STIHL HLA 135 & HLA 66 Long Reach Battery hedge trimmers - Side by side Comparison

[@brayvdb2191]

As a former gardener the speed difference is a big deal, but now I'm looking into maintaining my own garden and the occasional garden here n there I do to help out..

[@Tommytoolsqueezer]

Can these cut thick hardwood branches? I’m looking at getting the petrol version for more power

[@clancyi]

I just bought the 66 today for home use and the 300 battery is charging (slow charger). I decided to move away from the petrol multi tool I have as its a lot heavier and I have a bad back. Maybe a video (if you haven't done one yet) of petrol v battery equipment. I don't need to buy oil and petrol anymore or the already mixed stuff that lasts 5 years which is good but expensive.My multi tool was €400 about 5 years ago. The 66 was €850 inc 300 battery and the slow charger and a tin of maintenance spray for the blades! Looking forward to using it tomorrow. Thanks for the video.

[@clancyi]

I meant to say one factor as well for me was the petrol engine kept cutting out when I turned it upside down doing awkward angles and the battery version wont do that. And I don't have to use quick start spray and pump the petrol and pull pull pull until it starts in the cold weather 🙂

[@curious_sausage]

What ladder are you using there?

[@07XTX]

Great video. I assume that because the 135 has the motor near where you hold it, it therefore has a lighter head compared to the 66 making it less tiring when using closer to the horizontal due to the better weight distribution? Would you clarify please. Thx

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

It is a very well balanced machine. obviously weight and balance depends on the battery you are using.

[@cosworthization]

Your Stihl videos are BRILLIANT.

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

😀 Very kind of you - Thank you 👍

[@benjaminleslie3155]

So i guess the question that comes down to it is which do you want? Shaft drive or direct drive? I see this alot on makita stick equipment where they have two versions of the same tool but one has the motor mounted behind the trigger that drives a shaft or one where the motor is directly mounted on the business end of the tool.

[@tariqismrgrumpy]

I just sold an HLA 66 to a customer as a result of him seeing your review - thank you. You are making my job easier.

[@1234loci]

The 66 is somehow the better choice for me. For smaller to midsize hedges it has the best weight and reach ratio and if I wanna go for higher places there's the 85/86. Of course the 135 has its main advantage as a selection of multi tool attachements for the machine. It really depends on what type of work you do the most. I think it's great Stihl's offering such a wide variety of machines of the same kind. Nice video Andy, ty! Cheers!

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

Thank you for watching 👍

[@johnreese4496]

Everything covered thank you.

[@rosevan5485]

What an amazing review. Thanks from Quebec, Canada.

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

😀 Thank you for watching

[@mark44bailey]

Hi. Great video. Just bought the 135. Looking forward to higher stroke rate than my 85. I cant find any info on the 3 stroke rates of the 135?

[@simonh73]

I did some digging for the same info and I think the stroke rates are 3000/3600/4000

[@mark44bailey]

Thank you!

[@damodoesall6240]

Have you done a greasing the gearbox and sharpening video?

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

Not yet, but I will be making one 👍

[@markbrisec3972]

First, you've done an amazing job. I would never tackle something as big and demanding as that hedge. Second, those pro gardener ladders are awesome. I've seen them on a few sites, way to expensive for my business.... Now about the hedge trimmers. Also, awesome machines, but again, way way too expensive for my level of customers. I use the Makita regular and long reach 18V system. They are probably a bit less powerful than Stihl but they are also extremely light and I could afford them. Stihl is also above my pay grade... Great work man..

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

Hi Mark, Thank you for watching and for your comment. The ladders are expensive, but they really are fantastic bits of kit - so much more stable, making the job so much easier. It is fantastic that you are using battery kit in your business - I am sure that your customers really appreciate the reduced noise. Thank you for taking the time to comment - really appreciate it 👍

[@steve9007]

that extra noise he mentions is a massive vibration. I used mine for an hour and the vibration stopped me. terrible tool.

[@marisimo2046]

What type of hedge?

[@damodoesall6240]

I do love these well thought out response videos, keep up the good work.

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

😀 Thank you for watching 👍

[@stevemilburn2468]

Brilliant 👏 loved the spec tables

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

😀 Cheers chap 👍

[@Rm9y]

Hi all, I thinking that which version can handle the Leyland cypress. Which do you suggest? Maybe I prefer the lighter solution… many thanks your comment, have a nice day

[@fubar12345]

You mentioned the slightly higher vibration on the 135, if you switch it to medium or low, does that make it similar to the 66's vibration level? I use the 66, and after a few hours use I do get the old tingly hands.

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

It does - obviously the 135 has a shaft drive which causes the extra vibration. If you are experiencing vibration on the 66, might be worth checking there is enough grease in the head. 😀 Thank you for watching 👍

[@stevelanghorn1407]

Excellent video & description! I've been considering upgrades from my original Stihl battery gear. This was really helpful. I find my original old HLA 65 an absolutely brilliant tool, but obviously it lacks the power for tougher hedge work,

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

Great to hear you found it helpful. 😀 Thank you for watching

[@thegeordiefellwalker8878]

the 135 brings together the old & the new in a high performance machine 👌👍cheers

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

😀 It does indeed, beaut bit of kit - Thank you for watching 👍

[@stevehiggins1263]

First to view and comment oi oi! Love the stihl battery equipment, best investment along with my niwaki tools.

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

😀 Cool Thank you for watching 👍

[@pedrosantos6472]

Great will be buying the 135

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

Cool - Thank you for watching 👍

[@pbs7986]

Another great video, and I thank you. Are you likely to review any stihl tools which use the AK battery range please? I’m just home gardener on a medium sized plot with long tall hedges, lawns, large shrubs, big wisteria and the like. The AP battery’s and tools are more for the full time gardeners I’m thinking. Thanks kindly. Keep up the good work. I’ve tamed my wisteria fear thanks to your guidance!

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

😀 Great to hear you have some new found wisteria confidence. I had not planned on making any videos with the AK range - but I capsule look into it, if it would be helpful? Thank you for watching 👍

[@pbs7986]

@@TheFullyChargedGardener if you could that would be great but I know you’ll be super busy doing other videos. Thanks for the reply too 👍

[@artistdavidvmercer]

when using Gas hedge trimmer the bees stay away, so the battery do the same ?

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

My old petrol trimmers had a very different effect on the wasps here, drove them mad!

[@IrishRover1916]

What’s the battery life like

[@starboy832]

never considered a battery hedge trimmer, but they look quite a bit lighter than a standard 2 stroke one, I'm not sure how heavy petrol ones are though so would be guessing. Would make reaching over the middle of a thick yew hedge that much easier though. Only thinking about it now as I've just finished a load of yew and leylandiis recently and my arms let me know about it and all

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

The weight ultimately depends on which battery you use - There are also so many other great benefits to using battery hedge trimmers. Less noise, no fumes etc. They really are fantastic bits of kit 👍

[@scottellwoodgardening287]

Great bits of kit mate. Nice finish on the hedge👍

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

😀 Thank you 👍

[@karlitobergkamp8082]

Ah these videos really are good! The only issue I have is do I buy seperates? Or do I go for a multi tool? I’m just about to start up and would need a strimmer and hedge trimmer so does anyone have any advice which is the best way to go to save long term?

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

A Kombi system would be a cost effective way for you to start. Wishing you the best of luck with new business and thank you for watching 👍

[@wbwright79]

really nice video production. but man you have some seriously impressive hedges! great work.

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

Very kind of you. Thank you for watching 👍

[@jacoblowe387]

How long is a charge

[@kaizerhaynes3626]

where can i get one of those?

[@DJC995]

Like the split screen time laps or have you been cloned😊 twice the work same pay Nice video again thanks

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

🤣 It would be nice to have a clone to help with the workload 🤣 Thank you for watching 👍

[@y9art]

Slightly off topic but as someone who has close ties with Stihl do you have any idea why they use two battery fitments ? I have the telescopic battery hedge trimmer, i think the proceeding model to the one you were using also a strimmer both take the AP battery. I was looking into getting a cordless scarifier ( i only have a domestic size lawn ) but it seems to be powered by the AK battery which involves another non compatible battery and charger to those I already have. Thanks for the videos which have been very helpful.

[@justinpenn1148]

Thanks for the vid. Did you have a preference between the two.? Also did the slower blade speed on 66 make much of a difference in real world use? Cheers.

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

I still use the 66 to trim our Taxus topiary at work. If you are tackling lots of large hedge reductions then the larger machine would be a better option as it has more power.

[@justinpenn1148]

@@TheFullyChargedGardener great thanks 👍

[@Triplaglol]

I have the 66 with ap300s battery and it is great, also love that it has a tip protector which the 135 doesn't have.. That and the lightweight of the 66 is a big +

[@2beand2have]

Why do all the Stihl videos demonstrate cutting on fine yew or conifer or box hedges. We all want to know how they mangage through thick privet hedges. My Stihl Hs82R cuts through anything, Do electric models have the same cutting power when it comes to thickness? Now im getting older my wrists are weaker when reaching out with the Hs82R , so looking for a long reach model with the same power.

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

I can only show the machines working on the types of hedge I work on here. these battery trimmers have an impressive amount of torque and will easily tackle a privet hedge. I haven't used a petrol hedge trimmer in years. thank you for watching.

[@JayRockGroundsMaintenance]

Fantastic mate ! Both look brilliant and a cracking job too! What mic set up are you using pal ? Absolutely crystal clear 🙌🏽

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

😀 Beaut bits of kit. I use the Rode Wireless Go mic 👍

[@simoncordingley3122]

Better sound this time. :D . Good video, mate!

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

I went back through my edit and realised one setting was incorrect. 3 hours to re-upload the video, but it was worth it. Thank you for watching 👍

[@simoncordingley3122]

@@TheFullyChargedGardener Glad to have been of service! I'd like you to succeed. :)

[@Gemini_0815]

Your video makes it look like the 135 has only disadvantages compared to the 66. I wonder why they are making the 135 at all? Is the Center of gravity further back? Or what’s the point of having it?

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

The centre of gravity depends on which battery is being used in the unit. The 135 range has a lot of the features that people will be familiar with from the petrol machines. like the cutter head. It also has a lot more power and torque than the 66. I think Stihl built the 135 range in response to the demands of the more 'heavy handed' user. thank you for watching.

[@barlow2976]

@@TheFullyChargedGardener My problem is I want a pro tool with the extra length of the 86,

[@Novokuban]

А как называется это растение что вы стригли?

[@paulpotter7312]

good description of both models.

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

Thank you for watching 👍

[@danielefiorindo6690]

This product(Hla 135)i noticed has a ring handle with rubber grip[loop handle w/rubber grip].In italy it comes with a simple handle.Do you think you can order it? Best regards The fully charged gardener 👍

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

I tend to take the loop handle off of my machines. If you e-mail me your address, I will send you one. 👍

[@danielefiorindo6690]

I thank you infinitely for your kind thought.You are a great professional and a great popularizer.I always follow you willingly.I do not want you to disturb you in every case i thank you infinitely.

[@dizziedallas]

I have the 66 and it is great 👍

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

😀 Cool 👍

[@hasanak8363]

Tank you for the info

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

Thank you for watching 😀

[@TheCountryCottageGardener]

Fantastic editing pal 😉 👍👍

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

😀 Thank you for watching again buddy. Used your beaut editing techniques to show the two machines working together 😀

[@TheCountryCottageGardener]

@@TheFullyChargedGardener flattered you did pal 👍

[@HoopersGardenMaintenance]

Brilliant bits of kit! I had my hla66 and hla85 out yesterday for 7hrs in heavy rain and neither skipped a beat🌧👌🏼 Great video 👍🏼

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

😀 It is great to hear you are enjoying your kit. These battery machines are so much nice to use than the petrol trimmers 👍

[@jasongardener3425]

Hedges look 👌👍

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

An amazing compliment coming from a true hedge pro - Thank you! 👍

[@phil.vision]

Brilliant bro!!!!

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

Cheers buddy 👍

[@azizcalbyk5420]

Bu makineden almama yardımcı olurmusunuz

[@ParkersGardens]

Thank you for that, really informative and enjoyable video 👌 No doubt the 135 is a very nice bit of kit, but for our purely domestic business the 65/66 is plenty sufficient. The increased weight, price, vibrations and reduced run times of the 135 are just not worth it for us.

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

They are both great machines, as you say - it is all about choosing the unit that best meets your requirements. 😀

[@ParkersGardens]

@@TheFullyChargedGardener Absolutely 👍

[@barticasun]

How are you finding the 66? I’m looking at a 66 v 135. 66 lightness is attractive and runtimes but I rate the 135 tougher build quality ie metal gearbox case plus longer blade. Use case would just be domestic in my garden with huge leylandii. Any thoughts much appreciated :-)

[@ParkersGardens]

@@barticasun Have used it now over 2 years and not had any issues. It is more than enough for the domestic work we do. We do plenty of hedge and shrub trimming nad it's never struggled. Wouldn't want to use it for a hedge reduction, but for everything else we couldn't be happier.

[@barticasun]

@@ParkersGardens thanks for the reply. Yeah the lightness must be a massive plus as I’ve used heavier cutters and it’s quite an effort. I guess for reduction it’s beyond scope for a hedge cutter as best tool for the job is chainsaw :-)

[@matthewheffernan8315]

I dislike the hinge mechanism and battery box immensely on the HLA65/66. Why do they hang down below the cut line? can only really hedge up to the hinge then it gets in the way and you start getting kicked around as the hinge fouls on the hedge. I bought this thinking Stihl would understand hedge cutting. Handle does not rotate either. An impulse buy but its a toy unfortunately, dont get me wrong its ok for a lot of work but terrible for other work. i can look inside the AP battery through cooling slots and see the electronics. How much water can they take? If i had to guess id say ZERO.

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

I just angle the head back slightly which keeps the butt end of the machine away from the hedge. the 66 definitely doesn't stick out as far as the 66, which is defiantly better in terms of balance. I like the simplicity of the hinge mechanism. thank you for watching.

[@TOBECLEANLTD]

THUMBS UP

[@hectorgrowsveg]

If only we could all have clones to double the work rate 😁👬

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

That would be awesome 😀

[@johnohalloran915]

Why do they sell battery hedge cutters with no battery or charger 😒

[@PieterH]

This is a universal battery system, professionals often buy several Stihl tools. If it were combined with a charger, they would end up with a bunch of unused chargers. Selling it, tool only, gives you flexibility.

[@barlow2976]

They do, you can choose between body only, with battery, or with battery and charger.

[@rafalretkowski7103]

Mate this video says nothing. What’s the point get new shiny piece of kit and show what’s on the label?

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

Thank you for watching 👍

[@barlow2976]

It told me everything I needed to know. It says everything, if you listen friend.

[@zarrow50]

price seems excessive