The HRM40 will be available from Honda’s Authorised Dealer Network and on the online Honda Store from February 2020, with an RRP from £949 (incl VAT).
Easy installation
Installing all-new HRM40 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.
Intelligent lawn care
Map & Mow is the most intelligent way to manage small lawns. During initial set-up Miimo navigates around the boundary wire, using its wheels to store a map of the garden and calculate its size. It then cuts in logical five metre parallel lines for optimum efficiency and accuracy, returning directly to home when the battery is low. As a result, it works fast – tackling a 400m² lawn in just half a day – and it works efficiently – around 70% less running time than a machine using random cut – reducing running costs. What’s more, less mowing time and direct return to home minimises lawn damage and wheel tracks.
The Smart Timer on HRM40 Live and Easy Timer on the standard model takes intelligent lawn care to another level. Taking live weather data from MeteoGroup and combining it with a grass growth algorithm based on academic research, it automatically creates an optimal cutting schedule based on conditions.
HRM40 Live also offers full smartphone connectivity through the ‘Mii-monitor 40’ app, allowing the customer to keep in touch with Miimo wherever they are to check its status, cutting schedule, warning or maintenance alerts, live weather and to operate the machine remotely. The Live model allows voice-control through Alexa, with the five most popular demands – including cut, status and return to home – with no additional software required to the Alexa app.
Finally, a further new convenience benefit which HRM40 brings is ‘Place & Mow’ – the ability to reach areas which have been uncut – under garden furniture, for example. The customer simply moves the obstruction and sets Miimo to tackle the patch as either a two or three metre square.
Both HRM40 models offer a maximum cutting area capacity of 400m², with run and charge time of 45 minutes. Weighing just 7.6kg, HRM40 gives a cutting width of 15cm, cutting height from 30mm-50mm, and the ability to tackle slopes up to 15 degrees. It also features reversible blades which can be turned when blunt, maximising the life of the blade
Honda’s Miimo range – something for everyone
Steve Morris, Head of Power Products at Honda (UK) comments: “The introduction of HRM40 is a natural move for Honda, opening up the appeal of robotic lawn mowers to a wider market and giving customers the widest choice possible to meet their needs and preferences. With such intelligent features and functionality it offers an incredibly simple and convenient solution to those with smaller gardens, with minimum effort required to install and keep it working away all season”.
The Miimo range now features five models which offer the perfect solution of those wanting a beautiful lawn, every day, but would rather not or can’t mow it themselves. Miimo cuts little and often, typically mowing just 2-3mm of grass at a time, several times each week, meaning less stress on the grass and a perfectly manicured lawn at all times. The clippings it creates are so small that they do not need to be collected and are dispersed into the lawn root system, breaking down quickly to act as a natural fertiliser.
Honda enhances its popular IZY lawn mower range with new engines for improved power and efficiency and even easier starting
Honda is enhancing its best-selling IZY premium pedestrian lawn mower range by introducing its latest four-stroke GCVx engines across the line-up to bring improved power and efficiency, and even easier starting. The new engines – the GCVx145 for 41cm and 46cm models, and the larger GCVx170 for 53cm models – also bring new levels of convenience and ease-of-maintenance through several improved features and a simpler engine make up.
The enhanced IZY models will be available from Honda’s Authorised Dealer Network and the online Honda Store from November 2019.
Increased power and efficiency, easier starting
Honda’s latest Euro-5 compliant four-stroke GCVx engines bring increased power and efficiency to the IZY range, offering enhanced combustion by creating stronger turbulence inside the chamber, while also being more tolerant to low quality fuels – meaning less engine start failures, particularly after winter storage. A new Auto Choke system has also been introduced, offering improved temperature sensing and choke optimisation, for easier starting even in the most challenging conditions.
New levels of convenience and ease-of-maintenance
The changes to the IZY range bring new levels of convenience and ease-of-maintenance, with easier access to serviceable parts such as the oil drain and spark plug, a much larger fuel filler cap, and tool-free access to the air filter. Service efficiency is also improved thanks to a less complex engine make up, allowing faster servicing due to a 63 per cent reduction in the engine strip-down process. What’s more the new Auto Choke system consists of 30% less parts than on the GCV unit previously featured on the IZY range.
Honda’s IZY range – the best just got better
With a choice of nine models with three different cutter deck sizes, the IZY range offers something for everyone, with a reputation for legendary cutting and collection performance. Famed for being lightweight, robust, versatile and packed with technology, IZY continues to set the standard in the premium pedestrian lawn mower market, with the manoeuvrability to effortlessly tackle small to medium gardens and the capability to take on more demanding spaces.
IZY models are built around a high-quality pressed steel powder coated deck, for ultimate robustness and durability, while Honda’s tried and tested unique blade design and high airflow collection bag maximises grass collection and minimises clogging. The IZY range also benefits from a high-quality transmission and robust steel frame, with selective on-off mulching and self-drive for comfortable, smooth and effortless operation on several models.
Honda’s premium lawn tractor range – new engines plus convenience and comfort enhancements
Honda is updating its HF premium lawn tractor range with new engines and several new features for enhanced convenience and comfort. Among the latest innovations are a Speed Hold System with a choice of four selectable speeds, a full colour LCD display, and a new design high back seat with armrests.
The refreshed HF models will be available from Honda’s Authorised Lawn & Garden Dealer Network and the online Honda Store from November.
New Pro Spec and commercial-grade engines
The four smallest models in the HF range are powered by the Pro Spec GCV530 engine offering 16hp, while the two range-topping HF2625 machines get the commercial-grade GCV690 unit, offering 22hp. Euro-5 compliant, these powerful and efficient four-stroke V-Twin units feature cast iron cylinder sleeves and crankshaft bearings for smooth running and longer engine life, making them ultra-reliable, durable and robust. Famed for their high performance and low emissions, each also features a decompressor for easy start and restart, while being among the most fuel efficient on the market.
Enhanced convenience and comfort
The most significant convenience feature to be introduced to the HF range is a four-step Speed Hold System, offering the customer complete control to work at their own pace based on their preference, conditions, and the job in hand. With a simple to use lever the customer can choose to maintain 2km, 3km, 5km or 6km/h – allowing effortless cutting of large areas.
Other convenience features coming to the range include a new and intuitive LCD instrument display to the dashboard, a USB charger to keep devices topped up, and a handy device holder easily located from the steering wheel. New LED lights with daylight stripe have also been introduced, offering enhanced convenience and a fresh new look.
Comfort has always been a trademark of Honda’s lawn tractors, particularly for those spending long periods in the seat. This is even further enhanced for the top of the range refreshed HF models, with the addition of a luxury high back seat with armrests and new soft-grip steering wheel with a knob for manoeuvring in tight spaces quickly and easily.
Honda’s HF lawn tractor range – advanced and fully-equipped
Honda’s HF models set the benchmark in the premium lawn tractor market, featuring advanced technologies for superior performance and ease of use, and with variable hydrostatic drive for smooth, precise control. With six models offering three cutting widths of 92cm, 102cm or 122cm, the range also features Honda’s Optiflow system to maximise cutting collection and minimise clogging, and Versamow™ selective mulching on higher-end models.
Honda’s range is built to be tough, even for the most demanding user, with durable bumpers for protection and a cast iron front axle which provides strength to the chassis while also enhancing steering. Other durability features include long-life bearings, steel belt guides to minimise slippage and damage to the belt, an in-line fuel filter offering a 600 hour lifetime, and anti-corrosion treatment to the underside of the deck.
The range also features Honda’s unique synchronous blade system, which, through a timing belt, sees the twin blades spin together constantly at a 90 degree opposed angle to maintain constant cutting, resulting in less uncut areas and increased airflow under the cutter deck, for optimum cut and collection performance.
Honda adds larger 4-stroke brushcutter
Honda has added a new model with extra power to its 4-stroke brushcutter range, designed to suit the needs of professional and semi-professional users. The new UMK450 with a 47.9cc power unit complements current UMK425 and UMK435 models with 25 and 35cc respectively.
These new additions will be available from Honda’s authorised dealer network from November 2019 with prices starting for £629 (incl VAT) for the UMK450 LE.
Three versions of the UMK450 include 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. Fuel consumption is up to 15 per cent lower than comparable 2-stroke models and operating on petrol only saves time spent pre-mixing oil and petrol. Fuel and oil running cost savings over 20 per cent are easily achieved, including allowance for the Honda’s 50-hour oil change interval.
Harmful emissions from the 4-stroke are significantly lower, making it better for the environment and operator health, while less vibration is an additional advantage for users.
Honda 4-stroke brushcutters have an excellent reputation for ease of starting and a new optimised de-compressor incorporated in the GX50 reduces the effort needed to pull the starter, making it even easier to start the engine.
All UMK450 models come with a new shoulder harness. Designed to maintain comfort during longer working periods the harness has cushioning around the back and waist. A wide range of adjustments including separate adjustment of the waist pad makes it easy for users of any size and shape to achieve a comfortable fit with even distribution of the machine’s weight.
The new professional UMK450XE model makes the most of the GX50 engine’s power and torque by allowing operators to work in comfort for longer periods. The main shaft is increased from 26mm diameter on LE and UE versions to 28mm for extra rigidity and reduced vibration, with an 8mm inner drive shaft transferring power to the cutter head.
Extra comfort and reduced vibration results from an all-new handlebar design with the handle assembly mounted on four rubber bushes. The shaped floating box handle is easy to grip from either side, and a choice of nine hook holes makes it easy to achieve an ideal position for maximum comfort and ease of use. The throttle cable runs through the handle, protecting it from damage during work or transport. Full handlebar adjustment is available just by loosening one large thumb grip and the handles can be quickly rotated parallel to the shaft and folded, for ease of transport.
New cutting options for the UMK450XE include a heavy-duty nylon head. This incorporates metal inserts at the base to resist wear, and cutting lines up to 3.0mm diameter can be used. Capacity for up to 7.0m of 2.4mm line is available. For professional users the ease of re-loading with line is an advantage as there is no need to open up the head
Also available for the professional brushcutter is a new, larger diameter metal blade. Increased from 255 to 305mm the extra size improves cutting ability and work-rates.
Honda’s new UMK450 models offer increased capability and work-rates for professional and semi-professional users combined with less vibration and significant fuel savings compared with 2-stroke machines. The GX50 engines feature new styling designed to resist wear and tear and improve access for maintenance. Like Honda’s current 4-stroke brushcutters the latest models feature easy starting even after storage and are designed to remain reliable with a long working life.
For further information on Honda’s Lawn & Garden machinery range visit www.honda.co.uk or contact your local dealer.
For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news
Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.
You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.
