Maintaining a nice-looking yard requires a lot of time and hard work, but can also be an incredibly expensive one too. That’s because you might have to invest in multiple garden power tools to tackle the various aspects of yard maintenance.
This is where multi-attachment yard tools come in. With a versatile powerhead that attaches to numerous accessories, they allow you to save on the costs of several pieces of equipment.
Stihl Kombi and Echo Pas are two of the most popular multi-attachment garden tools today. This article will pit Stihl Kombi vs Echo Pas to help you make an educated decision and buy the best trimmer combi tool.
Which Is Best Stihl Kombi Vs Echo Pas EForce
While both the Stihl Kombi KM 56 RC-E and Echo PAS 56V are marketed as being ideal for residential use, they are both well-equipped to handle commercial work. Therefore, if you are looking for a high-quality mid-price multi-attachment powerhead, either of these units would be a good choice.
Below is a brief overview of each model so you know what to expect.
Echo 56V eFORCE 16 PAS
The Echo 56V eFORCE is a lightweight, battery-powered powerhead that accepts 16 different attachments. Off the shelf, this model comes with the 17” trimmer attachment included. The trimmer comes with Echo’s patented Speed-Feed 400 tech for effortless line feeding
Weighing only 8.4 pounds without the battery this is a relatively lightweight unit. The Echo eFORCE comes with the option of two 56V batteries: a 2.5Ah battery with a runtime of 25 minutes and a 5.0Ah battery with a runtime of 52 minutes.
Built around a 56V brushless motor with power is equivalent to that of a 25cc engine.
STIHL KombiMotor KM 56 RC-E
The gas-powered Stihl Kombi comes with a single-cylinder, 2-cycle 27.2 cc engine which is compatible with 13 attachments.
Despite being a gas-powered unit, it weighs just 9.5 pounds, making it incredibly ergonomic. This combination of a lightweight frame and a low-emission engine makes this unit remarkably capable while remaining fuel-efficient.
It also comes with loads of features to enhance ease of use. These include Stihl’s patented Easy2Start system for effortless start-up and a quick-release coupler for easy switching between attachments.
Unfortunately, the Stihl KM 56 RC-E only comes as a head unit, as opposed to the Echo which comes with a trimmer. You can get this Stihl unit with the trimmer add-on here.
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Stihl Kombi Vs Echo Pas Model Comparison
In this section, I will take you through a brief overview of each model’s specs so you can better understand these multi-attachment powerheads.
Echo 56V eFORCE 16 PAS
- Power Type: Battery
- Motor: Brushless
- Motor Power: 56V
- Battery Capacity: 2.5Ah / 5.0Ah
- Cutting Width: 17 inch
- Line Feed: Speed-Feed® 400 cutting head
- Weight: 8.4 lbs
- Noise Pressure: N/A
- Warranty: 5 years consumer / 2-year commercial
- Approximate Price: $349
STIHL KombiMotor KM 56 RC-E
- Power Type: Single cylinder, 2-cycle
- Engine Size: 27.2 cc
- Engine Power: 1.07 HP
- Fuel Capacity: 11.05 Oz
- Cutting Width: N/A
- Line Feed: TapAction bump
- Weight: 9.5 lbs
- Noise Pressure: N/A
- Warranty: 2-year limited
- Approximate Price: $199
Who Makes Echo Pas Motor
One of the best ways of determining the quality of a power tool is by checking out its manufacturer. If the manufacturer has a solid reputation, there’s a good chance that their tools are effective and reliable.
The Echo Pas motor is made in-house by ECHO, one of the most reputable power tools manufacturers today, with over 70 years of experience. While the company is Japanese-based, they are one of the most popular brands in North America and are renowned for its innovative products, especially in the yard tools niche.
Power & Speed Settings
The Echo Pas 56V eFORCE is designed to make yard work a breeze. For starters, its brushless motor optimizes performance, power, and efficiency, thanks to the lack of friction within its moving components.
Additionally, it comes with a tool-less coupler to allow you to change your attachments fast and effortlessly. What’s more, it even features the patented Maxout technology to maximize power output, thus increasing your efficiency.
You will also love the Speed-Feed 400 tech that allows you to reload your line in record time – under 30 seconds – without having to disassemble the head.
To enhance control and versatility, the Echo eFORCE comes with three-speed settings and a variable speed throttle. This allows you to optimize the machine’s speed and power to suit the task at hand.
Echo Build Quality
The Echo Pas 56V features superb build quality consisting of durable plastic. While it only weighs 8 pounds, this is one tough cookie that can take a beating.
Attachments
As mentioned, the Echo Pas 56V eFORCE can support up to 16 different attachments, including different types of trimmers, tillers, cultivators, and cutters.
Who Makes Stihl Engines
The Stihl KM 56 RC-E’s engine is made by Stihl, another uber-popular brand in the power tools market. The German-based company boasts a comprehensive portfolio, carving out a stake in numerous niches, including landscaping, agriculture, forestry, and construction.
The company has over 90 years of experience, meaning they know a thing or two about making quality products.
Power & Speed Settings
The Stihl Kombi KM 56 RC-E comes with a low-emission engine that not only optimizes power and fuel efficiency but also ensures you do not veer away from the eco-friendly movement.
I also loved the Easy2Start electronic ignition system that made starting up this unit a breeze; you don’t need to pull the starting cord hard to get this powerhead started. The ease of use doesn’t end there, as the Stihl Kombi also comes with an ergonomic loop handle for superior support and control.
Another feature you will appreciate is the quick-release coupling system that allows for effortless switching of attachments.
Moreover, being a straight shaft model, the Stihl KM 56 RC-E’s engine is able to deliver more power to the head, as opposed to curved shaft models. Consequently, the 27 ccs, the 2-cycle engine is one of the most powerful in its class.
Unfortunately, this powerhead doesn’t come with adjustable speed settings as the Echo does.
Stihl Build Quality
Like all other Stihl tools, the Stihl Kombi KM 56 RC-E features a sturdy build. It sports an ABS plastic casing on the outside, which is one of the hardiest types of plastic out there. This means that the engine is well-protected from the elements, thus requiring minimal maintenance.
Attachments
The Stihl Kombi KM 56 supports up to 13 different attachments to allow you to handle a multitude of yard jobs ranging from trimming, edging, cultivating, and pruning to cleaning up and more.
Reliability and Service
Fortunately, both Stihl and Echo are renowned for the exceptional quality of their products. However, how do their warranties compare? Let’s have a look.
Warranty & Life
The Stihl Kombi KM 56 RC-E comes with a 2-year limited warranty. On the other hand, the Echo Pas 56V eFORCE comes with a 5-year consumer warranty and a 2-year commercial warranty. This just goes to show how much faith Echo has in its product, making a case for the eFORCE being the superior product.
Customer Support
Both Stihl and Echo go above and beyond to satisfy their customers. They offer phone and email support, replying promptly to inquiries and complaints.
Verdict: Stihl Kombi Vs Echo Pas
I have to admit that I found myself on the fence when choosing the superior powerhead; they are both well-designed and have proven themselves reliable thus far.
The Stihl Kombi is slightly more powerful but the Echo Pas can still hold its own in that regard. However, there’s a good chance you will run out of juice faster when using the Stihl Kombi since its engine only holds 11 ounces when full. On the other hand, the Echo PAS’s 5.0Ah battery can give you a runtime of up to 50 minutes.
Echo 56V eFORCE 16 PAS
The Echo 56V eFORCE is a lightweight, battery-powered powerhead that accepts 16 different attachments. Off the shelf, this model comes with the 17” trimmer attachment included. The trimmer comes with Echo’s patented Speed-Feed 400 tech for effortless line feeding
Weighing only 8.4 pounds without the battery this is a relatively lightweight unit.
The Echo eFORCE comes with the option of two 56V batteries: a 2.5Ah battery with a runtime of 25 minutes and a 5.0Ah battery with a runtime of 52 minutes.
Built around a 56V brushless motor with power is equivalent to that of a 25cc engine.
Nevertheless, even though the Echo might have a longer runtime, you should also consider that it also takes time to charge the unit (up to 150 minutes).
Nonetheless, since versatility is the main reason why someone would want to invest in a multi-attachment yard tool, the Echo Pas is the clear winner since it offers more attachment options.
Moreover, the costs of running a battery-powered unit are significantly lower than those of a gas model.
