Blower and Vacuum Shredder Buyer Guide

While Autumn is the season you’ll use your blower most, it’s a helpful tool for clearing dirt and debris year-round. From tidying-up the courtyard ahead of visitors to clearing gutters and leaf litter, STIHL has a model for every garden, and every gardener, including professionals. Let’s take a closer look.

THINGS TO CONCIDER WHEN BUYING A BLOWER

When considering the right blower for your outdoor needs, two critical factors will inform your decision:

1. The size of the area you need to maintain.

2. The type of material you will be shifting.

For extensive areas, a battery blower's run time becomes a vital consideration. While they offer the convenience of cordless operation, cheaper models may not sustain the length of use required for larger spaces. In such cases, opting for a more powerful model that promises a longer run time can significantly enhance your experience, ensuring that you can complete the job on a single charge or alternatively you may need 2 Batteries. 

The nature of the debris you're dealing with is equally important. Lighter, dry material like leaves and grass clippings can often be managed with a less powerful blower. This can save you on costs and weight, making for a more comfortable operation. However, when faced with heavier, wet debris such as damp leaves, twigs, or mulch, a blower with more power is essential. Higher power equates to greater air velocity and volume, providing the force necessary to move stubborn, wet materials effectively.

To sum up, for large areas or tough, wet debris, invest in a blower with ample power and extended run time to ensure a thorough and satisfying clean-up. For smaller, drier tasks, a lighter, less powerful blower should suffice, offering convenience and ease of use. 

STIHL BATTERY BLOWER RANGE

STIHL BGA 45 BATTERY BLOWER

The entry-level BGA 45 is one of the best leaf blowers for the price. The battery-operated tool is ultra-light making it very easy to operate. As part of the AI Line, it comes with an integrated battery and is ideal for smaller to medium sized gardens & courtyards.

It clears just under a tennis court-sized area of leaves on a single charge (approximately 200m2).

STIHL AK Battery Sytem

STIHL BGA 57 BATTERY BLOWER 

Discover the ultimate in outdoor cleaning with the BGA 57 Battery Blower, a powerful tool that swiftly eliminates leaves, dust, and debris in no time. Say goodbye to the hassle of cords or raking as this lightweight blower with its effortless button start and ambidextrous trigger, ensures comfort and ease for any user. The ergonomic design with adjustable Blower tube minimizes strain and improves versatility. Maintain your garden, deck, or driveway throughout the seasons. 

22 minuites of run time, approx 760 m of cleaning (AK 20 battery)

STIHL BGA 60 BATTERY BLOWER

The premium model in the AK battery range is the BGA 60. This light, compact, yet powerful blower offers a maximum blowing force of 15 newtons and features a variable speed control trigger, which allows the user to adjust the force to suit the task at hand. If you have a really tough job, there is also the option to utilize the ‘boost mode’, which temporarily increases the blowing force. This is incredibly handy if you get stuck on something sticky. The blowing force of the BGA 60 on boost mode matches that of our popular petrol-powered BG 86 blower.

The BGA 60 has a number of different comfort and safety features designed to make light work for the user and increase the longevity of the tool. The metal ring at the top of the blower tube reduces wear and tear on the plastic. Additionally, the length of the tube is easily adjusted with the touch of a button – no twisting required!

16 minutes of run time, approximately 900 meters of cleaning (AK 30 battery).

STIHL SHA 56 BATTERY VACUUM SHREDDER & BLOWER

The STIHL SHA 56, effortlessly transforms from a shredder to a blower with a few simple clicks. The lightweight design, coupled with a padded shoulder strap and a rotatable handle, ensures maximum comfort in either mode. Take command with the variable speed trigger, fine-tuning the intensity of suction or blowing to tackle everything from leaf-littered lawns to dense clippings.

In vacuum mode the shredder blade condenses material by a staggering 10:1 ratio, while an easily accessible opening allows for swift blockage removal. The thoughtfully designed, asymmetrical catcher bag maintains comfort as it fills, and the convenient zipper simplifies emptying. 

25 minuites of run time, approx 600 m of cleaning (AK 20 battery)

STIHL BGA 86 BATTERY BLOWER

While designed for commercial users, it is also popular among property owners with larger areas to clear. As part of the professional 36V AP Battery System, the removable battery slots into over 30 other powerful STIHL tools. Comes with a variable throttle and round multi-purpose nozzle as standard.

Run time with AP 300 S battery: Up to 26 min

STIHL BATTERY BLOWER RANGE

Models

Key features

Commonly used for

BGA 45

  • Integrated Battery
  • Compact & light only 2.2 kg
  • Blowing force 5 N
  • Air Throughput 420 m³/h
  • 10 minuites run time
  • Dry leaves and light debris
  • Small areas like courtyards

BGA 57

 

  • Adjustable blower tube
  • Battery compatible with a range of other tools
  • Blowing force 9 N
  • Air Throughput 620 m³/h
  • 22 minuites run time AK 20
  • Medium sized garden & driveway
  • A range of material 

BGA 60

  • Premium model in the AK range
  • Boost function
  • Blowing force 15 N
  • Air Throughput 780 m³/h
  • 16 minuites run time AK 30
  • Medium sized garden & driveway
  • A range of material

SHA 56

  • 2-in-1 tool - Vacuum shredder and Blower
  • 40 litre catcher bag 
  • Blowing force 8 N
  • Air Throughput  560 m³/h
  • 25 minuites run time AK 20
  • Medium sized garden & driveway
  • A range of material 

BGA 86

  • Adjustable blower tube
  • Battery compatible with a range of other tools
  • Blowing force 15 N
  • Air Throughput 780 m³/h
  • 26 minuites run time AP 300 S
  • Large properties, farms & professionals
  • A range of material 

STIHL PETROL BLOWERS

STIHL BG 50 PETROL BLOWER

The BG 50 Entry-Level Petrol Blower is an affordable solution for keeping your garden and walkways leaf-free. Ideal for the occasional user, this blower combines power with ease to tackle outdoor clean-ups efficiently. Enjoy high performance without the high cost. Its lightweight, compact build makes it easy to use, offering hassle-free operation with a robust engine that swiftly clears out leaves and debris.

STIHL BG 56 PETROL BLOWER

The BG 56 Petrol Blower offers balance of performance and efficiency, this entry-level blower is anything but basic. With the powerful STIHL 2-MIX Technology, this innovative engine maximizes output while minimizing fuel consumption. Boasting an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, navigate your garden with ease as the BG 56 offers exceptional power without the bulk, ensuring effortless handling and control. The BG 56 is one of our best-selling petrol models.

STIHL BG 86 PETROL BLOWER

The BG 86 Petrol Blower is the most powerful petrol hand held blower in the STIHL range, designed for effortless starts and user-friendly operation. With a simple push of the primer button, fuel is pumped directly to the carburettor, making it a breeze to get going. Enjoy the comfort of thumb-operated controls that allow you to work without changing your grip. Our advanced HD2 Filter captures even the finest dust, reducing maintenance and ensuring easy cleaning. The eco-friendly 2-MIX engine delivers a potent combination of low emissions and fuel economy. Safety is enhanced with the throttle lock featuring a built-in stop switch for immediate shutdown, and the blower tube adjusts for optimal user comfort. Combat fatigue with the Anti Vibration System, designed to protect your hands and arms during extended use.

STIHL SH 56 VACUUM SHREDDER

The STIHL SH 56 C-E Petrol Vacuum Shredder dual-function tool that not only vacuums garden waste but also shreds it with a fan wheel blade. Say goodbye to tedious garden clean-up—this efficient tool swiftly reduces debris and collects it in a user-friendly bag for quick disposal. Starting the SH 56 C-E is a breeze, thanks to the STIHL ErgoStart system, which halves the effort and requires just a gentle pull. Engineered for convenience, the SH 56 C-E features intuitive, thumb-operated controls and boasts a low-emission, fuel-saving 2-MIX engine. Versatility is at your fingertips, as it easily converts into a handheld blower, providing you with two essential garden tools in one.

STIHL SH 56 VACUUM SHREDDER

The STIHL SH 86 C-E, the professional-grade Vacuum Blower designed for versatility and efficiency. This eco-friendly powerhouse easily switches between shredding and blowing, making clean-up a breeze. Its specialized shredder blade swiftly reduces waste, depositing it into a convenient bag for composting. Starting is hassle-free with the revolutionary STIHL ErgoStart system—just a light pull with two fingers is all it takes. Comfort is key with soft grip handles and an advanced four-spring anti-vibration system, significantly reducing operator fatigue. Tailor your tool to your height and the task at hand with the adjustable blower tube, enhancing comfort and control. The SH 86 C-E is not only powerful but also economical, thanks to the low-emission 2-MIX engine that conserves fuel. Maintenance is minimal with the HD2 filter that keeps dust at bay and is easily cleaned with STIHL Varioclean.