With a STIHL cordless garden tool, you're ready for any gardening task, whether it's for a professional job or for your own garden. STIHL cordless garden tools are lightweight and powerful. They offer a quiet, clean, and efficient way to maintain your garden. In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover everything you need to know about the different STIHL battery systems, how they work, and why they're an excellent choice for both homeowners and professionals.
Which four STIHL battery systems are there?
STIHL offers a wide range of battery-powered tools, each optimized for different tasks. STIHL offers four battery systems: the AK system, the AP system, the AS system, and the AI line.
AK system – for ambitious projects
The STIHL AK system is ideal for various garden tasks such as pruning shrubs, mowing grass, and trimming hedges. This system offers powerful yet quiet performance. The AK batteries are compatible with all tools and chargers within the AK system, allowing you to use one battery for multiple tools. The AK system is also ideal for larger gardens.
AP system – for professional use
For professional gardeners and landscapers, the STIHL AP system offers a reliable solution. This system is designed to handle long-term and demanding tasks, such as maintaining large parks, sports fields, and public spaces.
The AP System machines deliver excellent performance without the noise and emissions of traditional gasoline-powered machines. This makes an AP System ideal for use in urban environments where noise and pollution must be kept to a minimum. Moreover, AP batteries are compatible with a wide range of STIHL machines, allowing you, as a professional, to work flexibly without compromising on power or efficiency.
AS system – for easy gardening
The AS system was developed for the amateur gardener looking for a compact and user-friendly solution for smaller garden tasks. The machines in this system are lightweight, easy to use, and perfect for occasional use. With a reliable, replaceable battery, the AS system provides sufficient power for tasks like pruning small shrubs or trimming edges.
AI line – for quick and easy maintenance
The STIHL AI line is specifically designed for those times when you need to quickly tackle something in your garden. These tools are equipped with a built-in battery that can be easily charged by simply plugging the tool into a wall socket.
The AI line offers ease of use and is ideal for smaller gardens or occasional jobs. Because the battery is built-in, you don't have to worry about changing batteries.
The advantages of STIHL lithium-ion batteries
All STIHL cordless garden tools use lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries offer many advantages. The most important are:
- Long service life: STIHL lithium-ion batteries are designed for long-lasting use and can withstand up to 1,200 charge cycles, with the latest models even capable of up to 2,400 charge cycles.
- No memory effect: Unlike older battery types such as nickel-cadmium, lithium-ion batteries do not suffer from the memory effect, meaning their capacity does not decrease if they are charged before they are completely empty.
- Lightweight: The lithium-ion batteries are significantly lighter than their predecessors.
- Low self-discharge: With a self-discharge of only 1 to 3% per year, STIHL batteries remain ready for use for a long time, even when stored for extended periods.
How do lithium-ion batteries work?
A technical explanation. The operation of a lithium-ion battery is based on the movement of lithium ions between the negative anode and the positive cathode through an electrolyte fluid. This process generates electricity, which is used to power the motor of the battery-powered machine.
When charging the battery, the lithium-ions move back from the cathode to the anode, recharging the battery and making it ready for use. A key feature of STIHL lithium-ion batteries is the use of a separator that separates the electrodes and prevents short circuits. This makes STIHL batteries safe and durable.
Properly maintain and store batteries
To extend the life of your STIHL lithium-ion batteries, it's important to store and maintain them properly. STIHL recommends storing batteries at a charge level of 40 to 60% if they won't be used for more than a month. This helps keep the cells in good condition and prevents deep discharge, which can be harmful to the battery.
In addition, it's important to store the batteries at a temperature of around 20°C. Although they can withstand temperatures between -20°C and +50°C, extreme heat or cold can affect their lifespan and performance.
Battery recycling
At some point, even the most durable battery will reach the end of its lifespan. Used batteries can be returned to STIHL dealers or public collection points, where they will be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
Recycling lithium-ion batteries is essential to reuse valuable raw materials and minimize environmental impact.
How long does a STIHL battery last on a job?
How long you can work with a STIHL battery depends on the duration of the job and the tool you're using. In our blog post, we're happy to give you a general idea of battery life per tool.
Read here how long you can work with Stihl batteries.
Why choose STIHL battery systems?
STIHL battery systems are a reliable and powerful solution for both home and professional users, whether you have a small garden or are responsible for maintaining large areas. With their long service life, easy maintenance, and environmentally friendly features, STIHL lithium-ion batteries are a sustainable investment.
Are you convinced of battery-powered garden equipment? Browse the full range of battery-powered garden equipment at Kraakman Garden Machinery. Do you have questions about how battery systems work or need help making the right choice? Our experts are ready to help you make the right choice.
