STIHL SH 86 Petrol Leaf Blower and Vacuum Shredder

STIHL SH 86 petrol vacuum shredder and leaf blower

The STIHL SH 86 is a powerful petrol leaf blower and vacuum shredder for larger gardens, extensive outdoor areas and properties with substantial accumulations of fallen leaves.

It combines two useful garden-clearance functions in one machine. Use the blower configuration to gather leaves, grass cuttings and suitable loose debris into manageable piles, then convert the machine into a vacuum shredder to collect and reduce the material inside its 45-litre bag.

Compared with the lighter STIHL SH 56, the SH 86 provides greater suction performance and adds STIHL ElastoStart, anti-vibration technology and a locking variable throttle control. These features make it particularly suitable for longer or more frequent working sessions.

Browse more STIHL leaf blowers and vacuum shredders or compare the complete leaf-blower range at Masseys.

STIHL SH 86 at a glance

• Combined petrol leaf blower and vacuum shredder
• Designed for extensive areas and larger accumulations of leaves
• 27.2cm³ STIHL 2-MIX two-stroke engine
• 770m³/h air throughput in suction mode
• 45-litre collection bag
• Specialised shredder blade fitted to the fan wheel
• STIHL anti-vibration system
• STIHL ElastoStart starting handle
• Manual fuel pump
• Locking infinitely variable throttle control
• Stop button that leaves the machine ready for restarting
• Ergonomic one-handed control
• Support harness supplied
• Approximately 5.6kg without fuel in complete configuration
• STIHL part number 42410110932

Who is the STIHL SH 86 suitable for?

The SH 86 is best suited to customers who regularly clear larger quantities of leaves and want one petrol machine capable of both gathering and collecting them.

It is particularly suitable for:

• Larger domestic gardens
• Properties with substantial tree cover
• Estates and grounds-maintenance work
• Large lawns, paths, patios and driveways
• Longer or more frequent clearing sessions
• Users who want blower and vacuum-shredder functions
• Customers who prefer petrol power to battery charging
• Clearing dry leaves, loose grass cuttings and suitable light garden debris

Consider another model when:

• Your garden is small and the machine will only be used occasionally
• You want the lightest and least expensive petrol vacuum shredder
• You would prefer push-button cordless starting without fuel mixing
• You only need a blower and will not use the vacuum function
• You require a backpack blower for prolonged large-site clearing

Why Masseys recommends the STIHL SH 86

At Masseys, we recommend the SH 86 to customers with larger gardens or substantial leaf fall who will benefit from the additional comfort and suction performance it offers over the SH 56.

The anti-vibration system is one of the most useful improvements. Petrol machinery naturally generates vibration, and the SH 86 uses spring and buffer elements to reduce the amount transferred to the handle and operator. This can make a meaningful difference when clearing larger areas or using the machine for longer periods.

We also like the locking variable throttle. The engine speed can be adjusted to suit the material and then held at the chosen setting, reducing the need to squeeze the trigger continuously. Lower output can be used around loose gravel or delicate areas, while greater power is available for heavier leaf build-up.

The SH 86 is not automatically the right choice for every customer. At approximately 5.6kg without fuel, it is heavier than the SH 56, and the collection bag becomes heavier as material is collected. For smaller gardens and occasional use, the STIHL SH 56 petrol vacuum shredder may be more economical and easier to handle.

Customers who want to avoid pull-starting, fuel mixing and exhaust emissions at the machine should compare the STIHL SHA 56 cordless vacuum shredder.

Masseys product assessment: prepared by the Masseys garden machinery team in Woodville, Swadlincote. Product information checked July 2026.

Blower and vacuum-shredder operation

Leaf-blower configuration

In blower configuration, the SH 86 can be used to gather dry leaves, loose grass cuttings and similar lightweight debris into piles. This makes it easier to clear lawns, paths, patios, driveways and other outdoor areas systematically.

The blower tube directs the airflow close to the ground so loose material can be moved towards a suitable collection point.

Vacuum-shredder configuration

In vacuum configuration, suitable garden material is drawn through the suction tube and passes across the specialised shredder blade before entering the 45-litre collection bag.

The shredding process reduces the volume of suitable dry leaves and light cuttings, allowing more material to fit into the bag before it needs to be emptied.

The machine must be assembled correctly for the selected operating mode. Follow the conversion and safety procedure in the supplied STIHL instruction manual.

27.2cc STIHL 2-MIX engine

The SH 86 is powered by a 27.2cm³ STIHL 2-MIX two-stroke petrol engine. The 2-MIX design is intended to use fuel efficiently and reduce exhaust emissions compared with older conventional two-stroke engine designs.

The engine uses a mixture of petrol and suitable two-stroke engine oil. Follow the current STIHL fuel specification and mixing instructions rather than using ordinary unmixed petrol.

Suitable oils and ready-mixed fuel options are available in the Masseys oil and fuel range. Customers wanting a ready-mixed option can also consider Aspen 2 premixed two-stroke fuel.

STIHL ElastoStart

The SH 86 is fitted with STIHL ElastoStart. A damping element within the starting handle helps smooth the force that occurs as the engine passes through compression during pull-starting.

This reduces abrupt loading through the starting cord and handle, making the engine-starting process more controlled.

Manual fuel pump

A manual fuel pump helps move fuel through the system before starting. Operating the pump several times can reduce the number of starting pulls required, particularly after the machine has been unused for a period.

Follow the starting sequence in the instruction manual and avoid repeatedly pressing the fuel pump beyond the recommended procedure.

STIHL anti-vibration system

The SH 86 uses STIHL anti-vibration technology to reduce the transmission of engine vibration to the handle area.

Buffer and spring elements isolate the handle from the engine unit, helping make the machine more comfortable during longer or more frequent work. Appropriate breaks and safe working practices are still required.

Locking variable throttle control

The engine output can be adjusted between idle and full power using the throttle control. The selected position can then be locked, allowing the machine to continue operating at the chosen output without the trigger being held continuously.

This provides greater control when working around loose gravel, borders or confined spaces and can reduce finger fatigue during longer clearing runs.

A brief press of the stop button switches off the engine while leaving the control system ready for the next start.

Specialised shredder blade

A specialised blade is mounted on the fan wheel. When the SH 86 is used in vacuum mode, suitable leaves and light garden material pass across this blade before entering the collection bag.

Do not use the vacuum to collect stones, glass, metal, thick branches or other hard objects. These can damage the machine and create a serious safety risk.

45-litre collection bag

The SH 86 is supplied with a 45-litre collection bag. Its capacity provides a useful balance between holding a meaningful quantity of shredded material and controlling the weight carried by the operator.

Empty the bag regularly rather than allowing it to become excessively heavy. Check the fabric, seams and attachment points for damage before each use.

A compatible dust-reducing collection bag may be useful when working with particularly dry material and can be purchased separately where available.

Ergonomic one-handed control

The principal operating controls are grouped around the handle so the machine can be controlled with one hand during normal use. A support harness is also supplied for use in the appropriate operating configuration.

The complete machine weighs approximately 5.6kg without fuel. Its effective working weight increases when fuel is added and as material accumulates inside the collection bag.

What is included?

• STIHL SH 86 petrol power unit
• Blower tube and nozzle components
• Vacuum-shredder suction tube components
• 45-litre collection bag
• Support harness
• Operating instructions and product documentation

Fuel, two-stroke oil and personal protective equipment are not included unless specifically stated in the current offer.

STIHL SH 86 technical specifications

Manufacturer	STIHL
Model	SH 86
Product type	Petrol leaf blower and vacuum shredder
Engine type	STIHL 2-MIX two-stroke petrol engine
Engine displacement	27.2cm³
Air throughput in suction mode	770m³/h
Collection-bag capacity	45 litres
Weight without fuel	Approximately 5.6kg in complete configuration
Shredding system	Specialised shredder blade mounted on the fan wheel
Starting system	STIHL ElastoStart with manual fuel pump
Throttle control	Infinitely variable and lockable
Anti-vibration system	Yes
Harness included	Yes
STIHL part number / MPN	42410110932

STIHL SH 86 versus SH 56

Feature	STIHL SH 56	STIHL SH 86
Engine capacity	27.2cm³	27.2cm³
Suction-mode air throughput	710m³/h	770m³/h
Collection bag	45 litres	45 litres
Weight without fuel	Approximately 5.2kg	Approximately 5.6kg
Anti-vibration system	No	Yes
Starting system	Manual fuel pump and simplified controls	STIHL ElastoStart and manual fuel pump
Best suited to	Occasional domestic clearing	Extensive areas, heavier leaf fall and longer sessions

Choose the STIHL SH 56 when lower weight and a lower purchase price are more important than maximum comfort and suction performance.

Choose the SH 86 when you will benefit from higher suction throughput, anti-vibration, ElastoStart and locking variable throttle control.

STIHL SH 86 or BG 86?

The SH 86 and STIHL BG 86 petrol blower serve different requirements.

• Choose the SH 86 when you want both blower and vacuum-shredder functions supplied as part of the machine.
• Choose the BG 86 when you primarily require a dedicated petrol blower and do not regularly need vacuum collection.

Fuel, servicing and maintenance

Use correctly mixed two-stroke fuel that meets the requirements stated in the STIHL instruction manual. Never run the machine on ordinary unmixed petrol.

Routine maintenance includes checking and cleaning the air filter, inspecting the spark plug, checking the fuel pickup and keeping the blower and vacuum components clear.

The STIHL Service Kit 37 for the BG 86 and SH 86 contains commonly required maintenance components.

For workshop assistance, visit the Masseys garden machinery servicing and repair department.

Important operating guidance

• Read the STIHL instruction manual before first use.
• Wear appropriate eye and hearing protection.
• Use strong footwear and suitable gloves.
• Keep other people and animals away from the working area.
• Do not vacuum stones, metal, glass or thick branches.
• Stop the engine before changing configuration or clearing a blockage.
• Allow the engine to cool before refuelling.
• Do not refuel close to flames, sparks or other ignition sources.
• Inspect the collection bag and tubes before use.

Frequently asked questions

Is the STIHL SH 86 a blower and vacuum?

Yes. It can be configured as a handheld petrol leaf blower or as a vacuum shredder with a 45-litre collection bag.

What is the STIHL SH 86 designed for?

It is designed for extensive outdoor areas and properties with substantial accumulations of leaves. Its anti-vibration and throttle-control features also make it more suitable for longer sessions than the SH 56.

How much does the STIHL SH 86 weigh?

STIHL gives a complete weight of approximately 5.6kg without fuel. The working weight increases when fuel and collected material are added.

What is the SH 86 suction airflow?

STIHL specifies air throughput of 770m³/h when the machine is used in suction mode.

How large is the collection bag?

The supplied collection bag has a capacity of approximately 45 litres.

Does the SH 86 shred leaves?

Yes. Suitable leaves and light garden material pass across a specialised blade mounted on the fan wheel before entering the collection bag.

Does the SH 86 have anti-vibration?

Yes. The STIHL anti-vibration system reduces the amount of engine vibration transferred to the handle and operator.

What is STIHL ElastoStart?

ElastoStart uses a damping element in the starter handle to smooth the force generated during pull-starting, making the starting action more controlled.

Is the SH 86 better than the SH 56?

The SH 86 provides higher suction throughput, anti-vibration, ElastoStart and locking throttle control. The SH 56 is lighter and may be more suitable for occasional domestic use.

Can the SH 86 vacuum wet leaves?

It will perform most effectively with loose and reasonably dry material. Wet or compacted leaves are heavier, more difficult to collect and more likely to restrict airflow or cause blockages.

Can it vacuum small branches?

No. Do not use it to collect branches, stones, metal, glass or other hard objects. These can damage the fan and shredder system and create a safety hazard.

What fuel does the STIHL SH 86 use?

It uses fuel suitable for a STIHL two-stroke engine. Follow the current STIHL specification for petrol and two-stroke oil, or use a compatible ready-mixed two-stroke fuel.

Is the SH 86 suitable for professional use?

It is a high-performance handheld model suitable for extensive areas, estates and demanding grounds work. For continuous clearing over very large sites, a backpack blower may provide better weight distribution.

Why buy the STIHL SH 86 from Masseys?

Masseys is a STIHL dealer and garden machinery specialist based in Woodville, Swadlincote. Our team can help you compare the SH 86 with the lighter SH 56, the cordless SHA 56 and dedicated petrol blowers such as the BG 86.

• Genuine STIHL machinery and accessories
• Advice from an established garden machinery retailer
• Help choosing suitable fuel and two-stroke oil
• Maintenance kits and replacement parts available
• Local delivery across much of Derbyshire and surrounding areas
• On-site garden machinery workshop and aftersales support

For advice about the STIHL SH 86, suitable fuel or alternative leaf blowers, please contact Masseys or visit our store at 129 Swadlincote Road, Woodville, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 8DA.