Product roundup: Black+Decker, STIHL tout new OPE offerings

Black+Decker Inc. has introduced its first 60V Max battery platform, the “Powercommand” line. A 1.5Ah battery comes standard with the new line’s string trimmer, hedge trimmer and blower, while two 2.5Ah batteries come standard with the new product line’s mower.

Black+Decker says the batteries will also be available separately, with a suggested retail price of $99.99 for the 1.5Ah and $129.99 for the 2.5Ah. The batteries can be swapped across tools in the 60V Max lineup.

The new 60V Max “Easyfeed” String Trimmer/Edger, with a suggested retail price of $169.99, enables the user to feed the trimmer line with the push of a button. The manufacturer also notes that conversion from trimmer to edger is quick and easy.

The 60V Max “Powercut” Hedge Trimmer, which also carries a suggested retail price of $169.99, features both the “Powercut” and “Sawblade” functionality, Black+Decker says. The sawblade feature enables users to cut branches up to 1.5 inches thick, and the manufacturer says the tool’s 24-inch hardened steel blade cuts branches with up to 40 percent less vibration.

The 60V Max “Powerboost” Blower (MSRP of $169.99) gives users the option to increase power with the push of a button. The axial fan delivers up to 400CFM blowing speed and incorporates a metal scraper to remove stubborn or stuck-on debris.

Finally, the 60V Max “Powerswap” Mower, with a suggested retail price of $399.99, houses two onboard, removable 2.5Ah batteries and allows users to change from one battery to the next with the push of a button.

Black+Decker says the machine’s “Autosense” technology senses the thickness of the grass and automatically adjusts the power level accordingly to optimize runtime. A single lever with seven settings lets the user adjust the blade height from 1.5 to 4 inches.

STIHL rolling out new gas products this spring

STIHL is rolling out an extensive line of gasoline-powered products that the manufacturer says were built with the landscape professional in mind.

The KM 91 R KombiMotor from STIHL.The KM 91 R KombiMotor from STIHL.

“The company’s pursuit of continuous improvement has resulted in the largest product line launch in STIHL Inc. history,” said Steve Meriam, director of sales at STIHL Inc.

This spring, new and upgraded professional models will come with a number of new features and enhancements. The new string trimmers, edgers, KombiMotors and bed redefiner are designed with larger fuel tanks, providing 30 percent longer run times than the previous models, according to the manufacturer.

The new units boast a simplified three-step start procedure enabled by the semi-automatic choke lever, and each product’s vertical pleated paper air filter allows for better filtration, STIHL says.

In addition, the redesigned and lighter gearbox on the new pole pruners and extended-reach hedge trimmers shift weight to the powerhead of the unit for balance and maneuverability, the company says, helping users work for longer periods with less fatigue.

Additions to the STIHL range of professional gas-powered products include:

  • Seven string trimmers: the STIHL FS 91, FS 91 R, FS 111, FS 111 R, FS 111 RX, FS 131 and FS 131 R.
  • Three edgers: the STIHL FC 91, FC 96 and FC 111.
  • Three KombiMotors: the STIHL KM 91 R, KM 111 R and KM 131 R.
  • One dedicated bed redefiner: the STIHL FB 131.
  • Five pole pruners: the STIHL HT 102, HT 103, HT 132, HT 133 and HT 250.
  • Four extended-reach hedge trimmers: the STIHL HL 91 K (0°), HL 94 K (0°), HL 94 K (145°) and HL 94 (145°).

You can learn more about STIHL’s gas-powered equipment at the company’s website.

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