The RMA348 Family of Mowers | An Arns Buying Guide

If you're shopping for a new lawn mower, you've probably noticed one thing right away: there are more battery-powered options than ever before.

Just a few years ago, homeowners choosing cordless equipment had only a handful of options. Today, nearly every major outdoor power equipment manufacturer offers battery lawn mowers, each promising gas-like performance with quieter operation and less maintenance.

So how do you know which one is actually right for your property?

At Arns Equipment, we've been helping homeowners choose lawn equipment since 1946. While we proudly sell STIHL products, we also believe the best purchase is an informed purchase. Every yard is different, every homeowner has different priorities, and not every mower is built for the same type of work.

In this guide, we'll compare the STIHL RMA 348 family against several of the most popular competitors homeowners are considering today:

• STIHL RMA 348
• Toro 60V Recycler
• EGO Power+ 21"
• Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21"
• Honda HRN216 Gas Mower

By the end, you'll have a much better understanding of which mower best fits your lawn and why.

What Makes the STIHL RMA 348 Different?

The RMA 348 family was designed around one simple goal: provide homeowners with a dependable, easy-to-own mower that delivers excellent cutting performance without unnecessary complexity.

Instead of chasing the largest deck or the biggest battery, STIHL focused on building a mower that's comfortable to use, produces an excellent cut, and is built to last.

Available in four models, the lineup includes:

The consistent 19-inch deck makes these mowers especially well suited to Calgary's suburban neighbourhoods, where maneuverability often matters more than simply having the widest cutting deck possible.

STIHL RMA 348 vs Toro 60V Recycler

Toro has built an outstanding reputation over the decades, particularly for cut quality, and that carries over into its battery lineup.

The Toro Recycler offers a wider 21-inch deck and excellent mulching performance, making it a strong choice for homeowners with larger open lawns.

Where the STIHL stands apart is refinement.

The lighter 19-inch deck is noticeably easier to maneuver around landscaping, fences, gardens, and tighter backyards. Homeowners with average suburban lots often finish mowing feeling less fatigued simply because they're pushing and turning a lighter machine.

Both companies have strong dealer networks, but STIHL's AK Battery System is designed specifically for homeowners who want a straightforward battery platform without stepping into commercial pricing.

Choose the Toro if:

• You have a larger, open yard.
• You primarily mulch.
• You want maximum deck width.

Choose the STIHL if:

• You value maneuverability.
• Your property has landscaping or tighter spaces.
• You want a lighter mower that's easy to own.

STIHL RMA 348 vs EGO Power+

EGO is arguably the most recognizable battery mower brand in North America.

Their larger batteries, high marketing visibility, and broad retail availability have made them a common choice for homeowners entering the battery market.

Performance-wise, they're excellent machines.

Where STIHL often earns praise is consistency and dealer support.

Buying through an authorized STIHL dealer means your mower is assembled correctly, supported locally, and backed by technicians who work on the equipment every day. If you ever need parts, warranty work, or simply have questions, you're speaking with people who know the product inside and out.

For many homeowners, that long-term support becomes just as valuable as the mower itself.

STIHL RMA 348 vs Milwaukee M18 FUEL

Milwaukee has done something unique.

Rather than targeting traditional lawn equipment buyers, they've focused on tradespeople and homeowners who already own M18 batteries.

If your garage is full of Milwaukee drills, impacts, and saws, the mower is certainly attractive because you can share batteries across your tool collection.

However, Milwaukee's background is construction tools.

STIHL's background is outdoor power equipment.

That difference shows in areas like mower balance, grass collection performance, long-term outdoor durability, and overall mowing experience.

If your priority is keeping everything on one battery platform, Milwaukee makes a lot of sense.

If your priority is having a mower designed from the ground up by a company specializing in outdoor equipment, the STIHL deserves serious consideration.

STIHL RMA 348 vs Honda HRN216

This comparison is a little different because Honda's HRN216 remains one of the best residential gas lawn mowers ever built.

Many homeowners shopping for a battery mower are actually replacing one.

Honda still wins in one category:

Unlimited runtime.

As long as you have gasoline, you can keep mowing.

Where the STIHL wins is convenience.

No fuel stabilizer.

No oil changes.

No spark plugs.

No pull starts.

Far less noise.

No exhaust.

For homeowners mowing a typical city lot, the battery experience is simply easier. You charge the battery, press a button, and mow.

For many families, especially those who mow once a week, that's a compelling reason to move away from gas.

Which Homeowners Should Choose the STIHL RMA 348?

The RMA 348 family is an excellent fit for homeowners who:

• Have small to medium-sized residential lawns.
• Want excellent cut quality without excessive weight.
• Prefer dealer support over big-box retail.
• Want quiet operation.
• Want minimal maintenance.
• Already own or plan to build a collection of STIHL AK battery tools.

It's especially appealing for Calgary homeowners where many neighbourhoods feature mature trees, landscaping, gates, and tighter mowing areas that reward a more maneuverable mower.

Quick Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 19-inch mower large enough?

For most Calgary and surrounding residential properties, absolutely. A 19-inch mower offers an excellent balance between cutting efficiency and maneuverability, especially around landscaping and tighter spaces.

Is battery power strong enough?

Modern battery mowers have come a long way. For regularly maintained residential lawns, the STIHL RMA 348 delivers more than enough cutting performance while offering quieter operation and dramatically reduced maintenance.

Is the STIHL AK Battery System reliable?

Yes. The AK Battery System has become one of STIHL's most trusted homeowner platforms. It's designed specifically for residential users and powers a growing range of compatible outdoor power equipment.

Should I choose push or self-propelled?

If your property is flat and relatively small, the push models are an excellent value. If your lawn is larger, includes gentle slopes, or you simply want to reduce fatigue, the Vario self-propelled models are well worth considering.

Our Recommendation

Every homeowner has different priorities, and there isn't one mower that's perfect for everyone.

If you're heavily invested in Milwaukee tools, the M18 mower makes sense. If you're replacing a gas mower and don't mind ongoing engine maintenance, Honda still builds an exceptional machine. If you want a larger cutting deck, Toro and EGO both offer strong options.

But if you're looking for a mower that combines excellent cut quality, thoughtful design, dependable battery performance, and the confidence that comes from buying through an experienced servicing dealer, the STIHL RMA 348 family is one of the best choices available today.

For 80 years, Arns Equipment has been helping homeowners find the right outdoor power equipment for their property. As a family-owned and operated business serving Calgary and the surrounding communities since 1946, we've built our reputation on honest advice, knowledgeable service, and supporting our customers long after the sale.

Whether you're shopping from Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Victoria, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, or almost anywhere else in Canada outside Quebec, we ship nationwide and are here to help you choose the STIHL mower that's right for your yard. If you have questions about the RMA 348 lineup or any other outdoor power equipment, our team is always happy to help.