Stihl, best known in farming circles for its petrol chainsaws and brushcutters, has invested over €100 million in a research and development centre for battery technology with the key aim of bringing the tech to the ‘pro’ sector. Following on from the introduction of battery powered kit in 2009, developments in the interim now mean the company’s latest battery powered equipment can offer pretty much the same output as an existing petrol powered equivalent.
This is demonstrated by the new for 2018 KMA 130 R cordless KombiEngine, this power unit having the power to drive existing Stihl KombiTools. Weighing 3.2kg, the power unit is powered by the battery via a connecting cable, with a choice of a belt mounted AP or backpack AR battery system. In work, the electric power of the KMA 130 R can be set to run in one of three output modes, the lowest suiting duties such as working a line trimmer in light work through delivering full petrol rivalling power for brushcutting, using a hedge trimmer or working a pole saw.
Offered alongside the dedicated loop and bike handle FSA 130 cordless brushcutters launched last year, the KMA 130 R retails at £320 ex.VAT, with entry level AP batteries retailing from £105 ex.VAT, professional backpack batteries costing from £630. Run time from a charged battery pack will depend upon the type selected but an AR 1000 backpack should deliver at least an hour and a half of work with a brushcutter attachment and much longer with a hedgecutter. Recharge time will be around 35 minutes.
