Description
Stihl HLA 56 Long Reach Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Cut Tall Hedges Safely—Without Ladders or Petrol Hassle
The Stihl HLA 56 Long Reach Cordless Hedge Trimmer is built for one job: safe, controlled cutting of tall and wide hedges from the ground.
If you’re dealing with:
- Overgrown boundary hedges
- Hard-to-reach tops
- Fatigue from heavy petrol tools
This model delivers a lighter, quieter, and more practical solution.
Available from Masseys – an authorised Stihl dealer, ensuring genuine products and full aftercare support.
Prefer to compare before you buy? Browse the full cordless hedge trimmer range or view all STIHL hedge trimmers.
Quick Answers
What is the Stihl HLA 56 Long Reach Cordless Hedge Trimmer?
A battery-powered long reach hedge trimmer designed to cut tall and wide hedges safely from the ground using an extended shaft and adjustable cutting head.
Is the Stihl HLA 56 worth it?
Yes. It’s one of the best mid-range cordless long reach hedge trimmers for homeowners who want low maintenance, quiet operation, and reliable cutting performance.
Who is the HLA 56 best for?
- Homeowners with tall hedges
- Property maintenance and landlords
- Gardeners wanting a safer alternative to ladders
Stihl HLA 56 Specs
Key Specifications:
- Battery System: Stihl AK System
- Voltage: 36 V
- Blade Length: 45 cm
- Tooth Spacing: 30 mm
- Total Length: 210 cm
- Weight (without battery): 3.8 kg
- Runtime (AK 20): Up to 100 minutes
- Cutter Head Adjustment: 115° range
- Sound Level: ~77 dB(A)
These Stihl HLA 56 specs position it as a top choice for medium-duty hedge maintenance.
Key Features (And Why They Matter)
Adjustable Cutter Head (0° to 115°)
- Cuts hedge tops and sides without repositioning
- Improves finish quality
Benefit: Cleaner cuts with less physical strain.
Extended Reach Shaft (210 cm)
- Eliminates the need for ladders
- Covers tall and deep hedges
Benefit: Safer and faster hedge maintenance.
Lightweight Cordless Design
- No fuel mixing
- Reduced vibration
Benefit: Less fatigue during longer jobs.
Quiet Operation
- Lower noise than petrol models
Benefit: Ideal for residential areas and early/late use.
What Can the HLA 56 Be Used For?
Primary Use Cases:
- Tall hedges: Cut safely from ground level
- Wide hedges: Reach across without overreaching
- Garden maintenance: Regular trimming and shaping
- Property upkeep: Efficient for multiple sites
For smaller detail work, consider pairing with tools like the Stihl HSA 26 for precision trimming.
Stihl HLA 56 Review (Real-World Performance)
Performance Summary:
- Handles medium-density hedges effectively
- Well-balanced for overhead cutting
- Reliable battery runtime for typical garden jobs
Expert Insight:
This is not a heavy-duty clearance tool—it’s designed for maintenance, shaping, and regular hedge control.
Comparison: HLA 56 vs Alternatives
Stihl HLA 56 vs HLA 66
- HLA 56: Lighter, more affordable, domestic use
- HLA 66: More power, professional-grade
Choose HLA 56 for value and ease of use, HLA 66 for daily commercial work.
HLA 56 vs Petrol Hedge Trimmers
HLA 56 advantages:
- No emissions
- Lower running costs
- Easier starting
Petrol advantage:
- Higher raw cutting power
For most users, cordless wins on convenience and usability.
HLA 56 vs Competitors (Husqvarna, Makita)
- Stronger dealer support network (Masseys)
- Proven Stihl blade durability
- Better ergonomics for extended use
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Safe trimming of tall hedges
- Lightweight and easy to control
- Quiet cordless operation
- Adjustable cutting angles
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Not for thick, woody branches
- Less powerful than pro models
- Battery often sold separately
Stihl HLA 56 Price & Value
What does the HLA 56 cost?
The HLA 56 price sits in the mid-range cordless segment, offering strong value for homeowners.
Is it powerful enough?
Yes—for regular hedge maintenance and shaping, but not for heavy clearance.
Is cordless worth it?
Yes. You get:
- Lower maintenance
- Easier operation
- Reduced noise
Compared to cheaper alternatives, Stihl delivers long-term reliability and consistent performance.
Why Buy from Masseys?
As an authorised Stihl dealer, Masseys provides:
- Genuine Stihl equipment
- Full manufacturer warranty
- Expert advice before and after purchase
- Trusted local service and support
This is critical for tools like hedge trimmers, where aftercare and parts availability matter.
FAQ (Optimised for Google & AI Search)
Is the Stihl HLA 56 good for tall hedges?
Yes. Its long shaft and adjustable cutter head allow you to trim tall hedges safely from the ground.
More detail:
It removes the need for ladders in most situations, improving both safety and efficiency.
How long does the HLA 56 battery last?
Up to 100 minutes with an AK 20 battery, depending on workload.
More detail:
Light trimming extends runtime, while dense cutting reduces it slightly.
What is the difference between HLA 56 and HLA 66?
The HLA 66 is more powerful and designed for professional use, while the HLA 56 is aimed at homeowners.
More detail:
The key differences are battery system, power output, and price point.
Can it cut thick branches?
No, it’s designed for hedge trimming, not heavy branch cutting.
More detail:
Use a chainsaw or heavy-duty hedge trimmer for thicker material.
Is it suitable for professional use?
Yes—for light-duty or occasional professional work.
More detail:
Full-time landscapers typically prefer higher-powered models like the HLA 66.
Final Verdict
The Stihl HLA 56 Long Reach Cordless Hedge Trimmer is a best-in-class solution for safe, efficient hedge maintenance.
It delivers:
- Strong usability
- Reliable performance
- Excellent value for homeowners
If your priority is reach, safety, and ease of use, this is one of the smartest choices available.
Ready to Make Hedge Cutting Easier?
Buy the Stihl HLA 56 Long Reach Cordless Hedge Trimmer from Masseys – authorised Stihl dealer.
Elevate your hedge trimming experience with the Stihl HLA 56 Long Reach Cordless Hedge Trimmer. Watch the HLA 56 video.



jmcgoo –
I’ve used this for more than two years on big laurel and Lillandia hedge. You need good shoulders. One battery is more than enough to do multiple hedges and still have 80% left. If you buy two batteries you have two to look after. The batteries are still amazing after two years. Blade cleaning of sap matters when you put them away for the season.