Stihl’s reputation as a dependable, quality outdoor power equipment brand is hard to dispute. And, in line with the increasing demand for battery-powered products, they’ve become all the more bullish in their approach to the production of their cordless models . So, when Stihl’s reps contacted us about the BGA 86 leaf blower, we jumped at the chance to review it.
Our team put it through the paces. Here’s what they thought of it.
Stihl BGA 86 Leaf blower Performance
- Blowing Force: 15 N
- Air Speed: 154 mph
- Air Flow: 429 CFM
- Estimated Runtime: 21 min.
Blowing Force
Among the blowers that Stihl designed for the residential market, the BGA 86 is the most powerful, delivering blowing forces of 429 CFM and 154 MPH. Together, they amount to 15 Newtons, which is impressive for a consumer-grade handheld model.
Runtime
Stihl tells us that the BGA 86 will provide upwards of 21 minutes, which isn’t bad for a residential leaf blower. However, you will need to be mindful of how hard you run it and how quickly you work.
During our tests, we saw a runtime of 22 minutes and 18 seconds. Again, for basic, light-duty work, this will have you covered.
Stihl BGA 86 Leaf blower Design Notes
- Model: Stihl BGA 86
- Power Source: Stihl 36V battery
- Weight: 6.2 lbs (bare), 10.25 lbs (with kitted 7.2Ah battery)
- Length: 38.5 in.
- Noise Level: 58 dBA (ANSI), 74 dBA (from operator’s ear)
Size and Weight
With the kitted AP300S 7.2Ah battery, the BGA 86 comes in at 10.25 pounds. It measures 38.5 inches with the concentrator nozzle retracted, and 46.25 inches with the nozzle fully extended.
Grip Design
Stihl pretty much kept to the industry formula regarding the grip design on the BGA 86 leaf blower. They included a rather traditional rubber overmolded grip, a variable speed trigger, a beaver tail safety, and a thumb safety to help prevent accidental activation.
Quiet Operation
In addition to efficiency, operating noise is a driving force behind cordless outdoor power equipment design. This model has a foam liner inside the rear air intake to help dampen the overall volume.
When our review team tested it (36 inches from the operator’s ear), they got 74 decibels at full throttle. This is extremely quiet considering that many of the blowers we’ve tested register at 85+ decibels .
Additional Features
- Hanging slot for vertical storage
- IPX4 rated
Stihl BGA 86 Leaf blower Price
The Stihl BGA 86 retails for $279.99 as a bare tool and $689.99 as a kit. The kit includes an AP300S 7.2Ah battery and a single port AL301 rapid charger. Stihl backs this blower and the accompanying battery with a 3-year limited warranty.
The Final Word
The Stihl BGA 86 leaf blower is a great model for those homeowners who want to step away from their gas cans. It’s a solid solution for blowing off hard surfaces like driveways and sidewalks, as well as moving an array of debris around the yard for collection. It’s not the most powerful model in town, but it’s nonetheless effective and quiet.
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