FireFly Automatix, Inc. will debut their M100-AV mower at the Turfgrass Producers International convention this week at DeBuck’s New Lawn Sod Farm, Belleville, Mich. This commercial reel mower cuts a 100-inch width, adding to FireFly’s line of autonomous mowers. The M100-AV is FireFly’s first all-electric vehicle (EV), promising energy savings and environmental benefits.
FireFly is currently accepting pre-orders and anticipates delivering the first production models this fall. The company expects a rapid ramp-up of production, thanks to its established capabilities in a manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City.
The M100-AV can operate without on-site supervision and includes LiDAR-enabled obstacle detection and avoidance for safety. Additionally, FireFly’s newest mower provides intelligent path planning, so no boundary wires are needed, and mowing patterns are optimized for maximum efficiency.
Powered by an advanced LiFePO4 battery, the M100-AV can quietly mow up to 25 acres per charge at speeds of 7 acres/hour and recharge in two hours. With no gasoline or operating emissions, the mower is predicted to decrease fuel costs by 87%, as well as reducing owners’ carbon footprints.
In addition to the M100-AV’s driverless and EV technology, it is designed for a 65% maintenance cost reduction and a 76% longer machine life. The mower offers many other value-adding features:
- Four independent electric drive motors are synchronized with two independent steering motors to achieve low-impact traction.
- Wide stance and balanced weight distribution allow for low ground pressure and impressive sidehill performance.
- The RoloRocker cutting unit design achieves a more stable ride through the field, enabling higher speeds and a better aftercut appearance.
- SyncLift position-based lift technology reduces the need for a clean-up pass.
- Drive motors are engineered for a 100,000+ hour life and low maintenance.
