Stihl KM 131R kombi review

[two_bit_score]

After using the KM 131 R:

I have had a Stihl FS 110 for so many years I can’t even remember. It runs fine and I’ve run metal brush cutters of all kinds on it as well as string trimmer heads. Used it extensively at rent property and it’s never let me down.

But, ...... just a couple weeks ago I bought a Stihl Kombi Motor powerhead KM 131R. This is a dream machine!

I bought the Hedge trimmer and string trimmer attachments with it. It’s powerful and so versatile. I just went today and bought the straight shaft edger attachment. I have used a McLane edger for 30 years and it’s a good powerful machine but this Kombi Motor with the edger attachment is so much easier to use and transport than the McLane. I used the string trimmer on the FS110 sometimes for convenience instead of dragging out the McLane but this edger attachment is much easier to use and does a much better job than a string trimmer.

I was skeptical that the attachment would work as good as the McLane but it’s every bit as good on the drive way and sidewalk I tested it on.

I’ll keep using the FS110 mainly as a dedicated string trimmer and back up for brush blades. The versatility of the KM 131R makes it worth the money.

Changing the attachments is quick and easy. So much easier than changing out a trimmer head for a brush blade and more choices; edger, hedge trimmer, pole saw, etc.

I haven’t found any downside to the KM 131 R.

 

[ArlyA]

Now if we can get you at head to hold .155 string.

 

[two_bit_score]

Now if we can get you at head to hold .155 string.

Yeah, I’m waiting on that. With the power this thing has I bet that .155 string would be like a knife through warm butter.

 

[the old grind]

String? I've got a Ariens 22" walk-behind trimmer that takes .155". I buy to-length in a plastic tube like a bundle of x-long fireplace matches.

 

[ArlyA]

String is low cost when purchased via roll. I marked a work bench for proper length, pulling it out and cut it with large side cutter pliers. Tape a bundle together that's enough for the day.

 

[Jstpssng]

I looked at the Kombi last month when shopping for a brush saw. I have a pole saw head which I bought and used for a project on a borrowed power head, now I need to either buy a power head or sell the pole saw.
I wanted needed the bicycle style handlebars though so ended up with the biggest brush saw which Echo makes.

 

[ArlyA]

We used those "bicycle" bars on whachers for 10 or so years. We don't today.

 

[Jstpssng]

We used those "bicycle" bars on whachers for 10 or so years. We don't today.

I'm cutting trees up to 3 inches at the stump.

 

[ArlyA]

I'm cutting trees up to 3 inches at the stump.

Why not use a polesaw for that?

 

[the old grind]

I have a 12" bar top-handle Echo saw for limbing when in the bucket. (-truck) It carries easily when toting a small bucket or sparayer full of 2-4-D/glypho mix to 'paint' stumps. I can also grub most up to 3" dia with the vertical grapple. Willows can be the worst because of the root balls, often get me up on three wheels rockin' 'em out. Grinding/painting stumps beats digging esp larger ones. (6" to 40"+ dia) I'm a lot quicker with the walk-behind grinder than with the mini-BH and there's a lot less dressing up the aftermath.

That said, I'm still considering a Kombi for clearing/keeping a few game trails I can squeeze down but where the tractors(s) won't clear the overhang. Pricey, but like a good tractor I'd only pay for the Stihl once. Don't need every attachment, just a few. Don't get much gravel in the grass when moving snow anymore (std FEL bucket w/Edge-Tamers) but the neighbors do their d'ways with blades if they get ahead of me. First tools I'd get for the Kombi are the rubber drum 'broom' and a brush cutter.

Esp if I can do more than one task with a machine it rarely takes a good one long to earn its keep.