Zoomi Life

Husqvarna has finally revealed a concept electric riding lawn mower they’re calling the Panthera Leo.  It uses li-ion phosphate batteries and can run for 2 hours before needing a charge.  It has five motors, quiet operation, and very unique looks.

The front of the motor looks a lot like an electric rotary razor.  You know, those ones the commercials promise gives a close shave with the “floating, independent heads?”  Hopefully the mower works better than the razors.  Incidentally, the cutting deck’s individual heads do float independently on this mower.

The style is very cool-looking, I think, even with the electric razor connotations.

The Panthera Leo has a sort of muscular simplicity, with large tires offset by a kind of delicate arch appearance.  The steering column is nothing short of futuristic.  It gives you the idea that you’ll sit down and it will “fsst” into place while a computer asks “Yes, Captain?”

“Mow the lawn, three cutters at position 4, speed 2km.  Let it be so.”

Each of the spinning blades is powered by its own motor and there are two more motors powering the front drive wheels.  The rear wheel set steers the machine.  Paddles on the steering wheel allow independent braking of the cutting decks (independently) so you can run up over curbs with blades turned off so you don’t harm them.

A small LCD panel on the steering column apprises the driver of speed, cutting height, and battery life.  Sensors on each blade can commit an auto-shutoff of the blade if objects are detected.

The entire Panthera (remove one letter and it’s one of my favorite bands) is made largely of recycled materials. Husqvarna says the mowers could be available at stores nationally in about five years.