Petrol Power Tools vs Battery Power Tools: Which is Better?

The choice between Petrol and Battery Power Tools has long been a topic of debate. Each type has its own pros and cons, which significantly influence user preferences.

At STIHL SHOP, we understand our customers' needs, which is why we offer an extensive range of battery and petrol tools. Whether you're a professional landscaper or a DIY enthusiast, you'll find the right tool for your outdoor tasks at STIHL SHOP.

Our selection includes lawnmowers, water blasters, chainsaws, pole saws, water pumps, line trimmers/brushcutter, hedge trimmers, blowers, combi systems, tillers, petrol drills, earth augers, and concrete saws, ensuring we have a tool to match everyone’s needs.

WHAT ARE BATTERY POWER TOOLS?

Battery Power Tools run on rechargeable batteries and are incredibly popular for a wide range of uses, both in professional and DIY settings. Their convenience and versatility make them suitable for users of all skill levels.

At STIHL, battery development is a crucial area of innovation. STIHL creates its own batteries for the STIHL Battery Systems and continually advances the technology. Through independent research and innovation, STIHL batteries are precisely tailored to meet the performance and energy requirements of STIHL battery tools. This ensures that your STIHL battery-powered tool efficiently utilizes its battery's energy, guaranteeing top-notch performance.

STIHL batteries are engineered with cylindrical or laminate cells that have a unique capability; they can maintain amperage output as the battery's charge depletes. This exceptional feature guarantees consistent performance from your STIHL battery tool, much like a petrol tool that maintains full power until its fuel is exhausted. Whether the battery is at 100% or 10% capacity, you can expect unwavering performance from your STIHL battery-powered tool.

BATTERY POWER TOOLS AT STIHL SHOP

STIHL battery-powered tools operate using advanced Lithium-ion Batteries there is four performance tiers - the AI Battery System, AS Battery System, AK Battery System, and AP Battery System, providing a comprehensive range of options to find the perfect suite of products tailored to your specific needs.

AI SYSTEM BATTERY POWERL TOOLS

The STIHL AI System with integrated batteries makes recharging a breeze—just connect the tool to a wall socket using the provided charging cable.

AS SYSTEM BATTERY POWERL TOOLS

The STIHL AS System offers a lineup of compact and user-friendly battery-powered tools all designed to be light, compact, and easy to use. What makes these tools even more versatile is the AS 2 Battery, which is interchangeable across the tools.

AK SYSTEM BATTERY POWERL TOOLS

The STIHL AK system offers a range of battery-powered tools designed for medium to large gardens while catering to users of all skill levels. This comprehensive range includes Chainsaws, Lawnmowers, Linetrimmers/Brushcutters, Hedgetrimmers, Blowers, Pole Saws, and more, providing a wide range of tools for various garden tasks. The AK system also includes a Lawn Scarifier / Dethatcher  and a Vaccuum Shredder, these are tools not found in other STIHL Battery systems.

AP SYSTEM BATTERY POWERL TOOLS

The STIHL AP System, designed for professionals and large property maintenance consistently delivers high performance and exceptional handling. Within the extensive STIHL AP Battery System, you'll find a diverse range of tools, each designed to tackle specific tasks with exceptional performance. This lineup includes Hedgetrimmers, Pole Hedgetrimmers, Linetrimmers/Brushcutters, Lawnmowers, Blowers, Chainsaws, Pole Saws, Sprayers, Combi Systems, Sweepers and Concrete Saws.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF BATTERY POWER TOOLS

While power and reliability have historically been the driving factors behind the popularity of petrol tools, there has been a notable shift in the demand for battery-powered tools.

BATTERY-POWERED TOOLS ARE EASY TO START

Starting a battery tool is as easy as pressing the "on" button. You don’t have to worry about the engine choke, fuel or warming up the machine. Simply flick the switch, pull the trigger and you are ready to go.

DOESN'T REQUIRE FUEL OR OIL

One significant advantage of battery-powered tools is that they don't require any fuel or oil. This removes the messy and time-consuming task of mixing and pouring fuel into machines, along with the challenges of dealing with stale fuel and the post-use maintenance typically linked to petrol tools. 

BATTERY TOOLS ARE QUIET

It is recommended that you always wear hearing protection while using petrol powered gardening tools to reduce your risk of hearing loss. However, battery tools are so quiet ear protection is not necessary, this also makes the tools ideal for noise-sensitive areas such as hospitals, schools and councils.

LIGHTWEIGHT AND EASY TO USE

Weight matters when it comes to gardening tools, especially if you are using power tools for prolonged periods or when you need to lift the tool high to complete the job for example Hedge Trimmers. Reduced weight means your power tools are easier to use and control. Having better handling and control of your tool improves your safety and the accuracy of the job.

NO EMMISIONS, ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE

Petrol tools are often associated with harmful emissions, contributing to environmental pollution. In contrast, battery-powered tools present an eco-friendly alternative as they produce zero emissions during operation.

REQUIRE LITTLE MAINTENANCE

Battery tools require little to no maintenance. All that you will need to do is clean the tool, oil properly (if required), and sharpen any blades. Easy as!

COMPATIBLE WITH MULTIPLE BATTERY TOOLS

The STIHL modular system enables one battery to be used in several cordless tools. Get yourself a STIHL battery, from one of the three battery systems and use it in multiple tools.

MINIMAL VIBRATION DURING OPERATION

Moreover, vibrations generated by petrol tools can not only be uncomfortable but also pose health risks. Battery-powered tools, on the other hand, excel in this regard, producing significantly lower levels of vibration compared to their petrol counterparts. This reduction in vibration greatly diminishes the risk of hand and arm-related conditions.

BATTERY RUNTIME

Battery-powered tools offer numerous advantages, but they also come with some limitations to consider. Unlike petrol tools, which can operate continuously as long if there is fuel, battery-powered tools have a limited runtime. Users may need to pause their work to recharge the battery, which can be inconvenient for tasks that require extended use.

COSTS OF BATTERY TOOLS

Moreover, battery-powered tools often come with a higher initial cost compared to their petrol counterparts. While there are long-term savings in terms of fuel costs, it may take some time to recoup the higher initial expenditure.

POWER

While battery-powered tools are convenient and eco-friendly, they may offer slightly less power compared to petrol tools. This can be a disadvantage when dealing with demanding tasks that require high torque or cutting power. Professionals may find that some petrol tools, especially Chainsaws are still best in terms of raw power and performance.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF PETROL POWER TOOLS

Petrol power tools have long been favoured in the outdoor equipment world for their reliability and robust performance. They excel in delivering impressive high-power output, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications, especially in professional settings. Their unlimited runtime ensures uninterrupted operation, and their exceptional durability allows them to thrive in challenging environmental conditions while consistently delivering lasting performance. 

RUNTIME

They typically offer longer runtime compared to battery-powered tools. They can operate continuously as long as there is fuel available, which is advantageous for tasks requiring extended use.

DURABILITY

In addition to their power and runtime, petrol tools are engineered for durability. They are constructed to thrive in challenging conditions and withstand heavy use, rendering them highly suitable for professional applications.

NOISE LEVELS

Petrol tools tend to produce a higher level of noise compared to their battery-powered counterparts. The internal combustion engines in petrol tools generate significant noise, which can be both inconvenient for users and disruptive to the surrounding environment.

EXHAUST GASES

Petrol tools release exhaust gases, which can have detrimental effects on both the environment and human health. Using petrol tools in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces poses a risk of exposure to these emissions.

MAINTANENCE

Finally, it's important to highlight that petrol tools typically require more comprehensive maintenance in comparison to battery-powered tools. Maintenance includes regular oil changes, spark plug replacements, cleaning or replacement of air filters, and various other maintenance procedures to ensure the engine's smooth operation. Neglecting these maintenance responsibilities can result in reduced tool performance and the possibility of costly repairs down the road.

FUELS AND LUBRICANTS AT STIHL SHOP

STIHL invests significantly in researching and developing fuels and lubricants, much of which is developed in-house at STIHL HQ. STIHL prioritizes formulating fuels and lubricants due to their crucial role in achieving optimal engine performance, focusing on key factors like reducing residue from burned fuels, ensuring reliable cold starts, assessing product biodegradability, and understanding oil viscosity across temperature variations.

KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BATTERY TOOLS AND PETROL TOOLS

When it comes to choosing between battery and petrol power tools, the obvious distinction lies in their power source: battery tools harness power from rechargeable batteries, while petrol tools rely on petrol.  What is more important than the power of the tool is the features that the individual models offer, what is important to you and whether the tool is the best fit for the tasks that you have.

Battery-powered tools are versatile and cater to homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and professionals alike, the technology is constantly improving and STIHL now have some products that offer the same level of performance as an equivalent petrol model.

On the other hand, petrol-powered tools are well-suited for users and job roles that demand robust and sustained performance in challenging outdoor conditions. Professionals in landscaping, agriculture, forestry, and construction frequently rely on petrol tools due to their high-power output, enduring runtime, and capacity to handle heavy-duty tasks.

SHOP ALL POWER TOOLS AT STIHL SHOP

At STIHL SHOP, we offer an extensive range of tools, ensuring there's a perfect tool for every person and job, whether it's battery-powered or petrol-driven. 

Browse our categories, including lawnmowers, waterblasters, chainsaws, pole saws, water pumps, line trimmers/brushcutters, hedge trimmers, blowers, combi systems, tillers, petrol drills, earth augers, and concrete saws.