Posted on 01/06/2009 6:28:12 AM PST by Red Badger
Husqvarna is showing its new Automower Solar Hybrid at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The Solar Hybrid is a fully robotic lawn mower powered by a combination of batteries and a solar panel.
The Solar Hybrid model joins three other Husqvarna Automower battery-powered units. The Solar Hybrid mower has a maximum working area capacity of 2,220 m2 (0.65 acre).
The size of the area mown by the Solar Hybrid mainly depends on the available sunlight, but also on the condition of the blades, the type of grass, growth rate and dampness. The shape of the area is also significant.
When there is daylight available, the 12W solar cell panel enables the mower to extend its cutting periods before requiring a recharge of its 4.4 Ah, 18V NiMH battery.
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.
My neighbor had one of thse robot grass cutters. It worked pretty well, except that his yard was really too sloped (he was actually on a hill), and the charger was at the top of the hill so sometimes it would die trying to get up the hill at the end to recharge.
Then his wires got cut, he didn’t have the technical expertise/tools to find WHERE the wires were cut, and he lost interest.
But I would love to have one of these things cutting my yard, at least the big part of my backyard which is flat and relatively unencumbered by obstacles.
I’ve tried to pay my children to cut the grass (which would accomplish the same goal for me), but frankly a robot cutter would be more reliable. :-)
I love my Roomba and my Scooba!
Renew Engergy Ping
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.How about kids and pets?
I would end up having to fish it out of the lake.
great, one more step towards women not having any need for men.
What do you mean? The only time I use the mower is when I start it for the little lady and send her on her way. Helps her keep that tush nice and tight, IYKWIM.
:)
But I don't give a -——
Cause I'm off to the Rodeo...
well heck, buy her an electric start model then!
the grass area in my front yard is down to about 40’x20’ by the time i get the mower out and started, i might as well spend the 10 minutes it takes to mow it.
My neighbor across the street has something like that, but I don’t think it has any solar power though, just a rechargable battery.
Any of these it? They are remote controlled lawnmowers........
It kind of loos like the red one, only my neighbors is black. I think it has the buried wire in the yard because I watched the thing work. When it gets done it goes back up toward their garage and docks itself. It is cool though!
I have to have a reason for her to keep me around!
Damn, you are smart! Great idea!
My big mean cougar (domesticated cat) would be chasing this thing, and beating the Hell out of it (LOL).
Seriously, I have a cat that thinks he’s a cougar. If I had of had a video camera on when I caught him stalking the deer in my yard, I could have won the $10,000 “World’s Funniest Animals” contest.
He fears nothing, except missing his routine pack of Whiskas. He brings me dead mice, ground squirrels, to thank me for feeding him. But he only lets me pet him if he “feels” like rewarding me with his affection.
Ping.
I forgot to ping you all the last time.
Ping.
I forgot to ping you all the last time.
...unless you need a few jaunts around the
yard to keep that cute lil figure in shape
;)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.