Description
STIHL HLA 86 cordless telescopic long-reach hedge trimmer
The STIHL HLA 86 is a professional 36 V cordless telescopic long-reach hedge trimmer designed for maintaining tall hedges, wide hedge tops, shrubs and ground-covering plants. Its lightweight telescopic shaft adjusts from 260 to 330 cm, giving landscapers, grounds teams and demanding home users substantially more reach than a fixed-shaft hedge trimmer.
A 50 cm double-sided cutting blade, 115° adjustable cutter head and variable-speed EC motor provide the control required for vertical, overhead and ground-level trimming. The HLA 86 is supplied as a tool only, so a compatible STIHL AP battery and charger are required.
Browse our complete range of long-reach hedge trimmers, or compare the wider selection of STIHL hedge trimmers available from Masseys.
Key benefits of the STIHL HLA 86
260–330 cm telescopic reach
The square telescopic shaft can be adjusted without tools using the twist-lock clamping sleeve. This allows the working length to be matched to the height and depth of the hedge rather than forcing the operator to work with one fixed shaft length.
The additional reach helps reduce repeated repositioning and can reduce the need to work from ladders when maintaining taller hedge lines. Always maintain secure footing and follow the operating instructions for the machine.
115° adjustable cutter head
The cutter bar can be adjusted from approximately -45° to +70°, providing a total adjustment range of 115°. This makes it easier to cut:
- The tops of tall or wide hedges
- Vertical hedge faces
- Low shrubs and ground-covering plants
- Sloping and difficult-to-access sections
The cutter head can also be folded flat for transport, reducing the overall machine length to approximately 187 cm.
50 cm double-sided precision blade
The 50 cm / 20-inch cutter bar uses laser-cut, diamond-ground, double-sided blades. A high stroke rate of approximately 3,000 strokes per minute helps produce a clean, controlled finish when maintaining established hedge growth.
A blade-tip protector helps protect the cutter when working close to walls, paths and the ground, while the supplied blade scabbard protects the cutter during storage and transport.
Professional STIHL AP System power
The HLA 86 is part of the professional STIHL AP System cordless range. Its 36 V EC motor provides consistent performance with low noise, low vibration and no exhaust emissions during use.
AP batteries can be shared across a wide range of compatible STIHL professional tools, including hedge trimmers, chainsaws, brushcutters, blowers, pole pruners and lawn mowers.
Designed for prolonged professional work
The weight-reduced telescopic shaft, balanced battery position, loop handle and ergonomic control handle are designed to support controlled operation during longer hedge-maintenance jobs. The self-resetting locking switch and Ergo lever allow the machine to be operated comfortably by both left- and right-handed users.
IPX4 weather protection
The STIHL HLA 86 has an IPX4 rating and is designed for professional outdoor use in changeable weather. Always follow the STIHL instruction manual when using, cleaning or storing the tool, battery and charger.
STIHL HLA 86 technical specifications
| Product | STIHL HLA 86 cordless telescopic long-reach hedge trimmer |
|---|---|
| Product format | Tool only – battery and charger sold separately |
| Battery system | STIHL AP System / ALLPRO |
| Rated voltage | 36 V |
| Comparative power | 0.29 kW |
| Recommended battery | STIHL AP 200 S |
| Working time with AP 200 S | Up to 144 minutes, depending on operating conditions |
| Overall length | 260–330 cm |
| Approximate transport length | 187 cm with cutter head folded |
| Blade length | 50 cm / 20 inches |
| Cutter-head adjustment | 115°, from -45° to +70° |
| Stroke rate | Approximately 3,000 strokes per minute |
| Tooth spacing | 33 mm |
| Tool weight | Approximately 4.8 kg without battery |
| Weather protection | IPX4 |
| Manufacturer part number | 48590112930 |
| EAN / GTIN | 886661900985 |
Which battery is recommended for the STIHL HLA 86?
STIHL recommends the AP 200 S battery for the HLA 86. It provides a suitable balance between machine weight and working time, with a quoted runtime of up to approximately 144 minutes.
Actual working time will vary according to hedge density, cutter load, operating technique, battery condition and weather conditions.
Customers who already own compatible STIHL AP batteries can purchase the HLA 86 as a bare tool. New AP System users will also require one of the compatible STIHL AL battery chargers. The AL 301 is a practical quick-charging option for regular professional or home use.
STIHL HLA 86 versus HLA 66 and HLA 150
| Model | Shaft and reach | Blade | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| STIHL HLA 66 | Fixed 205 cm shaft | 50 cm, 115° adjustable | Users who prioritise lower weight and do not need a telescopic shaft |
| STIHL HLA 86 | Telescopic 260–330 cm shaft | 50 cm, 115° adjustable | Tall and wide hedges where maximum reach is the main requirement |
| STIHL HLA 150 | Telescopic professional shaft | 60 cm, 145° adjustable | More intensive commercial work requiring greater cutting capacity and a longer blade |
The HLA 66 and HLA 86 use similar 50 cm cutting systems. The principal advantage of the HLA 86 is its much greater, tool-free telescopic reach. For more help choosing between the models, read our STIHL hedge-trimmer buying guide.
Who is the STIHL HLA 86 suitable for?
The HLA 86 is particularly well suited to:
- Professional landscapers and garden-maintenance contractors
- Grounds-maintenance and local-authority teams
- Estate, school and commercial-property maintenance
- Homeowners with particularly tall or wide boundary hedges
- Users who already own STIHL AP System batteries
- Work in residential and other noise-sensitive locations
For ordinary domestic hedges where maximum reach is unnecessary, a lighter fixed-shaft or domestic model may be easier to handle. Masseys can help compare the HLA 86 with other cordless and petrol long-reach models before purchase.
What is included?
- STIHL HLA 86 cordless telescopic long-reach hedge trimmer
- 50 cm double-sided cutter bar
- Blade-tip protector
- Blade scabbard
A battery and charger are not included.
Why buy the STIHL HLA 86 from Masseys?
- Authorised STIHL dealer supplying genuine UK machinery
- Practical advice on batteries, chargers and model selection
- Established garden-machinery showroom in Swadlincote
- Aftersales support from an experienced machinery team
- Access to our garden-machinery servicing and repair workshop
- Collection and UK delivery options
Frequently asked questions
Is the STIHL HLA 86 supplied with a battery and charger?
No. The HLA 86 is sold as a tool-only machine. A compatible STIHL AP battery and charger must be purchased separately unless you already own them.
What is the recommended battery for the HLA 86?
The STIHL AP 200 S is the recommended battery. It offers a suitable balance of weight and runtime and provides up to approximately 144 minutes of working time under favourable conditions.
How long is the STIHL HLA 86?
The telescopic shaft adjusts from approximately 260 to 330 cm. With the cutter head folded for transport, the machine is approximately 187 cm long.
What is the difference between the HLA 66 and HLA 86?
The HLA 66 has a fixed 205 cm shaft and is lighter. The HLA 86 has a telescopic 260–330 cm shaft and is the better option when additional reach is required. Both use a 50 cm blade with 115° cutter-head adjustment.
Can the STIHL HLA 86 be used in wet weather?
The HLA 86 is IPX4 rated and designed for professional outdoor use in wet conditions. The machine, battery and charger must still be used and stored in accordance with the STIHL operating instructions.
Can the HLA 86 cut tree branches?
The HLA 86 is a hedge trimmer intended for hedge growth, shrubs and similar material within the capabilities of its cutter system. It should not be used as a replacement for a pole pruner, chainsaw or lopper when cutting substantial woody branches.
Should I check a hedge for wildlife before trimming?
Yes. Check the hedge carefully for nesting birds, hedgehogs and other wildlife before beginning work. Hedge trimming may need to be postponed when active nests are present.
Order the STIHL HLA 86 from Masseys
Choose the STIHL HLA 86 when you need professional cordless performance combined with a genuinely long, tool-free telescopic shaft. Order online for UK delivery or visit Masseys in Swadlincote to discuss the correct machine, battery and charger for your work.
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