BATTERY CHARGERS
Stihl’ s ProPower Hub charging devices help pro users scale up their battery and charging needs over time, with quick-charging capabilities.
MILWAUKEE Milwaukee, part of the TTI group of companies that includes Ryobi, is better known for construction and DIY tools. Tool makers know that broad tool lineups and increased battery compatibility means better brand loyalty( at least until universal battery compatibility, which will happen never). And, like Ryobi, Milwaukee has a growing line of OPE tools that includes batteries and charging devices. The two brands are just aimed at different buyers.
Milwaukee is continuing to target pro users; its Power Manager charger is evidence.“ The Power Manager is specifically designed to help landscapers maximize their existing infrastructure without costly electrical upgrades,” said Bradley Berkman, associate product manager at Milwaukee Tool.“ Users simply plug in any combination of chargers, and the Power Manager will detect the power drawn from each outlet. Then, it energizes the maximum number of chargers possible without overloading the circuit or tripping a breaker.”
The company sells these 12-outlet managers in both 15- and 20-amp options starting at around $ 500. Milwaukee
Stihl’ s website has a guide with calculators to help pro users determine equipment and battery needs, and costs.“ Our field staff also has those discussions with end users,” said Beblowski.“ We have seen that landscapers can be afraid of this transition and the potential costs. And we’ ve seen crews ease into it, taking a hybrid approach to transition. It does take some learning for these crews switching to batteries. Putting demo units in their hands takes it beyond a spreadsheet and online guide.”
He adds that Stihl is innovating around charging.“ Landscapers face several issues,” he said.“ They might not own the shop buildings and that adds challenges for electrical infrastructure. That’ s why we offer the Pro- Power Hub.” He said they’ ll announce more charging updates at Equip Expo in October.
The Stihl CM12 ProPower Hub is scalable. Users plug the device into one outlet( 15 or 20 amp, 120 volt) and then use its 12 outlets to plug in several chargers. It can charge as many as 30 AP 300 S batteries in 14 hours. The AP designation denotes Stihl’ s pro battery lineup, and the 300 S is a 7.8 amp-hour battery.
Rapid charging systems can’ t be the whole solution according to Beblowski. Stihl does offer the AL301-4 charger that can be used on the road and in the field. This 4-battery charger can refuel Stihl’ s larger AP500 S batteries in about 90 minutes. Its fastest charger is the AL501 charger that replaced the company’ s AL 500.
While charging efficiency is a key business metric for professional users, Beblowski also encourages landscapers to treat their batteries well out in the field.“ Most important, they need to keep their batteries out of direct sunlight. Put them in a covered place to avoid heat build-up.”
Milwaukee’ s broader focus on power tools for carpenters and construction pros makes charger varieties essential.
www. OPE-Plus. com May 2025 OPE + 15