STIHL HT 135 Professional Petrol Pole Pruner

STIHL HT 135 professional petrol pole pruner

The STIHL HT 135 is a powerful professional telescopic petrol pole pruner for tree care, orchard work, estate maintenance and municipal grounds management.

Its 36.3cm³ STIHL 4-MIX engine produces 1.4kW / 1.9hp, providing the torque required for regular professional pruning and deadwood removal. A rigid telescopic shaft adjusts without tools from approximately 270cm to 390cm, allowing elevated branches to be approached while the operator remains at ground level.

The cutting head uses a lightweight magnesium gearbox with an integrated branch hook and lateral chip ejection. The machine is supplied with a 30cm / 12-inch cutting attachment.

• 36.3cm³ STIHL 4-MIX petrol engine
• 1.4kW / 1.9hp power output
• Approximately 7.9kg without fuel, guide bar or saw chain
• Telescopic shaft adjustable from 270cm to 390cm
• Working height of up to approximately five metres
• 30cm / 12-inch guide bar
• Lightweight magnesium gearbox
• Integrated branch hook
• Lateral chip ejection
• Automatic decompression system
• Manual fuel pump
• Single-handed multifunction control handle
• STIHL anti-vibration system
• Automatic chain lubrication
• Padded shoulder strap included
• Mounting clamp for the STIHL RTS harness included

Browse other STIHL garden machinery available from Masseys, or contact our team for help comparing petrol and cordless pole-pruning options.

Who should choose the STIHL HT 135?

The HT 135 is intended primarily for professional and experienced users who require a powerful telescopic pole pruner for regular work.

Typical applications include:

• Pruning elevated branches
• Removing suitable deadwood
• Maintaining orchards and fruit trees
• Professional tree and crown maintenance
• Estate and park management
• Municipal grounds maintenance
• Clearing suitable storm-damaged branches after professional assessment
• Removing cut or loose branches with the integrated branch hook

The telescopic shaft allows many elevated branches to be approached from ground level. It does not remove the risks associated with falling timber, unstable branches, poor footing or overhead electricity cables.

The HT 135 is not intended for processing firewood, cutting supported logs on the ground or felling complete trees.

Masseys recommendation

Choose the HT 135 when professional petrol power, adjustable reach and continuous refuelling capability are more important than low weight or quiet operation.

The HT 135 weighs approximately 7.9kg before fuel and the cutting attachment are added. It is therefore best suited to trained professional or experienced users rather than occasional light garden pruning.

For a less expensive professional petrol option, compare the STIHL HT 105 petrol pole pruner.

For reduced engine noise, no fuel mixing and lower engine-maintenance requirements, compare the STIHL HTA 135 professional cordless pole pruner.

The lighter STIHL HTA 86 may be more suitable where adjustable reach is required but the workload does not justify the power or weight of the HT 135.

36.3cm³ STIHL 4-MIX engine

The HT 135 uses STIHL’s high-torque 4-MIX engine, producing 1.4kW / 1.9hp from a 36.3cm³ displacement.

The 4-MIX design combines characteristics of two-stroke and four-stroke engine technology. It has valves and a four-stroke combustion cycle but does not use a separate engine-oil sump.

The engine runs on a petrol and two-stroke oil mixture, not straight petrol.

STIHL 4-MIX engines are designed to provide strong torque, comparatively low engine weight and a distinctive, less aggressive sound characteristic than a conventional two-stroke engine.

The current HT 135 complies with European Stage V emissions requirements.

Telescopic shaft adjustable from 270cm to 390cm

The rigid telescopic shaft can be adjusted without tools from approximately 270cm to 390cm.

Shortening the machine makes it more manageable for transport, storage and lower pruning. Extending the shaft provides additional reach for elevated branches.

STIHL states that the HT 135 can work at branch heights of up to approximately five metres. Actual reach depends on:

• The operator’s height
• The selected shaft length
• The cutting angle
• The branch position
• The operator’s stance and site conditions

The machine should be switched off and the cutting attachment allowed to stop fully before the shaft length is adjusted.

Lightweight magnesium gearbox

The cutting head uses a strong magnesium gearbox designed to reduce weight at the far end of the telescopic shaft.

Reducing weight at the cutting head improves balance and can reduce operator fatigue during extended professional work.

The gearbox incorporates lateral chip ejection to help reduce the accumulation of wood chips around the drive and cutting area.

30cm / 12-inch cutting attachment

The current HT 135 is supplied with a 30cm / 12-inch guide bar.

STIHL permits suitable ¼-inch P or 3/8-inch P cutting attachments, depending on the guide bar and chain configuration. Always check the markings on the fitted guide bar before ordering a replacement chain.

The 30cm guide-bar measurement is not a universal maximum branch diameter. Whether a branch is suitable depends on:

• Timber species and density
• Whether the wood is green, dead or decayed
• The position and movement of the branch
• Chain sharpness and lubrication
• The cutting angle
• Whether the branch can fall without creating a hazard

Do not attempt to force the full guide-bar length into unstable or poorly positioned timber.

Integrated branch hook

A sturdy branch hook is cast into the magnesium gearbox housing.

The hook can be used to help remove suitable loose or cut branches after the cutting operation has been completed.

Plan the branch’s fall path before cutting and never stand directly beneath material being cut or pulled down.

Manual fuel pump and automatic decompression

The manual fuel pump can be pressed before starting to move fuel into the carburettor. This reduces the number of starting pulls needed after longer breaks or when the fuel system has been emptied.

The automatic decompression system temporarily reduces cylinder compression during starting, lowering the force required on the starter cord.

The HT 135 does not use STIHL ErgoStart. Starting should be described as assisted by the manual fuel pump and automatic decompression system.

Multifunction control handle

The principal engine controls are integrated into the multifunction handle.

This allows the operator to control the engine without repeatedly moving the controlling hand away from the handle.

The integrated controls do not mean that the complete pole pruner should be operated casually with one hand. Use the machine with the approved grip, strap and stance described in the STIHL operating instructions.

STIHL anti-vibration system

Spring and buffer elements reduce the amount of engine vibration transmitted to the handle area.

This can improve comfort during longer professional jobs, although it does not eliminate vibration. Operators should follow workplace vibration guidance, rotate tasks and take suitable breaks.

Automatic chain lubrication

The HT 135 automatically supplies chain oil to the guide bar and moving saw chain during operation.

STIHL has designed the fuel and chain-oil capacities so that normal chain-oil consumption broadly corresponds with a tank of fuel. Both levels must still be checked before starting and during prolonged use.

Separate chainsaw chain oil is required and is not included unless specifically stated.

Purchase suitable STIHL chainsaw chain oil before using the pole pruner.

Fuel requirements

Despite using a four-stroke combustion cycle, the STIHL 4-MIX engine runs on mixed fuel.

Use either:

• A correctly prepared 50:1 mixture of suitable petrol and approved STIHL two-stroke engine oil; or
• STIHL MotoMix ready-mixed fuel

Do not fill the HT 135 with straight petrol and do not attempt to fill it with separate four-stroke sump oil.

Browse Masseys’ range of garden-machinery fuel and two-stroke oil.

What is included?

The standard current package includes:

• STIHL HT 135 professional petrol pole pruner
• 30cm / 12-inch guide bar
• Matching STIHL saw chain
• Guide-bar scabbard
• Ergonomic padded shoulder strap
• Mounting clamp for the STIHL RTS harness
• Combination servicing tool
• Standard operating and safety documentation

Packaging can change. Contact Masseys before ordering when a particular loose accessory is essential.

What else will you need?

Before using the HT 135, you will also need:

• Correctly mixed two-stroke fuel or STIHL MotoMix
• Suitable chainsaw chain oil
• Eye and face protection
• Suitable gloves and protective footwear
• Head protection where falling material presents a risk
• Suitable hearing protection
• A clear working area away from people, vehicles and buildings

STIHL HT 135 technical specifications

STIHL HT 105 vs HT 135 vs HTA 135

Choose the HT 105 when you need a professional petrol pole pruner but do not require STIHL’s highest-output petrol model.

Choose the HT 135 when petrol refuelling, torque and sustained professional use are the priorities.

Choose the HTA 135 when lower engine noise, no exhaust emissions during use and reduced engine-maintenance requirements are more important than petrol refuelling.

Pole pruner or long-reach hedge trimmer?

A pole pruner uses a guide bar and saw chain to cut individual woody branches.

A long-reach hedge trimmer uses reciprocating blades and is intended for shaping broad hedge surfaces and cutting many smaller stems.

Choose the HT 135 for individual branches and tree maintenance. Choose a suitable long-reach hedge trimmer when the primary objective is shaping a tall hedge.

Maintenance and replacement cutting equipment

The HT 135 requires routine engine and cutting-system maintenance.

• Check chain tension before and during use
• Keep the chain correctly sharpened
• Maintain the chain-oil level
• Clean the guide-bar groove and oil holes
• Remove debris from the gearbox and sprocket-cover area
• Inspect and maintain the air filter
• Check the fuel filter and spark plug
• Inspect the guide bar, chain and drive sprocket for wear
• Use fresh, correctly mixed fuel
• Follow STIHL’s servicing schedule

STIHL Service Kit 31 contains an air filter, fuel filter and spark plug for routine maintenance of compatible HT-series machines.

Browse STIHL service kits or use Masseys’ garden machinery servicing and repair workshop for professional maintenance, chain sharpening and genuine parts.

Safety and correct use

A powered pole pruner can cause serious or fatal injury if used incorrectly.

• Read the complete STIHL operating manual before use
• Obtain appropriate training for professional pole-pruner work
• Use the supplied or approved carrying system correctly
• Keep both feet securely on the ground
• Do not operate the machine from a ladder or platform
• Do not stand directly beneath a branch being cut
• Plan where each cut section will fall
• Keep people and animals outside the working area
• Inspect chain tension, chain condition and oil level before work
• Keep well away from overhead electricity cables
• Do not attempt unstable, hung-up or severely storm-damaged timber
• Use a qualified tree professional where the work exceeds safe ground-level pruning

Frequently asked questions

Is this product an HT 133 or HT 135?

This listing is for the current STIHL HT 135. The product URL is a legacy address previously used for the HT 133.

What engine does the HT 135 have?

It uses a 36.3cm³ STIHL 4-MIX engine producing 1.4kW / 1.9hp.

Does a 4-MIX engine need separate four-stroke engine oil?

No. STIHL 4-MIX engines use a petrol and two-stroke oil mixture. There is no separate engine-oil sump.

How long is the HT 135?

The telescopic shaft adjusts from approximately 270cm to 390cm.

How high can the HT 135 reach?

STIHL refers to a working height of up to approximately five metres. Actual reach depends on the operator’s height, stance and cutting angle.

How much does the HT 135 weigh?

The current HT 135 weighs approximately 7.9kg without fuel, guide bar or saw chain. Its complete operating weight is higher.

What guide bar is supplied?

The current UK product is supplied with a 30cm / 12-inch guide bar.

What size branches can it cut?

STIHL does not specify one universal maximum branch diameter. Suitability depends on timber species, branch condition, chain sharpness, working position and whether the branch can fall safely.

Does the HT 135 have ErgoStart?

No. Starting is assisted by a manual fuel pump and automatic decompression system.

Does it require chain oil?

Yes. Suitable chainsaw chain oil is required for the automatic bar-and-chain lubrication system.

Is the HT 135 suitable for homeowners?

It can be purchased by experienced private users, but its 7.9kg unrefuelled weight, professional output and long telescopic shaft make it primarily a professional machine.

What is the difference between the HT 135 and HTA 135?

The HT 135 uses a petrol 4-MIX engine. The HTA 135 uses STIHL’s professional cordless battery system. Petrol supports rapid refuelling, while cordless operation provides lower engine noise, immediate starting and no fuel mixing.

Why buy the STIHL HT 135 from Masseys?

Masseys is a STIHL Approved Dealer based in Woodville, Swadlincote, Derbyshire.

Our team can help you compare the HT 105, HT 135 and HTA 135, identify the correct fuel and chain oil and select suitable replacement cutting equipment and protective products.

• Genuine UK STIHL product
• Advice from an established STIHL dealer
• Professional pole-pruner model comparison
• Machine preparation and pre-delivery checking where applicable
• Genuine STIHL fuels, oils, bars and chains
• Warranty-registration assistance
• Workshop servicing and chain sharpening
• Local collection and qualifying delivery options

Visit Masseys at 129 Swadlincote Road, Woodville, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 8DA, or contact the Masseys team for advice before ordering.