Husqvarna

The first Husqvarna factory is 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.

Husqvarna’s rifle contract with the Crown comes to an end and the company decides to branch out. This becomes the start of a very 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. 

In 1903, Husqvarna introduces motorcycles. Years later, in 1982, a Husqvarna motorbike, MC 258, wins 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. 

Husqvarna acquires “Norrahammars Bruk”, which adds two new products to the portfolio: boilers and manual lawn mowers.

The first motorized Husqvarna lawn mower for commercial use is launched in 1947, and in 1959 the first homeowner model reaches the market. 

Husqvarna introduces 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 is later further developed into power cutting tools for the construction industry. 

When the Husqvarna 180 chainsaw is released it features a ground-breaking anti-vibration function that prevents ‘white fingers disease’, a common problem for forestry workers around the world. 

Husqvarna introduces the world’s first chainsaw with an automatic chain-brake. In 1999, the feature TrioBrake™ is introduced enabling users to activate the chain break with the right hand – further reducing the risk of injury for forestry workers.

The first prototype of what is to become the Husqvarna Rider is developed. With its front-mounted cutting deck, the Rider offers superior maneuverability. Production starts the year after. 

Husqvarna launches the Solar Mower, the world’s first commercialized fully robotic lawn mower, running on nothing but solar power; a predecessor to today’s Husqvarna Automower®. In 2013, a third generation model with built-in GPS is introduced. 

Husqvarna introduces AutoTune™, a technological and environmental breakthrough in professional chainsaws. The new innovation regulates fuel flow automatically to optimize performance and minimize exhaust emissions. 

Husqvarna introduces an entire range of battery products with petrol performance – yet with no direct emission and with a lot less noise, vibration and maintenance – chainsaws, trimmers, hedge trimmers and an all-new Rider. 

Husqvarna is starting to manufacture chainsaw chains to take the Husqvarna chainsaws to a new level of cutting experience, resulting in higher efficiency. The X-Cut chains are produced in a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Huskvarna that can manage the highly complex production of chains, from raw material to complete product.