Stihl KMA 135 R Review

We weren't sure if Stihl's latest battery operated Kombi motor head was up to the task, so we decided to take the KMA 135 R out for a spin. Check out the video for the full review and our recommendation. Check out our app at www.brentabl.tools/app-download or search for "brentabl" in the Apple App Store.
This video was not sponsored by Stihl in any way shape, shape, or form...but if they had offered us a discount, we would have taken it. We hope you like the first of many of our tool reviews!

[@taxiuniversum]

I think you hadn’t mentioned which of the many different AP batteries you had used. Would be crucial to get a more objective idea of the runtime.

[@kudlabartosz]

KMA 135R runs 40 minutes on battery 300S on power level 1 , there is no need to use level 2 or 3 as the KMA 135 is really powerful.

[@brentabl8065]

Good catch - it’s the AP300. Agreed with other reply, level 1 or 2 is quite sufficient.

[@milala-kw4zy]

Will the 135 battery operated cut berry vines?

[@acreslawncare]

Great video. I have been looking to make some changes over to electric, just to be clear the km attachments work on the electric head and gas motors ? Just subscribed 💪

[@brentabl8065]

Yes. We have both but have found almost no use for the gas head save for very long jobs where gas is easier than dealing with a charger (though that is solved with extra batteries). We thought maybe the bed redefiner would push the limits of the power on the battery head - we were wrong. But attachments work seamlessly with different power heads.

[@acreslawncare]

@@brentabl8065 great thanks for that, look forward to some more videos, keep them coming

[@brentabl8065]

By way of a further update, saw your video with the rototiller Kombi head. We used that one with the battery power head as well and worked like a charm. At this point, feeling like we wasted a few bucks on a gas powered head we might never use. Probably the biggest benefit to the battery one though is that it's far quieter, letting you work in residential areas during hours you probably wouldn't want to let it rip with a gas motor. Video on that one is forthcoming once we have time to do the editing.

[@acreslawncare]

@@brentabl8065 interesting. I was in my local garden centre today. And just looking at the battery stihl I was so very close to buying one. I think come spring I might kit myself out, and like you say the reduction in noise is a plus, thanks for checking out my vid 🙏

[@dennism1235]

Hey any new feedback since video? Huge outlay for me but are you finding quality and longevity there? How about the other tools like the blower attachment?

[@brentabl8065]

Have not used the blower yet, but hedge trimmer and edger are both great. One maintenance issues I came across - there are small guide clips where the attachment meets the power head to guide the attachments in correctly. At some point those broke or just came out. Once that happens getting attachments on is a nearly impossible. This happened at the end of the season so I resorted to gas head as backup. Repair seems straightforward just need to find parts (or pull them from my gas power head). Yes, substantial outlay but so far, worth every penny. Power + quiet + minimal maintenance = win.

[@tgsgardenmaintenance4627]

Combi systems are excellent, providing you buy a decent machine from a reputable company. I'm sure battery will improve over time, but nothing comes close to my Husqvarna 535LK pro combi for power and reliability! That said, Stihl make excellent equipment too and think the hedgecutter attachment is superior!

[@brentabl8065]

The hedge cutter is amazing. Will post a review on that bad boy shortly. Game changer for 6ft+ Holly bushes!

[@afgshvbbsge6016]

A bateria dela dura quanto minutos

[@Soldierdiaz21]

Did you order it online? It shows unavailable right now.

[@brentabl8065]

Had to relentlessly stalk my local Stihl dealers. Ended up landing this at an ACE store. They just got another shipment in last week (this is in VA) with probably 8 or so in stock. Suggest calling your local dealer every week or so to see what they have. Most are selling their gear before listing it online.

[@deanherde805]

I’m only getting between 16 and 20 minutes out of my car 135R line trimmer on setting 2. That’s with the ap300s battery. Should I be concerned?

[@brentabl8065]

Yes. We ran the string trimmer full out for 45min (see our video on that one). How old is the battery?

[@dennism1235]

What batteries do you recommend to get? Is just 1 battery OK w the ordinary charger- otherwise you spend massive on the batteries… considering just 1 and then quick charger so at least can refuel quick if need a busier day New owner of acreage and lived on tiny lot before

[@Simon67316]

@@brentabl8065 have you got a link for that video?

[@Simon67316]

How did you get on in the end? Was it true battery performance of defective.

[@deanherde805]

@@Simon67316 it just goes through the battery a bit quickly doing heavy work on higher settings. I’ve used it a lot and couldn’t be happier. The machine is a beast.

[@Ransome2501]

why not mention what the price is with battery and charger

[@brentabl8065]

Great point - just a miss on my part. You’re in about $350 for the power head, $200 for the battery, and $100 for the charger. Attachments range in the $120-$180 range. It ain’t cheap!

[@toddgeorge1569]

Is there a telescopic pole feature??

[@brentabl8065]

There is a 37” extension, but it is not telescopic. Because the drive shaft is in the pole portion of each tool, making them telescopic would be quite an engineering feat and, we assume, somewhat breakage prone. We’ll be posting a review of the hedge trimmer attachment soon, which is thus far our favorite!

[@brendomow1001]

Yes it’s called the stihl hta135 telescopic pole saw

[@michaelmerrifield5914]

Stihl uses 36v batteries for the equipment... I wonder is a 36v Ebike battery could be adapted for the purpose... they are so cheap in comparison to the Stihl backpacks

[@brentabl8065]

So, this one has the battery pack on the power head (as opposed to the backpack model), so you would likely have some fit issues. The backpack ones would be a good bit more practical to rig up, though I don't know what the differences are in terms of the current required for the tool vs. bike.

[@brentabl8065]

btw - if you try this out, please let me know and post the video :-)