Husqvarna Press Release: Engine Technology May Reduce Noxious Emissions
08/09/96
ADVANCED TWO-CYCLE ENGINE TECHNOLOGY FROM HUSQVARNA HAS POTENTIAL TO
REDUCE (HC + NOX) EMISSIONS 60 PERCENT OVER 1995 CARB STANDARDS
LOUISVILLE, Ky., July 29 -- Husqvarna introduced a new
two-stroke engine technology that features a lower-temperature catalytic
converter and has the potential to reduce combined HC + NOX emissions by
at least 60 percent over existing 1995 California Air Resources Board
(CARB) regulations for two-cycle engines.
According to the company's senior engineers, early tests indicate that
the technology has the potential to reach reductions of at least 60
percent in combined HC + NOX emissions when compared to the 1995 CARB
standards. Further, preliminary laboratory test results on prototype E-
tech(TM) engines -- such as those demonstrated at the 1996 International
Lawn, Garden & Power Equipment Expo -- show an expected initial reduction
in combined HC + NOX emissions of at least 40 percent over CARB 95.
This technology will be available on products from Husqvarna Forest &
Garden Co. in 1997.
Initial tests also show reductions of up to 50 percent in particulate
matter emissions when compared to Husqvarna's current 225 series engines.
With this E-tech(TM) engine, Husqvarna expects its 225 series product
to continue to deliver up to 40 percent more power and 30 percent more
fuel efficiency than Husqvarna product equipped with its 122 series
engines. In addition, the E-tech(TM) engine significantly reduces the
amount of smoke and smell produced, when compared with the 225 series.
E-tech, named to convey Husqvarna's commitment to ergonomics,
economics, excellence and engine evolution, will be unveiled at Expo '96
on several products -- including two of Husqvarna's best-selling trimmers.
The new technology will be standard on those units, which will be
available to dealers in 1997.
Several Products in 1997
Husqvarna engineers in Sweden developed this new engine technology.
Several patents are pending on the developments, so few details will be
released now. Bo Andreasson, vice president of engineering for Husqvarna
AB in Sweden, is quick to point out, however, that the technology goes
beyond the simple addition of a catalytic converter.
"This is a new concept for two-cycle engines that represents many
years of engine design," Andreasson said. "And while the catalytic
converter is important, it plays only one part. With this new concept,
significant reductions in emissions occur before the catalytic converter
gets involved.
"We are excited to be the first power equipment manufacturer to
introduce this technology in the United States. We expect a tremendous
response from consumers and dealers. And we plan to introduce this E-tech
concept on more models in the future."
Andreasson pointed out that catalytic converters have been available
for some time on equipment in Europe, where climates are cooler and the
heat produced by small engines is not an issue. Until now the heat factor
-- coupled with cost -- has made catalytic converters on two-stroke engine
powered products impractical in the United States.
Husqvarna expects this breakthrough in two-stroke technology to
provide equipment that runs cool enough -- even with catalytic converters
-- to pass U.S. Forest Service equipment regulations.
Andreasson said that next year the new E-tech products will be
introduced in other countries, as well.
Starting in 1997, Husqvarna's E-tech(TM) engines will be standard in
many products from the company's range of trimmers, edgers, hedge trimmers
and blowers in the 25cc-35cc class.
A Husqvarna Breakthrough
Husqvarna's E-tech(TM) engine redesign has taken place over several
years and includes the development of a number of engine features designed
specifically to improve fuel delivery, air/fuel mixing and combustion, and
to reduce significantly so-called "scavenging losses," the process whereby
unburned fuel becomes exhaust. Among these recently introduced
technologies: Swept Charged(TM) crankcases, intake-optimized carburetion,
balanced transfer ports and an optimized spherical combustion chamber.
Add to these improvements the new catalytic converters -- which
effectively convert many remaining emissions into water vapor and less
toxic gases -- and Husqvarna's new E-tech(TM) engines are expected to
reduce combined HC + NOX emissions by at least 40 percent when compared to
the 1995 CARB standards.
"We are proud and excited to lead the industry in the continuing
evolution of two-stroke engine technology," said David Zerfoss, president
of Husqvarna. "Not only is E-tech a fantastic innovation, but trimmers
equipped with the E-tech(TM) engine will be available to our dealers and
professional users at a very reasonable cost."
"We have earned a reputation over the years for our innovation, and
this engine redesign coupled with catalytic converters takes that
reputation for cost-effective innovation even further."
Users also will appreciate the positive effects of the new technology
on individual comfort and working conditions. In fact, two of the most
noticeable benefits of E-tech are less smoke and less smell, when compared
to the 225 engine series.
Advantages Over 4-Stroke
Husqvarna product managers expect users to find the new E-tech
products more effective than four-stroke models. Some four-stroke engines
in hand-held products have come under serious criticism for their weight
and for their performance in inverted positions common to lawn and
landscape maintenance. Other benefits of this two-cycle engine-powered
equipment include higher power-to-weight ratios, effectiveness at a range
of RPM levels, light weight and fewer moving parts, which mean less
maintenance and repair.
Like all Husqvarna products, the new products carry the Crown
Commitment(TM) 15-day satisfaction guarantee. Customers not satisfied for
any reason may return the product within 15 days for a full refund or
exchange.
Husqvarna Forest & Garden Co. offers forest and garden power products
for all applications. The company markets a complete line of chain saws,
clearing saws, cut-off saws, lawn and garden products, including riding
and walk behind mowers, yard and garden tractors, tillers, edgers, brush
cutters, grass trimmers, backpack and hand-held blowers and more.
Husqvarna also markets a complete line of protective apparel and
accessories.
For more information about Husqvarna's products, contact Husqvarna
Forest & Garden Co., 9006 Perimeter Woods Drive, Charlotte, N.C. 28216.
Telephone: 1-800-GET SAWS.
