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The Pianta FV200 Mini-Tiller (released in March 2009) and Enepo EU9iGB Generator (released in May 2010) both use butane gas canisters as the fuel, and are power products that are based on the concept of easy fuel handling, easy transport and storage, and easy operation. Pianta sales exceeded ten thousand units in one year, and the Enepo garnered considerable attention before it was even released, attesting to the level of support by consumers among the general public. Research into the reasons that mini-tillers were not being used in more home gardens and by gardening enthusiasts was the trigger for the development of power products that are operated with butane gas. It was found that the foremost reason that people did not purchase a mini-tiller was the hassle of purchasing, refilling and storing gasoline. This was followed by the trouble of transporting and storing the product, and the difficulty of operation. Honda selected butane gas fuel canisters that are widely used in Japanese households as the solution to solve these problems. Honda's 4-stroke engine technology that has been nurtured over the years enabled the development of a compact and powerful butane gas powered engine with stable output. The combination of a high-performance gas engine, various technologies to facilitate compact dimensions and optimum control, and a range of ideas to make it easier to transport and store power products and make them more convenient resulted in the birth of the "Pianta" and "Enepo." By incorporating easy fuel handling, easy transport / storage and easy operation, the "Pianta" mini-tiller and "Enepo" generator are opening up a new market as tools engineering a new type of lifestyle.
Liquefied Butane Gas Canister Fuel
A variety of innovations were introduced to enable butane gas canisters that are currently mainly used as the fuel for portable cooking stoves to be used to power engines. With cooking stoves, the butane gas in the canister is channeled directly to burner. For application with an engine, a vaporizer was developed where the liquefied butane is discharged from the canister as a liquid and vaporization is promoted by the exhaust heat of the muffler. This achieved stable output at a low cost, enabling the introduction of the "Pianta."
Development of Natural Gas Engine
In addition to using butane gas canisters to fuel engines, Honda began the development of an engine that uses natural gas as a replacement fuel for gasoline at an early stage. The high durability highly reliable GE160V (1998) was developed as the power unit for the household cogeneration system that generates electricity for homes and supplies hot water at the same time. The GX390 (2002) was adopted by the Sapporo City Central Wholesale Market as the engine used in transport vehicles because of its clean exhaust gas emissions.
PiantaThe Pianta mini-tiller is available only in Japan and operates on liquefied butane fuel available in refill canisters for portable gas stoves.
Gas power farm tractor Pianta Designers TalkTaking the best technology to create new tools that are not only useful but also appealing on an emotional level—this has been Honda's intention and policy whenever it creates original power products.
