Yes, Stihl does make a battery operated snow blower. The Stihl SSA 85 is their main model, and it’s a great tool for clearing light to medium snow from your driveway or walkway.
You might be used to their gas-powered tools. But their battery line has grown a lot in recent years. They now offer a solid option for snow removal.
I’ve looked into this model and others like it. Battery power brings some big changes to snow blowing. It’s quieter and needs less upkeep than gas models.
This guide will walk you through everything about the Stihl SSA 85. We’ll cover how it works, what it’s good for, and what its limits are.
What is the Stihl SSA 85 Snow Blower?
The Stihl SSA 85 is a single-stage battery snow blower. It’s part of their AP System lineup. This means it uses their special battery packs.
It’s designed for residential use. Think of your home driveway, sidewalk, or deck. It’s not meant for huge commercial parking lots.
The machine uses a rubber auger to grab and throw snow. There’s no metal impeller inside. This makes it lighter and safer for paved surfaces.
So, does Stihl make a battery operated snow blower? Yes, and this is the model you’ll find. It’s their answer to the growing demand for cordless outdoor power tools.
You power it with their AR 3000 or AR 5000 battery. These are the same packs used in many of their other tools. That’s a nice bonus if you already own some.
It has a clearing width of 20 inches. That’s a good size for most home jobs. You won’t feel like you’re pushing a tiny toy around.
Key Features of the Stihl Battery Snow Blower
Let’s break down what makes this tool tick. The features show where Stihl put their focus.
It has a brushless electric motor. This type of motor is more efficient. It also tends to last longer than brushed motors.
The chute control is a simple manual crank. You turn it to point the snow where you want it to go. It’s easy to use, even with gloves on.
There’s no pull cord to yank. You just insert the battery, press the safety key, and pull the trigger. Starting is never a problem, even on cold days.
Since Stihl does make a battery operated snow blower, they built in smart features. The tool has overload protection for the motor. This helps prevent damage if you hit something hard.
The auger is made of durable rubber paddles. They are gentle on surfaces like wood decks or interlock brick. You won’t scratch or chip your nice patio.
It’s also very light for a snow blower. The whole unit weighs about 30 pounds without the battery. That makes it much easier to lift and store than a big gas two-stage model.
Performance and Power: What Can It Handle?
This is the big question for any snow blower. How much snow can it actually move?
The Stihl SSA 85 is made for light to moderate snowfalls. We’re talking about up to about 8 inches of fresh, fluffy snow. It’s perfect for the typical winter storm.
It struggles with wet, heavy, packed snow. That “heart attack snow” is a real challenge. The single-stage design and battery power have their limits here.
Because Stihl makes a battery operated snow blower, runtime is key. With their biggest AR 5000 battery, you might get 30-45 minutes of run time. This depends on how hard the snow is.
It throws snow a decent distance. You can expect about 15 to 20 feet of throw. That’s enough to get it well off your path or driveway.
The 20-inch width is a good balance. It’s wide enough to clear a path quickly. But it’s not so wide that it becomes hard to steer or store.
For a small to medium driveway, this tool can work well. If you have a very long driveway, you’ll likely need a second battery. You don’t want to run out of juice halfway through the job.
Battery System and Runtime
The heart of this machine is the Stihl AP battery. Understanding this system is crucial.
Stihl does make a battery operated snow blower that uses their AP System. The AR 3000 and AR 5000 batteries are the ones that work with it. The number tells you the voltage.
Runtime is the main trade-off with battery tools. You get quiet, easy operation, but you trade away unlimited run time. You have to plan your work around the battery charge.
A fully charged AR 5000 battery might last 30-45 minutes in normal snow. In very wet, heavy snow, that time will drop. The motor has to work harder, which uses more power.
Charging these batteries takes a couple of hours. It’s smart to charge them right after you use the tool. Then they’re ready to go for the next storm.
The good news is battery interchangeability. If you own a Stihl battery lawn mower, trimmer, or chainsaw, you can use those same batteries here. This saves you a lot of money.
Knowing Stihl makes a battery operated snow blower is one thing. Knowing you need to buy into their battery ecosystem is another. It’s a commitment to their brand of tools.
Pros of Choosing the Stihl SSA 85
There are some clear wins with this model. Let’s look at the advantages.
It’s incredibly quiet compared to a gas blower. You can use it early in the morning without waking the whole neighborhood. The peace and quiet is a huge plus.
There’s virtually no maintenance. No oil to change, no stale gas to deal with, no spark plug to check. You just charge the battery and go.
It’s very easy to start. No more yanking a pull cord in freezing weather. The electric start works every single time, which is a relief on a cold day.
It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver. You can guide it with one hand if you need to. This is great for people who don’t want a heavy, bulky machine.
Since Stihl does make a battery operated snow blower, you get their build quality. The materials feel solid and durable. It’s not a flimsy piece of equipment.
It’s emissions-free. You’re not breathing in exhaust fumes while you work. This is better for you and the environment around your home.
Cons and Limitations to Consider
No tool is perfect for every job. Here are the downsides you should know about.
The biggest limit is battery runtime. You can’t just clear snow for hours on end. You are tied to the battery’s charge cycle.
It’s not made for deep, heavy snowfalls. If you regularly get over a foot of wet snow, this might not be strong enough. You would need a more powerful gas model.
The upfront cost can be high. The tool itself isn’t cheap, and the batteries are a big extra cost. You need to factor in the total system price.
Because Stihl makes a battery operated snow blower, you’re locked into their battery system. You can’t use a generic battery from another brand. You have to buy Stihl’s own packs.
It’s a single-stage design. This means it can’t handle plow pack or ice at the end of the driveway. You’ll need a shovel or a two-stage blower for that tough stuff.
If the battery dies mid-storm, you’re stuck. You have to wait for it to recharge. With a gas model, you just add more fuel and keep going.
Who Should Buy a Stihl Battery Snow Blower?
This tool is ideal for a specific type of user. Let’s see if that’s you.
It’s perfect for someone with a small to medium-sized driveway. If your clearing area is manageable, the battery runtime won’t be a problem.
It’s great for people who hate small engine maintenance. If you don’t want to fiddle with carburetors and fuel stabilizer, this is a dream come true.
If you already own other Stihl AP System tools, this is a no-brainer. You can share batteries across your yard tools. That makes the whole system more valuable.
People in neighborhoods with noise rules will love it. The quiet operation keeps everyone happy. You won’t get complaints from the neighbors.
Since Stihl does make a battery operated snow blower, it suits eco-conscious homeowners. You eliminate gas and oil from your winter routine. That’s a good feeling.
It’s also good for people with limited storage space. The unit is compact and relatively light. You can hang it on a wall in your garage or shed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using It
Using the Stihl SSA 85 is simple. Here’s how to do it right.
First, make sure your battery is fully charged. Insert it into the battery compartment on the tool. You’ll hear a click when it’s locked in place.
Next, insert the safety key. This is a simple plastic key that completes the circuit. No key, no power – it’s a basic safety feature.
To start, just squeeze the trigger lever on the handle. The auger will begin to spin. There’s no separate throttle control to worry about.
Guide the machine slowly into the snow. Let the auger do the work. Don’t push too hard or try to go too fast.
Use the crank on the chute to direct the snow flow. Point it away from your house, windows, or the street. You have full control over where it goes.
When you’re done, release the trigger. Remove the safety key and then the battery. Brush off any snow and store the tool in a dry place.
Comparing to Gas and Corded Electric Models
How does it stack up against the other options? Let’s compare.
Versus gas models, it’s much quieter and cleaner. But gas models have more power and unlimited runtime. They win on pure muscle for big jobs.
Versus corded electric models, it offers total freedom. You aren’t dragging a power cord through the snow. But a corded model has unlimited power as long as you have an outlet.
The fact that Stihl makes a battery operated snow blower puts them in a new category. It’s for people who want cordless convenience but more power than a shovel.
Battery tools are getting better every year. The power gap with gas is closing, but it’s not closed yet. For now, gas still rules for the toughest conditions.
Your choice comes down to your needs. How big is your area? How heavy is your typical snow? Your answers will point you to the right type of machine.
For many suburban homeowners, a battery model like the Stihl SSA 85 is the sweet spot. It’s powerful enough for common storms and hassle-free to own.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Taking care of this tool is easy. Here’s what you need to do.
After each use, clean off any wet snow or slush. Wipe down the auger housing and the chute. This prevents rust and keeps moving parts free.
Check the rubber auger paddles for wear or damage. Look for cracks or chunks missing. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stresses tool inspection for safety.
Store the battery indoors in a cool, dry place. Don’t leave it in the freezing cold shed all winter. Extreme cold can hurt battery life over time.
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