Honda's autonomous lawn mower is really impressive, but it will be pricier than a Civic Si.
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Honda is rolling out a new series of electric ride-on lawn mowers, including some self-driving models, designed for maintaining large lawns and landscapes. They promise remarkable grass-trimming efficiency, which is essential, considering their price tag exceeds $30,000.
Last week, Honda unveiled its new ProZision zero-turn mowers, large 48-volt BEV machines featuring numerous advanced features like touchscreen controls, adjustable seating, and a cutting system with three blades instead of the traditional two, manufactured in Swepsonville, North Carolina.
These are sizable machines—available in both 54-inch and 60-inch deck models—suitable only for those looking to mow multiple acres. For context, my Cub Cadet ZT1 has a 42-inch deck (similar in concept to these Hondas), and that feels quite substantial to me.
The triple-blade configuration is intriguing, as most large lawn mowers typically utilize two large blades. Employing three smaller ones can provide a larger cutting surface and potentially greater efficiency, but this also increases the overall cost. Replacement motors for the blades on my Cub Cadet can run around $1,200 each.
In comparison, my electric Cub Cadet can manage about two acres on a single charge. According to specifications, these new Hondas can operate for more than four hours and mow up to 15 acres on one charge.
The non-autonomous mowers do not include the sensor suite, but they still come equipped with several advanced features.
In terms of pricing, my Cub Cadet retails for approximately $4,000, while the 54 and 60-inch Honda models are priced at an astonishing $32,999. Clearly, these are not aimed at those with small plots like myself; they are designed for extensive landscapes in commercial settings or for affluent estates. Unlike my Cub Cadet, which isn't rugged enough for commercial use, these Hondas appear to be.
The cost of the self-driving model has yet to be revealed, but it is expected to be significantly higher. Honda's press release indicates that it will feature “omnidirectional sensing,” which offers a complete 360-degree view using radar and LiDAR sensors for detecting obstacles. While operating autonomously, the mower reduces speed when it detects an object, resumes its programmed pace once the area is clear, and will stop completely if the obstacle remains.
The operation will rely on a combination of programming (training) and the sensors. Users will create a cutting route, send the mower on its way, and as long as the LiDAR and radar function properly, it will navigate around kids, animals, or stumps while completing its task, allowing humans to focus on other activities, such as using weed-whackers (still no robots for that task).
Personally, I’m not a fan of self-steering lawn mowers, as I worry about an unmonitored vehicle maneuvering around my property with spinning blades. Additionally, I enjoy mowing the lawn and would never give up one of my favorite summer pastimes.
However, this technology makes sense in commercial contexts. I’m not sure I’d appreciate mowing a 15-acre lawn every week.
Below are the specifications for Honda’s ProZision mowers, expected to hit the market by next summer.
HZ54SXB
- Cutting width: 54 inches
- Charging: 120 volts, 16.5 hours; 240 volts, 6.5 hours
- Run Time/Acreage: 4.2 hours/4.5 hours; 13-14 acres (varies based on conditions)
- Cutting System: 19-inch MicroCut® Twin Blades, side-discharge deck
- Warranty: commercial limited 3 years or 2,000 hours (whichever comes first)
- MSRP: $32,999
HZ60SXB
- Cutting width: 60 inches
- Charging: 120 volts, 16.5 hours; 240 volts, 6.5 hours
- Run Time/Acreage: 4.0 hours/4.3 hours; 14-15 acres (varies based on conditions)
- Cutting System: 21-inch MicroCut® Twin Blades, side-discharge deck
- Warranty: commercial limited 3 years or 2,000 hours (whichever comes first)
- MSRP: $32,999
HZA60RXB (Autonomous)
- Cutting Width: 60 inches
- Charging: 120 volts, 16.5 hours; 240 volts, 6.5 hours
- Run Time/Acreage: Up to 15 acres (varies depending on conditions)
- Cutting System: 21-inch MicroCut® Twin Blades, rear-discharge deck
- Warranty: commercial limited 3
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Honda's autonomous lawn mower is really impressive, but it will be pricier than a Civic Si.
By this time next year, you'll have the option to purchase a lawn mower equipped with LiDAR technology.