For almost a century, STIHL products have stood for quality, performance, and outstanding ergonomics. From the very beginning, our product development has been committed to these values – with the aim of creating an excellent product in every respect. In 2024, alongside the development of new products, significant progress was made toward the overarching goal of dual technology leadership. This is evident in the continued expansion of in-house laboratories and the strategic promotion of innovation. This has created ideal conditions for setting new standards in battery technology.
Development
Focus on quality, performance, and user-friendliness
STIHL attaches great importance to ensuring that its products not only meet the highest standards of quality and performance but are also specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers. This year, STIHL is therefore once again responding to the growing interest in battery-powered tools. To meet the requirements of modern users, STIHL is expanding its product line for private users who demand the highest of quality with the new STIHL MSA 80. This battery-powered chainsaw is ideal for all those who already use the AK system but are looking for higher performance without having to change the battery platform. With its low weight and versatility, it is perfect for trimming work and felling medium-sized trees. It combines high performance with user-friendly handling, making it an ideal solution for private users with high quality standards.
The focus on intuitive operation and high-quality workmanship is also reflected in the new Series 2 and 4 lawn mower models. All 23 variants support multiple applications, including grass collection in the basket, rear discharge, side discharge, and mulching. Additionally, each variant comes equipped with a comfort handlebar. The Series 4 also offers an integrated mulching function, which replaces the manual insertion of a mulching wedge with a simple folding flap that can be operated from the outside. The Series 4 battery-powered PV models are also characterized by the highly user-friendly user interface unit on the handlebar.
MOWING THE LAWN COULDN’T BE EASIER
COMFORT MEETS FUNCTIONALITY
The STIHL FSA 30 is another new addition to the STIHL family of battery-powered products. The lawn trimmer was developed as an entry-level product in the range and impresses with its runtime and flexible handling, which is primarily due to its low weight of just 2.3 kilograms. The trimmer can be easily converted into an edge trimmer and adjusted for various applications without the need for tools, whether on slopes or flat terrain.
Battery innovations with the latest technology
STIHL also consistently focuses on durability and performance in battery development and has produced new lithium-ion batteries for this purpose. STIHL uses the latest technologies to optimally meet it customer´s needs in the best possible way: Flat pouch cells are used for our most powerful rechargeable batteries (AP 500 S), which increase the power and energy density with high cycle stability (service life). STIHL is also developing an app that enables convenient monitoring of charging cycles and battery status, and at the same time helps to optimally track usage behavior. In addition, our new energy management solutions enable professionals in particular to make better use of their batteries in their day-to-day work.
The STIHL GTA 40 is equipped with two batteries from the AS battery platform. The pruner, a larger counterpart to the successful STIHL GTA 26, has been specifically designed to meet the demands of professional tree maintenance and operation in confined spaces. Thanks to its battery-powered operation, the STIHL GTA 40 runs emission-free and with minimal noise, allowing for better focus on tree care and preservation. Its high reliability reduces the risk of downtime, making it ideal for professional users.
In-house labs and additive manufacturing
Ensuring the highest quality standards is a key component in the development of new products and model maintenance. STIHL rigorously tests all products before market launch, including the required assessments for electromagnetic compatibility. Many of these tests are carried out internally within the Group. An EMC laboratory has been set up at STIHL Tirol in Langkampfen to enable these tests to be conducted in-house. This facility allows emission limits and interference immunity to be checked internally, reducing external testing costs and effort. At the same time, the laboratory enhances development processes and upholds the high quality that defines STIHL products.
In addition, a new Additive Manufacturing Center was set up at the founding company in Waiblingen, which brings together expertise and infrastructure for additive manufacturing as part of product development. One focus is on rapid prototyping. Selective laser sintering (SLS), for example, makes it possible to validate functional prototypes in the early project phases. This enables rapid validation of product functionality, which not only speeds up development but also saves costs. Given the growing demand for additive manufacturing, expanding this functional area was a strategic move to further enhance STIHL’s innovation capacity and development speed.
Protection of intellectual property
STIHL actively promotes innovation and good ideas. Both are essential in order to secure long-term competitive advantages and expand our dual technology leadership. InventorHub was launched at the beginning of 2024 to make the best possible use of the potential and creativity of STIHL employees. This internal portal facilitates the submission of invention disclosures and makes the path to patent protection more efficient. InventorHub optimizes the overview of protectable ideas and accelerates the entire patent protection process.
Building a comprehensive patent portfolio is a key part of STIHL’s strategy to safeguard against technological competition and reinforce its market position. The patent portfolio safeguards against imitations and ensures competitiveness in a rapidly evolving landscape, particularly in battery technology.
STIHL has also launched the Inventor Award to recognize the commitment and creativity of inventors within the Group. The award is presented at the STIHL Innovation Forum to recognize outstanding ideas and achievements in product development and to foster a climate of innovation.