any Stihl KombiSystem owners here?

[MFalkinham]

Well, my cheap gas weedwacker died this weekend, and I started looking around for a better quality replacement. I have a Stihl chainsaw (one of the older ones that was made in West Germany) that has always worked flawlessly for me, so I'd like to buy Stihl again.

I see they have this KombiSystem where you have a separate power head and can use numerous attachments, including a line trimmer, a pole pruner, and hedge trimmers. Does anyone here own one of these or could offer an opinion on how well built they are? Is it worth the extra money to just get the string trimmer attachment now, and have the ability to add attachments later?

Also, what is the deal with the 4-mix power heads? I understand it's 4-stroke, so does that mean you don't have to mix gas and oil anymore?

Thanks much!

 

[HOBrian]

Also, what is the deal with the 4-mix power heads? I understand it's 4-stroke, so does that mean you don't have to mix gas and oil anymore?



Thanks much!

I have the back pack blower BR550 and it uses the same 4 stroke engine. It uses the same 50:1 mix. I have no idea how a 4 stroke can use two cycle mix. It really runs nice though Oo.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

I just got one of the 4-mix weed wackers, it runs really sweet, a little different sound to it and it seems a little quieter. Mine is an FS-95 I think.



See this article for information on the 4-mix: HERE



It uses pre-mix to lubricate the sump because it doesn't have a crankcase like a normal 4 stroke.

 

[southpaw]

I purchased the straight shaft unit then added the chain saw limb trimmer ,its a good machine. I also have a curved shaft don't get that unit its harder to use and attachments cannot be added.

 

[BimmerAgent]

I just got an FS-45 from Stihl. It's only a trimmer, but it sure works great. I thought about the Kombi system too, but decided that I wouldn't need many attachments. I have an old Ryobi tiller that can accept other attachments, but after many years, have never bought any. Goos luck with the Stihl. Bruce

 

[JGK]

... Does anyone here own one of these or could offer an opinion on how well built they are? Is it worth the extra money to just get the string trimmer attachment now, and have the ability to add attachments later?...

I bought the powerhead with trimmer at least 5 or 6 years ago. An FS85T, I think. Since then I've purchased the chainsaw-limb trimmer, a 3-foot extension, the hedge trimmer with the multi-angle head, and just this spring I bought the tiller attachment for the garden. All work great and use them extensively maintaining the trees and shrubs around my apartments. My only complaint is the multi-angle trimmer head or limb trimmer with the 3-foot extension is a bit heavy and tires your arms out! But I can trim 10 to 12-foot high juniper bushes (including topping off) and cut limbs at 12 feet while standing on the ground.



To me, in the long run, they are well-worth the investment. Professional grade. Take care of them and they'll last longer than you will!



-Jay

 

[MFalkinham]

Thanks for all of the feedback, guys. I went to my local Stihl dealer and checked out the KombiSystem. The only two attachments that I'd actually use would be the line trimmer and the pole pruner, and like Bruce I just couldn't justify spending the extra money.

I ended up getting the Stihl FS-55-R line trimmer with straight shaft for $189. The 4-mix models would have been nice, but being I'd still have to mix the fuel & oil I couldn't see spending $329 for it.

Southpaw, are you saying that I could add a chain saw trimmer to my straight shaft FS-55-R, or were you talking about the KombiSystem?

 

[MChildress]

I have their FS85 and bought the chain saw attachment works great. I also have two chain saws and an 85 blower all work like champs.

 

[Champane Flight]

Stihl=good...

My Sthil weed wacker is working great after three hard years. I just bought a Makita four stroke blower, it is great not having to mix anymore, but it is a tad heavy, with a little anti twist torque factor. At full throttle it trys to twist out of your hand! It is a BHX2500, it is a lot more quiet though, and very powerful. .