What is it?
Stihl has taken the concept of the popular GTA 26 mini-pruner and scaled it up with the new Stihl GTA 30. It's a handheld cordless garden pruner designed for domestic use in medium to large gardens. It uses Stihl's interchangeable AS battery system, meaning you can share the batteries with other cordless tools in the range, like the HSA 26 Garden Shears or ASA 20 Secateurs.
Unlike the smaller GTA 26 which uses a single battery, the upgraded GTA 30 packs more punch by using two 10.8V AS 2 lithium-ion batteries running in parallel. It comes fitted with a 15cm (6-inch) guide bar, a significant step up from the 10cm bar on its smaller sibling, giving you a deeper reach for managing thicker branches, shrubs and hedges.
The GTA 30 is sold as a comprehensive kit for £289.00, which includes the pruner itself, two AS 2 batteries, an AL 5-2 high-speed double charger, a 50ml bottle of Multioil Bio lubricant and a sturdy hard storage case. You can buy the GTA 30 direct from Stihl.
Is the Stihl GTA 30 any good?
Engineered with German quality, Stihl products rarely disappoint when it comes to build and the GTA 30 is no exception. It feels incredibly solid and well-balanced in the hand. There are no loose components or cheap-feeling plastics here. Instead it feels like a serious tool built for proper garden maintenance.
Out of the box, it requires virtually no assembly. The two AS 2 batteries charge simultaneously on the included AL 5-2 high-speed charger in just 50 minutes from flat, which is impressive. You simply slot both batteries into the rear of the tool and you're ready to get to work.
We tested the GTA 30 across several weeks of garden tidying, focusing on some rowan trees that needing cutting back, thick laurel hedges and cutting up old fence timber for garden waste disposal.
The standout feature of the GTA 30 is its weight and balance. Weighing just 1.5kg without the batteries (and roughly 1.9kg with them installed), it’s remarkably light. Stihl explains that it should be operated with two hands – one on the main rubberised grip and one on the top handle to guide the cut. Thanks to this design, control is precise and it doesn't cause the wrist fatigue you often get with heavier loppers or reciprocating saws.
The cutting performance is excellent. It utilizes a ¼-inch PM3 saw chain that slices through wood cleanly and with minimal vibration. Stihl claims a full charge can handle up to 180 cuts in 5cm branches. In our testing, we managed to clear a significant pile of brushwood before noticing the battery level drop. Even better, Stihl’s Constant Power electronics ensure that the tool cuts with the exact same speed and torque whether the batteries are completely full or nearing empty.
Maintenance is also noticeably user-friendly. Stihl has introduced a RightTight chain tensioning mechanism. If the chain goes slack, you simply fold out a little handle on the sprocket cover, twist it 90 degrees and a spring mechanism automatically sets the chain to the perfect tension.
The only slight drawback is that oiling isn't automatic. You do have to manually apply a few drops of the included bio-oil directly onto the chain every few cuts.
Safety has clearly been thought through as well. There is a flexible, asymmetrical protective hood covering the top of the chain that folds back up to 90 degrees as you press into a branch, keeping your hands shielded without blocking your line of sight.
Should you buy it?
If you find yourself constantly wrestling with manual loppers or find a full-sized chainsaw too heavy and intimidating for basic garden maintenance, the Stihl GTA 30 is a great investment.
While £289 might feel a bit steep upfront for a handheld tool, the inclusion of two batteries, a rapid dual charger and a proper hardcase makes it a fair package – especially given Stihl's renowned longevity. The 15cm bar makes it genuinely useful for realistic garden jobs and the tool is light enough for gardeners of almost any ability to use safely.
