Stihl

A Stihl is where it at, fire up a 361pro and tell everyone else to STAND BACK.

Stihl MS 280 C-BQ chain saw JayCassell 2009

A Stihl is where it at, fire up a 361pro and tell everyone else to STAND BACK.

Stihl MS 280 C-BQ chain saw JayCassell 2009

A Stihl is where it at, fire up a 361pro and tell everyone else to STAND BACK.

Stihl MS 280 C-BQ chain saw JayCassell 2009

Stihl is among the major names changing the scenario: The company unveiled its cordless HSA 65 20-inch hedge trimmer at this year's Green Industry and Equipment Expo (GIE+Expo) trade show as part of a new line of 36-volt outdoor power tools.

Outdoor-gear preview: Are hedge trimmers cutting the cord? 2010

A Stihl is where it at, fire up a 361pro and tell everyone else to STAND BACK.

Stihl MS 280 C-BQ chain saw JayCassell 2009

For the trimmer, Stihl also announced a battery belt ($150) designed to lighten the load during use — a latter-day version of the battery belts several companies pushed during the 1980s.

Outdoor-gear preview: Are hedge trimmers cutting the cord? 2010

But Stihl claims it is four times quieter than its gasoline-powered equivalent.

Outdoor-gear preview: Are hedge trimmers cutting the cord? 2010

Gasoline-powered tools are also in for some competition: Stihl will debut two cordless string trimmers that'll be ready for spring and, for next fall, a chain saw and handheld blower as part of the 36-volt line.

Outdoor-gear preview: Are hedge trimmers cutting the cord? 2010

Peter Mueller , executive vice president of the U.S. arm of Germany's Stihl, says he would buy robots and other machines even if they were far more costly.

Man vs. Machine, a Jobless Recovery Timothy Aeppel 2012

Instead of hiring, companies such as Sunny Delight and chain-saw maker Stihl Holding AG are investing in technology or other ways to make existing operations faster and more productive.

Man vs. Machine, a Jobless Recovery Timothy Aeppel 2012