Stihl KM 131R kombi review

[two_bit_score]

You do understand that we are using string nearly twice this size?? We've used .155 for years with great success but now we are trying to swtich up to .180. Smaller just doesn't cut it.

Your application is much different than mine. What trimmer head are you using? This new head is very easy to load. Just pull a length and slide one end through the head to the midway point on the line then twist the head to wind it up.

If I need any bigger than .105 I put a blade on.

 

[ArlyA]

Your application is much different than mine. What trimmer head are you using? This new head is very easy to load. Just pull a length and slide one end through the head to the midway point on the line then twist the head to wind it up. If I need any bigger than .105 I put a blade on.

All the major company's are selling these cam-lock string heads today. Below is one of ours. We buy string on reels in bulk and cut it, then tape them together as seen in a photo to be carried into the field. The string cost us pennies per string and I can change out all three, in less than a minute. We also run these heads right against the ground, and it makes no difference to them. Some of the photos shows the maple shoots we need to cut. No, its not a good photo of the shoot we cut.

We've given up on steel blades because there cutting radius is so small and the rocks we work among.

 

[kenmbz]

I still use the blades that are similar to a circular saw. Good for saplings, and I always find something a little thicker in the mix and don't have to go fetch my chain saw if it's under 3".
But rocks are rough on them and I need to straighten/sharpen here and there.

 

[two_bit_score]

All the major company's are selling these cam-lock string heads today. Below is one of ours. We buy string on reels in bulk and cut it, then tape them together as seen in a photo to be carried into the field. The string cost us pennies per string and I can change out all three, in less than a minute. We also run these heads right against the ground, and it makes no difference to them. Some of the photos shows the maple shoots we need to cut. No, its not a good photo of the shoot we cut.

We've given up on steel blades because there cutting radius is so small and the rocks we work among.

Thanks for those pics! I had a head similar to that, may have been the same. It used the black .130 line. Really liked it until it got to where the cams would not “lock” and hold the line in. Stihl changed the design.

When I was using that head I basically did the same thing, cut the line into strips and kept them in my pocket.

I can see why you don’t use steel blades. If I get another trimmer I’ll probably dedicate the old one for a single head and the new one (maybe a Kombi) for other attachments.

Your thread is very informative and full of good info.

 

[ArlyA]

Thanks for those pics! I had a head similar to that, may have been the same. It used the black .130 line. Really liked it until it got to where the cams would not “lock” and hold the line in. Stihl changed the design.
When I was using that head I basically did the same thing, cut the line into strips and kept them in my pocket.
I can see why you don’t use steel blades. If I get another trimmer I’ll probably dedicate the old one for a single head and the new one (maybe a Kombi) for other attachments.
Your thread is very informative and full of good info.

The string heads I shown here might be made by Oregon, then sold under various names. They do get gummed up and not hold string very well. But they also can be cleaned via running paint thinner through them, then blown out with air. This must be done now and them, but nonetheless, they also simply ware out. Sthil cam-lock heads we have not used before and they do function differently..

Thank you for your kind words!!!

 

[oldballs]

Yes, ArlyA, I too sure enjoy your pics and discussions. Thanks again,

Cheers,
Mike

 

[ArlyA]

We have not been very the happy on the Sthil saw with its super small 1/4 " chain it uses. Darn hard to file it with those 1/8 files, I can't find them in bulk and I've already broke one chain... Could they be weaker?? So I spoke with our saw shop who said we can switch the parts out and go to the next size larger size chain for about $75,, so we now have those parts on order.

Thanks to all for your kind works.

 

[ArlyA]

Here is a better photo of the maple shoots we need to cut off. Among the larger ones seen here, the .155 string we've used for years couldn't quite cut so we are hopeful, that the .180 string can. Time will tell! As stated earlier, if you beat the stem up enough, they are effectively dead anyway, but your trail doesn't look as nice as cut.

 

[two_bit_score]

That is some stalky stuff ^^^^^^


If I had a Kombi I could have multiple shafts and wouldn’t have to switch heads just shafts. I don’t know how economically efficient that might be.

 

[ArlyA]

In the past, we have attachments that are dedicated to the job. It takes to long and inconvenient to unbolt and switch the actual tool end out.. We may need to get a steel blade to cut the shoot out seen in that photo.