Stihl BG 86 C-E - 365 CFM Gas Handheld Blower Vac
The Stihl BG 86 C-E is a 2-in-1 blower/vacuum delivering up to 365 CFM and 190 MPH. It features a 2-stroke 27.2-cc engine. (Read full specs)
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Description
Ultimate power meets ultimate simplicity. The STIHL BG 86 C-E is the best of both worlds, offering the same no-compromise power and comfort found in the BG 86, but with the Easy2Start™ technology. Now, starting the engine is fast and easy for just about anyone – just a long slow pull of the start cord instead of a hard jerk. To make it even easier, this blower has the simplified starting system that incorporates a specialized stop switch that automatically returns to the start position, as well as a semi-automatic choke lever that helps prevent accidental flooding. And just like the BG 86, this blower comes with both flat and round nozzles for better versatility on the job.
Zoom on the Stihl BG 86 C-E
The Stihl BG 86 C-E
With its gas handheld design, the Stihl BG 86 C-E is mostly aimed at homeowners with a patio or small yard that does not require frequent or large-scale cleanup.
It is capable of expelling a maximum air volume of 365 cubic feet per minute (CFM). Its air speed is rated at 190 MPH. Practically, this means the blower offers modest airflow but strong speed, making it effective for focused clearing on small yard areas, patios, or garden paths.
With its 27.2-cc 2-stroke 2-MIX engine, the BG 86 C-E requires a 50:1 fuel-to-oil mix for operation. The BG 86 C-E benefits from Stihl’s proprietary Easy2Start™ (also called “ErgoStart”) technology. It makes the starter mechanism more reliably thanks to an additional spring between the crankshaft and the starter rope. Upon pulling the starter rope, the engine will attempt to start regardless of how hard the rope was pulled – even a simple two-finger pull is sufficient to start it. Easy2Start™ allows the BG 86 C-E to be started with remarkably less effort than most other blowers. Its fuel tank holds 14.9 fl. oz., within the usual range for gas handheld blowers.
With its variable speed settings, the Stihl BG 86 C-E allows you to precisely control its air output. In addition, the blower is also equipped with cruise control, with which the user can easily maintain the selected settings.
Weighing 9.9 lbs (dry), the handheld design allows the operator to control airflow with one hand.
This blower can also be used as a vacuum, blowing leaves away or collecting them into a bag (vacuum kit and bag not included).
Product Videos
The Stihl BG 86 C-E's performance versus other blowers
The following charts are provided to give you an idea how the key specs of the Stihl BG 86 C-E compare with similar leaf blowers.
- When compared to other gas-powered handheld blowers, the Stihl BG 86 C-E falls in the mid-range for weight at 9.9 lbs. Should weight be a deciding factor, the Stihl BG 50 is worth a look at just 7.9 lbs.
- Forced air exiting this blower has been clocked at a maximum speed of 190 MPH, positioning the BG 86 C-E at the forefront in terms of air velocity among gas-powered handheld blowers. If you wish to benefit from air expelled at the fastest possible speed, the Poulan Pro PPBV25 and its 230 MPH could be an option to consider.
- Its airflow capacity, rated at 365 CFM (cubic feet per minute), positions it at the lower spectrum among gas-powered handheld blowers. For the highest air volume, you may want to have a look at the Ryobi JET FAN RY25AXB, which boasts with 520 CFM.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other blower vacs, the Stihl BG 86 C-E is on the expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it could most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
2-Mix Engine Technology
Stihl's 2-Mix engine is a more eco-friendly and powerful approach to the traditional 2-stroke engine. It features what Stihl calls "stratified scavenging", which simply means that a layer of air is created between the combustion chamber and the crankcase. This action allows the engine to separate fresh fuel from the exhaust, which in turn minimizes the scavenging losses and eliminates the components of the mix that pose a health and environmental hazard (compliant with European Emissions Directive, Stage II). The 2-Mix engine offers a high torque over a wide speed range, a fuel consumption up to 20% lower than conventional 2-stroke engines, and fewer harmful emissions.
The bottom line
- Easy2Start™ technology
- Cruise control
- 2-Mix Engine
- High MPH (190 MPH)
- Decent tank (14.9 fl. oz.)
- Decent weight (9.9 lbs)
- On the expensive side
- Leaf collection bag not included
- Low CFM (365 CFM)
Do you own the Stihl BG 86 C-E and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
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Features and Specifications
| Type | Gas-Powered |
|---|---|
| Handling | Handheld |
| Air volume | Up to 365 CFM |
| Air speed | Up to 190 MPH |
| Blowing force | Up to 15 N |
| Engine type | 2-stroke 2-MIX |
|---|---|
| Engine displacement | 27.2cc |
| Fuel/oil ratio | 50:1 |
| Fuel tank capacity | 14.9 fl. oz. |
| Speed settings | Variable |
| Cruise control | Yes |
|---|---|
| Noise rating | 70 dB |
| Vacuum | Yes |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 2 years |
| UPC | 795711319885 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it. For full technical details on the Stihl BG 86 C-E, the user manual is available here (opens in a new tab).
About Stihl
Stihl AG & Company KG was founded by Andreas Stihl in 1926. The German company specializes in handheld outdoor power equipment. Over the past fifty years, Stihl has opened manufacturing plants in Brazil, the United States, and China. The German company’s sure and steady expansion has made it a leading provider of in the lawn, forestry, and landscape maintenance industries.
Warranty Information
The Stihl BG 86 C-E is covered under a warranty for up to 2 years. This warranty may not cover all parts of the blower.
For more information about the warranty of Stihl blowers, please consult Stihl's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-800-467-8445.
Questions & Answers
My Leaf blower has lost power! I have replaced the plug but to no avail. The air filter is not dirty. (Asked August 22, 2019)
Try to check the carburetor and the muffler, as indicated page 22 of the owner's manual. You can also have a look at our troubleshooting guide.
What is the spark plug gap on the Stihl leaf blower BG 86/C. (Asked September 30, 2021)
The electrode gap is 0.020 in.
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