What is a Stihl AP Or AK Battery?

Stihl have been developing their cordless battery tool offering for over 10 years  and its has now grown into multiple ranges.

The two main rangers with interchangeable batteries are called the AK System formally known as the (compact range) and the AP System.

The AK System is a range of cordless battery garden tools designed and made for people with small to medium sized gardens. The AP System is design to be more durable and is better suited to people with larger gardens or professional users.

An AK battery is a battery that fits any of the tools in the AK System and the AP battery will fit any of the tools in the AP system. Before purchasing a battery garden tool its worthwhile looking through the ranges careful and thinking ahead to what else you might need in the future. This way you get the benefit of your battery working in multiple tools. 

Unfortunately the AP and AK batteries are not interchangeable although you can use the same chargers. (AL101, AL300 will work with AK and AP batteries)

Another important difference between the  AP system an the AK system is the AP system is rated IPX4 splash proof, it can be used in the rain. Stihl advise that you don't use cordless tools from the AK system in the rain.