Honda’s new machinery hitting the market in 2020

The Cordless IZY ON 466XB from Honda. Photo: Honda.

Honda is looking to herald in a "new age of cutting" for the 2020 season, with several new and updated products across five categories in its lawn and garden machinery range.

Sports & Parks

23 October 2019

Honda will enter the cordless lawn mower market in 2020 with the launch of two all-new premium models, building on its renowned IZY platform.

Carrying over the same qualities, build standards, and traditional styling as IZY, the HRG416XB and HRG466XB IZY-ON models aim to deliver exceptional performance even in demanding conditions, offering 4.5Nm and 6Nm of torque respectively.

Both models 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.

Power

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 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.

“Lawn mowers are absolutely core to the Honda lawn and 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.”, said Steve Morris, head of products at Honda UK.

Handhelds

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. The new handheld range will extend the application of the universal battery system.

Honda’s move into the cordless lawn and 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 looks to remain committed to their petrol models, seeing them as a core part of their line-up, with the new cordless range now offering their customers the widest possible choice based upon their requirements and preferences.

Miimo

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 Amazon’s Alexa, and adapts automatically to weather conditions.

Installing the all-new Miimo is done through a four-step process. 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 simple to install, with the power cable 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.

Honda continues to improve on its IZY range: 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 41 centimetre and 46 centimetre models, and the larger GCVx170 for 53 centimetre models – offering improved efficiency and Auto Choke for easier starting.

Finally, Honda has added a new model with extra power to its four-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 four-stroke engine producing 2hp and 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 for the 2020 season.