As we celebrate 325 years of Husqvarna in April we are reflecting on our unique history that has brought us to such great success today, through constantly striving for innovative award-winning engineering designs. Look back with us at our finest moments:
1689: Setting sail
In 1689 the first Husqvarna factory was established by the waterfalls in the town of Huskvarna in southern Sweden (previously spelled Husqvarna) to manufacture weapons for the army. The production of guns lasted until 1989.
1872: Breaking new ground
Husqvarna’s rifle contract with the Crown came to an end and we decided to branch out. This was the start of an innovative and ambitious period, resulting in a broad array of new products including sewing machines (1872), hunting weapons (1877), wood stoves (1877), meat mincing machines (1892), the first Swedish typewriter (1895), and bicycles (1896). Household equipment is still sold in the Nordics by Electrolux and the sewing machines are now part of SVP Worldwide.
1903: The motorcycle era begins
In 1903, Husqvarna introduced motorcycles. Years later, in 1982, a Husqvarna motorbike, MC 258, won the 250cc class of the legendary Paris-Dakar rally. The motorcycle division was sold off in 1986, and is now part of Pierer AG in Austria.
1918: Lawnmowers
Husqvarna acquired “Norrahammars Bruk”, which added two new products to the portfolio: boilers and manual lawnmowers.
1947: First motorised mowers
The first motorised Husqvarna lawnmower for commercial use was launched in 1947, and in 1959 the first homeowner model reached the market.
1959: The first chainsaw
Husqvarna introduced its first chainsaw, Husqvarna 90. The chainsaw was shaped by iconic Swedish designer Sixten Sason and used motorcycle muffler technology to achieve lower noise levels than its competitors. The chainsaw was later developed into power cutting tools for the construction industry.
1969: Anti-vibration, setting new standards for ergonomics
When the Husqvarna 180 chainsaw was released it featured a ground breaking anti-vibration function that prevented ‘white fingers disease,’ a common problem for forestry workers around the world.
1973: Automatic chain-brake, improving safety
Husqvarna introduced the world’s first chainsaw with an automatic chain-brake. In 1999, the feature TrioBrake™ was introduced; enabling users to activate the chain break with the right hand – further reducing the risk of injury for forestry workers.
1985: The year of the rider
The first prototype of what was to become the Husqvarna rider was developed. With its front-mounted cutting deck the rider offered superior manoeuvrability. Production started one year later.
1995: The birth of the robotic mower
Husqvarna launched the Solar Mower, the world’s first commercialised fully robotic lawnmower, which ran on nothing but solar power, a predecessor to today’s Husqvarna Automower®. In 2013, a third generation model with built-in GPS was introduced.
2008: First demolition robot
Production of Husqvarna’s first demolition robot started. The remote controlled demolition machine, Husqvarna DXR 310, features high power with low weight and is designed for all demolition tasks, even those too dangerous for workers to enter.
2009: AutoTune™ – environmental breakthrough
Husqvarna introduced AutoTune™, a technological and environmental breakthrough in professional chainsaws. The new innovation regulates fuel flow automatically to optimise performance and minimise exhaust emissions.
2012: Battery products with petrol performance
Husqvarna introduced an entire range of battery products offering petrol performance with no direct emissions and a lot less noise, vibration and maintenance. These include chainsaws, trimmers, hedge trimmers and an all-new rider.
