New generation of the successful Isio grass and shrub shear from Bosch

More power, endurance and convenience when taking care of bushes, shrubs and lawn edges
· “Anti-Blocking System” for particularly powerful cuts
· 30 percent higher battery capacity than the predecessor model, and considerably shorter charge time
· Lightweight, handy and reliable due to tried and tested lithium-ion battery technology

Bosch is launching the second generation of the successful Isio grass and shrub shear onto the market in March. Over one million of the first version of this cordless tool were sold in less than one and a half years. The second Isio generation offers even more power, endurance and convenience for taking care of bushes, shrubs and lawn edges: the new “Anti-Blocking System” ensures that the blade even cuts thicker branches or dense tufts of grass reliably and powerfully. The battery runtime has been increased to up to 50 minutes, while the charge time has been reduced by about 30 percent to 3.5 hours. Moreover, the new LED display shows the charging state of the tool at all times. Weighing about 500 grams, the Isio is also still lighter than other garden tools thanks to the tried and tested lithium-ion battery technology.

The “Anti-Blocking System” used in the second generation of the Isio grass and shrub shear ensures uninterrupted cutting, even of thicker branches or long lawn edges. The built-in microelectronics of this system detect if the blades cannot cut through the plants straight away and risk getting stuck. If this happens, the running direction of the blades is automatically adjusted, so that the shear does not stall. The blades also cut with more power in the same position until the branch or tuft of grass has been cut through completely. The new Isio therefore cuts considerably thicker branches and more grass than comparable models that do not have anti-blocking technology.

As with its predecessor model, the new Isio is so handy, powerful and lightweight thanks to the tried and tested lithium-ion battery technology. However, the second generation of this grass and shrub shear has an approximately 30 percent higher runtime of 50 minutes thanks to its greater battery capacity of 1.3 amperes. And the charge time has also been reduced: the new Isio now needs only three and a half hours for a full charge cycle instead of five hours. Another advantage of lithium-ion batteries is that they do not have self-discharge or memory effect. This means that the tool is always ready to use and it can be simply recharged at any time regardless of its charging state.

The new version of the Isio grass and shrub shear clearly shows the current charging state at all times on the integrated, two-color LED display: if the display lights up green continuously, the battery is full; when only about a third of the capacity is left in the battery, a green light starts to flash on the display. A flashing red light informs the gardening enthusiast that the battery capacity is slowly running out; a continuous red light clearly signals that the battery now needs to be recharged. A special charging station is no longer needed to recharge the battery. All that is required now is a simple charging cable.

The Isio also looks even better in its new design. The silver-colored stripe running along the entire length of the grass and shrub shear also gives it a stylish appearance. The handle has a bigger softgrip zone, which not only looks good, but also makes the tool comfortable to handle.

The new generation of the Isio grass and shrub shear with lithium-ion battery will be available at specialist gardening retail outlets and at homecenters from March 2009 onwards. The recommended retail price from Bosch for the new Isio with grass or shrub blade is 69.99 euros, for the Isio set with both blades it is 79.99 euros, and for the Isio grass shear with telescopic handle it is 89.99 euros (each including VAT).

More images from Isio
http://www.bosch-presse.de/TBWebDB/bosch-pbj/en-US/CategoryBrowse.cfm?sw=Consumer_Isio


The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. According to preliminary figures, some 282,000 associates generated sales of roughly 45 billion euros in the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology in fiscal 2008. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than three billion euros for research and development, and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.

The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.” The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH.

Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com.