The Stihl KM 56 RC-E Kombi Engine is one engine with many optional tools that can handle a variety of tasks would be just one way to describe the STIHL KombiSystem. From edging to trimming, to sweeping and even blowing—the low-emission STIHL KM 56 RC-E and its optional attachments are great for a wide range of jobs around the garden. Featuring our ErgoStart (E) system and a new simplified starting procedure that helps prevent flooding, there’s no longer a need for a strong or fast pull of the starting cord.
Interchangeable Tools
Any of the attachments from the Stihl Kombi range can be fitted to the Kombi Engine. These include cutters, trimmers, pruners, sweepers, pickers, and blowers (available separately). Mounting is almost effortless, thanks to a quick-release mechanism in the handle, which needs no additional tools.
Split shaft
With a split shaft and special toolless quick-release coupling, the KombiSystem is highly versatile, easily transported and easy to store.
Electronic ignition module
This ensures reliable starting and trouble-free running. The ignition system is fully encapsulated and thus protected from damp and dirt.
Reduced-emission engine technology
2-stroke engine with stratified charge. A fuel-free layer of air is created between the burned charge in the combustion chamber and the fresh charge in the crankcase, reducing the amount of fuel lost during the charge cycle. This results in more power with a lower weight, up to 20% lower fuel consumption than regular 2-stroke engines and significantly reduced exhaust emissions.
Simplified starting system
Simply set the choke, pump the fuel primer, pull the starter cord and away you go! The running machine switches off quickly after a brief press of the stop button. Once the machine is at a standstill, the ignition activates again automatically. Thus the ignition is always ready for starting.
STIHL ErgoStart (E)
A genuine advance in easy starting. STIHL ErgoStart (E) cuts the effort required to start the tool by half, while the starter cord can be pulled at just one third of the normal force. All it takes is 2 fingers and a gentle pull action.
Manual fuel pump
If your gasoline-powered engine device has a manual fuel pump, you can reduce the number of starting strokes by about 40% by repeatedly pressing the pump. By starting in this way, there is enough fuel available faster. (similar to illustration)
Loop handle (R)
The loop handled grass trimmers and brushcutters are ideal for working in areas where space is limited, e.g. thinning between bushes and shrubs.
Quick-release coupling
The quick-release coupling allows the KombiSystem to be quickly dismantled into two parts for easy transport and storage – and then re-assembled quickly without tools.
Split shaft
With a split shaft and special toolless quick-release coupling, the KombiSystem is highly versatile, easily transported and easy to store.
| Weight kg 1) |
4.3 |
| CO2 g/kWh |
853 |
| Displacement cm³ |
27.2 |
| Power output kW/bhp |
0.8/1.1 |
| Displacement cm³ |
27.2 |
| Power output kW/bhp |
0.8/1.1 |
| Weight kg 1) |
4.3 |
| Sound pressure level dB(A) 2) |
96 |
| Sound power level dB(A) 2) |
107 |
| Vibration levels left/right m/s² 3) |
8.5/7.7 |
| Length to coupling sleeve cm |
84 |
| Tank volume l |
0.34 |
1) without fuel and tool
2) Power factor according to DIR2006/42/EC=2.5(dB(A))
3) K-factor according to DIR 2006/42/EC = 2m / s ²
Andy Buxton (verified owner) –
Great, starts easily not to heavy and does an excellent job on my very wide farm type hedges!!
Bryan Collins (verified owner) –
Purchased to replace a Ryobi Expand-it unit. Quality is much superior. Very easy to start and requiring only light pulls on the cord. Has loads of power and easily copes with demands of my 1 acre garden; including 2 hours of continuous leaf blowing!!!
K. E. (verified owner) –
Product arrived in good time; is as described, is easy to start and no issues. I already have some of the same products and needed more due to extra works and have found this 1 a first class unit.
Ian Holdbrook –
Great service . Now bought 4 Stihl items from Radford.
Ian W (verified owner) –
I spent time researching which product brand (Stihl) to go for this long term big purchase. My neighbour who is an estate manager has one. Then researched supplier (R&T) for a competitive price and service. This arrived with all other component parts by Royal Mail.
Fixing the handle was not at first straight forward. There is more than one variation in the instruction manual. Eventually worked through that you had to put the fixing nuts within the handle slots. Also no real hints in the instruction manual as to getting the petrol oil mix right. However a couple of YouTube tutorials helped me order a correct mixer bottle to get the ratios right.
If your new to this, I would suggest you just take it slowly with the manual nearby observing the key elements of the choke ect. Was great when I fired it up. Not entirely sure about what constitutes not heavy use until it has settled in (after 3 tanks of fuel (1/2 litre each).
Ian (verified owner) –
What a fantastic piece of kit l should have bought it years ago , so much easier with loads of power from engine unit.
Malcolm French (verified owner) –
Excellent Stihl machine as ever with this quality machine. Gret service from Radmore & Tucker – arrived earlier than predicted. Well done
Simon (verified owner) –
Excellent kombi tool with excellent price and delivery service from radmoretucker
Will be a returning customer when further attachments are needed.
GVW (verified owner) –
Like one of the other reviewers I bought this to replace a failed Ryobi Expandit engine.
My Ryobi Expandit accessories work fine with this Stihl engine without any modifications that I thought would be necessary.
The Stihl engine seems to have more power and is easier to start – I wish I had bought one last year instead of keeping the Ryobi limping along.
Great service from Radmore & Tucker along with speedy delivery.
Nigel (verified owner) –
Firstly, great service from Radmore & Tucker – arrived quickly and earlier than promised. Great price too – could not find it cheaper anywhere else.
Now to the product. I’m very happy with it having bought it to replace a failed Ryobi expand-it head and to enable me to continue to use the various Ryobi attachments which would otherwise have been rendered useless. The only problem encountered was with the SmartTool socket on one of the attachment which prevented the shaft being inserted deep enough into the Stihl. As this socket is incompatible with the Stihl it can be removed by drilling out a couple of rivets and undoing three screws and then everything was fine.
The Stihl starts easily and after a bit of trial and error to get the shoulder strap the right length and the handle in the right position, it provides near-effortless usage and seems to have enough power to cope with pretty well anything.
Both the Stihl and Radmore & Tucker thoroughly recommended.
Tony Pickering (verified owner) –
Just purchased STIHL KM 56 RC-E KOMBI ENGINE. Before ordering checked with Radmore & Tuckers sales department that my 20 year old Stihl Strimmer Combi unit are would fit this engine and they said yes and it did! That’s what I love about Stihl products, they last a long time and no built in obsolescence.
The new engine arrived within a few days and started no problem, as expected.
I even sold my broken (for which I was partly to blame) 20 year old combi engine for parts for £50 on ebay!
Darren (verified owner) –
Brilliant service, delivery and price. A great piece of kit and I will definitely be purchasing more attachments when needed.
Barry millar (verified owner) –
First class service. And very prompt delivery. Will definitely be using your service again. Thank you