Craftsman 3-in-1 Leaf Blower, Vacuum and Mulcher vs Stihl SHA 56
Buy the Craftsman if you have a long extension cord and a big yard full of wet leaves: 260 mph and 450 CFM move more debris, and it costs far less. Buy the Stihl SHA 56 if you want no cord, quiet running and light weight for small cleanups. On price, the Stihl's lowest daily price was $249.99 on 2026-11-01 and its highest was $279.99 on 2026-11-02; no Craftsman price was given.
Ask our shopping agent
Craftsman 3-in-1 Leaf Blower, Vacuum and Mulcher
Choose the Craftsman if you want maximum blowing force and a 12:1 mulcher for large leaf piles, and you can work within reach of an outlet.
Pros
- Strong 260 mph, 450 CFM airflow for heavy leaf piles
- 12:1 mulching cuts volume more than the Stihl's 10:1
- 55 L backpack bag is easier on the back than a shoulder bag
- Runs as long as the cord allows, with no battery charging
Cons
- Needs an extension cord and an outlet nearby
- 11.3 lbs feels heavy after long use
- Owners report the switch can fail and the hose can detach from the bag
What separates them
| Craftsman 3-in-1 Leaf Blower, Vacuum and Mulcher | Stihl SHA 56 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | Corded electric, 12 Amp, 120 V | Battery, Stihl AK system |
| Max air speed | 260 mph | 125 mph |
| Air volume | 450 CFM | 328 CFM |
| Weight | 11.3 lbs | 7.1 lbs bare, 12 lbs with AK 20 in shredder mode |
| Noise | 55 dB | 62 dB |
| Mulching ratio | 12:1 | 10:1 |
| Collection | 55 L backpack bag | Not stated; shredder mode uses a bag |
| Run time | Unlimited while plugged in | About 25 min in shredder mode with AK 20 |
Price history
$279.99$89.00
- Craftsman 3-in-1 Leaf Blower, Vacuum and Mulcher: lowest $89.00 on Nov 1 at Amazon.
- Stihl SHA 56: lowest $249.99 on Nov 1 at www.dinubalumber.com; $279.99 on Nov 2.
Prices at every store
Craftsman 3-in-1 Leaf Blower, Vacuum and Mulcher
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- eBayCheck price at eBay
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
Stihl SHA 56
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- Milton Village HardwareCheck price at Milton Village Hardware
- Parts.StoreCheck price at Parts.Store
Specs compared
| Spec | Craftsman 3-in-1 Leaf Blower, Vacuum and Mulcher | Stihl SHA 56 |
|---|---|---|
| Cordless | No | Yes |
| Noise Level | 55 dB | 62 dB |
| Air Speed | 260 MPH | — |
| Air Volume | 450 CFM | — |
| Power Source | Corded Electric | — |
| Number Of Speeds | No (variable speed) | — |
| Power Voltage | 12 Amp | — |
| Engine Type | Electric | — |
| Product Type | Leaf Blower | — |
| Form Factor | Backpack | — |
| Weight | 11.3 lbs |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for large yards with lots of leaves?
- The Craftsman. Its 260 mph and 450 CFM clear big piles faster, and it runs continuously on a cord. The Stihl's 125 mph and 328 CFM suit smaller cleanups.
- Is the Stihl worth the extra money?
- It depends on the cord. The Stihl's lowest daily price was $249.99 on 2026-11-01, and it buys cordless freedom, 7.1 lb weight and quiet 62 dB running. The Craftsman gives more power for less, but you stay tethered.
- Which mulches leaves down more?
- The Craftsman, at 12:1 versus the Stihl's 10:1. Both shred while vacuuming, so the Craftsman packs more leaves into each bag load.
- How long can each run?
- The Craftsman runs as long as the extension cord reaches. The Stihl runs about 25 minutes in shredder mode on an AK 20 battery, then needs a recharge or a spare.
- Which is easier on the back and arms?
- The Stihl at 7.1 lbs bare, though it reaches 12 lbs with the AK 20 in shredder mode. The Craftsman is 11.3 lbs but carries its 55 L bag on your back instead of over a shoulder.
- Which is quieter?
- The Craftsman, rated 55 dB against the Stihl's 62 dB. Both are quieter than most gas blowers.
More comparisons
- Worx WG509 12 Amp TRIVAC 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher vs Craftsman 3-in-1 Leaf Blower, Vacuum and Mulcher
- Worx TRIVAC 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower/Mulcher/Vacuum vs Craftsman 3-in-1 Leaf Blower, Vacuum and Mulcher
- Worx WG509 12 Amp TRIVAC 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher vs Stihl SHA 56
- Worx TRIVAC 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower/Mulcher/Vacuum vs Stihl SHA 56