August 31, 2026
Keeping My Stable Courtyard Clean with STIHL
At my farm, one lesson I constantly emphasize to my gardeners and outdoor grounds crew is to “use the right tool for the right job.” It makes all the difference, not only in efficiency but also in safety.
I’ve been a longtime user of STIHL products. STIHL offers an impressive range of tools, including professional-grade chainsaws, trimmers, blowers, pressure washers, brush cutters, and more. My newest piece of equipment is the STIHL KombiSystem, a versatile landscaping solution built around a powerful KombiMotor and a range of interchangeable attachments. The brush is ideal for cleaning the cobblestones around my stable courtyard.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
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- I store all the STIHL tools in my large Equipment Barn where they can be kept organized and ready-to-use.
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- This is a STIHL FS 361 C-EM Z 20-1/2 inch 37.7cc Gas Powered Brush Cutter with Spark Muffler for heavy duty cutting and thinning.
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- One of my favorite tools is the STIHL HSA 26 Battery-Powered Garden Shears. It is lightweight with a rubberized handle for a comfortable and secure grip. I use this tool all the time. It can also be used with the STIHL GTA 26 Extension Shaft for almost five feet more reach.
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- Last spring, I got a new fleet of STIHL mowers – both gas powered and battery operated. They’re great for using in large lawn spaces as well as any flat, narrow, tight areas around my home.
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- They are all kept safely in my Equipment Barn with all he other hand tools.
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- STIHL’s most well-known tool is the chainsaw. STIHL designed and built its first chain saw in 1926 and 100 years later, it is still one of its best pieces of equipment.
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- And this is my new KM 131 Gasoline KombiSystem with the STIHL Bristle Brush Attachment Head.
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- The brush head features durable nylon bristles and a wide sweeping surface that covers a two foot wide area as it moves.
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- The brush’s strong bristles are safe and usable on paved areas, walkways, driveways, uneven stone floors, and the cobblestones in my stable courtyard.
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- The unit is easy to carry and has a durable body strap for extra stability.
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- A loop handle provides comfort and control in tough spots.
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- Pete put it to use right away. These cobblestones needed some regular cleaning to remove the dirt and grime that accumulates with use.
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- Pete goes from one end to the other in rows – the brush only removes the surface dirt and doesn’t disturb any of the mortar between the cobblestones.
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- Here’s a closer look at what debris is brushed out – mostly dirt from my horses when they return from their pastures.
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- It looks great after just one pass.
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- Here, one can see which side is cleaned and which side still needs sweeping.
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- Pete also used it along the cobblestones near the carriage road of my linden tree allée.
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- The engine provides strong consistent power to loosen and remove the unwanted dirt.
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- Next, Pete uses the STIHL battery-powered blower around the building and ornamental planters where the brush cannot reach.
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- And uses the more powerful backpack blower to push the dirt completely off the courtyard. I’ve been using STIHL’s backpack blowers for years here at my farm.
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- The entire courtyard is done in less than an hour. Using the right tool for the right job definitely works.
This story originally appeared on Martha Stewart Blog
