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Stihl BG 86 C-E Spec Review

The Stihl BG 86 C-E is a gas-powered handheld leaf blower delivering 444 CFM at 190 MPH. It features a 2-cycle 27.2cc engine. (Read full specs)

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Stihl BG 86 C-E 444 CFM Gas Blower
According to Stihl's Internet Sales Policy (opens in a new tab), it is not possible to ship a NEW Stihl product in the USA. The only way to get the Stihl BG 86 C-E shipped to your place is to get it second hand or refurbished on eBay. Online stores such as Northern Tool, Ace Hardware, and Farm & Fleet (links below) may allow online purchase and in-store pickup of Stihl products.

Features and Specifications

Type
Type Gas-Powered
Handling Handheld
CFM Up to 444
MPH Up to 190
Blowing Force 15 N
Engine
Make 2-MIX
Engine displacement 27.2cc
Strokes 2
Fuel/oil ratio 50:1
Speed settings Variable
Features
Cruise controlYes
Fuel tank 14.9 fl. oz.
Vacuum No
Misc
Weight 9.9 lbs
Noise rating 70 dB
Warranty 2 years
CARB-compliantYes

Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue. Should you wish more detailed specs on the Stihl BG 86 C-E, the user manual is available here (opens in a new tab).

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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. (source: Stihl)

Overview of the Stihl BG 86 C-E

The Stihl BG 86 C-E in use

The Stihl BG 86 C-E

  • Power: The BG 86 C-E gas-powered blower, manufactured by Stihl, is rated for a max air volume of 444 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and a max air speed of 190 MPH.
  • Handling: With its handheld design, this leaf blower was created with portability in mind. Most users will have no problem using it almost anywhere. All told, it weighs 9.9 lbs — the Stihl BG 86 C-E is neither the lightest nor the heaviest gas-powered handheld blower on the market.
  • Engine: This blower is fitted with a 27.2 cc 2-MIX engine. Being that this is a 2-stroke engine, it must be fuelled using a mix of gas and oil. The proper fuel ratio set by the manufacturer for the BG 86 C-E is 50:1.
  • Speed Settings: There are times when you only need a little more power, while other times you will want a bit more precision when clearing leaves and debris. For this purpose, the BG 86 C-E offers variable speed settings, adding you, the user, more control, and a cruise control mode, which will allow you to maintain it comfortably for as long as you wish.
  • Noise: As far as gas-powered handheld blowers go, this one is average in terms of noise with a rating of 70 dB.
  • Fuel Tank: It has an average fuel capacity for a handheld blower, with a tank that holds around 14.9 fl. oz of fuel.
  • Easy2Start™: The BG 86 C-E has the letter “E” in its name, which is Stihl’s indication that it benefits from Stihl’s proprietary Easy2Start™ (also called “ErgoStart”) technology. As the name suggests, this technology makes the starter mechanism more reliable 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.

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.

  • Its max air speed of 190 MPH places it at the approximate midpoint in comparison to other gas-powered handheld blowers. If you wish to benefit from air expelled at the fastest possible speed, the Craftsman BV2500 and its 250 MPH could be an option to consider.
  • It has a maximum air volume output of 444 CFM (cubic feet per minute). With this output rating, the BG 86 C-E is well within average in relation to similar gas-powered handheld blowers. If air volume is important to you, the Craftsman B225, with 650 CFM, could be in your good books.

Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other gas handheld blowers, 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-cycle engines, and fewer harmful emissions.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • Cruise control
  • Easy2Start™ technology
  • 2-Mix Engine
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (9.9 lbs)
  • Decent tank (14.9 fl. oz.)
  • Acceptable noise (70 dB)
  • Decent CFM (444 CFM)
  • Decent MPH (190 MPH)
WEAKNESSES:
  • On the expensive side

Do you own the Stihl BG 86 C-E and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

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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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