Stihl SH 86 C-E - 444 CFM Gas Handheld Blower Vac
The Stihl SH 86 C-E is a 3-in-1 blower/vacuum/mulcher delivering up to 444 CFM and 170 MPH. It features a 2-stroke 27.2-cc engine. (Read full specs)
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Description
Like a strong wind with an off switch, the STIHL SH 86 C-E professional shredder vac is a powerful landscaping tool – and it comes standard with the necessary parts to easily convert this shredder vac into a handheld blower. It features the same STIHL Easy2Start™ system as the SH 56 C-E, but delivers higher air volume and velocity for tackling difficult yard waste. The shredder vac/blower also features soft-grip handles and four-spring anti-vibration technology for greater comfort on the job. And as it shreds, the clippings accumulate in a secure, easy-open zippered bag for convenient emptying.
Zoom on the Stihl SH 86 C-E
The Stihl SH 86 C-E
With its gas handheld design, the Stihl SH 86 C-E is appropriate for homeowners with a yard that is generally under a quarter acre, where upkeep is light and occasional.
It provides a maximum air volume rating of 444 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and an air speed of up to 170 miles per hour (MPH). These values mean that it should manage everyday yard leaves rather efficiently, but also have the power to handle denser material or small piles of heavier debris across lawns, patios, and garden paths.
Equipped with a 27.2-cc 2-stroke engine, this blower operates on gasoline mixed at a 50:1 ratio. The SH 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 SH 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.
In order to afford more control to the user, this unit has a variable speed control. No matter the size of the job, the user can adjust the airflow of the Stihl SH 86 C-E to match.
With a dry weight of 12.3 lbs, this handheld unit enables one-handed use during operation.
Not only a blower, the SH 86 C-E also functions as a leaf vacuum, letting you gather leaves effortlessly (11.2 gallon bag included). When in vacuum mode, the unit delivers up to 453 CFM of suction power. In addition to that, its 14:1 mulching ratio means 14 bags of leaves are reduced to one bag of mulch while collecting them.
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The Stihl SH 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 SH 86 C-E compare with similar leaf blowers.
- The Stihl SH 86 C-E carries a heavier build than many gas-powered handheld blowers, weighing 12.3 lbs. To enjoy the lowest possible weight in this category, you could have a look at the Stihl BG 50 which is only 7.9 lbs.
- Its maximum air speed of 170 MPH positions it solidly in the middle when compared to other 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.
- The Stihl SH 86 C-E boasts an airflow rate of 444 CFM (cubic feet per minute), which is standard for 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 SH 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.
The bottom line
- Easy2Start™ technology
- Leaf collection bag included
- Decent tank (14.9 fl. oz.)
- Decent CFM (444 CFM)
- Decent MPH (170 MPH)
- On the expensive side
- No cruise control
- Quite heavy (12.3 lbs)
Do you own the Stihl SH 86 C-E and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Type | Gas-Powered |
|---|---|
| Handling | Handheld |
| Air volume | Up to 444 CFM |
| Air speed | Up to 170 MPH |
| Blowing force | Up to 15 N |
| Engine type | 2-stroke |
|---|---|
| Engine displacement | 27.2cc |
| Fuel/oil ratio | 50:1 |
| Fuel tank capacity | 14.9 fl. oz. |
| Speed settings | Variable |
| Cruise control | No |
|---|---|
| Noise rating | 70 dB |
| Vacuum | Yes |
| Mulcher | Yes |
| Mulching ratio | 14:1 |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Other model numbers | 42410110939US |
| UPC | 886661910090 |
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 SH 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 SH 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.
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User Reviews
I have had this unit since 2009 and it gets worked twice a year hard. I live on several acres worth a lot of trees where the mower cannot get. After 10 years i had to replace the piston and cylinder and a few other parts at the cost of $76.00. 10 years and $75.00 is not bad considering it gets beat on..