A new STIHL HS 45 with a 24-inch blade typically costs about $300-$360 before sales tax, with a common dealer price near $330. The final price depends on local dealer pricing, included setup, accessories, and whether the machine is new, used, or sold with a service package.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New HS 45, 24-inch blade | $300 | $330 | $360 | Tool price before tax; dealer pricing varies |
| New trimmer with basic accessories | $320 | $365 | $420 | May include fuel mix, eye protection, or a cover |
| Used HS 45, 24-inch blade | $100 | $200 | $300 | Price depends on condition, age, and starting performance |
| Blade sharpening or minor service | $25 | $55 | $100 | Local shop charges and repair scope affect total |
What a 24-inch HS 45 usually costs at a dealer
Plan on roughly $300-$360 before tax for a new 24-inch HS 45, with about $330 a reasonable budgeting figure. The HS 45 is a gasoline-powered residential hedge trimmer, and the 24-inch model is priced as a complete handheld tool rather than by blade length or cutting area. A typical advertised price may not include fuel, protective equipment, or optional maintenance supplies.
STIHL products are sold through authorized dealers, and each dealer sets its own retail price and service package. A local quote can therefore fall outside the range, particularly when a shop includes setup, a first-service benefit, or bundled accessories. Confirm that the quoted model is specifically the 24-inch version; the HS 45 is also offered with an 18-inch blade, which can have a different price.
Assumptions: New machine, standard dealer sale, no unusual bundle, and price before sales tax. U.S. regional labor and dealer pricing vary.
Sales tax adds to the checkout amount. For example, a $330 trimmer purchased where the combined sales tax is 8% costs about $356 before any accessories. States and localities set different rates, and some purchases may have different tax treatment, so the checkout quote is the reliable total.
How the trimmer quote breaks down
The trimmer itself accounts for nearly all of the purchase price; tax and optional gear create most of the difference at checkout. Dealers do not always itemize the same services, so a written quote helps distinguish the machine’s price from accessories and any setup or service charge.
| Quote item | Typical price | What it may cover | Price effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS 45, 24-inch model | $300-$360 | Gas trimmer and standard blade assembly | Main purchase expense |
| Dealer setup | $0-$30 | Assembly, inspection, or initial operating check | May be included or separately listed |
| Fuel and two-cycle oil | $10-$35 | Small fuel supply and oil for mixing | Depends on container size and fuel choice |
| Protective gear | $20-$100 | Eye and hearing protection, gloves, or chaps | Cost depends on existing equipment and quality |
| Sales tax | About $0-$36 | Tax on a $300-$360 purchase at rates up to 10% | Varies by state and locality |
Some dealers sell premixed fuel, which can cost more per gallon than mixing gasoline and two-cycle oil separately but can simplify storage and measurement. A small can of premix may cost about $8-$15, depending on brand and volume. Before paying for setup, ask what is included and whether the trimmer is already prepared for safe operation.
Accessories are not automatically required in a bundle. Buyers who already own appropriate eye and hearing protection may not need to purchase duplicates, while a new operator should include suitable protective equipment in the budget. Typical add-on budget: $30-$135 for fuel, oil, and basic protective gear, depending on what is already available.
Blade length and model details that change the price
The 24-inch blade is the key model detail to verify, because the 18-inch HS 45 is a separate configuration. A longer blade can help cover more hedge surface per pass, but it does not mean every local seller charges a fixed premium. Dealer inventory, package contents, and current promotions can matter as much as the length difference.
Compare model labels and written product descriptions rather than relying on a photo or a general HS 45 listing. Ask whether the quote is for the 24-inch blade version, whether the blade cover is included, and whether the tool is new or previously used. If the seller lists a price far below typical new pricing, confirm the model number, condition, and warranty terms before buying.
The HS 45 is a gas tool, so the purchase price is only part of ownership. Fuel and two-cycle oil are recurring expenses, and the exact amount depends on use, storage, and fuel selection. Owners who trim a few times per season may use little fuel; frequent hedge work increases fuel consumption and maintenance needs. The tool is not an electric model, so a battery or charger is not part of its standard purchase cost.
A dealer’s advertised figure may also reflect a particular season or stock situation. Ask whether the price is for the trimmer alone or includes a maintenance item or accessory. Price check: A quote around $330 for a new 24-inch HS 45 is within a practical planning range; compare the full package, not only the headline figure.
Why condition and hedge size shift the final budget
Condition and service history can move a used-tool price by well over $100, while the hedge size mostly affects how much equipment and upkeep a buyer needs. For a new machine, local dealer pricing and included items are the strongest quote variables. For a used one, starting reliability and blade condition deserve close inspection.
For a used HS 45, a rough price range is $100-$300. Around $100-$160 may suit an older machine needing service or showing cosmetic wear; about $170-$240 is more plausible for a clean, running example; and $250-$300 is easier to justify when the unit is in strong condition with recent maintenance or useful accessories. These are asking-price guides, not guarantees of mechanical quality.
Ask the seller to start the engine from cold and let it run long enough to check for stalling, abnormal vibration, or poor throttle response. Inspect the 24-inch blade for bent teeth, heavy corrosion, and damage. A repair estimate can erase the apparent savings: shop diagnosis and labor may add $50-$150 or more before parts, depending on the fault and the repair shop’s minimum charge.
For hedge work, a few short shrubs do not usually justify the same accessory or maintenance budget as a long, dense hedge. A job involving more than 100 linear feet of mature growth may require more frequent blade cleaning, sharpening, and fuel than seasonal trimming of 20-30 feet. Cutting thick branches beyond the tool’s intended capacity can also cause poor results or wear; check the product manual for operating limits rather than assuming the longer blade handles every branch size.
Where a shop performs maintenance, labor often runs about $75-$125 per hour, though a minimum service fee may apply. Illustration: 0.5-1.0 hour of inspection or minor work at $75-$125 per hour equals $38-$125 in labor, before parts or a shop minimum.
Regional dealer pricing and checkout differences
Regional differences commonly affect the out-the-door total by tens of dollars, rather than changing the basic model into a different price category. Dealers in high-cost metropolitan areas may quote roughly 5%-15% above a lower-cost rural or small-market quote, particularly when their price includes setup or service. This is a practical comparison range, not a uniform regional markup.
Local competition, dealer inventory, and service included with the sale can outweigh broad regional patterns. A rural shop may have fewer nearby competitors, while a busy urban dealer may have higher operating costs but more stock. Compare two or three authorized dealers when convenient, and ask each for the same model, accessory list, tax treatment, and setup details.
Tax can create a more predictable difference. On a $330 purchase, a 5% tax adds $16.50, while a 10% rate adds $33. The actual rate depends on the delivery or purchase location and local rules. Ask whether any quoted total includes tax; comparing a pre-tax price with an after-tax quote can make one dealer appear more expensive than it is.
Shipping is not always available or included for this type of dealer-sold product. If a seller offers delivery, ask whether the charge is a separate fee and whether it includes setup. A $15-$50 delivery charge can make sense for a buyer who cannot pick up the trimmer, but it should be included when comparing the full purchase cost.
Three realistic HS 45 purchase budgets
For a straightforward new purchase, a likely total is about $350-$390 after basic supplies and tax. The examples below show how the same tool can produce different totals when package contents, local rates, and condition change. They are estimates, not dealer offers.
| Scenario | Tool and work | Extras and tax | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| New, bare purchase | $315 trimmer; no paid setup | $25 tax at about 8%; existing safety gear | $340 |
| New, ready-to-use setup | $340 trimmer; $15 setup | $25 fuel and oil; $27 tax at about 7.5% | $407 |
| Used, inspected locally | $190 trimmer; $35 inspection | $20 fuel and oil; about $18 tax on taxable items | $263 |
In the first example, the buyer already owns protective gear and accepts the trimmer as sold. In the second, the higher total reflects setup, supplies, and tax rather than a substantially different machine. The used example assumes the trimmer runs properly and does not need parts; a damaged blade or hard-starting engine can quickly make a low purchase price less attractive.
When comparing estimates, check whether the buyer’s total includes tax, fuel, oil, protective equipment, and any inspection or setup charge. Useful comparison: Separate required purchase costs from optional items so the difference between two dealer quotes is easy to explain.
Used HS 45 versus a new 24-inch model
A used unit can save $100-$200 upfront, but the savings are worthwhile only when the engine, blade, and service history check out. A new trimmer around $300-$360 offers a clearer starting condition and dealer support; a used one around $100-$300 may suit a buyer who can inspect it or pay for a small repair.
Calculate the used purchase price plus inspection, repair, and missing accessories before comparing it with new pricing. For example, a $180 used trimmer needing $90 of shop work and $30 of supplies totals about $300 before tax. At that point, a new dealer unit near $330 may be a better value if it includes setup or support. A buyer who can perform appropriate maintenance may see the used option differently.
Electric alternatives can change the operating-cost comparison but are not direct price equivalents. Corded hedge trimmers may cost roughly $50-$150, while battery tools commonly range from about $100-$350 for a tool-only purchase or $200-$500 with battery and charger. Match blade length, cutting capacity, and runtime before treating a lower electric sticker price as a like-for-like substitute.
For occasional light trimming, an inexpensive electric model may meet the need if its reach and power suit the hedge. A gas HS 45 avoids dependence on a cord and can be used where a charged battery is inconvenient, but it requires fuel mixing or premix and routine engine care. Compare the complete setup: tool, battery or fuel system, charger if applicable, and any required accessories.
How to lower the 24-inch trimmer purchase cost
The most reliable savings come from comparing identical model quotes and avoiding accessories or service that are not needed. Request an itemized price for a new 24-inch HS 45 from local dealers, then compare the pre-tax tool price, setup, included gear, and warranty or service terms. A low price that omits expected costs may not be the lowest total.
Check whether the dealer has a current promotion, package deal, or floor-model discount. A floor model should be inspected for blade wear and fuel-system condition, and the seller should state how its warranty applies. Discounts of $10-$40 may be more realistic than expecting a large markdown on a dealer-sold product with limited inventory.
Use existing protective equipment if it is appropriate and in good condition, and buy only the fuel volume needed for the expected work. Do not cut essential safety equipment to reduce the budget. For someone trimming only a few shrubs, compare a less costly electric option before buying a gas tool; for a long hedge or repeated jobs, factor in convenience and operating needs as well as the initial price.
Used purchases are most economical when the engine starts reliably and the blade is sound. If the seller cannot demonstrate the tool, reduce the offer to account for inspection and likely repairs, or choose a dealer unit with a known condition. Before paying, confirm the 24-inch blade, new or used condition, included items, tax, setup, and return or warranty terms in writing.