I’m Mark, and this is my in-depth review of the STIGA Combi 340e Kit — the 48V cordless lawn mower from STIGA’s Essential range. I assembled it, tested it across a range of conditions, and put it through some real-world challenges so you can see how it performs on small to medium lawns. In this article I cover what’s included in the kit, how simple it is to assemble, the specifications and technology inside the machine, how it handles different cutting modes (collect, mulch and rear discharge), and share the results from my field tests — including a long-grass test and a bounce test to check build robustness.
STIGA Combi 340e Video Review
Before we dive into the detailed tests and my verdict, here’s a quick summary of the core specifications, so you know what we’re looking at:
- Motor system: 48V brushless motor (0.86 kW quoted for the 48V system)
- Battery: 48V, 4.0 Ah lithium-ion (included in the kit)
- Deck width: 38 cm
- Grass catcher: 40 L all-cloth (mesh) bag
- Cutting height positions: Six positions from 25 mm up to 75 mm (centralised lever)
- Weight: 14 kg
- Cutting modes: 3-in-1: cut and collect, mulch (mulch plug supplied), rear discharge
- Warranty: 5-year warranty out-of-the-box (no registration required)
What you get in the box and initial impressions
The kit I tested arrives with everything most homeowners need to get mowing immediately: the mower itself, a 48V 4Ah battery, charger, a 40-litre cloth grass catcher, a mulching plug and basic fasteners for assembly. A user guide is included for safety and assembly instructions.
Two kit details stood out for me straight away: the inclusion of a mulching plug as standard, and the 48V 4Ah battery. Many entry level cordless mowers either don’t include mulching as an option or charge extra for it. A 48V battery in this price bracket is a strong point because it provides a higher voltage platform than the common 20V or 36V systems you see on lower cost models.
Assembly — simple, adjustable and designed for storage
Assembly is straightforward and can be completed by one person in around 10–15 minutes. The lower bars arrive pre-installed, and the upper bars are secured using a simple bolt/lever clamp system that locks in place. There are two height positions for the handle final lock so you can adjust the overall handle height and angle, 3 positions, for comfortable mowing posture.
There’s a cable tidy clip for the main power cable so it doesn’t snag when you fold the handles down, and the handles fold quickly using the quick-release levers for reduced storage footprint. The grass catcher is made from cloth with a metal frame that slots into the bag and clips on securely — once the plastic hooks are on, it’s a tight fit and stays put.
Design, ergonomics and key features
STIGA have focused on ergonomics here. The handle grips are rubber-coated rather than bare plastic, which makes mowing more comfortable over longer sessions. A feature I really like is the dual start levers (left and right) — you can hold either lever to keep the mower running, which makes turning and cornering that much easier. That, combined with significantly larger rear wheels compared to the front, makes manoeuvrability excellent for a push mower of this size.
The mower uses a centralised height adjustment lever with six positions ranging from 25 mm to 75 mm. That covers all typical lawn care needs from short summer cuts to higher winter settings. The deck construction is light, but feels robust for the Essential range; at 14 kg it’s easy to push and transport using the central carry handle.
Under the deck — blade, mulching and discharge options
Under the deck STIGA supply a mulching blade with fins that encourage grass to be chopped into very small pieces. The mower supports three cutting methods:
- Cut & collect: Grass is discharged into the 40 L collection bag.
- Mulching: The supplied mulching plug blocks the rear chute so clippings remain in the deck and are finely chopped back onto the lawn.
- Rear discharge: If you prefer to blow clippings back onto the lawn (or into a striped pile), the rear flap allows for rear discharge.
There is no rear roller, so if you chase striping patterns you won’t get them with this model. In practice, the lack of a roller is common on lightweight mowers, and not a surprise for this price and weight category.
Battery, power and expected run times
The included battery is a 48V 4Ah pack. That equates to 48V × 4Ah = 192 Wh (watt-hours) of stored energy. The manufacturer quotes a motor power of around 0.86 kW (860 W) for the 48V system. If the motor were to run at full power continuously, a simple calculation suggests:
- 192 Wh / 860 W ≈ 0.223 hours, or roughly 13–14 minutes at continuous full power. (my testing was just over 20 minutes)
However, mowing is not a constant full-power activity. The motor behaves dynamically — it ramps up when the load increases (for example, when the mower meets thicker or longer grass) and steps down when the load lightens. During my testing I observed the power stepping up and down in response to the load. That means the real-world run time is typically longer than the theoretical continuous figure because much of the mowing time is spent at partial power.
Realistically you should expect run times dependent on conditions: short, easy lawns will give the best runtimes; thick, damp or long grass will reduce runtime. STIGA rate this model up to roughly a garden size of 350 m² — a reasonable target for the 48V 4Ah battery if the mowing sessions are managed (e.g., using mulching and lower load cutting settings where possible, keeping grass heights maintained and not letting the grass grow extremely long between cuts).
Cutting tests — cut & collect (normal lawn)
For the primary cut-and-collect test I used a lawn that had been stressed by a dry spring and had longer growth than ideal — around 100 mm in places. I set the mower to position 3 which I estimate to be around 45–50 mm and made multiple passes to see how it handled heavy removal (note: generally you should avoid removing more than one-third of the existing height in a single pass).
Results:
- Blade quality and deck airflow gave a very clean, even cut across the deck width.
- The cloth grass catcher filled from the back forward, which indicates good airflow and efficient collection — a common benefit of mesh-based bags.
- When heavier patches were encountered the mower automatically increased power to get through without bogging down, then stepped back down when load reduced. This power ramping preserves runtime and ensures consistent cutting performance.
After several passes I observed the bag bulging at the rear and filling effectively to its full 40 L capacity. The cloth bag’s airflow characteristics allow it to fill fully rather than only collecting at the front like some fully plastic boxes. Overall, the cut quality from this mower was clean and precise, all grass was collected with no issues.
Mulching test — how well does the mulching plug work?
Mulching is one of my favourite methods for healthy lawns because finely chopped clippings return nutrients and moisture to the turf — a bit like a natural slow-release feed. The Combi 340e ships with a mulching plug which clips into the rear so the cuttings are recycled into the deck and processed by the mulching blade.
For the mulching test I dropped the cutting height one notch and passed over an area I had just cut. The mower produced fine, evenly chopped clippings which spread over the lawn and are small enough to break down quickly. The result was a tidy finish with the benefits of returning organic matter to the turf. During hot, dry periods this can help retain moisture and give the lawn a fresher appearance with healthier results.
Rear discharge test
Rear discharge operation was straightforward — remove the mulching plug from the mower. The airflow keeps the chute clear and I experienced no clogging during the test. While I personally prefer either collect or mulch, it’s useful to have the rear discharge option for very long grass or when you want to blow clippings into a compost area.
Long grass test — does a cordless 48V mower cope?
One of the most common concerns when switching from petrol to cordless is whether battery mowers can handle thick, long growth. I put the Combi 340e through a real stress test on very dense, long straw like grass and ran the mower at its highest cutting setting to see how the motor responded.
Outcome:
- The motor never sounded like it was struggling — it stepped up to handle the load and maintained blade speed admirably.
- Battery drain increased, as you’d expect, but the mower powered through with consistent cutting performance.
- This demonstrates that a 48V system with a well-designed motor can be a viable replacement for petrol in many homeowner situations.
Bounce test and build reliability
I always bounce-test mowers I review because some models have exhibited issues in the past — such as the grass catcher dislodging when the machine hits a bump, or the height adjustment springing out. For this test I filled the grass catcher until it was absolutely full and heavy, then bounced the mower around vigorously to simulate extreme uneven ground and bumps.
Result: the grass catcher stayed in place and the height setting remained locked. The clips and locking mechanisms are secure, and I saw no signs of weakness in the assembly points. For day-to-day homeowner use, the build quality looks reassuring.
Pros and cons — my balanced summary
I list the key advantages and drawbacks based on my hands-on experience and testing of this mower. Every mower has trade-offs; the aim here is to help you decide whether the Combi 340e matches your priorities.
Practical tips and best practices
Having spent time assembling and using this mower, here are practical recommendations that will help you get the best performance and longevity from the Combi 340e.
Mowing technique and height selection
- Aim to remove no more than one-third of total grass height in a single mowing pass. This reduces stress on the turf and gives the cleanest finish.
- Use the six-height positions to adjust seasonally: lower in late spring/summer for a neat look and higher in autumn/winter to protect roots and reduce drought stress.
- When grass is very long, do a first lighter pass at a higher height or use a scythe/strimmer to reduce bulk before a closer cut.
Battery and charging guidance
- Charge the battery fully before the first use and monitor the charge gauge during mowing. The battery has charge LEDs that show remaining capacity while in use.
- Store batteries in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving them discharged for long periods. If you use the mower infrequently, give the battery a top-up charge every month or so to maintain health.
Mulching and lawn health
- Mulching works best when clippings are short and dry; long wet clippings can clump and smother the turf.
- Use mulching regularly to return nutrients and moisture, particularly during drier spells.
- If you have a small lawn where clippings will be visible or if you’re tidying a formal lawn prior to an event, collect rather than mulch for a pristine finish.
Maintenance and storage
- Keep the blade sharp and balanced for the best cut and to reduce battery drain. A dull blade tears turf and increases motor load.
- Clear the deck and chute occasionally to avoid build-up, especially when switching between mulch and collect modes.
- Fold the handle and store the mower in a dry place. The mesh bag can be emptied and dried after wet use to prevent mildew.
How the Combi 340e compares to other models (34 cm and 42 cm siblings and competitors)
| Combi 336e Kit Cordless lawn mower | Combi 340e Kit Cordless lawn mower | Combi 344e Kit Cordless lawn mower | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power source | Battery | Battery | Battery |
| Voltage | 48 Volt | 48 Volt | 48 Volt |
| Mowing area | 200 ㎡ | 350 ㎡ | 400 ㎡ |
| Battery kit | Included | Included | Included |
| Battery capacity | 2 Ah | 4 Ah | 5 Ah |
| Power | 0.86 kW | 0.86 kW | 1.3 kW |
| Cutting system | |||
| Cutting width | 34 cm | 38 cm | 42 cm |
| Cutting height adjustment | Centralized | Centralized | Centralized |
| Cutting height positions | 6 positions | 6 positions | 6 positions |
| Cutting height range | 25 – 75 mm | 25 – 75 mm | 25 – 75 mm |
| Cutting method | Collecting, Mulching, Rear discharge | Collecting, Mulching, Rear discharge | Collecting, Mulching, Rear discharge |
Who is the STIGA Combi 340e best for?
This mower is ideal for:
- Homeowners with small-to-medium gardens up to around 350 m² looking for a reliable cordless solution.
- Those who want flexibility — collect, mulch and rear discharge in one machine.
- Anyone who prefers a lightweight, manoeuvrable push mower with comfortable ergonomics and a solid warranty.
- Buyers who value an out-of-the-box mulching capability and a mid-range 48V power platform without stepping up to the more expensive high-capacity battery systems.
This mower may be less suited to:
- Large lawns where continuous mowing beyond the single battery runtime is required (unless you buy a spare battery).
- Users who demand a manicured stripe pattern on the lawn—there’s no rear roller for striping.
Final verdict — who should buy the STIGA Combi 340e?
After assembling, testing and using the STIGA Combi 340e in a variety of conditions — from cutting standard lawns and mulching to tackling very long grass and performing a bounce test — I’m confident in recommending this mower for many homeowners. It offers an excellent balance of power (48V), ergonomics (comfortable grips and dual levers), and practical features (mulching plug included, 40 L mesh bag). The five-year warranty is generous and gives extra reassurance.
If you need a lightweight, manoeuvrable cordless mower with solid cut quality and the flexibility to collect, mulch or rear discharge, the Combi 340e is a compelling option. If you routinely manage very large areas without the opportunity to recharge or swap batteries, you may want to consider either a higher-capacity battery, an additional battery, or a larger deck variant (such as the 42 cm model) that pairs with higher Ah batteries.
- Item No. 294386068/ST2
Last update on 2026-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long will the battery last on a full charge?
A: The Combi 340e’s power management means it steps up when needed and idles lower otherwise, so typical runtimes are arounds 20 minutes.
Q: Can I mulch and collect at the same time?
A: No, mulching requires the mulching plug to block the rear chute so cuttings recycle into the deck and are finely chopped. When the plug is inserted you can’t collect; when collecting, the rear chute must be open. You can switch between modes quickly by removing or inserting the mulching plug and fitting/emptying the collection bag.
Q: Is the grass catcher effective?
A: Yes. The cloth mesh catcher used by STIGA for this model offers excellent airflow and fills from back to front, allowing you to use the full 40 L volume. The trade-off is that very dusty conditions allow dust to escape through the mesh; most users find the airflow benefit outweighs the dust issue, but if dust is a major concern, a rigid box style collector can be preferable.
Q: How sturdy is the assembly — will the height setting bounce out?
A: In my bounce test with a completely full grass bag, the height setting held firm and the catcher remained attached. The lever and bolt clamp mechanisms are secure and give the mower reliable performance over bumps typical of domestic lawns.
Q: Does the mower require registration to get the five-year warranty?
A: According to the documentation and STIGA’s policy at the time of testing, the five-year warranty for this model is provided out-of-the-box and does not require additional registration. Always check current warranty terms with the retailer or STIGA directly, as policies can change.
Q: Will this replace a petrol mower?
A: The Combi 340e demonstrates that modern 48V battery systems can match petrol in many homeowner scenarios — especially for small-to-medium lawns and regular maintenance. For very large areas, heavy commercial workloads or continuous long-hour use, petrol or higher-capacity battery platforms may still be preferable. For most domestic gardens, the Combi 340e is more than capable.
As a seasoned expert in the field of garden power tools, I have dedicated over a decade to working with and reviewing a wide variety of lawn mowers. My extensive experience has allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the benefits and limitations of different types of mowers and garden tools.
Over the years, I have honed my skills in writing informative articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications. This has given me the ability to not only recognise what makes a good lawn mower, but also to help you choose the perfect garden tool for your specific needs and requirements.
With my wealth of knowledge and expertise, I am confident that I can provide you with valuable insights and recommendations when it comes to selecting the right lawn mower for your lawn. So, whether you're looking for a battery cordless, electric, petrol, or robotic mower, you can trust in my expertise to guide you towards the best option for your garden.
