Battery-powered outdoor tools have come a long way. Today, a quality battery system can power everything from a compact garden pruner or hedge trimmer through to lawn mowers, chainsaws, line trimmers, blowers and professional landscaping equipment.
But if you're considering STIHL battery tools, there's an important question to answer first: which STIHL battery system should you choose?
STIHL offers different battery systems designed for different types of work. The three you'll commonly encounter are AS, AK and AP. Choosing the right system from the beginning can make it easier and more cost-effective to add additional tools later.
At STIHL Shop Mount Maunganui, we help homeowners, gardeners, lifestyle block owners and professionals throughout Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty find outdoor power equipment suited to the work they actually need to do.
The easiest way to understand the STIHL battery range is to think about the size and frequency of the jobs you're tackling.
STIHL AS System – compact jobs and occasional use
The AS System is designed around small, lightweight battery tools. It's a good option for jobs around the home where manoeuvrability and convenience are particularly important.
STIHL describes AS tools as suitable for smaller jobs around the home as well as professional situations where a lightweight tool is useful.
The range includes tools for tasks such as pruning branches, trimming hedges, lawn edging and other smaller garden jobs.
For a homeowner who wants compact cordless equipment that's quick and easy to grab when required, the AS System can be an excellent starting point.
For many Tauranga homeowners, the STIHL AK System is likely to be the sweet spot.
It is designed for more demanding domestic garden work and provides access to a considerably broader range of outdoor power equipment. STIHL's current AK range includes lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, line trimmers and brushcutters, leaf blowers, chainsaws, pole pruners and other garden equipment.
This makes AK particularly attractive if you want to build a collection of battery garden tools over time.
For example, you might initially purchase a battery lawn mower and later decide you also need a line trimmer, hedge trimmer and leaf blower. Staying within the compatible AK System means batteries can be shared across different AK tools.
That can mean fewer batteries and chargers cluttering the garage and greater flexibility when working around your property.
The STIHL AP System takes things another step further.
It has been developed for demanding professional applications including landscaping, gardening and tree maintenance. STIHL's AP range includes professional battery chainsaws, brushcutters, hedge trimmers, lawn mowers, blowers, pole pruners, Combi tools and other specialist equipment.
The system is designed around the demands of people who may be operating their equipment frequently or for extended periods.
That makes AP particularly relevant for professional landscapers, arborists, commercial property maintenance teams and other users who require high performance from battery equipment.
It can also suit homeowners with larger properties or particularly demanding jobs who want professional-grade equipment.
This is one of the most important questions to understand before purchasing.
In simple terms:
AK = demanding domestic/home garden use
AP = professional and intensive use
The AK System combines relatively lightweight equipment with enough power and endurance for a wide variety of jobs around residential properties.
The AP System is designed for more demanding professional workloads where power, durability and runtime become increasingly important.
That doesn't automatically mean you should buy AP because it's the higher-performance system. If you're maintaining a typical residential section, an AK tool may be lighter, more economical and entirely capable of doing the work required.
The right system is the one that matches your property and workload.
No. STIHL AK and AP batteries are not interchangeable.
AK batteries are designed for tools within the AK System, while AP batteries are used with compatible AP System equipment.
This is why it's worth thinking beyond the first tool you're purchasing.
If you know you're eventually going to want a battery lawn mower, chainsaw, blower, hedge trimmer and line trimmer, consider the entire range of compatible tools before deciding which battery platform is right for you.
Yes – provided the tools belong to the compatible battery system.
This is one of the biggest advantages of buying into a battery platform.
For example, STIHL states that AK batteries can be combined with tools across the AK System. The same principle applies within the AP System, where compatible batteries can power a wide range of professional tools.
Instead of purchasing a battery and charger every time you buy another garden tool, you may be able to purchase the additional tool and use batteries you already own.
There isn't one answer for every property, but a useful starting point is:
Small property and occasional light jobs: consider AS.
Typical residential property with regular lawn and garden maintenance: consider AK.
Large property, demanding work or professional use: consider AP.
Property size isn't the only consideration. Think about the type of vegetation you're cutting, how frequently you'll use the equipment and how long you typically work for at one time.
A small property with demanding vegetation can require more power than a much larger property with relatively straightforward lawn maintenance.
For many homeowners, battery power is now a genuine alternative to petrol.
Battery tools eliminate the need to store and mix fuel, are straightforward to start and are generally quieter to operate. STIHL describes its battery systems as offering quiet operation alongside strong performance and ease of use.
Battery equipment can be particularly attractive on suburban properties in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Papamoa, where houses can be relatively close together and reducing equipment noise can be beneficial.
Petrol equipment still has its place, particularly for certain demanding applications. The best choice ultimately depends on the job rather than simply assuming battery or petrol is always better.
Before buying, consider what other outdoor tools you're likely to purchase over the next few years.
You may only need a line trimmer today, but what happens when you need a new mower? Or a hedge trimmer, blower or chainsaw?
Choosing a battery platform that can accommodate your future equipment can make your overall setup much more convenient.
At STIHL Shop Mount Maunganui, our team can talk you through the different STIHL battery systems and help match the equipment to your property and the jobs you need to complete.
Visit us at 11 Newton Street, Mount Maunganui, and we'll help you compare the options.
What is the difference between STIHL AS, AK and AP batteries?
AS is designed primarily for compact tools and smaller jobs. AK is aimed at demanding domestic garden use, while AP is STIHL's professional battery system for intensive landscaping, gardening and tree-care applications.
Are all STIHL batteries interchangeable?
No. You need a battery compatible with the particular STIHL battery system your tool belongs to. For example, AK and AP batteries are not interchangeable.
Which STIHL battery system is best for homeowners?
For many homeowners undertaking regular lawn and garden maintenance, the AK System is a strong option because one battery platform covers a broad range of tools. Smaller and less frequent jobs may be well suited to AS.
Which STIHL battery system is for professionals?
The AP System is specifically designed for professional applications including landscaping, gardening and tree maintenance.
Can I use the same STIHL battery in my lawn mower and hedge trimmer?
Potentially, yes. If both tools are designed for the same compatible battery system, a battery can be used across multiple tools. The exact compatibility should always be checked for the individual models.
How long does a STIHL battery last on one charge?
Runtime varies considerably according to the battery, tool and how the equipment is being used. For example, STIHL states that an AK 20 can provide up to 100 minutes depending on the AK tool it's powering, while individual AS tools also have different stated runtimes.
Should I choose AK or AP?
For regular domestic lawn and garden maintenance, AK will often provide what a homeowner needs. AP is designed for more intensive professional workloads. If you're unsure, consider all the battery tools you're likely to need rather than choosing based on your first tool alone.
