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Stihl SH 56 C-E Spec Review

The Stihl SH 56 C-E is a 3-in-1 blower/vacuum/mulcher delivering 412 CFM at 159 MPH. It features a 2-cycle 27.2cc engine. (Read full specs)

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Stihl SH 56 C-E 412 CFM Gas Blower VacStihl SH 56 C-E 412 CFM Gas Blower Vac
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 SH 56 C-E shipped to your place is to get it second hand or refurbished on eBay. Online stores such as Ace Hardware, Farm & Fleet, and Acme Tools (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 412
MPH Up to 159
Blowing Force 13 N
Engine
Make 2-Mix
Engine displacement 27.2cc
Strokes 2
Fuel/oil ratio 50:1
Speed settings Variable
Features
Cruise controlNo
Fuel tank 18.3 fl. oz.
Vacuum Yes
Mulcher Yes
Mulching ratio 14:1
Misc
Weight 11.5 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 SH 56 C-E, the user manual is available here (opens in a new tab).

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Description

The SH 56 C-E shredder vac turns yard work into less work. The fuel-efficient STIHL gasoline-powered engine really brings the power to the specially designed blade on the fan wheel – cutting yard waste down to size. Better yet, this versatile STIHL tool offers one power tool that does the work of two. It comes standard with the necessary parts to easily convert the shredder vac into a handheld blower. And as it shreds, the clippings accumulate in a secure, easy-open zippered bag for convenient emptying. And with the STIHL Easy2Start™ system, starting is easy – almost effortless. (source: Stihl)

Overview of the Stihl SH 56 C-E

The Stihl SH 56 C-E in use

The Stihl SH 56 C-E

  • Power: The SH 56 C-E gas-powered blower, manufactured by Stihl, is rated for a max air volume of 412 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and a max air speed of 159 MPH.
  • Handling: Being handheld, this blower has a good maneuverability and is meant to be easier to carry around over a small period of time. Be aware that, at 11.5 lbs, the Stihl SH 56 C-E is on the heavier side of gas-powered handheld blowers.
  • Engine: This blower's 2-Mix engine has a displacement specification of 27.2cc. Since this is a 2-stroke engine, it’s important to remember that the SH 56 C-E cannot run on gasoline alone. The fuel must be mixed with an appropriate ratio of gasoline and oil in order for it to function properly (for this Stihl model, this ratio is 50:1). You can find more information about Stihl's 2-Mix engine technology below.
  • Speed Settings: Sometimes you just need a little more power, while other times you may want a little more precision when moving leaves and debris. That’s why the SH 56 C-E features variable speed settings for added control.
  • Vacuum: The SH 56 C-E is also what is known as a 'blower vac'. Those who don’t wish to blow leaves and debris away can switch to its vacuum setting and suck them into a collection bag (9.3 gallon bag included).
  • Mulching: Its mulching ratio is 14:1, meaning that it will turn 14 bags of soft debris into one bag of mulch.
  • Noise: Its noise rating of 70 dB can be considered the standard for similar gas-powered handheld blowers.
  • Fuel Tank: With a capacity of 18.3 fl. oz., this Stihl blower is average compared to other gas handheld blowers.
  • Easy2Start™: The SH 56 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 SH 56 C-E to be started with remarkably less effort than most other blowers.

Product Videos

The Stihl SH 56 C-E's performance versus other blowers

The following charts are provided to give you an idea how the key specs of the Stihl SH 56 C-E compare with similar leaf blowers.

  • Upon exiting the nozzle, the air can reach speeds of up to 159 MPH, which is on the lower end for gas-powered handheld blowers. For the fastest air speed in this category, you may want to consider the Craftsman BV2500, which can expell air at a velocity that can reach 250 MPH.
  • Regarding its air volume, the airflow of the Stihl SH 56 C-E can reach 412 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute), which is on the low end for gas-powered handheld blowers. For the highest air volume, you may want to have a look at the Craftsman B225, which boasts with 650 CFM.

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

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other blower vacs, the Stihl SH 56 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
  • Leaf collection bag included
  • Easy2Start™ technology
  • 2-Mix Engine
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent tank (18.3 fl. oz.)
  • Acceptable noise (70 dB)
WEAKNESSES:
  • Quite heavy (11.5 lbs)
  • No cruise control
  • Low CFM (412 CFM)
  • Low MPH (159 MPH)

Do you own the Stihl SH 56 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 SH 56 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 does the C mean or denote in SH56C (Asked January 1, 2021)

It stands for "Comfort", which means that the unit benefits from a feature designed to make your life easier. Here, it refers to the Easy2Start mechanism.

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