Description
Professional petrol hedge trimmer for thick, established hedges
The STIHL HS 82 RC-E is a professional petrol hedge trimmer made for large-volume pruning, hedge reduction and demanding maintenance work. Its R-version cutting system combines wide blade spacing, increased blade height and a high-cutting-force gear ratio to work effectively through dense, woody hedge growth.
It is available with either a 60cm / 24-inch or 75cm / 30-inch double-sided cutting blade. The shorter version offers easier handling in confined areas, while the longer blade provides additional reach and can cover more hedge with each pass.
Browse the complete range of STIHL hedge trimmers, compare other petrol hedge trimmers, or read our STIHL hedge-trimmer buying guide.
Who is the STIHL HS 82 RC-E suitable for?
At Masseys, we recommend the HS 82 RC-E for users who regularly cut established hedges and need greater pruning performance than a light domestic hedge trimmer provides.
- Professional landscapers and gardeners
- Grounds-maintenance teams
- Estate and property-maintenance staff
- Contractors completing hedge reduction work
- Owners of large gardens with dense or mature boundaries
- Users who prefer quick petrol refuelling during longer working days
For smaller, regularly maintained garden hedges, a lighter domestic or cordless model may be easier and more economical to use.
Key features of the STIHL HS 82 RC-E
R-version blade system for large-volume pruning
The R version is designed for pruning and cutting back thicker hedge growth. Its blade geometry and gear ratio prioritise cutting force rather than the faster, finer trimming action of the HS 82 T.
22.7cc STIHL 2-MIX engine
The 22.7cc STIHL 2-MIX petrol engine produces 0.70kW / 1hp and is designed to provide reliable performance for frequent hedge-maintenance work.
STIHL ErgoStart
STIHL ErgoStart reduces the speed and force required on the starter cord. A smooth, steady pull is normally sufficient, helping to make repeated starting less strenuous.
Rotating multi-function handle
The rear handle can be rotated 90 degrees to the left or right. This allows the operator to maintain a more natural hand and wrist position when cutting the sides and tops of hedges.
STIHL anti-vibration system
Buffer and spring elements reduce the amount of engine vibration transferred to the handles. This improves comfort during longer periods of operation, although appropriate breaks and safe working practices remain important.
Double-sided cutting blade
The double-sided blade allows cutting in either direction, making the machine suitable for vertical hedge faces, horizontal tops and larger pruning jobs.
Long-life air-filter system
The filtration system is designed to extend the intervals between routine filter cleaning, which is useful for professional users operating in dusty hedge-cutting conditions.
STIHL HS 82 RC-E specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power source | Petrol |
| Engine | STIHL 2-MIX two-stroke engine |
| Displacement | 22.7cm³ |
| Power output | 0.70kW / 1hp |
| Stroke rate | 3,200rpm |
| Available blade lengths | 60cm / 24″ or 75cm / 30″ |
| Blade type | Double-sided R-version pruning blade |
| Starting system | STIHL ErgoStart with manual fuel pump |
| Handle | Rotating multi-function handle |
| Comfort system | STIHL anti-vibration system |
Should you choose the 24-inch or 30-inch blade?
| Blade length | Best suited to |
|---|---|
| 60cm / 24″ | General professional hedge work, improved manoeuvrability, tighter access and users who do not require the additional reach of a 30-inch blade. |
| 75cm / 30″ | Long, broad hedge faces, additional reach and covering larger areas with fewer passes. |
The 24-inch model will normally be easier to control in confined areas. Choose the 30-inch model when reach and work rate across large hedge faces are the main priorities.
STIHL HS 82 RC-E versus HS 82 T
The HS 82 RC-E and HS 82 T use the same professional engine platform but have different cutting characteristics.
- Choose the HS 82 RC-E for thick, woody, overgrown or established hedge growth. Its R-version blade and gearing prioritise cutting force.
- Choose the HS 82 T for faster, finer trimming and shaping of regularly maintained or formal hedges.
View the STIHL HS 82 T professional hedge trimmer if precision trimming is more important than heavy pruning performance.
Petrol or professional cordless?
The HS 82 RC-E is particularly useful when you need consistent heavy-pruning performance, work away from charging facilities or want to refuel quickly during a long working day.
A professional cordless hedge trimmer can be a better choice in noise-sensitive locations or where low vibration, reduced maintenance and zero exhaust emissions at the tool are priorities. For that type of work, compare the STIHL HSA 100 professional cordless hedge trimmer.
The best choice depends on the hedge, working environment, frequency of use and whether you already own compatible STIHL batteries.
Why buy the STIHL HS 82 RC-E from Masseys?
Masseys is an authorised STIHL dealer based in Woodville, Swadlincote. Our garden-machinery team can help you select the correct blade length and compare the HS 82 RC-E with alternative petrol and cordless models.
- Genuine STIHL machine
- Machine assembled before supply
- Pre-delivery inspection completed
- Product advice from an experienced garden-machinery team
- Manufacturer warranty subject to STIHL terms
- Workshop and aftersales support available
Fuel, care and servicing
The HS 82 RC-E uses two-stroke fuel. For convenient, correctly mixed fuel, consider Aspen 2 premixed alkylate petrol. Please note that fuel products may be restricted to collection because of transport regulations.
Keep the cutting blades clean and correctly lubricated, inspect the machine before use and follow the maintenance schedule in the STIHL instruction manual. Masseys also provides garden-machinery servicing and repair support.
Wildlife reminder: Check hedges carefully for active nests, birds, hedgehogs and other wildlife before beginning work.
Frequently asked questions
Is the STIHL HS 82 RC-E suitable for thick hedges?
Yes. The R-version cutting blade and gear ratio are designed for large-volume pruning and cutting back dense, established hedge growth.
What is the difference between the HS 82 RC-E and HS 82 T?
The HS 82 RC-E prioritises cutting force for thicker growth. The HS 82 T uses trimming-focused blade geometry and a faster cutting action for shaping and finishing maintained hedges.
Does the HS 82 RC-E have an easy-start system?
Yes. It is equipped with STIHL ErgoStart, which reduces the effort and speed required when pulling the starter cord.
Which blade length should I choose?
Choose the 24-inch blade for easier handling and general professional work. Choose the 30-inch blade when additional reach and faster coverage across long hedge faces are more important.
Is the HS 82 RC-E only for professional users?
No, but it is a professional-grade machine. It can also suit experienced private users with substantial, mature hedges who require its additional pruning performance. A lighter model will generally be more suitable for small or occasionally maintained gardens.
Buy the STIHL HS 82 RC-E from Masseys
Choose your required blade length above and add the machine to your basket. For help deciding between the 24-inch and 30-inch versions, contact the Masseys garden-machinery team before ordering.
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