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I’m a longtime user of the Stihl Kombisystem and have raved about it in the past. But a lot has changed in the last few years as competing companies have brought their own multi-attachment systems to market.
It’s only fair to consider whether these new offerings rival what has come to be the defacto multi-attachment yard tool system for professionals and homeowners alike.
My goal here is to outline all of the key features, similarities, and differences between the Stihl Kombisystem and its top competitors. We will also look at which system is the right choice for you depending on your situation and needs.
This comparison review is extensive. I wanted you to have as much information as possible to make a buying decision but if you just want the bottom line, here it is:
The best multi-attachment yard tools on the market are:
- Stihl Kombisystem
- EGO Power+
- Maruyama Multi-Cutter
- ECHO Pro-Attachment Series
These are by no means the only systems of their kind on the market. Just about every major tool manufacturer has released its own version of a multi-tool attachment system. But these have been on the market for a while and are deserving of a spot on our best-of list.
Which Model is right for you? Each has its own benefits but here’s who each company’s multi-attachment offering is best suited for:
Stihl Kombisystem
Reliable company history with offerings for both residential and commercial customers. Stihl offers the Kombisystem in both gas and battery-powered options.
Who’s It For?
Best choice for lawncare professionals who prefer to stay with a single brand and are already invested in the Stihl ecosystem.
Click here to find a local Stihl Dealer (Link to Stihl)
Ego Power+
Powerful battery-powered multi-attachment solution with 6 available attachments covering the most common yard tool needs.
Who’s It For?
Best for residential customers seeking a gas alternative or not wanting to deal with the hassle of maintenance and repair of a combustion engine.
Click here to shop Ego tools (link to Amazon)
Maruyama Multi-Cutter
This primarily commercial-focused company offers a multi-tool gas system with a whopping 14 available attachments. Dealers are located throughout the US though not in all states.
Who’s It For?
Best for professionals who require access to an extensive offering of attachments for every conceivable situation.
Click here to find a local dealer (Link to Maruyama)
ECHO Pro Attachment Series (PAS)
With offerings for both commercial and residential markets, ECHO is quickly becoming a worthy rival to Stihl with a growing fanbase for its reliability and service. With 14 attachments, they have the largest offering available in the residential marketplace.
Who’s It For?
Though the company offers commercial level services, ECHO is best suited for residential customers who want to balance their yard obsession with a budget.
Click here to shop for ECHO multi-attachment tools (link to Amazon)
Why Choose A Multi-Attachment Yard Tool System?
These systems are not for everyone but if you are looking to use multiple yard tools and only have to deal with maintenance on one engine, this may be exactly the option you are seeking.
I chose the Stihl Kombisystem at a time when it was the only multi-tool yard care system that I knew of. I needed to be able to edge, weed, and do other tasks but didn’t want to deal with the headache of maintenance for multiple engines.
It’s an amazing concept. Choose a power head unit and just add attachments as needed. Switch from a string trimmer to blower to pruner in seconds is such a sweet experience!
With the most well-known brands in the world now providing competing technologies, it’s getting a little harder to decide which brand to go with.
This guide is intended to help provide clarity in making that choice.
How To Choose The Right Multi-Tool System For Your Needs
Keep the following considerations in mind as you make your buying decision.
Lawn Size
The first consideration is the size of your lawn or commercial space. Start with a basic head unit, then build your system with one or two attachments. Most residential spaces will only need a couple of attachments and one head unit.
Commercial operations may need more than one size powerhead and multiple attachments, depending on scope. A commercial company usually has a preference for a certain manufacturer and therefore have the supplies to maintain that particular brand.
Support For Needed Attachments
The second question to ask how many obstacles are in the yard, such as garden beds, pathways, or driveways. Edgers and string trimmers are extremely useful for creating crisp, clean lines around flower beds and driveways.
Commercial companies need to consider the time to change attachments and their associated maintenance costs such as blades, oils.
All models support the most basic of yard tool needs but each manufacturer’s list is not all-inclusive. So make sure that the model you choose supports the attachments that you will need to do your work.
Gas Or Battery-Power
The third consideration is whether to go with a gas or battery-powered model. Just a few years ago, electric yard tools were too underpowered to consider as serious contenders.
But major advancements in lithium battery technology has balanced the scale and made cordless electric yard tools a viable solution for even large yards.
Not sure if battery-powered is right for you? Read my overview of Gas vs Electric: 6 Reasons To Use Battery-Powered Yard Tools
If you are not mechanically inclined or are just turned off by the idea of repair and maintenance commitments that come with a gas-powered unit, choosing a battery-powered multi-tool solution may be perfect for your needs.
And the cost of ownership over its life is less than a gas model (source).
Warranty & Dealer Network
Always consider the warranties for each company and its dealer network. If a powerhead breaks down, how far do you need to travel to get it fixed? Is a dealer down the road? How fast do parts arrive, if ordered online?
The companies highlighted below are each strong reputable firms with extensive networks for their consumers. Do not overlook these intangibles when building a system.
A Note on Maruyama Dealer Service
I’m not sure if this was only my experience but I feel compelled to share it. I contacted two dealers in the Houston area. Both confirmed that they do provide repair & servicing for Maruyama products but only if purchased from them. They do not service products purchased from another dealer.
I have never encountered this with Stihl dealers. They’ve always been more than helpful in servicing any Stihl product that I’ve brought to them.
If you are a professional and considering these two brands, I’d do a little research on your local Maruyama dealer’s service practices before investing in that line.
I did reach out to Maruyama for clarification on dealer service and repair policies regarding this practice. Unfortunately, I did not receive a response. If I do, I will update this post.
Price
At the end of the day, staying within budget is an important part of the decision-making process. Prices fluctuate at little but as of this writing, here’s a breakdown of sample costs for just the powerheads:
Multi-Attachment Yard Tool Powerhead Cost Comparison
| Manufacturer | Model | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stihl | KM 131 R | $429.95 | Northern Tools |
| EGO | PH1400 | $149.99 | Home Depot |
| Maruyama | M30QC | $399.00 | Local Dealer |
| ECHO | PAS-225AB | $214.22 | Home Depot |
Now, understand that this comparison is prone to error a little. Some of the manufacturers offer multiple powerhead models. I tried to stay close in power but was limited by the availability at each store.
Still, this does paint a picture. Stihl and Maruyama are primarily commercial-focused companies and are priced accordingly. They are rock-solid brands but with quality comes a cost.
How To Compare Multi-Attachment Tools
In order to make the best buying decision, it’s important to really compare your options with an apples-to-apples approach. Each company’s offering is being evaluated on the following criteria:
- Company History & Reputation
- Primary Market (Residential or Commercial)
- Head Units Offered (Gas, Electric, or Both)
- Attachments
- Extension
- Warranty
We will cover all of these but here’s a quick-reference of the number of attachments available from each company for their multi-attachment system.
| System | Attachments | Head Units Marketed |
| Stihl | 12 | 5 Gas and 1 Electric |
| EGO | 6 | 1 Electric |
| Maruyama | 14 | 4 Gas |
| ECHO | 14 | 2 Gas |
And just so you are clear on who these products are marketed to and their warranties, here’s a breakdown of that information as well.
| System | Market | Warranty |
| Stihl | Residential and Commercial | Battery Products – 3/2 Years Gas – 2 Year Limited |
| EGO Power | Primarily Residential | 5 Year Limited |
| Maruyama | Primarily Commercial | 5 Year Comprehensive 5 Day Buyback Program |
| ECHO | Commercial and Residential | 5 Year Consumer / 2 Year Commercial Warranty |
Now, let’s delve deep into each of these companies and the multi-attachment yard tools that they offer.
STIHL
Company History And Reputation
Stihl began as an idea in 1926 to make the Forestry industry easier. Andreas Stihl became obsessed with transforming the back-breaking work of muscle power and axes and designed the first two-person chain saw.
The company is now represented in over 180 countries. Over 80 models of Stihl equipment is sold by over 9000 authorized dealers around the world.
Stihl Professional Kombi System is the ultimate multi-attachment tool platform. The Kombi System comes in two configurations, gasoline-powered and electric.
Stihl gives the professional landscapers a choice of capacity and displacements to power through any job. Professionals see the distinct advantages of multi-head systems.
Gas-Powered
There are big huge benefits to maintaining only one engine while having the right tool at the right time. Stihl puts a great deal of engineering time into producing a piece of equipment that is both functional and ergonomically sound.
Here’s a sample of the powerheads from the gas-powered Stihl Kombisystem product line.
| Model (Head Unit) | Displacement | Engine Power | Weight | Fuel Capacity |
| KM 91 R | 28.4 cc (1.73 cu in) | 0.95 KW (1.27 bhp) | 4.4 kg (9.7 LBS.) | 710 cc (24.0 oz) |
| KM 94 R | 24.1 cc (1.47 cu. In.) | 0.9 kw (1.2 bhp) | 4.0 kg (8.8 lbs.) | 540 cc (18.3 oz.) |
| KM 111 R | 31.4 cc (1.9 cu. In.) | 1.05 kw (1.4 bhp) | 4.4 kg (9.7 lbs.) | 710 cc (24.0 oz.) |
| KM 131 R | 36.3 CC (2.2 cu. In.) | 1.4 kw (1.9 bhp) | 4.4 kg (9.7 lbs.) | 710 cc (24.0 oz.) |
The KM 131 R is the most powerful and certainly intended for professionals but the only discernable difference is in the displacement. Otherwise, all of the offers are very close in comparison.
Electric
The Electric Kombi System gives professionals and homeowners immense advantages when keeping their lawns clean and well-trimmed.
The Electric Kombi is lightweight and with an excellent ergonomic design making the system suitable for professionals.
| Model (Head Unit) | Weight | MAX RPM/Settings |
| KMA 130 R | 3.2 kg (7.1 lbs.) | 8500 RPM Level 1: 0 – 6300 RPM Level 2: 0 – 7200 RPM Level 3: 0 – 8500 RPM |
Stihl provides a backpack system for their electrical products, giving professionals an advantage when out in the field. The high performance and sleek design powers multiple tools in the Electric Kombi platform.
But a backpack battery system can be a bit much for a homeowner.
This video from YouTube goes over the KMA 130 R in detail.
Attachments
Stihl offers over 14 interchangeable attachments for the Kombi System. Two examples include:
- The BK-Km Mini Cultivator is a great tool for tight spaces and mixing up flower beds and planting areas. The attachment is lightweight and ideal for rejuvenating topsoil.
- The BG-KM Kombi Blower attachment should be in every landscaper’s toolset. Air-velocity ranges from 121 – 157 mph at the nozzle, for a wide range of lawn debris.
But there are lots more attachments. Let’s run through them just so you understand the expandability of this system.
Lawn Edgers and Bed Definers
The Kombi system offers three edgers for a variety of home and professional jobs. The FBD-Km Bed Redifiner is a durable piece of equipment with an open deflector, adjustable depth, and powerful blade.
The Straight Edge FCS-MM is perfect for driveways and solid pathways. The Straight Edge features a straight shaft. Use the FCB-KM Curved Shaft Edger for precise edging pathways and flower beds.
Trimmers, Pruners, and Scythe
Stihl has built a comprehensive platform with a multitude of different tools. The FH-KM Power Scythe has been designed for precise cutting needs. The Kombi HT-KM Pole Pruner and HL-KM Straight Edge Trimmer are extremely useful tools for keeping difficult trees and bushes under control. Add the HL-KM Adjustable Hedge Trimmer, and you have a complete arsenal for any gardening or landscaping need.
String Trimmers and Brush Cutters
The Kombi System shines when describing the trimmers and cutters. The FS-KM Line Head Trimmer is used for any hard landscaping or home use. The FSB-KM Curved Shaft Trimmer is perfect for getting into hard areas and precise cutting. Use the Brushcutter with the 4″ Grass Blade for the toughest cutting assignments. These tools can be used for any commercial landscaping or home use.
Brushes and Power Sweeps
Stihl designed the Kombi System for all types of landscaping and home use. The KB-KM Bristle Brush is ideal for after job cleanup on concrete surfaces. Use the KW-KM Power Sweep for tougher jobs around the home or commercial areas. These power sweep attachments can be used for a variety of needs, like keeping driveways and walkways clean and crisp.
Conclusion
Stihl has built a winner with the Kombi System. The variety of accessories and a large number of attachments make the system useful for any commercial or home needs.
The big plus for Kombi is the huge array of head units. Choose from a number of power options. Another big win for Kombi is the Electric model and its capacity to use any other attachment in the Kombi portfolio.
There is no doubt the Stihl Kombi System will continue to grow in accessories, attachments, and technologies. Unfortunately, this brand comes at a higher cost so it’s better suited for professionals.
EGO
Company History And Reputation
EGO is a modern success story. In 1993, the companies bright story began. Their ambition was to build a complete cordless platform, free from gas, noise, and fuss.
Today EGO is an industry-leading manufacturer and one of the largest tool builders in the world. The company produces over 10 million units per year and is represented in over 65 countries around the world.
EGO Power Multi-Head System is the ultimate cordless multi-head system. If you are a homeowner or landscaper, sick of gas and the outrageous sounds from other systems, try the EGO Power.
