STIHL BGA 60 Cordless Leaf Blower Review (UK)

The STIHL BGA 60 is a powerful 36V cordless leaf blower designed for medium to larger gardens. With 15 N of blowing force, variable-speed control and a Boost function, it has enough power to tackle wet leaves and heavier garden debris without the noise and maintenance of a petrol engine.

Its main drawback is battery life. The recommended AK 30 S lasts up to 16 minutes at maximum power, limiting longer clearing sessions. However, for regular garden maintenance, particularly if you already own STIHL AK batteries, it’s a capable and convenient option.

STIHL BGA 60 Specifications

Specifications and runtimes are based on STIHL’s published figures. Actual battery life depends on the power setting and working conditions.

What Is the STIHL BGA 60 Like to Use?

Clearing Power

The BGA 60’s biggest strength is its blowing performance. With 15 N of force and a maximum air speed of 69 m/s, it has enough power for more than simply shifting dry leaves around a patio.

Grass clippings, loose debris and dry autumn leaves are straightforward jobs. The variable-speed trigger allows you to reduce airflow around borders, gravel and confined areas without scattering everything unnecessarily.

For heavier material, fully pressing the trigger engages Boost mode.

Independent testing by The English Garden found that the BGA 60 could shift a substantial pile of wet, matted leaves, including the heavier material underneath.

That’s particularly useful in UK gardens, where fallen leaves are often damp by the time they need clearing.

However, prolonged clearing of heavy accumulations requires sustained power, which quickly becomes a question of battery capacity.

Weight & Handling

At 2.3 kg without a battery, the BGA 60 sounds lightweight. However, fit the recommended AK 30 S and the working weight increases to approximately 3.6 kg.

It’s worth considering if you have a large area to clear or prefer lighter handheld tools.

The balance helps. Independent testers have reported comfortable handling despite the battery weight, and the adjustable blower tube allows you to extend the nozzle by up to 16 cm to suit your height.

A protective metal ring around the nozzle also helps prevent wear when working close to paths and other hard surfaces.

The variable-speed trigger offers precise control, although there’s no cruise control. You’ll need to maintain pressure on the trigger throughout use, which may become tiring during longer sessions.

Noise & Comfort

STIHL quotes a sound pressure level of 76 dB(A), and owner feedback generally describes the BGA 60 as more pleasant to use than petrol alternatives.

The brushless motor produces relatively little vibration and avoids petrol-engine maintenance. It’s still a noisy garden tool, however, so suitable hearing protection remains sensible.

Battery Life & STIHL AK System

How Long Does the Battery Last?

Battery runtime is the BGA 60’s biggest compromise.

With the recommended AK 30 S battery, STIHL quotes up to 16 minutes at maximum power or 130 minutes at the lowest setting. The difference depends on how much airflow you need.

For lighter debris, reducing trigger pressure can extend working time considerably. Wet leaves and compacted material require more power, draining the battery faster.

UK owner feedback reflects this. One gardener reviewing the machine at Garden Machinery Direct reported approximately 10–15 minutes using an AK 30 battery for maintenance work, while other owners have found the runtime sufficient for shorter garden clear-ups.

For regular tidying, one AK 30 S may be enough. If your garden has several mature trees or substantial autumn leaf fall, a spare battery could be worthwhile.

Battery Compatibility & Charging

The BGA 60 accepts STIHL AK 10, AK 20 and AK 30 S batteries, although the smaller batteries offer reduced performance and shorter runtimes.

STIHL recommends the AK 30 S, which takes approximately 205 minutes to recharge fully using the standard AL 101 charger. The faster AL 301 reduces this to around 60 minutes.

Battery compatibility is a significant advantage for existing STIHL owners. The same AK batteries can power compatible hedge trimmers, grass trimmers and other tools within the range, reducing the cost of expanding your collection.

Is the STIHL BGA 60 Worth the Money?

Price & Value

The BGA 60 sits towards the premium end of domestic cordless leaf blowers.

At the October 2026 update, STIHL listed the bare tool at £179, with a battery-and-charger set advertised at £304 on promotion. Kit contents can vary, so check which battery and charger are included before buying.

For existing AK System owners, the tool-only version is particularly appealing. You get strong blowing performance without investing in another battery platform.

For first-time buyers, the complete kit is a more substantial purchase. Its performance and controls help justify the price, but the short maximum-power runtime means it won’t suit everyone.

Check Latest Price

There have been isolated owner reports of faults, although the available evidence doesn’t establish a widespread reliability problem. STIHL provides a two-year domestic warranty, so buying from an approved dealer with suitable after-sales support is sensible.

How Does It Compare?

The STIHL BGA 50 is a cheaper alternative within the same battery system. With 11 N of blowing force, it’s worth considering for lighter garden clearing where the BGA 60’s additional power isn’t necessary.

The WORX WG543E cordless leaf blower is another option. It’s considerably lighter and better suited to quick garden clear-ups, while the STIHL offers more blowing force for demanding leaf-clearing jobs.

For more alternatives, see our Best Cordless Leaf Blowers UK guide.

STIHL BGA 60 FAQs