STIHL Connected: Smart Machine Management Made Simple

Keeping track of your tools can be tricky if you’re maintaining a large private garden, never mind running a works team with dozens of machines. Missed services, forgotten oil changes or misplaced tools are not only inconvenient but can also cost time and money. That’s where STIHL Connected comes in — a clever digital system that takes the hard work out of machine management.

With a combination of hardware and software, STIHL Connected makes it easy to record run times, schedule servicing, and keep your fleet of tools organised. Just as useful for a single machine as it is for a full workshop, it’s an excellent way for both homeowners and professionals to get more from their garden tools.

What Exactly Is STIHL Connected?

STIHL Connected is a digital ecosystem made up of three main components: the STIHL Smart Connector, the STIHL Connected App, and the STIHL Connect Pro Portal. Together, they turn ordinary tools into part of a connected network that tracks usage and helps you stay on top of maintenance.

The smart connector STIHL produces is a small sensor that attaches to your machine. Once installed, it records working hours and transmits the data to your smartphone via Bluetooth. From there, the information syncs with the STIHL Connect App, which gives you a clear overview of your tool’s usage and service requirements. For professional users, the online STIHL Connect Pro portal offers a powerful dashboard to manage entire fleets of tools.

It’s a straightforward idea that makes a big difference: instead of guessing when a machine needs attention or struggling with written notes, you’ll get automatic reminders, so you can seamlessly keep accurate records and ensure every tool remains in peak condition.

Understanding the STIHL Smart Connector

The original STIHL Smart Connector is less than 5 cm in diameter and can be attached to petrol, battery or electric machines. It works by picking up the tool’s electrical signal when in use and logging run time data. Even if your phone isn’t nearby, the connector continues counting and uploads the information when it next syncs via Bluetooth.

One common misconception is that the connector tracks location in real time, like a GPS unit. That’s not the case. The only location it records is where the phone app was last opened while in range of the tool. So, if you open the app at your depot or garage, that’s the point logged — not the customer’s garden or job site. This reassures users that personal location data isn’t being tracked.

Another useful feature is its compatibility with other brands. Although STIHL designed it for their own equipment, you can also use the connector on third-party machines, from other garden tools to workshop kit. Some users have even fitted STIHL Smart Connect devices to their motorcycles to remind them about servicing!

The STIHL Smart Connector 2 A

Developed for those who want more than just run-time data, STIHL Smart Connector 2A connects directly into the control module of selected STIHL professional AP System battery machines.

It doesn’t just record hours; it also monitors operating speed, component status, and even ambient temperature. Thanks to a built-in real-time clock, it logs exactly when and for how long the tool was used, even if it hasn’t synced with a smartphone.

Another neat feature is its LED light. A quick button press will tell you if maintenance is due, or help identify a particular tool in a large fleet. That makes it invaluable for professional workshops managing dozens of similar machines.

Using the STIHL Connected App

The STIHL Smart Connector app is the central hub for homeowners and small teams alike. Think of this STIHL Connected box as your digital tool shed: every machine with a connector appears in the app, along with its operating hours, maintenance reminders and serial number details.

If a tool is shared between staff, multiple smartphones can collect data from the same connector, so information always stays up to date. What’s more, the app doesn’t require constant connection for the system to work — in fact, the connector stores data until the next sync, so nothing is lost. Still, opening the app regularly is recommended for the most accurate, up-to-date records.

For added convenience, the STIHL Connected app also allows you to see which machines are nearby at the end of the day, helping you avoid accidentally leaving a tool behind at a work site.

The STIHL Connect Pro Portal

While the app is perfect for personal use, professionals benefit most from the STIHL Connect Pro portal. This web-based dashboard gives fleet managers a detailed overview of every machine. You can see which tools are due for service, assign machines to different teams, and view historical usage data to plan replacements or rotate equipment evenly.

Another popular misconception is that employees can only see the machines they personally use. In reality, unless teams are assigned, all registered staff can see all machines on the account. To streamline things, you can create groups based on location, role or site, ensuring the right people see the tools most relevant to them.

You can also choose to give your STIHL dealer access to the data, which means they’ll know exactly what work is required when you book a service. That saves time, prevents tools unnecessarily being out of action, and ensures your equipment gets the right care exactly when it needs it.

Setting Up STIHL Connected

Getting started is refreshingly simple. First, create an account in the app or portal. If you’re managing a team, register employees so multiple devices can pick up connector data throughout the day.

Next, add your machines by scanning their barcodes or entering details manually. Attach a STIHL Smart Connector or Smart Connector 2 A, and pair it with the app. From that point on, run-time data is recorded automatically.

Maintenance schedules for STIHL machines are preloaded, but you can also create custom schedules for other brands. That way, every piece of equipment in your shed or depot can be managed under one system.

Finally, consider linking your account with a STIHL Authorised Dealer, like us, for streamlined servicing. It’s a quick step that ensures expert support and helps keep your fleet in tip-top condition.

Why STIHL Connected Is Worth It

The benefits of STIHL Connected are crystal clear. For homeowners, it takes away the worry of missing vital maintenance and helps protect your investment in tools. For professionals, it reduces downtime, streamlines servicing, and provides valuable insights into tool usage.

It’s also important to recognise what it isn’t. The system doesn’t offer live GPS tracking, nor is it a replacement for good workshop habits. Instead, it’s a powerful support tool that adds clarity, accuracy and efficiency to machine management.

By cutting down on paperwork, preventing unnecessary over-servicing, and keeping machines in peak condition, STIHL Connected ultimately saves time, effort and money.

Upgrade to STIHL Smart Technology with GMD

If you’re ready to make your toolkit smarter, the next step is to invest in the right connectors and machines. At Garden Machinery Direct, we offer everything, from the original STIHL Smart Connector and advanced Smart Connector 2A, right through to an unbeatable range of compatible STIHL tools in our STIHL Brand Shop.

And as a STIHL Authorised Dealer, we don’t just supply the products — we provide expert advice and dependable aftercare. Our knowledge of STIHL Smart Connect systems means we can guide you every single step of the way.

STIHL Connected FAQs

Does STIHL Connected track my tools with GPS?
No. The STIHL smart connector is not a GPS tracker. It only records the location where your phone app was last opened while near the machine. This protects privacy while still helping you confirm if all tools are back in the workshop.

Will the connector stop recording if my phone isn’t nearby?
Not at all. The connector continues logging hours even when out of Bluetooth range. The next time the STIHL smart connector app is opened within 10 metres, all stored data is transferred.

Can I use STIHL Connected with non-STIHL tools?
Yes. Although designed for STIHL machines, the connector can also be fitted to other brands of petrol or cordless tools. You can even create custom maintenance schedules in the STIHL Connect Pro portal for complete oversight of these machines.

What’s the difference between the Smart Connector and Smart Connector 2 A?
The original connector records run time, while the Smart Connector 2A provides more detailed data such as speed, temperature and component status. It also includes a real-time clock and LED indicator, making it ideal for professional fleets.