When it comes to keeping track of your work, there is a wealth of options out there. But Stihl Connected remains among the best. 

THERE is no doubt that effective and timely tool maintenance is an essential part of keeping safety and productivity levels high. Advances in technology, like fleet management solutions, have begun to transform the industry, supporting arborists in keeping on top of their machinery fleet.

Not only is effective maintenance required to ensure machine safety features are functioning as they should, but also to prevent downtime and loss of income too.

Accurately managing large fleets of tools across different job sites and operators can, however, be difficult, especially when undertaken manually. This is where innovative fleet management solutions such as Stihl Connected can be invaluable in keeping operations running smoothly. 

TRANSFORMING TOOL MAINTENANCE TASKS 

Stihl Connected is compatible with all Stihl tools, as well as non-Stihl tools too, and works by recording the total working time of each machine. Smart connectors are positioned near the battery or spark plug, where it’s then able to record the working time and send the information to the user’s smartphone via Bluetooth.

The system then prompts the operator or technician to complete important maintenance tasks exactly when required, helping to prevent the under- or over servicing of tools.

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Working time information is sent to the free Stihl Connected App. For ultimate ease, all Stihl tools have a maintenance schedule in the app ready to go, covering all essential tasks such as inspecting a machine’s safety features, filters, sprockets, and other wearing parts. For third-party products such as chippers or winches, a customisable maintenance schedule can be created based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

All information is automatically collected by the Stihl Connected App and made available in the Stihl Connected Portal. Here, managers can benefit from a detailed overview of their entire machinery fleet, showing working times, maintenance history and the location of the last known connection to each tool. In addition, pictures, warranty information and machine-specific receipts can all be saved via the portal too, removing the need for paper records.

Thanks to systems like Stihl Connected, activity no longer grinds to a halt because the relevant tools require maintenance unexpectedly. Instead, essential equipment can be managed proactively and therefore is ready for use whenever required. 

STIHL CONNECTED AND BATTERY TOOLS

Forestry Journal: The connector not only records the working time of the tool, but the power level history too. The connector not only records the working time of the tool, but the power level history too. (Image: Supplied)

Stihl Connected has been developed with all tools in mind, but thanks to advancements in battery technology, extra functionality can be found in Stihl AP System products. 

The Smart Connector 2 A plugs directly into the control module of over 12 AP System battery tools, for example the MSA 300 chainsaw or the new HTA 160 pole pruner. Once plugged in, the 2 A connector not only records the working time of the tool, but the power level history too, giving even better insights into how machines are used. The Smart Connector 2 A also features a real-time clock, meaning that fleet managers can see historical working time records with accuracy to the nearest minute. 

AP System batteries also have Connected technology built-in as standard, allowing operators to track the total usage time of each battery. 

MORE ON STIHL CONNECTED

Forestry Journal: Stihl’s Smart Connector 2 A plugs directly into the control module of over 12 AP System battery tools, such as the MSA 300 chainsaw. Stihl’s Smart Connector 2 A plugs directly into the control module of over 12 AP System battery tools, such as the MSA 300 chainsaw. (Image: Supplied)

Stihl Connected has been developed to be as versatile as possible. An example of this is that smart connectors can link with any number of smartphones – meaning it doesn’t matter who’s operating the tool, the working time will still be collected regularly. The system is also suitable for machinery fleets that are divided into separate teams or locations, as all machines and employees can be assigned and filtered by teams or categories. Features such as these allow Stihl Connected to be introduced seamlessly into operation, without the need for current processes or work methods to be overhauled. 

Integration with a Stihl-approved dealer is also an optional feature of Stihl Connected. Should you choose, a dealer of your choice can be granted visibility of your fleet of machines, allowing them to update the Connected product records when machines go in for servicing. 

For more information on Stihl products and Stihl Connected, please visit: 
www.stihl.co.uk.