Trade-based business are always looking for ways to innovate their offerings and equipment. Battery-powered tools continue to get better, and nowhere is that clearer than with STIHL’s AP Battery System.
Whether its chainsaws, trimmers, pruners, blowers or brushcutters, STIHL’s powerful and interchangeable batteries are designed to deliver big-time for tradies.
STIHL has developed these batteries to not only make day-to-day work simpler for users, but to also deliver long-term benefits to both the environment and business’ bottom line.
Brushed aside
Stuart Griffiths is one of many business owners who’s benefitted from upgrading to STIHL’s AP Battery System.
He owns Eco-Green Garden Care – a landscaping business operating across the inner Melbourne area.
Even before he started his business six years ago, Stuart was familiar with STIHL products and their renown for reliability.
“I chose STIHL when I first started my business because of its brand reputation,” he said.
“They’re seen as – for commercial gear – the leading brand, with a reputation for reliability and performance.”
Eco-Garden Care works on a plethora of jobs, but Stuart’s main clientele lie in larger strata buildings, as well as other commercial properties.
“We’re actually looking at potentially moving into the high-end residential market to expand our operations,” Stuart added.
For his work, Stuart mainly uses STIHL mowers, brushcutters, blowers, hedge trimmers and pole pruners.
Built for more
Stuart said using STIHL’s AP Battery-powered equipment has been great so far.
While he admitted the upfront costs “weren’t insignificant” the long-term investment has more than paid off for Eco-Garden Care.
“I wouldn’t look back,” he said.
“Between battery-powered STIHL equipment – and our electric transit van – compared to our operations before going battery, we’re probably saving around $400 to $500 each month in fuel.”
That reliability STIHL is known for? Stuart sees it every day in his AP Battery Powered tools in terms of their performance and maintenance.
“The tools are more reliable,” he said.
“There’s less downtime and less servicing costs. In three or four years of running battery I think I’ve had one breakdown.
“As opposed to the two years before that I had to take my two-strokes in for issues a couple of times a year. It’s nicer to use, it’s quiet.
“I hate wearing earmuffs when it’s 35 degrees, and with battery gear you don’t need to.”
Not only has STIHL’s AP Battery System been an upgrade for Stuart’s work (and ears), but it’s also led to more business coming his way too.
“I’ve got clients I’ve picked up because of the battery gear,” he said.
“They appreciate the low noise, they appreciate the fact that they’re sustainable, they appreciate the fact that they don’t have fumes.”
Every tradesperson has asked the question: do batteries = less power?
“I find they’re more than adequate,” Stuart answered.
“One of the challenges – to be honest with you – is there are people out there who perhaps expect tools to do work they’re not designed for.
“I’ve had other contractors ask me about it, and one of the questions I’ve had a few times when I’m using the hedger is, ‘do you find it powerful enough to do the work?’.
“I say ‘it’s more than powerful enough’.
“But the thing is, you have to put it in context. A hedger’s not designed to be cutting through thick branches. If you’re trying to do that, you’re trying to use a hedger for something it’s not designed to be used for.”
Going green
Being a member of the Climate Active Network, Stuart’s keen on driving sustainable work where he can.
Generating business from that is one thing, but Stuart said STIHL’s AP Battery system has been a genuine difference maker to Eco-Garden Care’s carbon footprint as well.
“To give some context, as part of our carbon-neutral certification we actually calculate our carbon emission at the end of each financial year,” Stuart said.
“From FY21 to FY23 we grew from a one-man operation to effectively a three-man operation, but over the same time we reduced our carbon emissions by about 23 per cent by having tripled in size. It makes a genuine difference in sustainability.”
Fully charged
STIHL’s AP Battery range covers all manner of tools and equipment to suit all kinds of applications.
Here’s some of the highlights of the range:
The FSA 135 and FSA 135 R Battery Brushcutters are powered by a robust EC engine and compatible with a variety of STIHL cutting tools, making them perfect for clearing large areas of grass and shrubs. Professionals can choose between a bike handle (FSA 135) or a loop handle (FSA 135 R). The ergonomic control handle allows for adjustable speed, and three energy-saving speed settings enhance efficiency. The durable, easy-to-clean air filter ensures optimal cooling and long service life.
The STIHL BGA 86 Battery Blower is a favourite among professionals and landowners. Weighing just 2.8kg (excluding the battery), it combines strong blowing performance with a lightweight design for comfortable use. Its low noise level makes it ideal for public spaces. The single-hand multi-function handle allows for easy operation by right or left-handed users, while the variable speed control lets you adjust the blowing force to suit different surfaces.
RMA 510 and 510 V Battery lawn mowers are STIHL’s #1 selling lawn mowers. The RMA 510 features a 51cm/21” cutting width, dual battery slots for quick changes, large rear wheels, and a 75L grass catcher, making it ideal for tough lawns. The self-propelled RMA 510V, awarded ‘Best Battery Mower’ by CHOICE in 2021, 2022, and 2023, is perfect for professionals handling larger or sloped areas.
The HTA 135 Battery Powered Pole Pruner is the most powerful in the AP Battery System, reaching up to 5m high. It allows professionals to work safely from the ground, saving time and reducing injury risk. The lightweight magnesium gearhead improves manoeuvrability and balance, while the tough branch hook aids in removing loose cuttings. Its telescopic shaft extends from 285cm to 405cm, providing excellent reach.
Designed for professionals, the MSA 300 C-O is the most powerful battery chainsaw in STIHL’s range, excelling in felling and cross-cutting large trees. Powered by the AP 500 S battery, it delivers a high-power output of 3kW, comparable to the popular MS 261 C-M petrol chainsaw. The MSA 300 C-O features a full anti-vibration system, making it extremely comfortable to use with the lowest vibration levels among STIHL’s rear-handle chainsaws.
The STIHL AL 301-4 High-Speed Battery Charger is a gamechanger for professionals using STIHL’s commercial battery-powered tools. This mobile charger can sequentially charge up to four STIHL AP or AR batteries, ensuring a full charge throughout the day.
Designed for use in vehicles and on the go, it boasts a robust design. It is compatible with all AP batteries and can also charge AR backpack batteries with a connecting cable and AP adapter.
Visit your local STIHL dealer to learn more today. Find yours here.