STIHL HSA 40 Cordless Hedge Trimmer Set – 2 Batteries

Is the STIHL HSA 40 right for your hedge?

The STIHL HSA 40 Cordless Hedge Trimmer Set is designed for routine maintenance of young shoots, shrubs and regularly trimmed hedges in domestic gardens. It combines a lightweight 2.1kg machine with a 50cm double-sided cutting blade and the compact STIHL AS System.

This complete package includes two AS 2 batteries and an AL 1 charger. Each battery provides up to approximately 40 minutes of working time, giving a maximum combined working time of approximately 80 minutes when both batteries are used one after the other.

Best suited to: small and medium regularly maintained hedges, young annual growth, shrubs and routine garden shaping.

Not designed for: reducing heavily overgrown hedges, cutting thick woody branches or prolonged professional use.

Masseys recommendation: Choose this HSA 40 set when low weight, simple handling and extended domestic runtime are more important than heavy cutting capacity. For thicker established growth, compare it with the STIHL HSA 50 cordless hedge trimmer or the larger STIHL HSA 60.

What is included with the STIHL HSA 40 set?

• 1 × STIHL HSA 40 cordless hedge trimmer
• 2 × STIHL AS 2 lithium-ion batteries
• 1 × STIHL AL 1 battery charger
• Protective blade scabbard
• Integrated blade-tip protector

This is a complete, ready-to-use set. You do not need to purchase a separate battery or charger before using the machine.

Additional and replacement batteries are available from our STIHL AS 2 battery page.

Why does this set include two batteries?

The HSA 40 provides up to approximately 40 minutes of working time from one fully charged AS 2 battery. Because this set includes two batteries, it offers up to approximately 80 minutes of combined working time when the batteries are used sequentially.

The additional battery is useful when:

• You have several hedges to maintain
• You use other tools from the STIHL AS System
• You want to continue working while another battery cools or charges
• You prefer to keep a charged spare available

The AL 1 charger charges one battery at a time. It takes approximately 60 minutes to reach 80% charge and approximately 80 minutes to reach a full charge under normal conditions.

Runtime and charging times are approximate and may vary according to battery condition, temperature, hedge density and working technique.

Key features of the STIHL HSA 40

Lightweight 2.1kg machine

The HSA 40 weighs approximately 2.1kg without a battery. Its compact AS 2 battery adds relatively little bulk, helping the machine remain easy to manoeuvre around hedge faces, corners and shrubs.

The low machine weight makes it particularly suitable for shorter routine maintenance sessions and customers who find larger AK System hedge trimmers unnecessarily heavy.

50cm double-sided cutting blade

The HSA 40 has a 50cm double-sided blade, providing useful reach across domestic hedge faces while remaining compact enough for controlled shaping.

The blades are laser cut, diamond ground and hardened to produce an accurate cutting edge. Both blades move during use, creating a smooth cutting action at up to 2,800 strokes per minute.

24mm tooth spacing and 8mm cutting capacity

The blade has 24mm tooth spacing, but this should not be confused with maximum branch thickness. STIHL specifies an approximate cutting capacity of 8mm for the HSA 40.

The machine is therefore best used on young, soft and regularly maintained hedge growth rather than mature woody stems.

Compact STIHL AS 2 battery

The removable AS 2 battery fits directly into the machine and includes an LED charge indicator. The same battery can be transferred between compatible tools in the STIHL AS System.

This makes the HSA 40 especially attractive for customers who already own compact AS System tools or plan to add more cordless garden equipment later.

Two-hand operating system

The HSA 40 uses a two-hand operating system to reduce the risk of accidental activation. Both the front and rear controls must be operated while the machine is cutting.

Blade-tip protector

The integrated tip protector helps shield the end of the cutting blade when working close to walls, fences, paving and the ground.

Protective blade scabbard

The supplied scabbard protects the cutting attachment during transport and storage. Its hanging eyelet also allows the machine to be stored securely on a suitable wall hook.

No petrol, pull cord or exhaust fumes during use

The cordless motor starts using the control switches, without fuel mixing or pull-cord starting. The machine produces no exhaust fumes during operation and requires less routine engine maintenance than a petrol hedge trimmer.

The blades still need to be cleaned, inspected and lubricated regularly to maintain cutting performance.

STIHL HSA 40 technical specifications

Runtime, area and performance figures are approximate. Actual results depend on hedge species, branch thickness, battery condition, operating technique and environmental conditions.

What can the STIHL HSA 40 cut?

The HSA 40 is suitable for:

• Maintaining young hedge shoots
• Trimming regularly cut privet and similar garden hedges
• Shaping small and medium shrubs
• Cutting light annual growth
• Maintaining hedge faces and tops
• Routine garden tidying
• Working in residential gardens where a petrol engine would be unnecessarily intrusive

Browse our complete range of cordless hedge trimmers when comparing alternative blade lengths, battery platforms and cutting capacities.

What is the HSA 40 not intended to cut?

The HSA 40 is not designed for:

• Thick woody branches
• Old, heavily established hedge stems
• Long-neglected or severely overgrown hedges
• Brambles and heavy scrub clearance
• Daily professional grounds-maintenance work
• Jobs that require a pole pruner, lopper or chainsaw

For denser established growth, compare machines in our complete STIHL hedge-trimmer range before ordering.

STIHL HSA 30, HSA 40 or HSA 50?

Choose the STIHL HSA 30 when:

• You have smaller hedges or shrubs
• A shorter 45cm blade is easier for you to control
• You only need one battery
• You want the lightest, simplest AS System hedge-trimmer package

View the STIHL HSA 30 hedge trimmer set.

Choose the STIHL HSA 40 when:

• You want a 50cm blade without moving to the larger AK battery platform
• You value low machine weight
• You have several regularly maintained hedges
• You want two included batteries for longer combined runtime

Choose the STIHL HSA 50 when:

• You have larger or more established hedges
• You need greater cutting capacity
• You already own STIHL AK batteries
• You plan to buy larger STIHL cordless garden machinery

For a broader comparison, read our STIHL hedge-trimmer buying guide.

Part of the STIHL AS System

The HSA 40 uses STIHL’s compact AS 2 battery. The included batteries can also be used in compatible products from the STIHL AS System.

Related tools include:

• STIHL HSA 26 shrub and grass shears for detailed shaping and lawn edges
• STIHL GTA 26 garden pruner for pruning branches and reducing garden waste
• STIHL FSA 30 cordless strimmer for lawn edges and light grass

Explore the wider STIHL cordless garden machinery range to compare the AS and AK battery platforms.

Masseys expert verdict

The HSA 40 set is most compelling for customers who want a light 50cm hedge trimmer but do not want to move up to the larger AK battery platform.

The inclusion of two AS 2 batteries addresses the main limitation of a compact battery system: individual battery runtime. Up to approximately 40 minutes per battery gives up to approximately 80 minutes across the complete set, which should be sufficient for many small and medium domestic gardens.

Its principal limitation is cutting capacity. The 24mm tooth spacing should not be interpreted as permission to cut 24mm branches. STIHL specifies an approximate cutting capacity of 8mm, making this a maintenance machine rather than a tool for major hedge reduction.

Choose the HSA 40 for regularly maintained growth, low weight and straightforward handling. Choose an AK System model where thicker stems, larger hedges or future compatibility with larger cordless garden machinery are more important.

Why buy the STIHL HSA 40 from Masseys?

Masseys is an independent STIHL dealer based in Woodville, Swadlincote. Our garden machinery team can help customers compare hedge-trimmer models, understand battery compatibility and select the correct machine for the hedge being maintained.

• Genuine STIHL machine, batteries and charger
• Advice on STIHL AS and AK battery platforms
• Help comparing the HSA 30, HSA 40, HSA 50 and HSA 60
• STIHL batteries, chargers and accessories available
• Local showroom at 129 Swadlincote Road, Woodville, Swadlincote, DE11 8DA
• Access to our garden machinery servicing and repair department

Frequently asked questions

What is included with the STIHL HSA 40 set?

The set includes one STIHL HSA 40 cordless hedge trimmer, two AS 2 batteries and one AL 1 charger. A blade scabbard is also supplied for transport and storage.

How long does each HSA 40 battery last?

Each AS 2 battery provides up to approximately 40 minutes of working time under suitable conditions.

Does two batteries mean 80 minutes of runtime?

The two included batteries provide up to approximately 80 minutes of combined working time when used one after the other. Actual runtime varies according to the hedge, battery condition and operating technique.

Does the AL 1 charger charge both batteries at once?

No. The AL 1 charges one AS 2 battery at a time. A full charge takes approximately 80 minutes under normal conditions.

How heavy is the STIHL HSA 40?

The machine weighs approximately 2.1kg without a battery.

How long is the HSA 40 blade?

The HSA 40 has a 50cm / 20-inch double-sided cutting blade.

Can the HSA 40 cut 24mm branches?

No. The blade has 24mm tooth spacing, but STIHL specifies an approximate cutting capacity of 8mm. It is designed for young shoots and regularly maintained hedge growth.

Can AS 2 batteries be used in STIHL AK tools?

No. The STIHL AS and AK battery platforms are separate systems. AS 2 batteries only fit compatible AS System products.

What is the difference between the HSA 30 and HSA 40?

Both use the STIHL AS System. The HSA 30 has a shorter 45cm blade and is well suited to smaller hedges. The HSA 40 has a 50cm blade, and this package includes two batteries for longer combined working time.

Should I choose the HSA 40 or HSA 50?

Choose the HSA 40 for low weight, compact AS 2 batteries and routine light hedge maintenance. Choose the HSA 50 when greater cutting capacity and the larger STIHL AK battery platform are more appropriate.

Can the HSA 40 be used in rain?

The HSA 40 and AS 2 battery should be protected from rain and excessive moisture. Always follow the weather-use guidance in the supplied STIHL instruction manual.

Safe use and maintenance

Read the supplied STIHL operating manual before using the hedge trimmer.

Before cutting:

• Inspect the hedge for wire, fencing and hidden objects
• Check carefully for nesting birds and other wildlife
• Keep people and pets away from the working area
• Wear suitable eye protection, gloves, footwear and close-fitting clothing
• Make sure the handles and controls are clean and dry

Remove the battery before cleaning, inspecting or transporting the machine.

After use, remove hedge sap and debris from the blades using an appropriate cleaning product. Apply suitable hedge-trimmer blade lubricant and refit the scabbard before storage.

Do not use the machine to cut branches beyond its intended capacity. Use suitable pruning equipment for thicker woody material.