Stihl KMA 135 R KombiMotor Adds Multi-Tool Convenience to Pro-Focused Battery Platform
The Stihl KMA 135 R battery-powered KombiMotor joins the 135 platform targeting professional users. With an already excellent performance from the KMA 130 R, we decided to take a closer look at the two units side-by-side to see if you should make the switch.
Stihl 135 R KombiMotor | The Big Deal
The main difference between this and the KMA 130 R battery-powered KombiMotor is its shift from a tethered battery connection to housing an onboard battery.
As far as performance goes, Stihl tells us the two battery power heads are essentially the same and match most closely with the KM 91 R on the gas side. However, the example specifications using the BG-KM blower reveal a little more airspeed but the same Newton force.
The speed settings are dialed in a little differently. In low, both models are within 100 RPM of each other, the KMA 135 R gives you quite a bit more in medium, and they both top out at 8500 RPM in high.
Here’s a breakdown of how the two battery options compare:
| KMA 135 R (new) | KMA 130 R | |
| Low RPM | 6200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Medium RPM | 7700 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| High RPM | 8500 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| BG-KM Blowing Force | 15 N | 15 N |
| BG-KM CFM | 480 CFM | 480 CFM |
| BG-KM Airspeed | 150 MPH | 130 MPH |
| Bare Weight | 7.5 lbs | 7.1 lbs |
| Price | $359.99 | $339.99 |
Stihl KMA 135 R KombiMotor Price
There’s a little bump in price for this model. At $359.99, it’s $20 more than the previous battery-powered KombiMotor.
Parting Thoughts
If you’re satisfied with your KMA 130 R, there’s no rush to upgrade just yet. On the other hand, if the tethered battery system bugs you and you just want to pop a battery on the tool and work, you’ll enjoy the KMA 135 R.
If you’re new to the KombiSystem and like the idea of taking the battery weight off of the tool, you can go either direction. The KMA 135 R has a dummy pack adapter to use with either the hip pouch or backpack battery, giving you the best of both worlds. However, the KMA 130 R doesn’t have the option to put the battery straight on the tool, so that’s something you need to consider before pulling the trigger.
When we tested battery-powered attachment systems, Stihl was our top pick thanks to performance that most closely matched professional gas models. The Stihl KMA 135 R brings a bit more versatility to the table without compromising the great things about the model it comes alongside.
Specifications
- Model: Stihl KMA 135 R
- Powerhead Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Max Speed: 8,500 RPM
- Speed Settings: 6,200 / 7,700 / 8,500 rpm
- Air Velocity with BG-KM: 150 mph
- Air Volume with BG-KM: 480 cfm
- Blowing Force with BG-KM: 15 Newtons
- Price: $359.99 – Unit Only
