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Stihl BG 86 C-E - 444 CFM Gas Handheld Blower Vac

The Stihl BG 86 C-E is a 2-in-1 blower/vacuum delivering up to 444 CFM and 190 MPH. It features a 2-stroke 27.2-cc engine. (Read full specs)

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Stihl BG 86 C-E 444 CFM Gas Blower Vac

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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 in use

The Stihl BG 86 C-E

With its gas handheld design, the Stihl BG 86 C-E is a good match for homeowners with a small outdoor space such as a patio, driveway, or yard under about a quarter acre.

It provides a maximum air volume rating of 444 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and an air speed of up to 190 miles per hour (MPH). In practice, this blower should move scattered leaves across yard areas and patios with concentrated airflow.

A 27.2-cc 2-stroke 2-MIX engine powers the BG 86 C-E, which needs a 50:1 fuel-to-oil mixture. 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 tank capacity of 14.9 fl. oz. is within the usual range for handheld gas blowers.

For those who wish to have complete control while operating their leaf blower, the BG 86 C-E offers variable speed settings, and moreover, is also equipped with cruise control, which allows the user to comfortably continue blowing at their preferred setting.

This blower weighs 9.9 lbs (dry) and its handheld form makes one-handed operation straightforward.

The BG 86 C-E can also work as a vacuum, allowing users to gather leaves into a detachable 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.

  • Among other gas-powered handheld blowers, the Stihl BG 86 C-E has a typical weight of 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.
  • 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 Ryobi JET FAN RY25AXB, with 520 CFM, could be in your good books.

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 average side of the price range.

Therefore, this blower nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of 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

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • Easy2Start™ technology
  • Cruise control
  • 2-Mix Engine
  • High MPH (190 MPH)
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent tank (14.9 fl. oz.)
  • Decent weight (9.9 lbs)
  • Decent CFM (444 CFM)
WEAKNESSES:
  • Leaf collection bag not included

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

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

Type
TypeGas-Powered
HandlingHandheld
Air volumeUp to 444 CFM
Air speedUp to 190 MPH
Blowing forceUp to 15 N
Engine
Engine type2-stroke 2-MIX
Engine displacement27.2cc
Fuel/oil ratio50:1
Fuel tank capacity14.9 fl. oz.
Speed settingsVariable
Features
Cruise controlYes
Noise rating70 dB
VacuumYes
Misc
Weight9.9 lbs
Warranty2 years
Other model numbers42410111764US
UPC795711319885

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).

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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

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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