Page 26 - Landscape-Issue131

MACHINERY FEATURE

STIHL FS 161 AND FS 291

Stihl has launched two new machines, upgrades of previous ones, that are bigger,
better and more powerful. The FS 161 (1.5kW) and FS 291 (2.0kW) have just been
released to markets across the globe.

oth models feature powerful engines
with fuel-efficient 2-Mix Technology
Binstead of the standard two-stroke
engines of the FS 160 and FS 280. This
means that both machines are more fuel
efficient and have high torque over a wide
speed range. The result is most welcome
when fuel prices increase almost every
month: expect a fuel saving of between
10 to 20% compared to your standard
two-stroke machines.
Both new machines come standard with
an AutoCut C46-2 mowing head, and as
proved through independent studies by
the University of Stellenbosch’s Forestry
Department, using STIHL 2.7mm nylon
line leads to major cost savings compared
to using 3.5mm pre-cut nylon line. The
research shows that up to 60% of pre-
cut nylon is thrown away when using
an aluminium head, resulting in costly
wastage. When using the STIHL spooled
nylon head system, a maximum of just
30cm of nylon is thrown away, which
equates to less than 3%.
Also important, the AutoCut C46-2
head offers significant time savings by
eliminating frequent line changes, as one
spool takes 13m of line with an average
usage of 1,5m per day. STIHL 2.7mm
nylon also cuts faster, further increasing
production. An additional time saver is
that both machines have 750ml fuel tanks,
larger than the previous machines, so that
operators stop less often to refuel. Game-changing, cleaner-burning
2-Mix Technology
The STIHL two-stroke engine with 2-Mix
Technology is a game changer that sets new
standards. During the scavenging process,
a layer of air without any fuel is created
between the burnt charge in the combustion
chamber and the fresh charge in the
crankcase. The exhaust is separated from the
fresh fuel mix to minimise the scavenging
losses, reducing the hydro-carbons that pose
a health and environmental hazard, and
also resulting in a fuel saving. The reduction
of scavenging losses allows for complete
combustion, reducing fuel lost through the
exhaust. This allows for better power output
and fuel efficiency.
These two machines offer streamlined
convenience for operators, professionals and
dealers alike as spares are now consolidated
across seven models. Their multiple cost-
saving and time-saving advantages are good
reason to change, and the previous FS 160
and FS 280 models are being discontinued.
samantha.paterson@stihl.co.za n

24 Landscape SA • Issue 131 2023