Robust, but lightweight and compact the Stiga Combi 340e Kit is recommended for mowing lawns of around 350 m2. The Dirt News trialled it for 6 months, on both a formal lawn which is often mowed, as well as very rough, weedy grass on an allotment.
Technical specs
Engaged with start button on the bar, the hand-propelled mower is powered by a 48 V lithium-ion battery and 38 cm polypropylene cutting deck. The Stiga Combi 340e Kit offers a total of six cutting heights, ranging from 25 – 75 mm, with the option to mulch or collect. The battery for the Combi 340e Kit is compatible with all 48V battery tools in the Stiga range.
Weighing just 14 kilos, the Stiga Combi 340e Kit is compact, sized (length) 1365 mm, by (width) 475 mm and (height) 1040 mm. Designed soft-grip handle for comfortable working and handlebars that can be folded down for storage. The handle allows for variations in desired working position, and the 150/250 mm grooved wheels make for easy manoeuvring.
In terms of noise, the manufacturer’s data indicate that the mower’s measured sound power level dB(A) is 90, with measured sound pressure level at operator ear of 77 dB(A).
What’s included?
The Stiga Combi 340e cordless lawn mower comes with the STIGA ePower48V E 440 (4Ah) battery, charger, the grass bag and mulching plug. Needs assembly on arrival, but the handful of parts are easily put together.
Review location & duration
At our request, we reviewed the Stiga Combi 340e Kit for a duration of 6+ months. Selected as a possible replacement for a petrol mower, the Stiga cordless mower was chosen for its size, weight (for handling and transport), and power capability to mow both formal lawns, as well as cutting very rough grass (paths) on an allotment.
For reference, the reviewer is an experienced mower but not the ‘primary mower’ in the household. The review also functioned as an experiment to see if the handling of a lighter, be it smaller mower would encourage more frequent mowing (by said reviewer).
This is an independent review, we have no commercial arrangement with Stiga, nor any affiliated links. The mower in question was provided – on our request, as a press sample for review.
Our review
Admittedly, initially somewhat skeptical as to the relative capabilities of electric mowers versus conventional petrol versions, we were surprised at the accuracy and quality of cut this mower could achieve.
The Stiga Combi 340e performs really well, is joyfully easy to operate, powerful, quick and ensures a sharp, quality cut. As an added unexpected bonus, this mower also managed to trim the (tricky) grass on the lawn’s stone paved edges beautifully – a veritable advantage. The machine has great suction, efficiently collecting the grass clippings – so much so that it was also used for autumn leaf collection.
Being light weight, manoeuvring the machine, from a packed shed was a doddle and is easily pushed or carried to the desired lawn. With the handle bars easily foldable, ensuring efficient storage and transport as the mower is easily placed in the boot of the car, without the need for assistance. Though lightweight, the mower is well weighted as even with a full collection bag (40L) it continues to cut consistently and evenly.
Battery endurance is good and if regularly cut, the Stiga Combi 340ewas capable of comfortably cutting the formal lawn of approximately 200-250m2 on one charge. If the grass is a little longer/wetter, it managed to cut over 3/4 of the space on the single charge. While you mow the battery charge level is clearly visible, so one can easily assess when it needs charging. The battery is quickly recharged (full from empty) in roughly 30-45 minutes.
On very rough (allotment) grass – at a height that would probably be more suited to strimming, the Stiga continued to perform. Cutting down the long(er) grass easily and smoothly. Understandably, this was tougher on battery life but on such rough, uneven ground, dominated by very thick grass, we were impressed that the Stiga continued to do its job.
Niggles
The collection bag is a little small, so does need emptying regularly – unless, the lawn is regularly mowed. When nearing full, the bag sometimes came loose from its support.
Though the handle can be adjusted, some additional height options for taller gardeners would have been welcome, but the reviewer is admittedly taller (6ft3) than most. Working with it was still comfortable.