[Ware]

 

[mtroberts20]

I have been looking into getting a multi-tool system, and I think I have decided on the Stihl Kombi. I am hoping to get some input on which powerhead to get. I plan on for sure getting trimmer and edger to start out, possibly bed redefiner and hedge trimmer in the future.

I have seen where people say to get the biggest powerhead so you have the power if you need it, also some people say that you will never need it. I think considering the total investment, the increase in price between powerheads is not very significant. I want to have the power when I need it, but wondering, if I don't need it, what would any other pros/cons be with getting the more/less powerful motors?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Remember: Biggest = Heaviest.
Very happy with my Stihl trimmer and blower.

 

[Mightyquinn]

I've had the Kombi system for over 8 years now and have never had a problem with any of it. I also have their BR600 blower and hedge trimmer for about the same amount of time without any issues. I bought the KM130 power head and don't regret it one bit as it does anything I ask of it.

 

[Wolverine]

I have a bg85 blower I bought in 2000 and still running like a champ. I also have a km130 kombi with the trimmer, bed redifiner, and edger.....love this tool.

 

[MasterMech]

The 94 is attractive to me as it's a two-stroke engine, and the lightest of the powerheads. If it wasn't for the bed-edger and perhaps the powerbroom, I probably wouldn't consider the 131. But........

 

[crussell]

I bought the Kombi KM56 RC-E Powerhead, which is the residential model. From what I was told, yes there is a small power difference between the different options, but the residential ones will do just about anything you need. The commercial ones obviously are built for heavier use, but since I only use my Kombi 1-2 times a week I went with the basic Powerhead.

String Trimmer = Good
Edger = Good
Blower = Good
Hedge Trimmer, make sure to get the adjustable one. Love it.

Going to buy the bed redefiner and cultivator next.

 

[Spammage]

I bought the Kombi KM56 RC-E Powerhead, which is the residential model. From what I was told, yes there is a small power difference between the different options, but the residential ones will do just about anything you need. The commercial ones obviously are built for heavier use, but since I only use my Kombi 1-2 times a week I went with the basic Powerhead.

String Trimmer = Good
Edger = Good
Blower = Good
Hedge Trimmer, make sure to get the adjustable one. Love it.

Going to buy the bed redefiner and cultivator next.

Also works great with the rotary scissors/landscape blade. If you are wanting the power sweep, then I would get a bigger power head.

 

[MasterMech]

I bought the Kombi KM56 RC-E Powerhead, which is the residential model. From what I was told, yes there is a small power difference between the different options, but the residential ones will do just about anything you need. The commercial ones obviously are built for heavier use, but since I only use my Kombi 1-2 times a week I went with the basic Powerhead.

String Trimmer = Good
Edger = Good
Blower = Good
Hedge Trimmer, make sure to get the adjustable one. Love it.

Going to buy the bed redefiner and cultivator next.

The KM56 is probably a little underpowered for the bed redefiner as Stihl recommends the KM131. But you could always buy it and upgrade the powerhead if you aren't happy with the power. Sell your KM56 with the string trimmer head to another homeowner.

 

[atc4usmc]

Ok Stihl guys..I have a Stihl FC56 trimmer (four years old) that has began to blow what looks like oil out of the muffler. I know its gas and oil because I mix it 50:1, but I have black splatter all over the engine cover beside the muffler. I have tried cleaning the spark arrester, a new plug and fresh gas/oil mix, but the problem Stihl exists (see what I did there??).

Any ideas?

 

[MasterMech]

They (the Germans) pronounce it "Shteel" but we'll give you a pass. :lol:

Black Schmoo pouring from the exit? I'd call a doctor.... butt wait, in all seriousness it's probably coated the inside of the muffler. Remove the muffler, hose it down with brake cleaner or carb & choke cleaner. The more flammable/volatile the better. Once you have it rinsed out well, bake it out. I use a MAPP/propane torch (carefully! You just filled it up with a flammable solvent....) and lightly roast it evenly on all sides. No need to fully cook/discolor it, just bake it until it quits smoking.

Now change your mix oil, I like to run 40:1 synthetics for better protection of bottom-end bearings and it tends to keep the engines cleaner too. Both the heavier mix and the synth of oil help in those regards.

 

[atc4usmc]

MasterMech, thanks for the input (and pass).

That makes sense with the muffler being coated....I'll spray and bake it like you said. I run 50:1 Stihl HP Ultra (synthetic) as directed by the dealer and manual. So you're saying with running synth I can go 40:1 without worry?

Thanks!

 

[MasterMech]

MasterMech, thanks for the input (and pass).

That makes sense with the muffler being coated....I'll spray and bake it like you said. I run 50:1 Stihl HP Ultra (synthetic) as directed by the dealer and manual. So you're saying with running synth I can go 40:1 without worry?

Thanks!

HP is actually a synthetic but it's notoriously dirty. I quit using it years ago, not because there is anything particularly wrong with the stuff, I just feel there's better for your money on the market. What color is HP Ultra these days? It used to be a shade of green that disappeared when mixed so you kinda had to guess if the fuel really was mixed or not. I like it when the oil is dyed bright blue or red so there's no mistaking it for straight gas.

I use 40:1 In Everything so that I do not have to keep special fuel for my saws. They are not stock and the extra oil is welcome for the bottom end bearings. 50:1 is fine to use, trimmers do not lay out the HP like a chainsaw does. Far less demanding on engine components and bearings.

 

[atc4usmc]

The oil is green in color and does fade away when mixed. And, I feel the dirtiness is whats contributing to my problem although I will say, I have an edger with the same engine that runs perfectly clean (albeit is only a year old). I understand what you are saying about the HP on the trimmer vs Saw, although I need to go back and check my ratio for my Saw now...

BTW - what oil do you use?

 

[MasterMech]

BTW - what oil do you use?

I have and do use a bunch of oils. But my favorites so far are AMSOIL Sabre Pro at 40:1 (The advertised 100:1 does work, although I wouldn't run it in a saw. I def do NOT trust it in a modified engine and oil is cheap.....) and AMSOIL Dominator for its higher load bearing ability.

Most important is to use plenty in the mix, and stay away from outboard or marine oils as they are not meant to run in air-cooled temp ranges.

 

[Rackhouse Mayor]

I bought the Kombi KM56 RC-E Powerhead, which is the residential model. From what I was told, yes there is a small power difference between the different options, but the residential ones will do just about anything you need. The commercial ones obviously are built for heavier use, but since I only use my Kombi 1-2 times a week I went with the basic Powerhead.

String Trimmer = Good
Edger = Good
Blower = Good
Hedge Trimmer, make sure to get the adjustable one. Love it.

Going to buy the bed redefiner and cultivator next.

I own the bed redefiner and so far like it. There's one drawback: it throws the dirt back in the bed, which is normally a good thing, but I have colored mulch so you can see the dirt from across the yard. I have to take a leaf rake and rake the mulch back from the edge about two feet. Then redefine the bed. Then rake the mulch back. Doesn't take as long as it sounds. Now, it doesn't look nearly as clean and perfect as @wardconnor's flowerbeds that he edges by hand. BUT, I can redefine over a thousand square feet of beds in about 10 minutes. I'll take that. It's a game changer.

I run the redefiner with their largest powerhead - 131R. It's my understanding that you need a 130/131 to run it.

Pretty much everything I own is Stihl. I'll get a list and photo posted soon. Hope to contribute to this thread.

 

[MatthewinGA]

I bought the Kombi KM56 RC-E Powerhead, which is the residential model. From what I was told, yes there is a small power difference between the different options, but the residential ones will do just about anything you need. The commercial ones obviously are built for heavier use, but since I only use my Kombi 1-2 times a week I went with the basic Powerhead.

String Trimmer = Good
Edger = Good
Blower = Good
Hedge Trimmer, make sure to get the adjustable one. Love it.

Going to buy the bed redefiner and cultivator next.

The KM56 is probably a little underpowered for the bed redefiner as Stihl recommends the KM131. But you could always buy it and upgrade the powerhead if you aren't happy with the power. Sell your KM56 with the string trimmer head to another homeowner.

I got the KM-56 because I'm a home owner. I read in so many reviews that the higher power KM over torque some of the attachments and breaks them. As a home owner, you don't need as much power as the commercial units. If you need more power, you probably need a different tool. It was also recommended to me by the dealer; edging was strong enough but up the power for bed redefiner. I also purchased the Edgeit Pro because it was $100 cheaper and can be used for safer trimming and easier edging. I bought the KM blower and it's powerful and works well.

 

[craigdt]

Here's my collection of Stihl equipment. I love them all.

FS90R trimmer w/ SpeedFeed head
SH86C Blower/Vac
MS170 Chainsaw

Anybody have a suggestion for a lighter-weight Stihl trimmer for quick jobs?
The FS90R has tons of power for the tough jobs but at almost 12 pounds, sometimes I'd like something a bit lighter for the quick jobs.

 

[Ecks from Tex]

Anyone ever used the power broom or the power brush attachments to the KombiSystem to level sand in the yard? I'm close to buying the KombiSystem for the edger and bed redefiner but wondering if this might be a good idea.

 

[SGrabs33]

Anyone ever used the power broom or the power brush attachments to the KombiSystem to level sand in the yard? I'm close to buying the KombiSystem for the edger and bed redefiner but wondering if this might be a good idea.

I have not used the power broom but it looks cool. I've thought about how useful it would be to remove cores after aeration and before sanding. Also thought about it's use in clearing out gum balls from my moms yard.