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  David Cox October 27, 2012 at 6:27pm

  This has been covered dozens of times ---- But for ease ;

  I personally run a KM90R as my main engine on the Kombi - have a KM55r and 85 as my backups - remember you will be using one engine more for 3-4 different tasks instead of 3-4 engines for 3-4 tasks.... so get a back up - that said they're great for saving space, and for adding new "capabilities" as you need to - I get the impression your a new business so this would suit you - No point buying a pole pruner at full cost if you only need it for the odd branch or tough hedge, so the Combi makes it adfordable and means your not spending hundreds on an engine which sits for weeks at a time.

  I would recommend getting the best engine you can afford so yes the 130 - and look out for a second hand85 or similar as a back up engine.
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  Paul McNulty October 27, 2012 at 9:20pm

  I've got the 130 with strimmer and long-reach hedge trimmer attachments. This was due to both strimmer and long-reach failing at the same time, and it seemed a cheaper option and would save space in the van. In fact it's horrible, and I loath the thing; whether modern Stihl are all this bad, or I've a bad engine, I don't know. The trimmmer is rarely used, but the dedicated one lasted about 5 seasons or more. The strimmer is usually several times a day, but again 4 or 5 years. The kombi is a pig to start from hot, and I think it's down on power, after one season. A bad economy to make for me, I will be going back to seperate tools.
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  Kevin Barnett October 28, 2012 at 6:03pm

  i have combi motor with strimmer, adjustable hedge cutter and pruning chainsaw attachment. Ive owned it for 4 years, the previous owner from new had it for 5 years. Keep it serviced, use the right oil and it will not disappoint.

  i use mine everyday and have had virtually no problem with it - very pleased.
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  Liam Warner October 28, 2012 at 7:09pm

  good to hear what engine you use?
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  Steve Sonic Grounds Maintenance October 28, 2012 at 7:13pm

  We use the Komi system quite a lot. Saves space and to change between tools is v easy!
  I find the km 90 engine better for us. I found the higher spec engine to be too trigger happy when strimming. There is no happy medium, and that is a problem, especially when strimming near windows.
  Just my opinion anyway.
  Hope that helps
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  Kevin Barnett October 29, 2012 at 8:41am

  My engine is nearly 10 years old, but was the small of the available when new I think. As Steve says its a lot easier for storage, not carrying a lot of separate tools around, as for back up, if it goes belly up and you need a stop gap whilst any pice of equipement is being repaired then why not hire ?
  I also use the Wolf multi tools, pole, rake - both types, brush etc. same applies, small tool attachments, only one handle, although I have an extendable handle for the pruning attachments incl. saw. They let you work from the ground. So less stuff that rattles around in the van and less to sort through when your looking for the bit that's always underneath everything else !
  
  Hope that's helpful.
  
  Kevin
  www.gardencoaching.blogspot.com
• PRO

  Nick @ NM Garden Services Ltd October 29, 2012 at 8:52am

  The green Stihl oil also helps in these 4 mix engines. Since using it I haven't had to get the valves adjusted on any of my 4 mix kit.
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  Tim Haywood October 29, 2012 at 4:49pm

  4-mix valves need adjusting after a certain number of hours as per the user manual. I did mine this Saturday on a 5 year old KM100R. The difference in effort required to start is night-and-day. It now starts first pull either hot or cold . I thought the process was fairly simple.