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.
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The Stihl SH 86 C-E
The Stihl SH 86 C-E is a gas handheld blower that is mostly aimed at homeowners with a small outdoor space such as a patio, driveway, or yard under about a quarter acre.
It features a maximum air speed of 170 MPH and a maximum air volume rating of 444 cubic feet per minute (CFM). In practice, it should move both scattered leaves and larger piles across yard areas, while also clearing heavier debris such as acorns, pine cones, or pine needles on patios or driveways.
A 27.2-cc 2-stroke engine powers the SH 86 C-E, which needs a 50:1 fuel-to-oil mixture. 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 has a capacity of 14.9 fl. oz., which is typical for handheld gas blowers.
For those who are keen on having complete control while operating their leaf blower, the SH 86 C-E offers variable speed settings.
Weighing 12.3 lbs (dry), the handheld design allows the operator to control airflow with one hand.
Beyond blowing, the SH 86 C-E can switch to vacuum mode, making leaf cleanup easier by depositing leaves into a convenient bag (11.2 gallon bag included). In addition to sucking up leaves, the unit’s mulching ratio of 14:1 can compress 14 bags of foliage into just one bag of mulch while vacuuming.
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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.
- In its category of gas-powered handheld blowers, the Stihl SH 86 C-E represents one of the heavier builds at 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 |
| 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..