STIHL BGA 86 (01) PDF DOCUMENT

The main parts of the STIHL BGA 86 blower and battery are:

1. Nozzle: Directs and concentrates the airstream.

2. Blower Tube: Directs the airstream.

3. Intake Screen: Covers the air intake opening and reduces the risk of contact with the blower fan.

4. Battery Compartment: Holds the battery.

5. Locking Lever: Secures the battery in the battery compartment.

6. Control Handle: The blower’s handle.

7. Ergo-Lever: Holds the retaining latch in the unlocked position.

8. Retaining Latch: Locks/unlocks the trigger switch.

9. Trigger Switch: Switches the motor on and off.

10. Battery: Supplies electrical power to the motor.

11. Battery LEDs: Indicate the battery’s state of charge and display error messages regarding potential malfunctions.

12. Push Button: Activates the battery’s LEDs.

# Rating Plate: Contains electrical information and the product’s serial number.

The safety symbols on the STIHL BGA 86 blower indicate the following precautions:

Exclamation mark in a triangle: To reduce the risk of injury, follow the specified safety precautions.

Open manual icon: Read and follow all safety precautions in the instruction manual. Improper use can lead to serious or fatal personal injury or property damage.

Goggles icon: To reduce the risk of eye injury, always wear proper eye protection.

Person blowing leaves away from another person icon: To reduce the risk of personal injury from blown objects, never direct the air flow toward bystanders or pets.

Head with long hair near intake icon: To reduce the risk of personal injury, keep hair and loose-fitting clothing away from the air intake.

Battery removal icon: To reduce the risk of injury or property damage from unintended activation, remove the battery any time the blower is not in use.

Distance icon (5m / 17 ft): To reduce the risk of personal injury from high velocity air flow and blown objects, keep bystanders at least 17 ft. (5 m) away.

The safety symbols on the AR series backpack battery and the AP series battery for your STIHL BGA 86 indicate the following:

Open manual icon: Read and follow all safety precautions in the battery’s instruction manual and the manual for the STIHL tool powered by this battery.

Flame icon: To reduce the risk of injury or property damage from fire, explosion or burns, do not disassemble, crush, drop, damage or heat above 212 °F (100 °C). Never expose to fire or incinerate.

Thermometer icon (122°F): To reduce the risk of injury or property damage from fire, use and store only within an ambient temperature range of 14 °F to 122 °F (-10 °C to 50 °C).

Battery with raindrops icon (AR 1000, 2000, 3000): To reduce the risk of injury or property damage from a short circuit, fire or explosion, keep dry. Protect from rain, water, liquids and damp conditions. Never immerse in water or other liquids.

Battery with crossed-out raindrops icon (AR L and AP Series): To reduce the risk of personal injury or property damage from a short circuit, fire or explosion, keep dry. Never immerse in water or other liquids.

The STIHL BGA 86 blower is designed for blowing leaves, grass, and similar lightweight material from yards, gardens, sidewalks, driveways, decks, patios, and comparable surfaces. Use of the blower for operations different than intended could result in serious injury or death. Only blow leaves, grass, and similar lightweight material.

To avoid improper use which could result in personal injury or property damage:

Use the blower and battery only as described in the manual.

Never attempt to modify or override the blower’s controls or safety devices in any way.

Never use a blower that has been modified or altered from its original design.

To reduce the risk of personal injury when operating the STIHL BGA 86, you should wear the following personal protective equipment (PPE):

Clothing: Wear sturdy and snug-fitting clothing that allows complete freedom of movement. Wear overalls or long pants made of heavy material. Do not wear shorts. Wear a long-sleeve shirt or jacket. Avoid loose-fitting jackets, scarves, neckties, flared or cuffed pants, jewelry, and any other apparel that could be drawn into the air intake.

Hair: Secure hair above shoulder level before starting work.

Eye Protection: Always wear goggles or close-fitting protective glasses with adequate side protection that are impact-rated and marked as complying with ANSI Z87 “+”.

Footwear: Wear substantial footwear with non-slip soles. Do not wear sandals, flip-flops, open-toed or similar footwear.

Gloves: STIHL recommends wearing heavy-duty non-slip work gloves made of leather or another wear-resistant material when handling the blower.

To maintain a firm grip and properly control your STIHL BGA 86 blower, follow these guidelines:

Keep the handle clean and dry at all times. Keep it free of moisture, pitch, oil, grease, and resin.

Always hold the blower firmly with one hand when you are working.

Wrap your fingers tightly around the handle, keeping the handle cradled between your thumb and forefinger.

To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries from loss of control, keep proper footing and balance at all times:

Never work on a ladder, roof, in a tree or while standing on any other insecure support.

Take special care in overgrown or wet terrain and always watch for hidden obstacles such as tree stumps, roots, rocks, holes and ditches to avoid stumbling.

Be extremely cautious when working on slopes or uneven ground.

Use extra care when working on stairs.

For better footing, always clear away fallen branches, scrub, cuttings and other material, objects or vegetation that can increase the danger of slipping, tripping or falling.

Never operate the blower above shoulder height.

Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.

Follow these safety precautions when using a battery with the STIHL BGA 86:

Use only genuine STIHL AR or AP series batteries with this power tool.

Charge STIHL AP series batteries only with genuine STIHL AL 101, AL 301, AL 301-4 or AL 500 series chargers. Charge STIHL AR series backpack batteries only with genuine STIHL AL 301, AL 301-4 or AL 500 series chargers.

Never heat the battery above 212 °F (100 °C).

Never incinerate or place the battery on or near fires, stoves or other high-temperature locations.

Never use or charge a malfunctioning, damaged, cracked, leaking or deformed battery.

Never open, disassemble, crush, drop, subject to heavy impact or otherwise damage the battery.

Use and store the battery only within an ambient temperature range of 14 °F to 122 °F (-10 °C to 50 °C).

If the battery emits smoke, has an unusual smell, or feels unusually hot, immediately discontinue use or charging and contact authorities in the event of fire or explosion.

Keep STIHL AR 1000, 2000, 3000 backpack batteries dry. For AP or AR L batteries exposed to rain, remove them from the product and let them dry indoors completely before use.

Never immerse any STIHL battery in water or other liquids.

Never bridge the battery terminals with wires or other metallic objects.

Keep a battery that is not in use away from small metal objects like paper clips, nails, coins, or keys.

Store the battery indoors in a dry room, never in damp or corrosive environments.

Never store the battery in the power tool.

Before starting work with your STIHL BGA 86, follow these steps:

1. Fully charge the battery.

2. Mount the nozzle.

3. Check the controls for proper function and condition.

To set up the charger for your STIHL BGA 86 battery:

1. Ensure the electrical system is rated to withstand the expected electrical draw before charging your battery.

2. Charge multiple batteries one at a time or on separate circuits, unless your circuit can handle the total expected draw.

3. Do not operate the charger on a combustible surface or in a location with combustible gases, liquids, vapors, dusts, or other flammable substances.

4. Insert the plug into a properly installed electrical outlet matching the voltage and frequency on the charger’s rating plate.

5. The charger will run a self-test: the LED will glow green for about 1 second, then red briefly, then go out. The charger is now ready.

6. Position the power supply cord so it will not be stepped on, tripped over, or come in contact with sharp objects.

To charge a STIHL AR backpack battery for your STIHL BGA 86:

1. Push the plug of the connecting cord (1) into the socket (2) of the AP Adapter (3) until it stops.

2. Push the AP Adapter into the charger (5) until it stops. The LED (4) on the charger glows green when the battery is charging.

3. The LEDs on the AR battery also glow green and show the state of charge.

4. When the LEDs on the battery turn off, the charging process is complete and the charger will shut itself off. The AP Adapter can be removed from the charger.

5. Disconnect the power supply cord from the electrical outlet when the charger is not in use for extended periods.

To charge a STIHL AP series battery for your STIHL BGA 86:

1. Push the battery (2) into the charger (3) until it stops. The LED on the charger glows green when the battery is charging.

2. The LEDs (1) on the AP battery glow green and show the state of charge.

3. When the LEDs on the battery go out, the charging process is complete and the charger will shut itself off. The AP battery can be removed from the charger.

4. Disconnect the power supply cord from the electrical outlet when the charger is not in use for extended periods of time.

To determine the battery’s state of charge on a STIHL AP battery, press the button on the battery. The LEDs will glow or flash green for about 5 seconds to indicate the charge level:

Four green LEDs glow continuously: Full charge (80-100%).

One green LED is flashing: Less than 20% charge.

Other LED signals include:

One LED glows red continuously: The battery is either too hot or too cold. Allow it to warm up or cool down.

All 4 LEDs flash red: The battery has a malfunction and must be replaced. Do not attempt to charge, use, or store it.

To determine the battery’s state of charge on a STIHL AR backpack battery, press the button on the backpack battery. A single short beep will be emitted, and the LEDs will glow or flash green for about 5 seconds to indicate the state of charge.

If six green LEDs glow continuously: Full charge.

If one green LED is flashing and four long beeps are emitted: Less than 20% charge.

Acoustic and LED signals can also indicate status or malfunctions:

A short beep: The acoustic signal works as it should.

Four or six (AR L) long beeps: The battery’s charge is low. Recharge the battery.

Rapid succession of short beeps: There is a malfunction in the battery. Do not attempt to charge, use, or store the battery. Replace the battery.

One LED glows red continuously: The battery is either too hot or too cold. Allow it to warm up or cool down.

Four right side LEDs flash red and rapid succession of short beeps is emitted: The battery has a malfunction and must be replaced.

To ensure a proper fit and safe operation with the STIHL AR backpack battery, follow these steps to put on the harness:

1. Put the backpack battery on your back.

2. Fasten and adjust the waist belt so that it rests comfortably but securely on your hips.

3. Fasten the chest strap and adjust it so that it fits comfortably but securely across your chest.

4. Adjust the harness straps so that the back padding fits snugly and securely against your back.

5. Always wear the battery harness over both shoulders.

6. Thread the end of the waist belt through the loops provided.

To remove the harness, open the quick-release fasteners on the waist belt and chest strap, and loosen the harness straps by lifting the sliding adjusters. Practice this procedure to be able to remove it quickly in an emergency.

To mount and adjust the nozzle on the STIHL BGA 86, make sure the battery is removed first. The nozzle can be mounted in three positions to suit the user’s height and reach.

1. Align the nozzle mounting lugs with the groove on the nozzle and push the nozzle onto the blower tube.

2. Rotate the nozzle in the direction of the arrow until it stops. The nozzle should lock into position.

To remove the nozzle, reverse the sequence of steps above.

To insert the battery:

1. Place the blower on a level surface.

2. Insert the battery into the battery compartment until it stops. The battery is properly inserted when you hear an audible click and the battery is flush with the top of the housing.

To remove the battery:

1. Release the trigger switch.

2. Place the blower on a level surface.

3. Position your hand behind the battery to catch it.

4. Compress the locking levers to eject the battery from the battery compartment.

To switch the blower on:

1. Ensure you have a secure and firm footing and are standing upright.

2. Hold the blower with one hand firmly on the control handle.

3. Unlock the retaining latch (1) by pushing it forward with your thumb. Hold it in this unlocked position.

4. While holding the retaining latch, squeeze the trigger switch (2) with your index finger. The blower will activate.

5. Once the trigger switch is activated, you may release the retaining latch. Holding the Ergo-Lever (3) down keeps the trigger switch unlocked. The further the trigger switch is depressed, the stronger the blowing force.

To switch the blower off:

Release the trigger switch and Ergo-Lever. The trigger switch will spring back to the locked position, and the blower will turn off.

Before starting work, confirm that the retaining latch, Ergo-Lever, and trigger switch are undamaged and functioning properly. To test the controls:

1. Remove the battery.

2. Attempt to depress the trigger switch. If it can be depressed without first unlocking the retaining latch, take the blower to an authorized STIHL servicing dealer for repair.

3. Press down on the Ergo-Lever. Make sure it moves freely and springs back into place when released.

4. Unlock the retaining latch by pushing it forward and depressing the Ergo-Lever. When you release the retaining latch, it should remain unlocked as long as you hold the Ergo-Lever.

5. Insert the battery.

6. Hold the blower firmly and, while pushing the retaining latch forward, squeeze the trigger switch. The blower should switch on. If it does not, take it to an authorized STIHL dealer for repair.

7. Release the trigger switch. The blower should switch off. If it does not switch off, remove the battery and take it to an authorized STIHL dealer for repair.

When operating the STIHL BGA 86, always wear proper protective apparel, including eye protection. Keep bystanders at least 17 ft. (5 m) away from the work area. The blower is designed for single-handed operation with either the right or left hand.

Hold the unit firmly with your hand, keeping the handle cradled between your thumb and fingers.

Direct the air flow at the edges of the pile of material to be blown.

Never direct the air flow toward objects such as vehicles or windows. Observe all applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

To prepare the STIHL BGA 86 blower for transportation or storage:

1. Switch off the blower.

2. Remove the battery.

3. If the battery or blower became wet during operation, allow them to dry separately and completely before charging or storing.

Transporting the Blower:

When transporting the blower by hand, carry it by the control handle.

When transporting the blower in a vehicle, secure and position it to prevent turnover, impact, and damage.

Transporting the Battery:

To reduce the risk of a short circuit, never transport the battery with small metal objects capable of conducting electricity (e.g., paper clips, nails, coins, keys).

Secure the battery in a container against impact or damage.

If you are transporting the battery in a vehicle, secure it and its container to prevent turnover, impact, and damage.

Storing the Blower:

Clean the blower before storing.

Store the blower indoors in a dry, secure place that is inaccessible to children and other unauthorized users.

Never store the battery in the blower.

Storing the Battery:

Remove the battery from the blower.

For maximum battery life, maintain a charge of 40% to 60% for STIHL AP series batteries and a charge of 30% to 45% for STIHL AR series batteries (2 green LEDs).

If storing the battery in the charger, disconnect the charger from the outlet.

Make sure the battery is dry and store it indoors in a dry and secure location, out of the reach of children.

Protect the battery against dampness and corrosive agents such as garden chemicals and de-icing salts.

Protect the battery from exposure to conductive liquids such as salt water.

For maximum battery life, store the battery at an ambient temperature between 50 °F and 68 °F (10 °C and 20 °C).

Do not leave spare batteries unused. Use them in rotation.

To reduce the risk of personal injury from unintended activation, always remove the battery before any cleaning work. To clean the STIHL BGA 86 blower and battery:

Clean a dirty intake screen carefully with a soft brush whenever required.

Clean the blower’s polymer components with a slightly dampened cloth. Do not use detergents or solvents, as they may damage the polymer components.

Do not use a pressure washer to clean the blower or otherwise spray it with water or other liquids.

Keep the battery housing and guides free from foreign matter and clean as necessary with a soft brush or soft, dry cloth.

Always remove the battery before carrying out any inspection, cleaning, or maintenance on your STIHL BGA 86. Refer to the table below for common issues and remedies.

The specifications for the STIHL BGA 86 are as follows:

Intended for household use.

Approved battery types:

STIHL AP series

STIHL AR series

Maximum air velocity: 130 mph (58 m/s)

Weight without battery: 6.2 lbs. (2.8 kg)

The symbols on the STIHL BGA 86 blower and battery represent the following technical specifications:

Disposal of the Power Tool:

STIHL products must not be thrown in household trash. Take the power tool, accessories, and packaging to an approved disposal site for environmentally friendly recycling. Contact your authorized STIHL servicing dealer for the latest information on disposal and recycling.

Battery Recycling:

Handle discharged/depleted batteries carefully. Even if believed to be discharged, lithium-ion batteries may never totally discharge and can still deliver a dangerous short circuit current. Observe all federal, state, and local disposal rules and regulations.

Recycle depleted batteries promptly.

Keep batteries away from children. Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in fire.

You can return your spent battery to any authorized STIHL servicing dealer for recycling free of charge.