Stihl KM 131R kombi review

[RjCorazza]

I fired up my km131 yesterday - 2-3 pulls and I'm off. This will be my second season with the 131, with my 10 year old (or so) km110 being relegated to sidewalk duty.
I have the usual attachments of string trimmer, brush cutter, sidewalk edger, blower, and sythe.
I replaced the Stihl string trimmer head with an Echo Speed feed head. For regular residential trimming I highly recommend them.

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^
I’ll have to investigate the Echo speed feed head…that sounds interesting!

Over the last several weeks I’ve ran two gallons of fuel through the 131R clearing lots of heavy brush and saplings. It’s starting to feel a little tired so it’s time for a tuneup! Honestly, I’m surprised it’s still running with all the abuse.

Mike

 

[kenmbz]

The speedhead is nice. Just cut 20' of string and put it through the lined up holes until half the string on both sides and turn head to wrap.
Funny part is the first string wind from the factory was bound up a few feet in. So I think they spooled it before assembly, as I have not been able to repeat that issue by winding up like above.

 

[Hay Dude]

This week we picked up a string head for this unit. Didn't get any good photos of it but will get some in time. View attachment 701817

Great to have a female helper, isnt it?
I only worked with a woman once in all the years of construction and farming. She was always upbeat and had kind things to say. Would hire a country girl to help us if any were left

 

[ArlyA]

Who here have tried cam lock string heads? We did 20 years ago and not going back to coiled string heads. Here's what they look like. Heavier string last longer and cuts more.

 

[kenmbz]

I tried the camlocks once, before the thicker string like you have was available.
The thorny bushes would eat strings, so I gave up.
May have to try again once I use up the current string (have a big spool).

 

[ArlyA]

I tried the camlocks once, before the thicker string like you have was available.
The thorny bushes would eat strings, so I gave up.
May have to try again once I use up the current string (have a big spool).

For those not familiar with cam-lock heads. These heads hold larger strings in via locking cams. String above .105(?) can't be coiled so these heads hold pieces of string, instead of a spool of it. Advantage is it takes 60 seconds to change strings out and you use can large .155 strings which are much, much more durable. Larger diameter string is coming out and Stihl is suppose to have a 170 version out this summer we tried some a few years ago and wanted to use it more! These will take tree shoots right out.

Down side to large string is it will take the siding off your house or bark off of trees you like. They also take more HP to spin.

This photo shows maple whips we routinely take out with them.

 

[ArlyA]

Allow me to reiterate: The pole saw for the Stihl KM 131R kombi chains are a small gauge and light in weight. Stihl made a special chain size to sell more chains which might not bother you guys with low use. But we go through many and having just one retailer and the chains costing extra $ is a pain for us. This spring i will again try getting the parts to switch to a larger chain and more a common gauge. Stihl does list the parts.

We also feel these mini chains are hard to keep tight and tend to break. Echo pole-saws use a larger gauge which are a common size.

 

[ArlyA]

Just got back from visiting our local Stihl dealer with a little update. The KM 131R kombi power heads are now priced at $409. The parts to switch the mini chain over to a larger, 3/8 one are now in stock with the exception of the drive sprocket.

 

[2manyrocks]

Any estimate of the cost to switch to 3/8? Drive Sprocket available now?

Can the KM 131R power head be used with the quick lock pole saw attachments that seem to interchange among Ryobi/Craftsman brands etc or can it only be used with Stihl brand pole saw attachments?