I was in Antwerp this week to hear Husqvarna CEO Kai Warn unveil what he described as ‘the biggest leap in our industry since we motorised outdoor products’.

I’m not sure about that. 

The first motorised lawnmower dates back to 1902  – and there have been some important milestones since then, a number from the Husqvarna stable such as the invention of the Flymo (over 50 years ago) and solar powered mowers (more than 20 years ago).

But let’s not quibble. What was being unveiled was certainly evolutionary, if not revolutionary. Battery power has come on in leaps and bounds since the early days of the Webb mowers with huge clunky batteries. But whilst the sophistication of battery technology has changed out of all recognition in the past few years, there still remains a resistance, both from within the industry and from consumers. The objections have been threefold, price, power and run-time.

Husqvarna was launching a system of connectivity, mainly aimed at contractors operating a fleet of machines, using mobile phones, broadband, Bluetooth and the Cloud to monitor machine and operator performance – with all the associated benefits. At the top end of the system, operators would wear helmets with visors which acted in the way of Google glasses with a display of machine run-time, safety warnings, even weather info.

Whilst the use of Cloud technology to monitor equipment is used in other industries such as in farm equipment, shipping, transport and so on, it is a relatively new development for outdoor power equipment.

Perhaps the most interesting observation came from a Dutch landscaper, Douwe Snoek, who is using the Husqvarna Fleet Service system. He admitted that operating trimmers and blowers was often regarded as a lowly and unskilled occupation. “By equipping the guys with mobiles which will plan their day, monitor their work and provide loads of information certainly makes them feel more important and valued” he said.

It seems as if we are starting to reach a tipping point between petrol engine and battery options. But manufacturers in general have not been good at addressing the resistance points associated with battery power.  Nor have they have adequately addressed the concerns of dealers about how they shape their service departments for new technology in the future. We are a conservative industry, as Husqvarna conceded during their presentation, but communication about impending change needs to be beefed up both internally and externally.

Perhaps the most visual statement came during a session on battery development given against a backdrop of 60 fuel containers (5 litres each so 300 litres) which Husqvarna claimed was the equivalent of the life of one battery. Cost that lot up – and the initial price difference can soon evaporate (as might the fuel!)