Richardson Saw and Lawnmower stocks a range of multi-tool systems, including the Echo PAS system and Stihil’s KombiSystem. Both are excellent choices for both homeowners and professionals, and here’s why.
Why Multi-Tools?
Choosing a multi-tool system is a great way to decrease maintenance and save money and space, all while keeping several different kinds of tools on hand. Rather than purchasing several tools, you can simply purchase one power head and then add attachments based on your needs. This makes the tools easy to store and transport, and you only have to perform maintenance on one engine.
Multi-tools also make great gifts. If you buy a power head and attachment for someone now, that also gives you gift ideas for several future events as well since you can keep giving them new attachments to increase the versatility of their multi-tool system.
Echo PAS
Echo’s Pro Attachment Series (PAS) tools offers four different power heads and 17 head attachments. Most are interchangeable, but you should check the compatibility chart to make sure you select a power head that will work with the attachments you need.
The most economical Echo power head for homeowners is the PAS-225. It is not powerful enough for most professional applications, but is just right for residential use. It is powered by a 21.2 cc engine, and has an i30 system for quick, easy starting. This power head cannot be used with the Straight Shaft Edger, ProSweep, ProPaddle, ProThatch, or Bed Rederfiner attachments.
The most versatile power heads are the PAS-230 and the PAS-266. These are compatible with all attachments except the Bed Rederfiner. The PAS-230 has a 22.8 cc engine, and is designed for versatile homeowner applications. The PAS-266 is a commercial tool with a 25.4 cc engine, as well as an i30 starting system. For an even more powerful option, the PAS-280 has a 28.1 cc engine, and can be used with all attachments except the Hedge Trimmer, Articulating Hedge Trimmer, and Curved Shaft Trimmer.
STIHL Kombi
Stihl offers both homeowner and professional Kombi-tool systems. The homeowner power head is the Stihl KM 56 RC-E. It has a 27.2 cc engine, and features Stihl’s Easy2Start system for nearly effortless starting. The more powerful professional models are the KM 90 R, which offers 15% more power than the KM 56 RC-E, the KM 110 R with 10% more power than the KM 90 R, and the KM 130 R, which is 33% more powerful than the KM 110 R.
Each of the power heads in this system are compatible with all 16 available attachments. These attachments include a mini cultivator, curved and straight shaft edgers and string-lined trimmers, a brushcutter, two hedge trimmers, a pole pruner, and shaft extensions for hard-to-reach places. There are also clean-up tools in the Kombi system – a PowerSweep attachment and a bristle brush attachment – so they are useful for more than just yard work.
