STIHL KOMBI SYSTEM REVIEW | What it can do for you and what types of people should buy it | Ep: 9

Here's the Stihl Kombi System and what it can do for you!

[@TuRuDun]

I have run a pair of KM130's on a trimmer head and pole saw for about 8 years now. They are HAMMERS. The trimmer uses the alloy FIXCUT 31-2 spool head loaded with 0.170" string. ALL of the auto advance heads (and strings) I tried welded the string internally to the spool when the air temp was over 85F or so. The FIXCUT is stone axe enough it works at any ambient. A string charge will run 15 minutes (rocks) to maybe 2 hours (tall dry grass). The pole saw (old model) uses much the same hardware as the extensible commercial model. It accepts 14" & 16" blades & chains and has cut every stick of firewood (3" sticks to 16" discs, mostly oak) I use for the past 8 years. The KM130 pair allows you to go about your business if you develop engine issues, mostly a plugged carb or fouled plug. I also have the 40" extension, useful on a hillside with the trimmer or for cleaning up low "ladder fuel" branches. The Kombi Tool is the best money a rural homeowner will spend.

[@Trebbell]

Had mine for 6-7 years now and its a beast. Was using other brands before that and was always having issues...craftsman and other brands like that. Ended up going with Stihl for the first time and now I ended up buying 5 attachments. Only issue I've ever had with the Kombi system was the hedge trimmer but it was a 1$ fix, a screw broke, which admittedly I was probably trying to cut something too big. Replaced the screw and still working great.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

I'm glad to hear it from someone who has tried some others. Thanks for watching!

[@tgsgardenmaintenance4627]

These combi systems are excellent, I nearly bought the 131 but opted for the Husqvarna 535LK for the extra power and lower price. Think the Stihl hedgecutter attachment is better, but the 535LK gives me 2.2 HP and can cope with almost anything! Do love Stihl equipment though, as it is excellent quality!

[@markharrington9345]

Best purchase of my life. Awesome equipment 👍

[@michaelmactavish4445]

thats what i been useing kombis in my service for long time because hate haveing different power heads around and less space

[@brenttownsend2554]

I've had a Kombi KM131 for about 5 years now with a power scythe, articulated hedge trimmer and string trimmer attachment. I also have the FS 131 that i use with a chisel tooth brush cutting blade for cutting scrub oak and manzanita. Both are excellent tools and and it's saved me an enormous amount of work. They always start with just one or two pulls on the rope. I also have a chainsaw, an MS271 Wood Boss that just sat for over two years without starting. I was beginning to dread trying to start it because I thought would be fiddling with it for a few hours. Six pulls on the starter rope and fired right up; old gas and all! Amazing equipment.

[@Lincoln6echoLSE]

I was in the market for a pole saw and reticulating hedge trimmer for my gardening business and although it was initially pretty expensive to set up with the KMA 135r I did make a saving by not purchasing two dedicated units. I love the idea behind the Kombi unit, it’s space saving, only one power head to maintain, and I certainly look forward to grabbing a few additional attachments namely the blower, edger, and bed redefiner. Thanks for the video.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Absolutely! You'll love the blower. Thanks for the watch 👍

[@jaywarren3505]

Hey it's been a year since you posted this. I'm now considering getting into this Kombi system. How's the engine been holding up for you ? Wondering since it's the same one for all attachments.

[@Lincoln6echoLSE]

@@jaywarren3505 flawlessly, and I use it most days for anywhere between one hour and six hours. I recommend buying the more expensive quick charger which can charge the larger batteries to full in half an hour (lunch break). I still only have the three attachments a pole saw, reticulating hedger, and the edger and they are all awesome. Highly recommend.

[@InspiredCraftsman]

I love this system. Rarely used a hedge trimmer and a mantis tiller and was always struggling to keep them running. Now with the kombi 131, I have string trimmer, hedger, and tiller. No extra carbs to mess with when I pull the tiller out for garden bed prep. Tons of power with the string trimmer running Oregon .105 line and the hedger is awesome.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

I'm glad you love it! Are you using the Oregon gator line?

[@InspiredCraftsman]

@Rocket's Outdoor Power yes, I'm using the square and can cut green fibrous weeds up to thumb thickness. I removed the guard and keep enough line out to cut a 24" circle. I grease the head 2-3 times a year.

[@Rottingboards]

I figure it would cost me $400 more then an off brand to buy everything I want...but I will now have room to expand my yard tools. And I have always had good luck with Stihl.

[@JBButcher-kg4wn]

Great Job!! Answered all my questions.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

I'm glad I could help!

[@gordonreimer2169]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@Rottingboards]

Thanks for explaining the attachments. Buying just the end and not the whole pole sounds cheaper.

[@JuiceSpringsteen88]

I believe KM just stands for Kombi Motor. I know their string trimmers start with "FS" which stands for freischneider (German for brush cutter). Their chainsaws start with "MS" for motorsäge (German for motor saw). I believe the number roughly correlates how many KW of power the associated engine produces.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Most of their model beginnings are a German reference.

[@barryhamilton1405]

I purchased a KM9 R which is excellent for strimming, pole pruning and hedge cutting. KM94R is light. There is enough leaf blowing power to get tough a job but km94R is underwhelming with a leaf blower , a lot less power than KM 131. Worth investing in both a KM94 and KM 131 if you need six of the combi tools regularly, trading lightness for power depending on the job.

[@michaelmactavish4445]

kombis is my faviorate i have the km 56r and few attachments plus im looking into getting a km94r 2nd kombi fleet

[@stevethomas5209]

Just bought the KM131 and the scythe attachment and the blower bg-km. Don't have scythe in yet be about two weeks however this blower far exceeds my expectations it blows like nobody's business. The scythe attachment was purchased for mowing the ditch bank its about 5 to 6' deep and holds a little water w the extention pole (extra) I should be able to reach down to the bottom no problem we will soon see.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

I'm glad you're liking it!

[@BinuralOdyssey]

Crap I could have used the cultivator when i just ripped up a 4'x 90' section for planting trees this weekend lol. The 131 head is pretty unbalanced for string trimming. I love the Kombi system!

[@freedog632]

I love the Kombi. I made the mistake of getting the original battery power head. The 135R is great.

[@brandonhiggs88]

In Germany it's called the Kombi motor

[@dooziejohn6165]

Only risk is that we are betting many attachments against one engine. I am still inclined to get a Kombi system, as it saves me money and space. If I am concerned about the engine as a single point of failure, I would buy a second kombi engine (one cordless and one gas powered). I hope the attachments are interchangeable between gas and cordless.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Some would consider that to be less risky. The more engines one has, the more chances one fails, and more likely they don't get serviced. I do see what you mean, though. Most commercial users do have more than one. The attachments are interchangeable between battery and gas, too.

[@dooziejohn6165]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 I understand what you say. I am glad to hear that they are interchangeable. Thank you for the clarification.

[@marvinadn]

I think there is only one thing you can’t use battery powered. I believe it’s the curved shaft string trimmer. Battery powered has too much torque for it

[@josepharndt6061]

I just baught the kombi 131 r and it works like a pro and cuts Alsome I don’t skelp as often

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

I'm glad you're loving it!

[@mickoshea13]

Excellent review ,

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@ironwoodliving769]

Just got mine but I wish the salesman would have told me I could get the brush cutter kit for cheap instead of buying the attachment. I was wanting just a fs91

[@davidsonnow]

Anyone doing tree work or anything above shoulder height, trust me, get the lightest Comby system motor you can, it doesn’t take a lot of power to do tree work, but your arms and shoulders will tire out very quickly the heavier motor that you have

[@rodporth]

Just bought the 131 with several attachments

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

That's the best power head. I hope you love it 👍

[@tottenhamteacher]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 I bought the FS 131R b/c new home owner needing forever gadgets (unless the thieves get them). Then the back blower - overkill? BR700 - of course haha Then I did figure I wanted the cleaned cuts so I bought the 135R and I’m well on my way to getting more attachments. Should I considering selling that FS 131R? I’m not the best with weed whacking I figure I can always use the gas. And maybe just ride the unit until it breaks. But a part of me says try to sell it and get the Kombi 131.

[@ericjohnson9080]

If you already have a fs94 or 131 look for a kombi upper shaft take off from a powerhead purchase at a stihl dealer and convert it. It is easy. That is what i did.

[@CanButler85]

I just bought a 56 for my pole saw… Hope I don’t regret not going to the 91

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

I hope you love it!

[@MrSpike77777]

How did the 56 work out? I'm looking at these two and can't decide. Wouldn't use the pole saw much but it would be nice to have the power if needed.

[@John-nx9hx]

#500 Thanks, well explained.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

@@John-nx9hx Glad I could help!

[@lifeisgood070]

Can you help me understand the difference between straight line edger, curved edger, and bed re-definer? I have no sidewalk, and probably 5,000 sq. ft. of beds. I think what I need is the bed re-definer. Just curious though. Edit: also can you grease these things? I'd love the re-lube the cultivator, bed re-definer, etc. I'm hard on tools, so usually I switch to a calcium sulfate based lubricant instead of lithium to get 5 years out of stuff instead of 2-3. I'm hard on the tools usually because I turn up the carb a little and use the tools for hours straight. never had a problem with using their chainsaws like this which is why I love this brand.

[@aestheticdetailstudio3939]

Difference between the 2 edgers are one has a straight pole one has a curved pole just a preference. I have a curved shaft edger and I like it Becuase I prefer to stand on the inside when I edge lawns to see. But the straight has its benefits when dealing with thicker overgrown edges as it’s easier on your back. The bed redefiner is only for garden and mulch beds to clean up the natural edge and would only be used in those cases

[@Rottingboards]

JUST GOT ME A KOMBI! Special going on, buy 300 battery and get second for free!

[@antoniogonzalez3509]

Please make a video for 2023 regarding this system

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

What else would you like to know? Stihl didn't change any Kombi pieces this year.

[@Judah-Ross-Realty-Bastrop]

Great overview. What would you look for if buying Stihls 2nd hand at a pawn shop?

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Thank you, and don't lol. People are usually getting rid of that stuff for good reasons.

[@Deveron4]

Do you guys still sell the Kombi Keeper? I've been looking around for that or alternatively those slatwall compatible holders that Stihl gives their dealers.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

I'm not sure if Stihl makes those anymore. I'd have to check, but we quit stocking them years ago. Nobody ever bought them, and they didn't work great. About any garage organizers you find will have better hanging options available.

[@Judah-Ross-Realty-Bastrop]

Subscribed

[@billvandorn5332]

For the most part everything has been wonderful with my Combi system but today I noticed the weed wacker head is literally rotating separate from the shaft. I tried tightening the 4 bolts but it still turns does anybody have any reasons why and how to rectify it?

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

@@billvandorn5332 so the string head and the gearcase are turning on the shaft?

[@submissions72]

you just answered my question! I need help I need it for string trimming and brushcutting! So you recommend I buy the FS-KM with a string line head? Which parts? Thank you in advance!

[@Harley8226]

What do the batteries and charger cost not a lot of info posted online,are the batteries 36 or 48 volt ??

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Everything Stihl makes is 36v. The AP batteries are around $300 and up, depending on which one you choose.

[@abeldelacruz6124]

I bought a Kombi 56 power head with a weed eater attachment and the tiller attachment all so . My question is I see all the power head attachments with a handle . Are those an option or should it came with one ?

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

I'm not sure what handle you're referring to. The power head should have a loop handle on it.

[@backroadsentertainment814]

The battery powered power head is more powerful than a gas powered one?

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Yes, it is. Electric motors can make power easier than gas engines.

[@fern1416]

I think this is what am going to get (volunteer here) the km 131r but interesting you are saying the battery one is more powerfull. How long does a battery last though?

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Electric motors are always more powerful, but you can't run as long without a bunch of batteries. You can't go wrong with the 131.

[@fern1416]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 thankyou for that. I'll stick with looking to get the 131r

[@prewinder]

In short is the KMA 135 r any good at cutting sapling 1-3 inches in diameter with the cutting blad? Or is it too weak compared to a petrol brush cutter?

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

The KMA is actually the most powerful. My boss uses one on his 100 acres nonstop and loves it. The only downfall is it being fairly expensive to get up and running. Great question. 👍

[@prewinder]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Yes true it is expensive, but I figure it might be worth it compared to separate cutter, hedger...

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

@@prewinder You'll love it, for sure.

[@underdog576967]

How long will the battery run for and how long to charge ?

[@markharrington9345]

I own a 131r kombi tool. My attachments. Are string trimmer, leaf blower, pole saw, power scythe, brush cutter, extension pole. And power sweep. I just watched this video and I'm interested in the cultivator attachment but I don't want to pay for the attachment I just want the tines. What is the adapter number for that. The place I purchased it from said that I have to purchase the attachment. I can't just buy the tines. Any idea?

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

I'll have to look when I get back from vacation. I can't remember if there's any actual kit, but it would just be 4 of those tines. You could just buy them as individual parts.

[@kencleg7721]

Find a used expand it from ryobi and adapt it done

[@michaelhorsford403]

Is kombi shaft shape square or not goodness

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

I end is kind of a square shape. It doesn't fit the Craftsmans or that other junk, if that's what you're hoping for.

[@turningoveranewleaflawncar952]

Which head has the steel straight shaft and not the cable shaft? Thanks!

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

You can get curved and straight shafts in the edgers and string trimmers. Stihl doesn't recommend using anything with a curved shaft on the battery heads, though. The electric motors have too much torque.

[@turningoveranewleaflawncar952]

Yes thanks but what I'm talking about is the shaft inside. Some have a cable and some have the solid steel shaft for higher torque power. Is it the 91,94 or 111? Thanks

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

@@turningoveranewleaflawncar952 the straight shaft units have the heavier shafts. The curved ones have the lighter, flexible shaft.

[@turningoveranewleaflawncar952]

Ok thank you! Which head is lighter weight?​@rocketsoutdoorpower6971

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

@turningoveranewleaflawncar952 the 91 and 131 are the same weight. The 94 is a little lighter, puts out similar power to the 91, but has less torque.

[@ajanilewis2944]

I would like to buy a kombi 131r and a hedge trimmer how much money am i looking at ?

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Depends where you're at, but around $700.

[@ajanilewis2944]

Ok thanks

[@ajanilewis2944]

Where are you located ?

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

SD

[@nemerwashere9259]

If you ain't watching Johnny you need to get on board

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Really appreciate it!

[@allenpitts1328]

What is difference between bed edger amd straight edger?

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

The bed edger does a wider trench for around gardens or flower beds. The edger is for edging sidewalks, driveways, etc.

[@LowTech820]

its KombiMotor xD Kombi=Combi Motor=Motor

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Yes, there's Kombi motors and Kombi attachments.

[@glassduck985]

Their attachments are made out of gold or something

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

I'm not exactly sure what one would expect for prices lol

[@glassduck985]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 well, I said save money. I don’t see how you save money for the whole price. I can buy what I need separately.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

@Glass Duck That is absolutely an option. Depending on what attachments you use, the Kombi CAN save you some money and headaches. That's kinda what the video's about.

[@JSTEALTH]

Husqvarna includes the trimmer attachment with their top of the line kombi engine for same price of the 131... when is stihl going to include the trimmer attachment to compete?

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

@@JSTEALTH Stihl most likely won't. Possibly for a seasonal sale, but that's probably it.