Stihl 36v Cordless Garden Tools
Tested and Reviewed by Fred-in-the-shed
Updated 14th October 2024
Latest Tests
Stihl RMA 448 TC Self Propelled Cordless Mower
Stihl MSA120c 36v Cordless Chainsaw
Stihl HTA85 36v Telescopic Cordless Polesaw
Stihl make 2 ranges of 36v cordless garden tools in their classic orange and white colours.
The Professional range, and the lighter, compact range.
Each ranges use different 36v batteries that are not compatible between the ranges.
However the same charger fits all batteries across both ranges.
AK batteries are compact - AP (right) are larger
Stihl AP 100 battery for devices from the PRO battery system, 36V, Li-Ion
Both types can use either charger
The normal charger and the more expensive fast charger
STIHL AL 101 Standard Battery Charger
The new Stihl cordless mowers, developed from their subsidiary Viking, use the compact battery in the 2 smaller mowers and the pro battery for the 4 larger models.
This Stihl RMA 448 TC is the largest model (46cm cut) and propels itself along so you don't need to push.
Stihl RMA 448 TC
The latest and best cordless mower is the Austrian made Stihl RMA 448TC that I am testing on my lawns. This model uses a 36v Li-ion battery from the Stihl Pro range and has 2 battery slots and uses one after the other as the first loses charge. Using both batteries it will cut up to 450m sq depending on how level your lawn is and how long your grass is.
This is the biggest of the 5 Stihl cordless mowers with its 19 inch (46cm) cut and the fantastic, folding, height adjustable mono handle.
To buy a mower please contact your nearest Stihl garden machinery dealerships who will make sure your mower is set up correctly and instruct you on its use.
Stihl 36v Cordless Chainsaws
These top quality saws come in 2 ranges that use DIFFERENT 36v batteries. There are several options for the saws bar too. Pricing can vary depending on your location and offers.
The compact range is the lightest. Due to company policy Stihl chainsaws can only be purchased from dealers or Stihl directly through their website.
The Best Lightweight Cordless Chainsaw?
Stihl MSA 120C 36v Cordless chainsaw
This superb saw from the masters of chainsaw technology weights only 3.76 kg with battery
It has a 14 inch (30cm) bar and can be adjusted without tools.
This tool can only be purchased from Stihl dealers where prices vary from
£260- £470 depending on deals and battery options.
Use link below to buy the best sawhorse for cutting logs
Stihl Genuine Wooden Saw Horse
I test the Stihl against the latest cordless chainsaws
With higher capacity Li-ion batteries these are the lightest chainsaws for safe and easy small pruning jobs.
Other 36v Cordless Chainsaws
Black & Decker 36v chainsaw
At around £230 the B&D 36v saw is cheaper than a 36v Stihl as it comes with battery and charger.
Don't expect Stihl quality but for occasional domestic use this is a very good chainsaw. It has a generous 12 inch bar.
The 36v 2 amp hour battery can be used in 4 other cordless tools.
It won't last anywhere near as long as a 36v Stihl cordless chainsaw and you wont be able to get it serviced.
For the money I am very impressed with it so far but beware it will have a limited lifespan .
BLACK+DECKER 30 cm 36 V Lithium Chainsaw
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Makita DUC303Z
The Makita cordless chainsaw uses 2 18v batteries to power its 36v motor.
It is heavier than Stihl saws of a similar power with only 2 variants of models.
Both are superbly made and effective chainsaws.
Makita DUC353Z 36V/18V Brushless Cordless Chainsaw + 2 x 5.0Ah Batteries & DC18RC Charger
Makita DC18RD 7 Twin Port Rapid Battery Charger
Makita DC18RC 14.4 - 18 V Li-ion Fast Battery Charger
Makita DUC302Z Cordless 36 V Li-ion Chainsaw
Stihl Sharpener for Chainsaws
There is no point having the best chainsaw if you dont keep it sharp.
Chainsaw blades are relatively complex and can be hard to sharpen properly
Stihl have designed this unique tool that contains a flat and a round file to sharpen both blade edge types at the same time
and at the correct angle. The tool can be used on any make of chainsaw blade but you must buy the corresponding sharpener for your size of blade.
STIHL 2 IN 1 EASY FILE CHAINSAW CHAIN SHARPENER .325"
Long Reach Cordless Chainsaws
Also known as battery powered pole saws these tools can save a lot of time when pruning small to medium size trees. You will need to be reasonably strong but as the bar rests on the branch it is easier to use than a long reach hedge trimmer.
The Stihl model is a top quality saw suitable for domestic and professional use.
The Black & Decker tool is designed for occasional domestic use only.
They are 2 totally different animals!
Stihl HTA85 Telescopic Cordless Polesaw
Stihl make 2 models , the smaller HTA65 is not telescopic whilst the HTA85 is and extends to 4.5m.
The chain tension is easily adjusted with the screwdriver supplied.
Cheapest And Best Chainsaw Oils
Stihl 1 Litre Synth Plus Chain Oil
Bosch Chainsaw Oil - Biodegradable (1 litre)
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You will be hard pressed to find a litre of chainsaw oil in the shops for under £10 and certainly not the superb Stihl oil. So use the links above to get a total bargain and help this site too.
Chainsaw Safety Gear
Always wear gloves, protective trousers and a hard hat with a visor when using chainsaws, even a cordless one.
Cordless chainsaws run slower than petrol and make less noise so you don't need ear protection but the rest of the kit is ESSENTIAL
Genuine Stihl Standard Chain Saw Gloves (Large)
Stihl 0000 888 0807 Protective Helmet
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Stihl Work Trousers with Cut-Protection Functional Ergo Olive Green/Orange/Black, 52, 1
Chainsaw Forestry Safety Helmet
Oregon Large Chainsaw Protection Gloves
Chainsaw Protection Safety Bib & Brace Trousers Size M Medium 33" - 35" Waist
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Best, close fitting, flexible chainsaw gloves with extra protection on left hand.
Some of the products on this page may have been provided by the manufacturers along with product training and technical support
This is me visiting the Stihl service department in Camberley
If you found my advice helpful and would like to support my work, please return to this page and use my links when purchasing your tools.
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Thanks - Fred
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