Tool Box Buzz

STIHL HTA 85 Cordless Pole Pruner Saw

Electric Pole Pruning Saw

Manufacturer: STIHL
Model number: HTA 85
Price: $490
Power source: 36V Li-Ion
Weight: 14.6 lbs w/ Battery

HTA 85 Features and Specifications

• Pole Length: 8′-2″ to 12′-1″
• Bar Length: 10″
• Chain: 1/4″ STIHL PICCO™
• Run Time: Up to 50 mins on AP 300 Battery Pack
• Noise Level: 76 dB(A)

Quiet and Powerful Performance

There are several benefits to moving from small gas powered equipment to cordless battery platforms. One of them is the ability to do work without the distinct sound and noise of small gas engines. The STIHL HTA 85 is only 76 dB(A) which is considerably quieter than a gas powered version.

While the HTA 85 is quiet, it certainly has plenty of power for pruning trees and cutting small brush. It has worked very well for pruning some hardwood trees around the yard. In addition, it’s been fantastic for trail clearing in areas where I hunt for whitetail deer. Having a quiet option for clearing trails is ideal for getting the work done without spooking the animals from the loud noise of a gas powered unit.

The big standout on this unit is the 1/4″ STIHL PICCO™ chain. The chain is by far the best of any unit that we’ve tested before and really makes the unit shine especially on a cordless pruning saw. It’s the same chain that STIHL uses on their cordless chainsaws and we feel they are the best on the market.

Most cordless “chainsaw” type tools on the market use the thinner 1/4″ style chains to help improve runtime. Users just need to be cognizant of thinner bar and the fact that they can “pinch” much easier than a heavy chained tool.

No Small Engine Maintenance

One of the other huge benefits to using a cordless saw vs a gas powered saw is the lack of required maintenance. Small gas engines can be a real bear to maintain especially with modern gasoline that contains ethanol. With a cordless engine users really only need to take care of the batteries and chain. Users have no concerns about whether or not the tool will start assuming they have a fully charged battery. Let’s face it, many if not all of us have struggled from time to time getting a small gas engine to start so this is a big benefit.

Final Thoughts – STIHL HTA 85

The STIHL HTA 85 is an excellent pole pruner saw. A combination of cordless, quiet power and an excellent chain that can reach well over 16 feet in the air for the average user, this pole pruner should be at the top of anyone’s list. The AP 300 battery platform offers several other tools to complete an exception cordless outdoor power equipment option. Priced just under $500 it’s a good value especially when considering the quality build of this saw.

3 Comments

1. C Hacker

   June 17, 2019 at 10:58 am

   Mr. Fratzel you fail to mention that the $490 price is for the unit only. If you do not already own a AP series battery Stihl product you would have to purchase a the battery and charger separate.

   Reply
   1. Jjin

      July 3, 2019 at 4:33 pm

      And isn’t it a 12 inch not a 10? 12 is cuts above the 8 inch of cheapies and gives a bit more capacity than husky 10 inch

      Reply
2. Dave

   April 27, 2023 at 11:37 am

   Used it for less than 30 seconds
   The magnets in the stator came adrift
   Jammed the rotor !
   This rendered it useless !
   its a poor cheaply made machine
   wearing the STIHL brand very dissapointing.

   Reply

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