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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 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 Vac
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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 Yes
Mulcher No
Misc
Weight 9.9 lbs
Noise rating 70 dB
Warranty 2 years

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 Stihl BG 86 C-E is a gas-powered blower with a maximum air volume rating of 444 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and an air speed of 190 MPH.
  • Handling: For those who are looking for a portable and convenient leaf blower, this model is a strong candidate. It’s designed for easy handling and use, and its size means it’s easily carried and stored. At 9.9 lbs, the Stihl BG 86 C-E is within the average weight range of gas-powered handheld blowers.
  • Engine: This blower's 2-MIX engine has a displacement specification of 27.2cc. Please note that, because the Stihl BG 86 C-E's engine is a 2-cycle one, it runs on a mixture of oil and gasoline. According to Stihl, the proper fuel mixture ratio for this blower is 50:1.
  • Speed Settings: Users can fine-tune airflow with the variable speed settings of the BG 86 C-E, complemented by intuitive cruise control for effortless use.
  • Vacuum: It features a vacuum allowing it to suck up leaf and debris once the sweeping job is complete (vacuum kit and bag not included).
  • Noise: Its noise rating of 70 dB can be considered the standard for similar gas-powered handheld blowers.
  • 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.

  • Forced air exiting this blower has been clocked at a max speed of 190 MPH. This puts the BG 86 C-E ahead of the pack as far as air speed is concerned in 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.
  • Regarding its air volume, the airflow of the Stihl BG 86 C-E can reach 444 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute), which is on par with other 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-cycle engines, and fewer harmful emissions.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • Cruise control
  • Easy2Start™ technology
  • 2-Mix Engine
  • High MPH (190 MPH)
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (9.9 lbs)
  • Decent tank (14.9 fl. oz.)
  • Acceptable noise (70 dB)
  • 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.

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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