Stihl adds on to both its gas- and battery-powered products

Photo: Stihl

At the 2018 GIE+EXPO, Stihl strengthened its outdoor power equipment tool lineup on both the gas and battery side.

President Bjoern Fisher said that the company wants to be the number one seller of both gas- and battery-powered handheld equipment. The manufacturer displayed its commitment to its ‘Pick Your Power” slogan by introducing both gas and battery-powered equipment at the tradeshow.

One of the most noticeable additions was the BR 800 C-E MAGNUM and the BR 800 X MAGNUM backpack blowers. Both models offer 20 percent more power than the BR 700 backpack blower with a blowing force of 41 Newtons or 199 mph.

“These MAGNUM blowers also boast an excellent power-to-weight ratio, reducing fatigue while allowing users to complete heavy-duty clean-up tasks quickly,” says Thomas Techow, a product manager for Stihl.

The BR 800 C-E MAGNUM features a side start handle.
Photo: Stihl

The BR 800 C-E MAGNUM also features a unique side start handle, allowing users to start and restart the engine while continuing to wear the backpack blower. Stihl says they are the first to offer this feature, thanks to their four-mix engine technology and spring assist.

The two blower models have ergonomic S-shaped shoulder straps and a back pad for optimized comfort and an anti-vibration system to reduce operator fatigue. Operators can access all the controls in one handle that can be adjusted, and the one-touch stop switch allows the user to turn off the engine quickly at the touch of a button.

A stowaway hook keeps the blower tube latched in place for easier transportation. The X MAGNUM has an MSRP of $599.95 and the C-E MAGNUM has an MSRP $649.95.

Joining Stihl’s lineup of robotic mowers are the RMI 442 PC-L and RMI 632 PC-L, which feature LTE connectivity, allowing users to adjust mowing schedules, receive notification and manage their iMow experience through the free Stihl iMow app.

Photo: Stihl

The RMI 422 PC-L is suited for small to medium yards with its 7.8-inch cutting width. It can handle slopes up to 22 degrees and will cut up to half an acre in about 28 hours per week.

Meanwhile, the RMI 632 PC-L is designed for larger suburban yards with its 11-inch cutting width. It can mow up to nearly an acre and a fourth in 50 hours per week and can traverse slopes up to 24 degrees.

Thanks to the LTE connectivity, users are notified through the app if the iMow is moved from its geofenced yard. The robotic mowers have cutting heights ranging from .8 inches to 2.4 inches and automatic mowing speed variation to ensure the optimum cut based on terrain and mowing conditions.

While currently Stihl handles the installation process for the robotic mowers, it says it is testing partnering with landscapers to have them install the iMow systems.

The MSRP for the RMI 422 PC-L is $1,699.95 and is $2,499.95 for the RMI 632 PC-L. 

As Fisher acknowledged that the battery market is growing faster than Stihl imagined, it is continuing to expand its battery-powered products.

MSA 161 T
Photo: Stihl

One of those products introduced is the MSA 161 T top-handle chain saw designed for professional arborists who need a light, quiet tool for their in-tree work.

Equipped with a ¼-inch Stihl Picco saw chain for clean cuts, the MSA 161 T has a run time of 50 minutes when paired with an AP 300 battery.

“The Stihl MSA 161 T is a high-performance chain saw built with professional arborists in mind,” says Mike Poluka, a product manager for Stihl. “With a powerhead at just 4.6 pounds, it provides the balance and maneuverability needed for in-tree cutting with the benefits of a battery-powered product – zero-exhaust emissions, low maintenance and no fuel cost.”

The MSA 161 T features Stihl Quickstop Plus, which is a coast-down brake designed to stop the saw when the rear handle is released. A built-in retractable carry ring makes it easy for the user to maneuver in and out of trees. The MSRP for the saw is $379.95.

Other battery-powered equipment Stihl debuted included the FSA 130 R string trimmer. This string trimmer has a 16.5-inch cutting width and can run at three different performance levels that maximize run time. It also has a solid steel drive shaft with a lifetime limited warranty.

FSA 130 R
Photo: Stihl

“This trimmer utilizes the same gearheads, deflectors and cutting attachments seen on comparable gasoline-powered trimmers providing the same durability with the advantages of battery,” Poluka says.

The MSRP is $399.95 for the string trimmer.

Stihl also added the HSA 94 R and HSA 94 T hedge trimmers. The manufacturer says these two models offer the durability and features of a gas hedge trimmer and are ideal for professionals looking to switch to battery power.

The HSA 94 R is the pruning version of the hedge trimmer, having lower blade speed and wider tooth spacing for large volume trimming. The HSA 94 T is the trimming version featuring a higher blade speed and smaller tooth spacing for more precision sculpting and shaping of shrubbery.

HSA 94 R
Photo: Stihl

Both hedge trimmers have an MSRP of $499.95.

Not to be forgotten, Stihl also introduced two new gas chain saws as well. The MS 462 C-M and the MS 462 R C-M feature the Stihl M-Tronic engine management system that electronically controls ignition timing and fuel metering.

Stihl says the chains saws offer more power and reduced weight. The MS 462 R C-M model comes with a wrap handle for the operator to move the chain saw in different positions while keeping their hands in the proper position.

The MSRP for the MS 462 C-M is $1,099.95 and the MSRP for the MS 462 R C-M is $1,139.95.