Which blower/vac? Husqvarna 125BVx or Stihl SH86ce ?

15 years ago

I'm looking for a new blower/vac. I've looked at the Sthil SH86ce and it's nice. Got it in my hands and it seems well built and a pretty decent value. Dealers stick to msrp of $269.

I also found (online) the Husky 125BVx which seems to be a very comparable item, has good reviews as far as I've read, and is quite a bit less money. Sears has it online for $189 shipped. I haven't called a local dealer yet but the closest one isn't all that local. I will check on their price.

The seem so similar in specs, size, weight, everything. Both are top notch brands so I'm looking for any suggestions on which way to go. Stihl seems like it might be a little easier to get service since there are more dealers and many are closer than the Husky dealer.

Both have a similar gutter kit which I am interested in and they are priced the same.

Any comments comparing these two?

Thanks.

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Comments (8)

equinox_grow
15 years ago
Might I add Echo to the mix? I have one We bought in 2000 and it still runs and works perfectly. All I have ever done is maintenence. My suggestion is to buy from a dealer. Then if something is wrong with it you know who to take it to. Stihl and Husky are also very good brands. I would though put Stihl ahead of Husky.
tmj66
14 years ago
mckeand - Did you decide on one yet? I'm actually trying to decide between those two exact models. Would be great to hear about which one you selected and why. Thanks!
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My vote is for Stihl. I bought the shred/vac version of the BG86 this year. One of its best features (only on the BG86) is a shock absorber system that nearly eliminates all vibration at the handle. No more "nervous hand" when you're done using it. Plus it allows you to leave it idling on the driveway or sidewalk without it dancing all over the place. Also, they have the fan intake on the right hand side of the unit, so if you're right handed, it doesn't suck itself to your pants leg. Stihl says it has "cruise control" which leads you to believe you can lock the throttle at any speed. I learned from Stihl, when I thought mine was defective that this year they changed it to only lock the throttle at wide open. It does run very smoothly at that setting. You can still use the trigger to operate it at any speed you want, but it does run a little rough through the low to mid range - not bad though. It really is happiest running wide open. Over all, its a great machine.
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Richard Harp Homes, Inc.
7 years ago
I was just wondering what model you guys had decided to buy 7 years ago. I had a used echo handheld blower for 20 years until it was stolen from me. I was forced to buy a replacement and chose a refurbished Husqvarna 125 BX that lasted maybe two years until it vibrated itself apart, and I currently have the Stihl SH86 that an employee ran straight gas through and destroyed the rings and piston wall. I'm truly leaning toward going back with a good echo blower, but was curious what others who had evaluated the same model decided to do.
mckeand13
Original Author
7 years ago
Funny, I just found this thread again while I was looking for something else.

I bought the Stihl SH86 and it's been solid. Not a single problem yet, and it does a great job.
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Richard Harp Homes, Inc.
7 years ago
Thanks for sharing! I bought the SH86c. Love it. Did not like the SH 86 C-E. I have a Stihl chainsaw with the C-E starting feature and am not really a fan of it. I've started over 10,000 small engines in my life, and I prefer the "old" way of just pulling the starter cord, and not playing with a jack-in-the-box type starter cord.
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CTE Small Engines, Inc.
7 years ago
I also prefer the Echo PB250LN - $169 and a five year warranty for the homeowner. I have not been overly impressed with the Husqvarna and looking at the Lowes and Amazon reviews neither have a lot of other people. No experience with the Stihl but they do have an amazing reputation.
andrelaplume2
7 years ago
My echo blower and trimmer from early 2000's are all still running...no issues..Are they still made as well..not sure? They are cheaper as mentioned...
mowernut
7 years ago
If it says Stihl, it's a great deal! You get what u pay for, and for me Stihl is tops,

Which blower/vac? Husqvarna 125BVx or Stihl SH86ce ?

Comments (8)

equinox_grow

tmj66

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Which blower/vac? Husqvarna 125BVx or Stihl SH86ce ?

Comments (8)

equinox_grow

tmj66

Related Discussions

Richard Harp Homes, Inc.

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