kombi power heads

retiredmgn · Aug 15, 2011

I have just recieved the 'go' from 'she who manages the checkbook' to get a Stihl Kombi. My question is which power head. A local Stihl dealer sugested the KM 90 (I'm thinking because he has it in stock). Just don't want to end up with something too wimpy. First two tools will be a brush cutter and a pole saw.
Here's the breakdown of the power heads -
KM90 1.27 bhp
KM110 1.4 bhp
KM130 1.9 bhp

Does anyone have experience with the capacity between these machines? I have to move fast before a review of current finances indicate we should wait.

Lightnsound · Aug 15, 2011

I got the KM 110 because it works with every Kombi System attachment Stihl makes. The 90 and 130 had some limitations and I hate having my hands tied. The 110 runs great. I have the blower, tiller, brush cutter, and both sweepers. It runs great and has plenty of power for everything I have asked it to do.

Scooby074 · Aug 15, 2011

If its going to spend the majority of its life cutting brush as opposed to grass, id probably go for the 130.

If its going to be grass for the majority id probably go 90. Power is good for brush.

If your going to use any of the other attachments like the tiller, edger or sweeper id probably go larger as well.

I have this dilemma myself. Id like a stihl Kombi. I like the balance of the 90 for grass, but think id need the power of the 130 for other things. There really isnt any weight penalty for the larger machine. Better to have too much power than not enough.

Have a look over at lawnsite. Those guys love their stihl. And the Kombis.

dex3361 · Aug 15, 2011

retiredmgn said:
I have just recieved the 'go' from 'she who manages the checkbook' to get a Stihl Kombi. My question is which power head. A local Stihl dealer sugested the KM 90 (I'm thinking because he has it in stock). Just don't want to end up with something too wimpy. First two tools will be a brush cutter and a pole saw.
Here's the breakdown of the power heads -
KM90 1.27 bhp
KM110 1.4 bhp
KM130 1.9 bhp

Does anyone have experience with the capacity between these machines? I have to move fast before a review of current finances indicate we should wait.

What is the difference in cost and weight of the units?
I have used a FS80? Combi and it is a fine little machine the pole pruner has fair power but the shaft is a bit short.

teg · Aug 15, 2011

1.1 bhp :thumbsup: Looking to save on weight. Pole saw and tiller are the main uses. Does fine with both. Love the easy start :thumbsup: Planning to buy the grass trimmer next...

STIHL KM 56 RC-E KombiMotor - HomeScaper Series KombiSystem | STIHL USA

Will_C · Aug 15, 2011

I have been thinking about a Kombi for a while. I would equip it as a pole saw and an edger at first-and maybe add the turf broom. I know for those uses I would definitely pick the 130.

I have a FS 85 trimmer set up for lawn trimming, and a FS 250 for brush-the power difference is amazing-and I'm thinking that I would want the power of the 250 for edging and sawing.

Will

retiredmgn · Aug 15, 2011

Thanks for the replies. I am not able to respond to individual threads due to a lack of capacity of the programming staff of this site. It does get to me because I used to do this stuff for a living and it ain't rocket science.
First I'm told -

Welcome, retiredmgn.
You last visited: Yesterday at 11:57 PM
Private Messages: Unread 0, Total 15

looks like I'm good to go huh? When I try to respond to posts in the thread all I get is -

Please Login to Proceed
User Name:
Password:

I'm already logged in. See above.
Fill out the **** again and again and the message is the same -

Please Login to Proceed
User Name:
Password:

Really ruins the capability of an ongoing conversation.

teg · Aug 15, 2011

Scooby074 said:
If its going ... And the Kombis.

dex3361 said:
What is the difference...shaft is a bit short.

teg said:
1.1 bhp :thumbsup: ...

Will_C said:
I have been ...Will

retiredmgn said:
Thanks for the replies....

Don't want to side track *this* tread so... Do you have a thread going in News and Feedback about what you are having problems with??? My guess is that the problem might be on your end...

Do you have to login every time you look at TBN? What browser and version? (Point me to the thread about this and answer the questions there :thumbsup

YesDeere · Aug 15, 2011

Don't know about your problems but i'll comment on the Kombi. I have had the 90 for a couple years now and love it. I have the chainsaw,weedeater,brushcutter ,hedgetrimmer and the edger. I have not had a problem with power running any of it. Didn't do any research and just bought what they had. Then stepmother wanted one for my father because he fell in love with mine. So we got him the 110. I have used both and can't tell a major difference. The 90 and 110 are the same weight. But I would really like to try the 130. I also run 2 extensions on the pole saw and it does very well! I won't even use my 2 stroke fs76 anymore for weedeating.

retiredmgn · Aug 15, 2011

teg said:
Don't want to side track *this* tread so... Do you have a thread going in News and Feedback about what you are having problems with??? My guess is that the problem might be on your end...

Do you have to login every time you look at TBN? What browser and version? (Point me to the thread about this and answer the questions there :thumbsup

This post I am able to reply to. The previous still gives me the message, "you need to log in idiot".
No, I don't have to log in every time. I usually just stay logged in unless I want to do a search at which point I have to log out to perform it. That's what happened this time - again. Log out and it takes repeated attempts to try to get back in - even though it says I'm logged in already.
Explorer is the default browser. Am not aware of 'News and Feedback'.

2458n · Aug 15, 2011

Having same problem here with the loggin. Go for the power now while you have the check book.

teg · Aug 15, 2011

retiredmgn said:
...Am not aware of 'News and Feedback'.

It's towards the bottom of the main forum. If you have problems, report it there and someone should be able to help you out. I dislike Explorer, so I don't know as much about how to fix it... but someone else might.

(to get back on track

) Kombi system is really nice if you get it, to have just one power head to maintain for a few attachments!!!

Scooby074 · Aug 16, 2011

retiredmgn said:
This post I am able to reply to. The previous still gives me the message, "you need to log in idiot".
No, I don't have to log in every time. I usually just stay logged in unless I want to do a search at which point I have to log out to perform it. That's what happened this time - again. Log out and it takes repeated attempts to try to get back in - even though it says I'm logged in already.
Explorer is the default browser. Am not aware of 'News and Feedback'.

Did you try the basics, clearing cache and cookies? then log back in?

CurlyDave · Aug 16, 2011

I have the Kombi 110 and I have never felt a lack of power.

I have pole saw, hedge trimmer, string trimmer and brush cutter heads.

OTOH, I am 66 years old and my not quite be up to lifting as much weight as I once was.

For pole saw and overhead hedge trimming work, the harness which comes with the Kombi, is adequate for light jobs, but Stihl sells at least two step-up harnesses and both are better and safer when working overhead with long poles and very aggressive cutting heads.

PoorPlowboy · Aug 16, 2011

retiredmgn said:
This post I am able to reply to. The previous still gives me the message, "you need to log in idiot".
No, I don't have to log in every time. I usually just stay logged in unless I want to do a search at which point I have to log out to perform it. That's what happened this time - again. Log out and it takes repeated attempts to try to get back in - even though it says I'm logged in already.
Explorer is the default browser. Am not aware of 'News and Feedback'.

It would be worth your time to download Google Chrome. Your problem will be repaired, I promise. Also, get adblock for chrome after installing and you'll be ready to go.

Sorry to derail the thread. Just wanted to help him out.

teg · Aug 16, 2011

PoorPlowboy said:
It would be worth your time to download Google Chrome. Your problem will be repaired, I promise. Also, get adblock for chrome after installing and you'll be ready to go.

Sorry to derail the thread. Just wanted to help him out.

I have Firefox with Adblocker Plus... full screen reading with no ads what so ever.

Dueling threads

(send me a PM if you need help clearing the cookies/cache)

retiredmgn · Aug 16, 2011

Well I went out and picked up the km90 powerhead, limb trimmer and brush cutter. This is a serious tool. Heavier than i thought it would be. Gonna need to use it often to get those muscles in shape. Did some weed/brush cutting along the birches beside the road then trimmed some apple trees.
There is a 2 year warranty on the power head. If you buy a six pack of Stihl 2 cycle oil the warranty is extended to 4 years. Gee...let me think about this.

I have a week for evaluation at which point I can bring it back if it doesn't suit me. Hard to beat that.
In the future I see the hedge trimmer. For years I've been trimming my hedges with a black and decker electric bungyed to the end of a hocky stick to increase my reach. Crude but effective.
Movin' on up.

hizoot · Aug 16, 2011

I've hd the 90 for 2-3 yrs now...never lacked for power. Matter of fact,hardly ever spin it full rpm.

YesDeere · Aug 16, 2011

You'll love it. I don't know how I did without mine. Been there with the electric hedge trimmer. Have you ever cut your extension cord? That is money I promise well spent!!