STIHL RG-KM Rotary cutting head, Review

[@lpforever6273]

Stihl could not have chosen a better person to review this--solid practical assessments much appreciated.

[@jasongardener3425]

Thank you very much, really really appreciate that, 👍👍👍

[@EricNielsen187]

I've watched too many sell out videos of this kind of attachment. You are the first one I've seen that used it on more than short fine grass. You worked it hard. Then when you brought up the cutting head angle I was Sold, I'm over 6 feet. I have a lot of flower beds built from cedar and trees on my property, so I hate using a string trimmer because of the potential damage. Thanks for the video, and showing me I need a new Toy, I mean Tool.

[@jasongardener3425]

Thanks mate, appreciate that, I will only be honest and do my best to put the tool to work and over a good time, weeks if not months, before a review, as it reflects on me and I would not want people spending there hard earned money on a product, if it was pants. Take care 👍

[@jasongardener3425]

We all love our toys 😉👍

[@bchgardenservices]

Bought one a couple of weeks ago. Would say your review is pretty spot on - good and balanced. Defo slower - noticeably so. I found it very heavy and unbalanced, and that angle is very uncomfortable like you said, I had a tendancy to dig the blades into the ground every so often and really scalp to the roots. I did like it and it does a very good job particularly of lawn edges but some how I just went back to the strimmer after a couple of days......probably because it just drops clippings rather than throw them to one side like a strimmer, so there is a little bit extra clean up. I would like to see the metal plate on the bottom being a bit deeper, or at least a deeper/taller one as an option.

[@jasongardener3425]

There is a learning curve with it, totally agree, it will take turf up and the clipping have to be blown, I probably have a advantage over many as run the echo head for a year, so used to this type of attachment, maybe try running it in conjunction with the strimmer, strim in the open and swop to the rotary head in the high risk areas, definitely worth ago, let me know in a few weeks how your getting on with it 👍

[@GamerGee]

Does yours shake a bit or it’s perfectly smooth in use.

[@wayneessar7489]

She is a heavy beast! I put another clip on the provided shaft for the shoulder strap. Working around new cars is another plus and the lines of weeds where the concrete curbing meet the macadam get sliced right close. I found it hard to free hand but anywhere the domed bottom could ride on something it was great.

[@jasongardener3425]

Your pretty much spot on mate, it's a massive weight of your mind when near anything breakable. 👍

[@mobilephone6388]

She.. it's a garden tool

[@wayneessar7489]

@@mobilephone6388 It......is not correct.

[@finallythetruthisout761]

I went to my Stihl dealer at lunch and this unit sells for about $400. If I did this for a living I would do it but for my small yard I passed.

[@jasongardener3425]

That's fair comment mate, 👍👍

[@vhenztv664]

Keep gardening nice ..keep safe

[@RockwoodJoe]

I wanted a power scythe, but got this instead (all that was in-stock at my dealer) and absolutely love it. Weed control, ground cover topping, perennial cleanup are its best purpose, where you need surgical precision. I'm not sure why people use it to edge vertically in sod, or next to objects (like pallet skids or chain link) as the blades get dull in a hurry (at least for me). Sharpening is easy, but time consuming. Still love it though!

[@00ninja00]

Can’t find one anywhere in my area in USA California. I was sold a, what I thought was a power scythe, then found out it was the longer one which works same but they call it hedge trimmer. Wish I would’ve got this one in the video. I need it just to cut lots and lots of dense weed. But I can’t use it regular string or brush cutter because it’s between garden plants in rows, and can’t have anything flying around cuss it could damage the sensitive small plants/vegetables. This one wold be perfect as it seems to just cut the weeds right at the base but don’t fling things around. Also it seems like it’ll be better than my hedge trimmer (which I was told it’s power scythe), cuss it’s much smaller and can get in between my vegetables and plants. The hedge trimmer I got is long and cumbersome, not to mention heavy/front heavy since it’s long. Im gonna call my dealer see if they can special order me one of these!

[@RockwoodJoe]

@@00ninja00 I'm thinking of getting a second one, as we're using it for weeding in mulched beds. You can chop weeds just under the mulch surface, than flip mulch on top to hide them. This head has cut weeding time in half for some of our commercial beds. You can also use it in parking lots, next to cars, as it doesn't kick up debris/dust (like a trimmer) for trimming next to walls, barriers. No more troublesome grass/weed spatter on that shiny Lexus that is owned by Karen in the parking lots.

[@00ninja00]

Rockwood Joe dang it! I really want one. But no one in California even sells it, is what I was told. the few dealers in Northern California that I buy all my stihl products from, say they can’t even get it.

[@andrewchapman1511]

Hi Jason my name is Andrew , I run a small company like yours in the Norwich area . I have one of these attachments for my kombi unit , I do find it gives you piece of mind when near cars and low windows 👍keep up the great reviews . Andrew

[@jasongardener3425]

Thanks mate, yes they are a great tool for them pleases which make you nervous and peace of mind is priceless, Norwich lovely city 👍👍

[@PapaA7145]

This looks like a take off on the Red Max recipricator. The Red Max is water proof to a degree. I’ve used it to clean up around a pond and can cut underwater. Blades last about 2 seasons and are a little hard to find but well worth the $. Hope the Stihl version is just as sturdy.

[@mowinggrowing8261]

Thanks for the review am considering buying one this weekend

[@jasongardener3425]

Cooolll cheers martyn 👍👍👍

[@KevinPGA]

Hello Jason. I’m a year behind. I’m considering the Kombi 135 along with this attachment and found this review extremely helpful. Cheers! 👍

[@jasongardener3425]

Glad it's of help to you 😀👍

[@jasongardener3425]

@@KalebStorm cool, 👍

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

A great review chap. Having that peace of mind while trimming is definitely worth the sacrifice in speed. We have so many people walking around here now, a stone flying out is always a worry. Nice one chap 👍

[@jasongardener3425]

Definitely mate, yes it is a trade off, speed over safety/peace of mind, a broken window can really throw the day out and as we all know, it does play on your mind for days, or if someone got hurt doesn't bare thinking of. Thanks mate 👍👍

[@pablopicaro7649]

It is A round Hedge Clipper

[@robrusticwoodlandproducts6662]

Nice video Jason. I noticed you use Aspen 2 stroke as well. I use it in all my Stihl machines. 👍🍺

[@jasongardener3425]

Thanks mate, yes I use aspen in every 2 stroke machine I have, great fuel, I would never go back to normal 2 stroke oil/fuel 👍

[@Figure11_Home_and_Garden]

Bought the husqvarna version a couple of weeks ago. I would say very similar experience. Being 6'2 I would like the blade angle a little less.

[@jasongardener3425]

Cool, how you getting on with it, probably difficult to make one ot fit all. 👍

[@Figure11_Home_and_Garden]

@@jasongardener3425 I guess they have gone for the middle ground in height. Definitely a learning curve to using it.

[@cai876]

How does this compare to a blade brush cutter for bramble, bushes and thorn shoots?

[@jeffgarlock4194]

How do you sharpen the blades?

[@jasongardener3425]

Just the same as a hedge cutter, file, grinder, ect 👍

[@mlatief5865]

Perfect info flying debris no more Thanks bud.

[@jasongardener3425]

Thanks 👍

[@frightcrazyjim]

$389.00 HEREIN Delaware, USA

[@lagrandemoving5845]

Ok ThankYou

[@themowerman]

Good honest review after so good use. Yeah needs an adjustment to change the angle if possible. Hope all is good mate

[@jasongardener3425]

Thanks mate, I try to be honest and straight about things, all good, hope your well 👍

[@nylecojrepma2781]

Thank you for sharing this video impressive and job well done this engine makes you easyly to cut the leaves and finish fast

[@jasongardener3425]

Thank you

[@jamesb8854]

Great review. Think I may buy one for a commercial site I do

[@jasongardener3425]

It's very suitable for high risk commercial sites 👍

[@thekingscourtyardlawncares9324]

Pretty cool, maybe you can move the handle up or down to for comfort.

[@jasongardener3425]

I did try that mate, think I'm just a bit shorty lol, but but good idea. 👍

[@garybond7029]

Great review just ordered one to go on my 131 engine. Keep up the great videos

[@axal321]

just got one Jason I'm inching to use it now Mate

[@jasongardener3425]

👌

[@thegeordiefellwalker8878]

good honest review Jason.always good to have a choice of tools for different situations.cheers.

[@jasongardener3425]

Thanks mate, the more options we have the better, 👍👍

[@somewhereinengland701]

the specification says it doesn't work with the km-56. is that because of the lack of power control? could you please comment on this? many thanks!

[@jasongardener3425]

Hi, I can only guess its a lack of power, that's the best I can say I'm afraid

[@vincenttimes4997]

Can we use this tool in alleys covered with small gravel ?

[@jasongardener3425]

Can't see why not 👍

[@vincenttimes4997]

@@jasongardener3425 tanks

[@Mackeson3]

A few broken windows convinced me to retire my string trimmer and buy one of these. Do l regret it? Definitely not, it's a great piece of kit but l am first to admit it ain't cheap. Yes it is slower than using a string trimmer head but in my opinion it leaves a better finish.

[@jasongardener3425]

And peace of mind, which is priceless, glad you are happy with it. 😊👍👍

[@Mackeson3]

@@jasongardener3425 Yes Indeed. As for the angle of it, l am only 5' 4" but l use mine on a FR131T knapsack brush cutter which suits us midgets better than a straight shaft l find 😉

[@andrewswinton2059]

Hi, I'm a lawn contractor from NZ, great review. Just wondering if it gets stuck on stones or jams with anything soild like sticks (thinking of hedge trimmer when you hit a hidden bit of wire). Is it fast to use if you put it on maz rpm or does it always kind of take as long? Thanks!

[@matthewheffernan3877]

its so slow you would only use it if you had to for safety or flying stone issues yes it jambs like hedge trimmers its a great home owners tool where time is not important but if you are on a commercial operation its no money maker. i was trying to offset cost and slow work rate against cost of window replacement. i think it actually cheaper to just pay for the windows

[@dugbert9]

great video, thank you!

[@brandonfeland4723]

Rather be running at 70% speed, than to be screwing around with lines, and cleanup afterwards.. 70% the speed, to eliminate the time of changing lines, and have next to no cleanup after, yes please. 😎 That alone itself, makes up for more than that 30% speed loss while doing the cutting.. Atleast Imo.

[@sambaaxe]

How is it in tall and heavy weeds or blackberry?

[@topgardenservices844]

Great review. Looked like some great tree work at one of those gardens 😉

[@jasongardener3425]

Thanks mate, just need to find a good arborist lol👍👍

[@benjaminstreet6795]

Thanks for the upload Jason

[@jasongardener3425]

Thanks you for watching mate 👍

[@ringsidejudge4302]

Would a KM-85R run this cutter .

[@jasongardener3425]

That I'm not sure, a km 94 runs it fine, that's the best I can say I'm afraid. 👍

[@christianmackeigan2437]

Excellent review, thank you for that. I just ordered the 131 Kombi unit and was going to get the straight shaft edger to go with it. However it looks like this might do the same thing? Can you comment on that? I also have commercial areas with a lot of gravel and have broken 3 windows thus far and of course all out of my own pocket, not to mention pelting people that I don’t see until it’s too late to stop. So this unit seems ideal, especially if it is an efficient edger too. Thanks again, and cheers from the west coast of Canada!

[@jasongardener3425]

Hi, sorry only just seen your comment, it will edge, but I don't think it is designed for that, we do commercial sites and this attachment is perfect and great for high risk areas, that's how we use it. 👍👍

[@matthewheffernan3877]

As you point out the head angle or shaft length is all wrong im 6 foot and i have to stoop. I will have to get a darwin grip as in its factory form this is useless to me.

[@nickcopeman3468]

Hi Jason, does it catch on stones when you are weeding in gravel?

[@jasongardener3425]

The blade does touch stones, but if you mean catch as jam the blades, then no mate, iv never had that problem 👍

[@nickcopeman3468]

@@jasongardener3425 great..thanks!

[@raycharles212]

Good review, thanks.

[@jasongardener3425]

👍

[@geraldrosario]

Hi! After a few months of use, have you experienced any issues with intermittent jamming of the RG-KM blades while hitting something which stops the reciprocating motion? In particular, have you experienced difficulty re-engaging the reciprocating motion?

[@jasongardener3425]

Hi. No not at all, it's still working fine mate 👍

[@aaronbiggin1103]

How well do you think this would work for lay hay as I need to lay the edges near the fence line and haven't had much luck with a brush cutter? Would really appreciate your opinion.

[@jasongardener3425]

To be honest, it sounds like a hedge trimmer used close to the ground would be your best way, this will do it, but really long grass would lay on top of the cutter and hold you up

[@aaronbiggin1103]

@@jasongardener3425 Thanks I had thought about a hedge trimmer.

[@carlwaylett7013]

Hi Jason a great video very well done 👍Have you done your van differently it like it was the back of your van. 🌈👍

[@jasongardener3425]

No, still the same 👍

[@carlwaylett7013]

Oh right i take it you were showing that out the back of your van looks different and painted blue. 🌈👍

[@tgsgardenmaintenance4627]

Tried to get one for my Husky 535LK, apparently its not suitable for it as my power unit is too powerful!

[@TheCountryCottageGardener]

These really do interest me. Looks like a very handy addition for any professional. Looks perfect along those window lines. What's the balance like with the 94 engine? Fantastic review 👍

[@jasongardener3425]

Thanks mate. Definitely takes the worry of broken windows and can feel a little more relaxed, it's a little front end heavy on the km94, but not uncomfortable, but would imagine a bigger unit would balance out better 👍👍

[@neusac4590]

Nice video Jason, good review. I can see you using it in many jobs. Stay safe. 👍👍👍👍👍😉

[@jasongardener3425]

Thanks Neusa, it's not a total replacement of strimming, but being able to cut in public areas and in areas where stones are a problem it's a great tool. 👍👍

[@checker3694]

Anyone know blade life, how long before sharpen is necessary in pro environment, with mixed use.

[@jasongardener3425]

Hi, it's difficult to say as we all work in slightly different ways and situations, for me, using it on commercial sites and domestic gardens, I sharpened it last week for the first time, took blades off and took me about 20 minutes at most, hope that helps 👍

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Good review

[@jasongardener3425]

Thanks mate 👍

[@stancombetreecareallyourga342]

looks a beast

[@jasongardener3425]

👍

[@tgsgardenmaintenance4627]

Was going to get one for my Husky Pro combi but apparently my combi is too powerful for it! 😥

[@556-z2m]

Any large hidden stones, thick sticks, or tree stumps blunt these blades out in seconds

[@stephenhathaway269]

Just splashed out and added this to my kombi attachments. Hopefully no more smashed yoga studio windows to claim for on my public liability insurance!

[@Pappajb26]

Great video and review what kombi engine do you use with this.

[@jasongardener3425]

Thanks mate, iv run it on the km94 and it more than powerful enough, in fact I only run it on probably 3/4 throttle. 👍👍

[@HoopersGardenMaintenance]

Nice piece of kit that and great review mate👍🏼

[@TKG]

I wonder how this would be edging a lawn with a stone border, pain in the bum, I have 2 like this

[@bchgardenservices]

did ok on an edge with 20mm gravel. didn't notice any problems, except the cuttings dropping into the gravel and a little extra clean up.

[@bobbelsekwol]

Always tell a landscaper who doesn't cut grass when the use gravel as a border with grass. I charge extra when I see this situation. Because extra time it takes and try to order and window breakages. Only ever smashed one but still £100 out of pocket.

[@jasongardener3425]

It would be good for such areas, as lowers the risk of stones flying, iv put it through gravel and edged stoney boarders too 👍

[@fortnightlygardenmaintenan8987]

Nice one Jason 👍🏼

[@jasongardener3425]

Thank you 👍

[@ianharrison6201]

Hi jason and thanks for this site its excellent.Would you think this tool would be any good in soil flower border,for weeding in and around plants etc instead of a hoe.Many thanks ian.

[@jasongardener3425]

Thanks mate, to be honest, I don't think it would be practical to use it for that, you can buy a rotavator attachment (pick tyne) for kombi 👍

[@ianharrison6201]

@@jasongardener3425 Thanks for getting back so soon Jason i appreciate it mate

[@jasongardener3425]

@@ianharrison6201 no problem 👍👍

[@lagrandemoving5845]

Cuanto vale $$$

[@jasongardener3425]

£395

[@wjf0ne]

I was playing catch up on your videos and watched a review you did on November 2019 on something similar, the ECHO ASK-RW23D. Go one Jason tell me, which do you consider to be the best. You say you use the Echo on different shafts but only use the Stihl on one particular shaft, and also comment that both heads are heavy, although you didn't complain about the angle on the Echo. I like the Echo better as it seems you could slide the plate across the ground rather that try to keep it off the ground, and as the blades rotate in opposite directions it gives the impression it would cut better, maybe it's just me, there again there is little chance of my strimming efforts breaking any windows except my own.

[@jasongardener3425]

I think the echo, I put a shorter shaft on, as it don't come with one, as think that changes that angle a little for me, they are both not light, i don't know what the weight of the echo is, but the stihl feels a tad lighter. Both the echo and stihl are good at what they do, being honest, if both were in the back of the van, I would pick up the stihl first, it has the edge for me. Take care mate 👍

[@wjf0ne]

@@jasongardener3425 Thanks for answering.

[@neilmoye588]

Have you broken many windows?

[@jasongardener3425]

With the RG-KM, no

[@neilmoye588]

@@jasongardener3425 What about with strimmers?

[@houghtongardenservices4362]

A handy piece of kit there jason, any idea on retail price?

[@jasongardener3425]

Good question, honestly don't know, if you click the link, it should take you to the stihl page and price mate 👍