An impossible question really. But views on choosing between these two welcomed! The 86 is more versatile with its telescopic section, but the 135 is the more professional/heavy duty model. I suppose a more specific question is the importance of stroke rate. The 86 is 3000, vs 4000 on the 135. What is the impact of stroke rate? Speed of doing the job, quality of cut, or increased cutting "power" (the ability to cut thicker wood) - or all of the above?
There's not a massive difference in weight or noise or price really. But would the 135 with its metal gearbox be significantly more durable?
I've got the hsa86 "standard" trimmer which is great, but I've tried the pro version of this (hsa94?) and it is a lot better. Wonder if the same applies with the long reach? At the moment I'm really tempted by extra length option of the hla86.
Decisions, decisions!
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We swapped from hla86s to the kma135 with hedgecutter attachments plus the 1m extensions, they are so much more robust and better balanced although not so kind to the batteries! The cutting speed helps on the thicker more dense hedges
Thanks Oliver. I'd not even considered a kombi system. Something else to look into, although I mainly do hedge cutting so would rarely need the other attachments that can be used. That's why I was looking at a dedicated long reach. But if you're saying you prefer the kombi long reach to the hla86....
I own the hla86 which is way better than the 85. I own three of the old 85 but they not built to the same quality of the newer 86. All are telescopic and work well. The teeth spacings are bigger on the 86 and the quality and thickness of the metal way better. It will take on thicker Woodier hedges with ease. I have wanted the 135 but it's never in stock. Can't sell the old 85s anywhere. The battery stuff is hard to sell on but each battery machine has paid fir itself ample times by the time I've finished with them. The 86 feels more substantial because it is. It weighs more but it is pro kit. The length is adjusted by the swivel handle which is easy to use and much less faff than the lock swivel on the 85. I was happy with the 85 till I dropped it then bought two more. The 86 is better all round but I'll still buy a 135 when they finally land
Cheers Luke. That's useful info. Sounds like I'd probably be fine with the 86, but might be worth waiting for the 135 judging by what Oliver is saying above re robustness.
plenty of legit dealers online with HLA135 in stock....I still use a HLA85 telescoped out for the further to reach stuff but the HLA135 has basically replaced my short long reach HLA65 as it's more powerful
I prefer to buy local and support my dealer. That way I get to borrow kit if mine is in for repair and any repair issues under warranty are dealt with. My preference I know and I respect your using online
Absolutely Luke I would like to use mine more but its a 35 mile round trip, plus the time involved and then another long trip to go pick up repaired items, I've taught myself to fix most problems. That particular dealership seems more focussed on big tractors and horse related stuff, with the garden gear as a side line
I know I'm lucky mine is 800 yards from my house. I know your pain regards they wanna sell big tractors
yes seems more farming related, due to the area i suppose, but have always been decent to deal with. Could be mistaken, but I think any genuine registered Stihl dealership is duty bound to repair Stihl kit no matter where you purchased it. I have bought a few batteries and machines there, they kindly altered a couple of my items free of charge when the older cabled battery stuff changed connectors to the newer orange ring type
That sounds like a lots of machines to go through in the time they have been out , do you have a employees using them ? Would you go through the petrol equivalant in a similar amount of time ?
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