Why battery platforms are a major consideration
Motorized tools are undergoing a quiet revolution: the shift from gas to battery power. Chainsaws, brush cutters, hedge trimmers, and blowers now achieve performance comparable to gas models, without the noise, excessive vibration, and maintenance of a 2-stroke engine.
But this revolution has a hidden cost: lock-in to a battery ecosystem. When a professional invests in a platform (for example, Stihl AP System), they purchase batteries and a charger that only work with machines from that platform. Switching platforms means repurchasing the entire ecosystem. The initial choice is therefore strategic.
Major platforms on the market
Stihl AP System (36V)
Stihl's professional platform. AP batteries (AP 200, AP 300, AP 300 S) work across the entire Stihl battery range: MSA chainsaws, FSA brush cutters, HSA hedge trimmers, BGA blowers.
Specifications:
- Voltage: 36V
- Capacities: 118 Wh (AP 200), 227 Wh (AP 300), 281 Wh (AP 300 S)
- Proprietary connector with mechanical locking
- AL 500 fast charger (full charge in 25-50 min depending on capacity)
- LED charge indicator on battery
Strengths:
- Very comprehensive professional range (20+ machines)
- Stihl build quality and durability
- Excellent weight-to-capacity ratio on AP 300 S
- Robust connector designed for intensive use
Weaknesses:
- High battery price (200-350 EUR depending on capacity)
- No compatibility with other brand tools
- The AK system (36V consumer) is NOT compatible with AP
Warning: Stihl has two distinct and incompatible 36V systems: AP (professional) and AK (consumer). AP batteries do not fit AK machines and vice versa. Check the system before purchasing.
Husqvarna BLi (36V)
Husqvarna's answer to Stihl's AP system.
Specifications:
- Voltage: 36V
- Capacities: 94 Wh (BLi 100), 187 Wh (BLi 200), 270 Wh (BLi 300)
- Proprietary dorsal connector compatible with BLi backpack
- QC 500 fast charger
Strengths:
- Backpack battery system for extended work
- Excellent thermal management
- Intuitive interface with status lights
Weaknesses:
- Slightly less extensive machine range than Stihl
- Price comparable to Stihl (premium segment)
- Specific connector
Makita 18V LXT
The world's best-selling battery platform in construction and DIY. Over 300 compatible tools.
Specifications:
- Voltage: 18V (usable at 36V via Twin 18V adapter on some machines)
- Capacities: from 1.5 Ah to 6.0 Ah (27 to 108 Wh)
- Universal LXT slide connector
- Compatible with the entire 18V LXT range (drills, drivers, saws, grinders AND outdoor tools)
Strengths:
- Massive ecosystem (300+ tools)
- Construction batteries work on garden tools and vice versa
- Competitive battery pricing due to volume
- Twin 18V system allows two 18V batteries to power 36V tools
Weaknesses:
- In native 18V, lower power than dedicated 36V for heavy tools (professional chainsaw)
- Twin 18V system adds weight
- Less advanced thermal management than Stihl or Husqvarna
Makita 40V XGT
Makita's high-performance platform, designed to replace gas on the most demanding tools.
Specifications:
- Voltage: 40V max (nominal 36V)
- Capacities: 72 Wh (2.5 Ah), 144 Wh (5.0 Ah)
- Different connector from LXT (not interchangeable)
- Digital communication between battery and tool (Smart System)
Strengths:
- Sufficient power to replace gas on professional chainsaws and brush cutters
- Smart System with battery/tool communication for power optimization
- Excellent power-to-weight ratio
Weaknesses:
- NOT compatible with 18V LXT batteries (separate ecosystem)
- Range still growing (fewer tools than LXT)
- Higher price than LXT
Milwaukee M18 / M18 FUEL
Milwaukee's professional platform, very present in construction and rapidly growing in outdoor tools.
Specifications:
- Voltage: 18V
- Capacities: from 2.0 Ah to 12.0 Ah (HIGH OUTPUT)
- HIGH OUTPUT batteries for the most demanding tools
- Compatible with the M18 range (200+ tools)
Strengths:
- HIGH OUTPUT batteries with high-performance cells
- Rapidly growing outdoor tool range (chainsaw, blower, hedge trimmer)
- Very extensive M18 ecosystem (construction + outdoor)
- ONE-KEY mobile application for tool tracking and management
Weaknesses:
- No historical "outdoor tool" specialization like Stihl/Husqvarna
- Variable availability by market (mainly USA, less prevalent in Europe for garden segment)
DeWalt 20V MAX / 60V MAX FLEXVOLT
Specifications:
- Voltage: 20V MAX (nominal 18V) and 60V MAX FLEXVOLT (nominal 54V)
- FLEXVOLT batteries automatically switch between 20V and 60V depending on the tool
- Wide construction + outdoor range
Strengths:
- Unique FLEXVOLT technology (one battery, two voltages)
- Strong presence in the professional construction market
- Growing outdoor tool range
Weaknesses:
- Outdoor range less extensive than Stihl/Husqvarna
- FLEXVOLT in 60V mode halves the Ah capacity
Compatibility rules
Fundamental rule: batteries from one platform only work with tools from the same platform. There is no universal standard. Key points:
- Stihl AP and AK are incompatible despite the same voltage (36V)
- Makita LXT and XGT are incompatible (18V vs 40V, different connectors)
- Husqvarna BLi indoor and BLi outdoor are compatible (same platform)
- Third-party adapters exist but void warranty and can pose safety issues (thermal management, electronic communication)
Which platform to choose?
For a professional landscaper / arborist
Stihl AP or Husqvarna BLi. These two platforms are specifically designed for intensive use in green spaces. Build quality, thermal management, and battery life are optimized for daily professional use. The Husqvarna backpack battery is an asset for long workdays.
For a multi-use professional (construction + garden)
Makita 18V LXT. The largest ecosystem allows using the same batteries on the drill, circular saw AND chainsaw. This is a considerable economic advantage. For the most demanding tools (professional chainsaw), the Twin 18V system or migration to XGT is an option.
For a homeowner with a garden
Makita 18V LXT or a consumer range (Stihl AK, Bosch 18V, etc.). The entry cost is lower, and versatility takes priority over raw performance.
For replacing a specific gas tool
Identify the required power. A felling chainsaw (equivalent 50+ cc gas) requires 36V+ (Stihl AP, Husqvarna BLi, Makita XGT). A hedge trimmer or blower works well on 18V.