STIHL HL-KM 145° Long-Reach Hedge Trimmer Attachment

Description

Is the STIHL HL-KM 145° right for you?

The STIHL HL-KM 145° Long-Reach Hedge Trimmer Attachment converts a suitable loop-handle STIHL KombiEngine or KombiMotor into an adjustable long-reach hedge trimmer.

Its cutter bar can be adjusted through a 145° working range in increments. This allows the cutting angle to be adapted for hedge sides, hedge tops, wider hedge faces and low-growing shrubs.

The HL-KM is available with either a 50cm or 60cm cutter bar and forms part of the interchangeable STIHL KombiSystem range.

Important: this product is the hedge-trimmer KombiTool attachment only. It does not include a petrol engine, cordless motor, battery or charger.

Masseys recommendation: Choose the HL-KM when you already own a compatible STIHL KombiSystem power unit or plan to use several different KombiTools with one motor. Choose a complete long-reach hedge trimmer when hedge cutting will be your main task and you do not require interchangeable attachments.

What is included?

The selected package includes:

• 1 × STIHL HL-KM 145° hedge-trimmer KombiTool
• Selected 50cm or 60cm cutting attachment
• Integrated adjustable-angle gearbox
• Protective blade scabbard
• Operating and safety information

The following items are not included:

• STIHL KombiEngine or KombiMotor
• Battery or charger
• Petrol or two-stroke engine oil
• Extension shaft
• Carrying harness
• Personal protective equipment

Customers who do not yet own a power unit can use our STIHL KombiSystem buying guide to compare petrol and cordless options.

Choose the 50cm or 60cm HL-KM

Choose the 50cm version when:

• You want the shorter and more compact option
• Your hedges have corners, narrow sections or obstacles
• Ease of positioning is more important than maximum blade length
• You mainly carry out routine hedge shaping and maintenance

Choose the 60cm version when:

• You regularly maintain broad hedge faces
• You want an additional 10cm of cutting length
• You prefer longer cutting passes across straight hedge sections
• The extra overall attachment length suits your working conditions

Both versions use the same 145° adjustable-head principle and require a compatible loop-handle STIHL KombiSystem power unit.

Which STIHL KombiEngines are compatible?

The HL-KM 145° is designed only for suitable loop-handle STIHL KombiEngines and KombiMotors. It must not be fitted to an unrelated multi-tool system or an incompatible handle configuration.

Current and recent compatible loop-handle power-unit options sold by Masseys include:

• STIHL KM 56 RC-E petrol KombiEngine – a practical petrol option for domestic and regular property maintenance
• STIHL KM 94 RC-E – a lighter petrol option for more frequent use
• STIHL KMA 80 R cordless KombiMotor – an AK System motor for domestic cordless garden maintenance
• STIHL KMA 120 R – an AP System KombiMotor for more demanding and professional work
• STIHL KMA 135 R – a professional AP System power unit

Product ranges and compatibility lists can change. Check the exact model number on your existing KombiEngine or contact Masseys before ordering when compatibility is uncertain.

Key features of the STIHL HL-KM 145°

145° adjustable cutter bar

The cutting head can be adjusted through a 145° working range. This allows the blade angle to be changed for different hedge positions instead of forcing the user to hold the entire machine at an unsuitable angle.

Typical working positions include:

• Vertical hedge faces
• Horizontal hedge tops
• Angled or sloping hedge sections
• Low shrubs and ground-level growth
• Wider hedge faces that are difficult to reach with a standard handheld machine

Incremental angle adjustment

The adjustment mechanism locks the cutter bar into defined positions. This helps the operator select a repeatable angle for the section being cut.

Stop the power unit and follow the operating instructions before changing the cutter-bar position.

Long fixed shaft

The 50cm version has an overall attachment length of approximately 148cm, while the 60cm version measures approximately 158cm.

The HL-KM itself is not telescopic. Additional working reach can be added using a compatible extension where STIHL approves that combination.

Compact transport position

The cutter bar can be folded alongside the shaft into its transport position. This reduces the amount of space required in a vehicle, workshop or storage area and protects the blade from being left projecting outwards.

Quick KombiSystem connection

The attachment connects to a suitable STIHL KombiEngine using the KombiSystem coupling. This allows one power unit to be used with several different attachments rather than purchasing a complete engine for every task.

Other useful attachments include the STIHL HT-KM pole pruner attachment for elevated branches and the STIHL FS-KM strimmer attachment for grass trimming and lawn edges.

STIHL HL-KM 145° technical specifications

The complete operating weight and working characteristics depend on the connected KombiEngine, battery or fuel configuration, harness and any approved extension fitted.

What can the HL-KM 145° be used for?

The HL-KM is suitable for:

• Trimming the sides of taller hedges
• Maintaining hedge tops
• Cutting across wider hedge faces
• Shaping large shrubs
• Maintaining low-growing shrubs with the blade angled downwards
• Routine estate, garden and grounds maintenance
• Customers who want hedge cutting as part of a wider KombiSystem setup

Its cutting performance depends partly on the connected power unit, hedge species, condition of the blades and the thickness and maturity of the material being cut.

What is the HL-KM not designed for?

The HL-KM is a hedge-trimmer attachment. It is not intended to replace:

• A pole pruner for cutting elevated tree branches
• A chainsaw for woody timber
• A clearing saw for scrub and heavy vegetation
• A telescopic hedge trimmer where continuously adjustable shaft length is required
• A complete hedge trimmer for customers who do not own or want a KombiSystem power unit

Use the STIHL HT-KM KombiTool when the job involves pruning branches rather than trimming hedge growth.

HL-KM attachment or complete long-reach hedge trimmer?

Browse the complete long-reach hedge trimmer range when comparing the HL-KM with dedicated petrol and cordless machines.

Compatible reach and carrying accessories

STIHL 1m carbon shaft extension

The STIHL 1m carbon shaft extension is designed for the HL-KM and HT-KM KombiTools. It adds approximately 100cm of reach and weighs approximately 0.9kg.

An extension also increases the machine’s leverage and complete operating weight. Only use it with combinations approved by STIHL, and consider whether the additional reach can be controlled safely before purchase.

STIHL RTS Super Harness

A suitable carrying system can help support the complete machine during longer working sessions. View the STIHL RTS Super Harness or contact Masseys to confirm the correct harness and attachment hardware for your power-unit combination.

Part of the STIHL KombiSystem

The KombiSystem allows one compatible power unit to operate different attachments for hedge cutting, pruning, grass trimming, edging, blowing, cultivating and surface cleaning.

This can reduce the number of separate powered machines required, although each KombiTool must still be selected according to the intended job and the compatibility of the power unit.

Browse all available STIHL KombiEngines, KombiMotors and KombiTool attachments.

Masseys expert verdict

The HL-KM 145° is a strong addition for customers who already own a suitable STIHL KombiEngine. Its principal benefit is the combination of long reach and a cutter bar that can be angled for hedge sides, hedge tops and low growth.

The 50cm model is the more compact choice. The 60cm model provides additional cutting length for broad, straight hedge faces.

The main limitation is that the HL-KM is not a complete or telescopic machine. Its final balance, power, operating weight and working reach all depend on the connected KombiEngine and any extension or harness fitted.

Customers starting without a power unit should compare the total cost of the attachment and suitable KombiEngine with a dedicated long-reach hedge trimmer before making a decision.

Why buy the STIHL HL-KM from Masseys?

Masseys is an authorised STIHL dealer based in Woodville, Swadlincote. Our garden machinery team can help confirm the correct attachment, power unit and accessories before purchase.

• Genuine STIHL KombiTool attachment
• Choice of 50cm and 60cm versions
• Compatibility advice for petrol and cordless KombiMotors
• STIHL attachments, extensions and harnesses available
• Local showroom at 129 Swadlincote Road, Woodville, Swadlincote, DE11 8DA
• Access to our garden machinery servicing and repair department

Frequently asked questions

Is a STIHL KombiEngine included?

No. This listing is for the HL-KM hedge-trimmer attachment only. A suitable loop-handle STIHL KombiEngine or KombiMotor is required and sold separately.

Does the HL-KM fit every STIHL KombiEngine?

No. STIHL specifies that the HL-KM 145° is suitable only for compatible loop-handle KombiEngines. Confirm the exact power-unit model before ordering.

What blade lengths are available?

The attachment is available with a 50cm / 20-inch blade or a 60cm / 24-inch blade.

What is the difference between the 50cm and 60cm versions?

The 50cm attachment has an approximate total length of 148cm. The 60cm version measures approximately 158cm and provides an additional 10cm of cutting length.

How much does the HL-KM attachment weigh?

STIHL states an approximate attachment weight of 2.3kg. The complete operating weight will be higher once a KombiEngine, fuel or battery and any accessories are included.

Is the HL-KM telescopic?

No. The attachment has a fixed-length shaft. A compatible STIHL extension can be added where approved, but the shaft itself does not telescope.

Can an extension shaft be fitted?

Yes. STIHL offers a 1m carbon shaft extension for the HL-KM and HT-KM KombiTools. Confirm compatibility with the complete power-unit setup before ordering.

Can the HL-KM be used to prune tree branches?

No. It is a hedge-trimmer attachment. Use a suitable pole-pruner attachment such as the STIHL HT-KM when cutting elevated branches.

Can the cutter bar be folded for transport?

Yes. The cutter bar can be folded into a compact transport position alongside the shaft.

Which version should I choose for wide hedges?

The 60cm version offers longer cutting passes across broad hedge faces. The 50cm version may be easier to position around corners, confined sections and garden obstacles.

Can the HL-KM be used with another brand’s multi-tool?

No. It is designed for compatible STIHL KombiSystem power units and should not be fitted to another manufacturer’s multi-tool system.

Safe use and maintenance

Read the operating instructions for both the HL-KM attachment and the connected KombiEngine before use.

• Inspect the hedge for wire, fencing and hidden objects
• Check carefully for nesting birds and other wildlife
• Keep people and pets away from the working area
• Check the attachment coupling before starting
• Stop the power unit before adjusting the cutter-bar angle
• Use suitable eye, hearing, hand and foot protection
• Consider head and face protection where cut material may fall
• Maintain firm footing and do not overreach
• Do not work near overhead electrical cables

Clean sap and hedge residue from the blades after use and apply a suitable hedge-trimmer blade lubricant. Fit the blade scabbard before transport or storage.

Have damaged, loose or excessively worn components inspected before the attachment is used again.