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Stihl BR 350 vs BG 86 - The Differences

Further down the page, you'll find some explanations regarding the key similarities and differences between the Stihl BG 86 and the Stihl BR 350.

But before checking out these explanations, here's a table that summarizes the main pros of each of these 2 leaf blowers:

Stihl BG 86	Stihl BR 350

Lighter Less noisy Leaf vacuum Far less expensive	Higher CFM Higher MPH Bigger fuel tank Bigger engine

Feel, Fuel & Noise

Belonging to the line of Stihl blowers, both the BG 86 and the BR 350 should have a shared standard of manufacturing and attention to detail.

The Stihl BG 86 is handheld and provides you with further mobility over the Stihl BR 350, as its backpack design is by far bulkier. However, the latter can utilize a more powerful engine.
Both products are gas-powered blowers, providing a reliable power source that can be refilled in seconds, granting you the flexibility to navigate through expansive outdoor areas effortlessly.
With a weight of 22 lbs versus 9.7 lbs for the Stihl BG 86, the Stihl BR 350 sits in a clearly heavier class, likely requiring substantially more effort to use over longer periods. This significant difference in weight is by design, and due to the fact that the Stihl BG 86 is a handheld blower, whereas the Stihl BR 350 is a backpack.
At 74 dB, the noise rating of the Stihl BR 350 surpasses that of the Stihl BG 86, which stands at 70 dB. Therefore, choosing the Stihl BG 86 could offer a quieter environment for both you and your neighbors.

CFM & MPH

In contrast, the Stihl BR 350, with its CFM of 436, outperforms the 365 CFM of the Stihl BG 86, making it the preferred option for efficiently blowing leaves away.
With an MPH of 201, the Stihl BR 350 edges out the 190 MPH of the Stihl BG 86, potentially improving its performance in leaf blowing and debris lifting tasks.

Engine specs

With its ample fuel capacity of 57.5 fl.oz., the Stihl BR 350 surpasses the Stihl BG 86's 14.9 fl.oz. tank. This larger reservoir means more fuel on hand, potentially extending runtime, provided both engines consume fuel at similar rates. The lower fuel tank capacity of the Stihl BG 86 can be accounted for by its handheld handling. In contrast, the Stihl BR 350's backpack design allows you to comfortably carry a larger fuel tank’s weight and dimensions.
The engine displacement of the Stihl BG 86, at 27.2 cc, pales in comparison to the 63.3 cc of the Stihl BR 350. As a result, the latter may consume notably more fuel per stroke, resulting in significantly enhanced power. As in the case of the fuel tank capacity, the lower engine displacement of the Stihl BG 86 can be attributed to the handheld handling, compared to the backpack handling of the Stihl BR 350. This design difference allows for the accommodation of the larger engine's weight and dimensions. Both leaf blowers come with 2-stroke engines, which necessitate an oil/fuel mix for operation.

Other features

Unlike the Stihl BR 350, the Stihl BG 86 can be used as a leaf vacuum – A convenient and less messy method of leaf disposal, which you may find handy when dealing with piles of leaves.