Armed with the latest product introductions, battery education, and an eye on continuing to shape the outdoor power equipment industry through its dual technology leadership, STIHL Inc. enters the 40th anniversary of the Equip Exposition in Louisville with a strong focus on offering solutions for today’s landscape professional.
Dual Technology
The path forward for STIHL is not only focused on new products, but also battery education, as the industry transitions from gas to battery and STIHL looks to fortify its future as a leader in both categories.
“This is a pivotal moment in our company's history,” said Chris Keffer, president and CEO of STIHL Inc. “We are making massive investments in battery technology, while also continuing to fully support the sustainable and environmentally friendly advancement of our gasoline-powered products to meet the demands of our customers who want the ability to pick their power source based on the application.”
While homeowners nationwide are widely adopting battery equipment for their lawn and garden needs, STIHL recognizes that many factors go into the decision to invest in gas or battery tools for today’s landscape professional. The most significant current barrier to entry lands squarely on pro users' access to transparent and candid information on power, performance, charging solutions and cost, the company said.
“At STIHL, we are taking a 360-degree approach to give our customers the tools and solutions they need to make informed buying decisions based on their business needs,” said Keffer.
Cutting a new path forward
Debuting for the first time at the show, STIHL showcased its new line-up of battery-powered zero-turn mowers. The STIHL RZA 748, STIHL RZA 752 and STIHL RZA 760 battery zero-turn mowers boast all-day run times, industry-leading speeds, and commercial-grade features with quiet and exhaust emissions-free operation – optimal for regulated zones. These mowers provide the power and performance landscape professionals expect from STIHL and stand up to the toughest, all-day jobs.
STIHL also introduced gasoline-powered walk-behind mowers to the U.S. market with four models – RM 655 V, RM 655 VS, RM 655 YS, and RM 756 YC. Features include:
- An easily adjusted mono-comfort handlebar that offers direct access to the grass catcher and easily folds for convenient transport and storage.
- A spring-assisted, single-point height adjustment offers seven cutting height options for the operator to choose from.
- A Kohler engine with a cast iron cylinder liner provides powerful performance with durable engineering.
- The easy-to-clean polymer grass bag and the clamshell design makes emptying easier.
The RM 655 VS, RM 655 YS and RM 756 YC also feature a blade brake clutch allows operators to keep the engine running for intermittent stops such as emptying the grass catcher.
New battery product development sets the standard
In addition to the three new battery-powered zero-turn mowers, STIHL continues to be at the forefront of cutting-edge product innovation across multiple battery-powered outdoor power equipment categories.
Trimmers:
STIHL is debuting the most powerful battery-powered string trimmer in its line-up – the AP battery powered FSA 200. Comparable to the gas-powered FS 131, the trimmer has 60% more power than the FSA 135. In addition, the FSA 120 and FSA 120 R trimmers are scaled to match the most demanding requirements, with an optimal power-to-weight ratio of up to 40 minutes of run time. The FSA 120 R features 40% more power than the gas-powered FSA 90 R. The FSA 120 features a bike handle with quick adjustability and rubberized texture. On the other hand, the FSA 120 R incorporates a new loop-handle design with toolless quick release for easy adjustments, optimal ergonomics, and toolless barrier bar installation and removal.
Kombi Motor:
The KMA 120 R battery-powered kombi motor is the "quintessential multitool for landscaping professionals" looking to trim, cut, blow, prune, and more. Powered by the same scalable STIHL AP System battery, the powerhead is compatible with 14 attachments for a wide range of landscaping needs.
