Combi Tool Systems

[GCJenks204]

Okay, I started a thread in the Mowers and More section about a small tiller and got some good feed back but after spending some time back on AS reading some old threads I think what I really should be getting is a Combi System.

I would like to hear what you guys think now. I would be using cultivator, straight shaft trimmer too start and then adding more later. Saw several recommendation for the Stihl KM130R, would those of you that own them buy them again or would you by the KM94R a true 2-stroke.

Stihl Kombi?

Echo Pas?

Husqvarna Detachable Trimmer?

@skippy @Definitive Dave I know you guys own / have owned some of these but the threads were all pretty old what say you now?

 

[CR888]

I have a Solo combined style attachment tool with pole saw, trimmer, articulated hedge trimmer, blower but no tiller. They are fantastic....really clever! However what how much you are going to use the tools is an important factor, I tell you why. Usually to run six tools you would have six power heads with six clutches and use of the tools would be divided by six power heads. Having one power head to run so many tools means if used commercially you going to accumulate many hours fast on the p/head. I have backups of all tools in traditional form to take the workload off one p/h. After replacing six clutches several couplings etc I came to realise these combined tools are awesome but don't entirely replace dedicated ope. If your a homeowner, forget what I just said and go for it! The shindaiwa & echo units are worth considering, stay away from Husky and China.

 

[GCJenks204]

Home owner use. I would think a single power head is a benefit in this case, less chance of fuel going bad and fouling the system.

 

[Definitive Dave]

The km130 is the power head I would use for the tiller specifically and the sidewalk edger.
We use the 130 for all of the attachments except the string trimmers (weed eaters).
The km-90 is used for the string trimmers and every once in awhile for touch up pavement edging.
We use and sometimes abuse them comMercifully and way back when we decided on the pro kombis most of the others felt very flimsy.
For a homeowner I would give some thought to other models based on how much you really think yoU will use them.
Our first km130 is about 3 years old and runs terribly now, sitting in a corner lonely and forlorn
It isn't a chainsaw so I ain't fixing it
It put in a ton of hours of hard work at the hands of perhaps a dozen different users, it doesn't owe us a thing

 

[GCJenks204]

Thanks Dave. If I lived in the states I would probably call up Nate @fordf150 and see what kind of deal he has on the Echo Pas system. Up here in Canada there is less than a 10% difference price wise when comparing the same group of attachments. Today was the first time I had ever been to that Echo dealer and they seem alright, doing lots of repair work on all types of machines so I know they are a "real" shop but I have a pretty good existing relationship with my Stihl dealer.

One other note, fondled an 562XP today, will have to try one in wood some day but PHO on the shelf is didn't feel any more nimble than my o44.

 

[skippy]

I have a stihl fs 250 brush cutter ,weed whacker .
And a echo 280 polesaw .
No combo tools

 

[GCJenks204]

I have a stihl fs 250 brush cutter ,weed whacker .
And a echo 280 polesaw .
No combo tools

Sorry, I thought I read on AS that you bought a KM130.

 

[Onan18]

I have a KM85R with almost all of the attachments from my days as a Stihl dealer and love it. If I were buying new though it would be an Echo and not because I am a dealer. Warranty, parts availability, PROVEN true two stroke (the FS94 is still too new for me to trust it) and the fact that my Dad has an 18 year old SRM230 that all he has ever done is dump fuel in and go to work (seriously, still on the original spark plug).

Joe

 

[Genius]

A buddy has a few kombi power heads and attachments. To me I don't care for the 4-Mix.

If I was going to buy a power head with various attachments I'd get the Echo.

 

[fordf150]

I have a KM85R with almost all of the attachments from my days as a Stihl dealer and love it. If I were buying new though it would be an Echo and not because I am a dealer. Warranty, parts availability, PROVEN true two stroke (the FS94 is still too new for me to trust it) and the fact that my Dad has an 18 year old SRM230 that all he has ever done is dump fuel in and go to work (seriously, still on the original spark plug).

Joe

thats one problem with being an echo dealer.....almost zilch for parts sales. 95% of the echo stuff we see and work on is over 10 yrs old. even then they just need the fuel system gone thru.

 

[Onan18]

thats one problem with being an echo dealer.....almost zilch for parts sales. 95% of the echo stuff we see and work on is over 10 yrs old. even then they just need the fuel system gone thru.

I know that's right, had a T270 Shindaiwa come in the other day, had to of been 20 years old or better. All it needed was a carb kit and new foel lines.

 

[skippy]

Sorry, I thought I read on AS that you bought a KM130.

Maybe the other Skippy. No problem lol

 

[redoakneck]

I have an fs250 modified to run the combi tools. Only thing I have run so far is a string trimmer. I'm sure it will be better than the 130. I have fs 130 dedicated string trimmer. Very smooth, quiet, great on gas,, just doesn't rev to my liking

 

[Definitive Dave]

thats one problem with being an echo dealer.....almost zilch for parts sales. 95% of the echo stuff we see and work on is over 10 yrs old. even then they just need the fuel system gone thru.

solid endorsement there!!

 

[TJ the Chainsaw Mechanic]

In my opinion...nothing beats a Stilh Combi system. The KM90's are Super. Great power and a great reputation. Had mine for 9 years and they run like champs.

 

[GCJenks204]

@Onan18 @fordf150

Do either of you guys know if the older SRAC300 cultivator will work on any newer trimmers? A reasonably local former Echo dealers found some in the back room.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-lawnmower-le...ts/1148444447?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

 

[CoreyB]

I have been looking into the Echo system it looks pretty good. I would rather not give Our local Stihl dealer any business but that is because of the dealer not the equipment.
Does anyone know much about the dolkita system?

 

[Onan18]

I am not positive but it probably will, Echo is pretty good about their stuff being interchangeable. Looks like that is the head only so you would have to buy the driveshaft half for it.

Joe

 

[Genius]

I have an fs250 modified to run the combi tools. Only thing I have run so far is a string trimmer. I'm sure it will be better than the 130. I have fs 130 dedicated string trimmer. Very smooth, quiet, great on gas,, just doesn't rev to my liking

How did you do this?

I have a FS-250, I would be interested in putting a the cultivator attachment on it

 

[Adirondackstihl]

KM130