Stihl Combi system

[Sigarms]

Looking for a new string trimmer (always known to myself as a weedeater) and went to the Stihl dealer where I picked up my chainsaw.

Had last years KM85 combi system on sale (a little more than I wanted to pay for just a stringtrimmer) but was wondering if anyone here had any experience with this "set up".

Could actually use a couple of the attachements for work around the house, but then wondering if I would just be better off buying a stringtrimmer only (not the combi system, but a dedicated stringtrimmer).

Keep in mind, not looking at buying EVERYTHING (attachments) right away, but like the fact that I can add attachements down the road.

Comments would be welcome.

Thanks

 

[RonR]

I have a gas weedeater now (and it won't die!).

I'd like to have one motor to drive a weedeater and an edger. Would prefer 4 cycle, and think I saw that troybilt has one now. I'm not sold on troy, but I like the concept.

ron

 

[Bird]

I looked at those last year before buying just the dedicated string trimmer. I liked the idea, but the only reason I didn't buy the combi system was cost and just didn't think I'd use the other attachments enough to be worth it.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

You can still put attachments on any of the solid shaft trimmer models (FS90,110,130). You just have to bolt them on instead of using the quick changer.

 

[RobertN]

We got one of those systems a couple years ago, using it for our little mom and pop gardening/mowing company. We did maintenance two days a week.

Those units work very well. We are out of the maint business now, but still use ours around our property. We have the string trimmer, edger, tiller, pole saw, and hedger.

I would not though, get one for a business where a crew would be using it. If they are not aligned right when switching heads, you can break the little alignment tabs by forcing them. The shop we bought from mentioned this too. For a homeowner or small company with only a couple users, they work great.

 

[Sigarms]

Thanks for the replies.

Was looking for anything negative by anyone that has had one.

Figure with the name brand and the shop where I'm getting it, should last a little longer than the Bolen that I picked up at Lowes a couple of years ago /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[RickS]

I purchased a Stihl FS 85 with "weedeater" head and a tiller attachment two years ago. I use the trimmer all summer and the tiller twice a year for my small 4'x8' raised beds. I like not having to keep two engines going. The Stihl is a serious weedeater. The tiller works well in soft soil such as a small veggetable garden.

 

[rox]

We jsut bought one about a month and a half ago. We bought the mid size in power and that machne works really well. We bought the chainsaw and an extension to we can really reach high into the trees with the thing. It is a serious powerful saw and we are glad we bought it. It starts easy, we did not buy the "easy start" model jsut the regular model and it really dows start well, only a few tugs, and I am a woman and I can start it, and it fires up.

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( we did not buy the "easy start" )</font>

Yeah, they start reasonably easy without it, but this time I got it and love it. My dealer called it the "granny start" and I told him it works pretty well for old grandpappies, too. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[2nstonge]

I bought the KM55 3 years ago and have picked-up an attachment every spring. Have the string trimmer, brush blade, edger, power sweep & pole saw (this years add). Never been serviced, not so much as a new spark plug and it starts on the 2nd or 3rd pull after winter storage. I use it in my own yard and for a few customer jobs through-out the summer. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat.

I also picked up the stihl hard hat/face shield/ear muff combo this year - wish I had bought that 3 years ago too!

-Norm

 

[_M_]

I got the KM110 last summer with trimmer and grass blade. Love the quick attach and the 4-mix. Smooth, quiet, plenty of power, and easy to swap tools. Planning on getting the pole trimmer, hedger, and cultivator attachment soon. Sorry I can't think of any negatives.

 

[RobertN]

I use the Husky version hardhat/earmuff/face screen, for everything! I use it with all small engines; it works great when the weedeater is flinging stuff(mine has a neck cover in the back too. Use it when chain sawwing, and also on the tractor when mowing. Works as a hat, keeps stuff off the back of my neck, and since we have lots of trees, protects my head from head knockers and snap backs in the face... As well as, even though the Kubota is pretty quiet, it is still loud when mowing for hours...

 

[MikeBurr]

Been using the Ryobi 4 cycle trimer for a couple of years, works great and NO mixing of gas/oil. I use three main attachments. The string trimer, a blade for heavy bush, and the limb trimer. All work real good. I will most likly have the replace the limb trimer soon, the housing is plastic and is starting to show quite abit of wear. Great little trimmer that does a lot of work.

 

[Sigarms]

Ok, impulse buy, picked it up, a little over $300.

Already went through a "spool" and am impressed with the "feed" system on the twine. Seems like this might be the first weedeater I've picked up that will actually feed the twine on a regular basis.

Interesting note what the salesmen told me about the twine. He told me to soak it in water, that it will absorb the water and you won't have any issues with the twine fraying or becoming stiff or hard to feed. First hearing about this, going to try it. The bolen that I had I had to take apart each time when the twine "got down" in size.

Overall impressed with the machine, no regrets.

Thanks

 

[Bird]

That sounds like you got an auto feed system. The only time I've used an auto feed was on an electric Black & Decker. It worked just fine, but I used a whole spool of .065" line every time I did our yard and our daughter's. So my Stihl is the "bump" feed, which also works just fine and a spool of .095" line will last through many edging and trimmings.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I for one have an issue with my Stihl stuff.

They are too forgiving.

I go out and get one of them that has been sitting for about 6 months, with crummy old fuel in it, and pull the rope twice. It starts and I cut down 25 trees. My buddy finds his missing one out in the woods where he left it a year ago. It starts right up and he finishes the project he was doing when he lost it.

How are you supposed to ever learn to properly care for equipment when it acts like that?!!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[Ray2210]

I have a Kombi system with a 4 mix power head and that thing is amazing. We have the trimmer, edger and the sweeper. The sweeper is expensive but worth every penny. I can clean up all of the gravel from the lawn and ditches in a few hours when it would take weeks of spare time with a rake and shovel. It works well on the sidewalk for cleaning up grass clippings and works well for light snow as well. It also makes a one heck of powered sqeegee.

Anybody have any comments on the tiller attachment and how easy it is to work with?

 

[Learjet]

Does anyone know if the Troy-Bilt attachments (Blower and Pole Saw) will work with the Stihl Kombi Powerhead. My old Troy motor died and I want to replace it with a quality brand but really don't want to buy all new attachments too.