Since battery-powered lawn equipment don’t need to be plugged in, it can be used over a wider area than electric models without worrying about tangling an extension cord. And since there’s no gasoline engine on battery-powered models, you don’t have to worry about fuel emissions. Battery-powered equipment is not as powerful, however, and in some models you have to worry about the power level dropping as the battery drains. That’s not the case with Stihl’s lithium ion batteries, however, which are designed to eliminate gradual power loss and deliver full power for the entire charge. You might still need gasoline-powered equipment for heavy-duty jobs, but the convenience of Stihl’s battery-powered tools makes them a great choice for homeowners and professionals alike.
Stihl Batteries
Stihl’s AP 160 Lithium-Ion Battery offers twice the amp hours of a traditional lithium-ion battery. How long the charge lasts varies depending on the equipment being used. This battery will power the BGA 85 hand-held blower for 20 minutes, or the HLA 65 or HSA 66 hedge trimmers for 120 minutes on a single charge.
The AP 180 Lithium-Ion Battery is an even more advanced design that is perfect for longer jobs. Depending on the equipment you are running, it will supply 23 to 140 minutes of power per charge. Like the AP 160, this battery weighs just 3.8 pounds.
If you don’t want to carry multiple batteries for longer jobs, the AR 900 Backpack Battery is available as an option. This supplies 110 to 660 hours of power, depending on the equipment it’s charging. It weighs about 15 pounds, and the weight is evenly distributed across the operator’s back using comfortable shoulder, hip belt, and chest straps.
Charging Capacity
Both batteries can be charged hundreds of times before a noticeable drop in battery capacity occurs. Stihl estimates that there is a maximum of 20% loss of original battery capacity every 500 charges. This means that after 500 charges, there will still be at least 80% of the original battery capacity available. After 1,000 charges, at least 60% will still be available. When to replace a battery is determined by individual operator needs.
Standard and high-speed chargers are available from Stihl, and they are compatible with all Stihl’s lithium-ion batteries. Another advantage of using approved Stihl chargers is that it makes overcharging the batteries impossible.
Interchangeable Batteries
The Stihl Battery KombiSystem includes two chainsaws, two trimmers, a homeowner blower, two hedge trimmers, a pole pruner, and a lawn mower. When using these products, there’s no fuel costs, no engine exhaust, and no seasonal maintenance.
Another advantage to Stihl’s lithium-ion battery system is that the AP 180 battery is compatible with all of the tools in the KombiSystem line. The AP160 battery will works with every tool except the MSA 200 C-BQ chainsaw, and the AP900 backpack battery works with every tool except the RMA 370 electric lawnmower.
