A Stihl HS 46 C hedge trimmer typically costs about $100-$250 used, depending on whether it starts reliably, cuts cleanly, and includes a usable blade. New examples can be difficult to find, so buyers should compare the machine’s condition and repair needs with the price of a current STIHL model.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used HS 46 C | $75 | $175 | $300 | Private-sale asking prices; condition varies |
| Dealer-inspected used unit | $175 | $275 | $400 | May include testing or limited warranty |
| Common repair allowance | $40 | $125 | $250 | Parts and shop labor depend on fault |
| Comparable new hedge trimmer | $300 | $400 | $550 | Model, bar length, and dealer pricing affect cost |
What a used Stihl HS 46 C usually costs
Because the HS 46 C is an older model and may no longer be available new through regular retail channels, most prices are for used or refurbished equipment. A running unit with average cosmetic wear commonly falls around $125-$225; a clean, tested example may reach $250-$350, especially when sold by a repair shop. A non-running trimmer is generally worth much less unless the fault is known.
For budgeting, $175-$275 is a reasonable target for a working, ordinary-condition machine. Prices are estimates rather than fixed national retail prices; local inventory, service history, and included accessories matter. Assumptions: U.S. used-market sale, standard machine, no major engine or blade repair.
How engine, blade, and shop work shape the quote
A seller’s price may reflect more than the trimmer itself. Shops can charge for inspection and tune-up work, while private sellers may pass along a machine without testing it. Replacement parts availability and the condition of the cutting attachment can make an inexpensive listing a costly purchase.
| Quote item | Typical price | What it covers | Cost note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used machine | $100-$300 | Trimmer as sold | Condition and local demand drive price |
| Shop diagnosis | $40-$90 | Basic inspection and fault check | May be credited toward repair |
| Carburetor service | $75-$180 | Cleaning, adjustment, or common parts | Severe damage can cost more |
| Blade or cutter repair | $40-$160 | Sharpening, adjustment, or parts | Replacement assemblies can raise the bill |
| Fuel and air-filter service | $20-$75 | Routine tune-up items | Shop labor may be separate |
Shop labor often runs about $75-$125 per hour, with a minimum charge for small repairs. A 1-hour repair at $90 per hour plus $35 in parts would total about $125 before tax.
Request an itemized estimate that separates diagnosis, labor, and parts. That makes it easier to compare repair cost with the price of another working trimmer.
Why starting condition and blade length change the price
Engine condition is the biggest value divider. A cold-starting machine that idles steadily and accelerates without hesitation is worth more than one that starts only when warm, stalls, or leaks fuel. Ask the seller to demonstrate a cold start, since a recently warmed engine can conceal starting problems.
Check the cutter bar for bent teeth, excessive play, and missing or damaged components. A blade near 18-24 inches is common on gasoline hedge trimmers, but buyers should verify the exact HS 46 C configuration rather than assume a replacement will fit. Repair needs exceeding $150-$200 can erase the savings from a low-priced listing.
Budget roughly $50-$150 more for a clean, tested unit than for an as-is machine with uncertain service history. Assumptions: Functional engine, no major structural damage, and ordinary wear on the cutting assembly.
What dealers and private sellers charge in different areas
Used equipment prices vary with supply and the cost of servicing small engines. In rural areas, a basic private-sale unit may be 5%-15% below a comparable suburban listing, though fewer choices can offset the difference. In higher-cost metro areas, dealer-inspected machines may run 10%-25% above private-sale prices because the quote can include labor, testing, and limited support.
Seasonal demand can also shift asking prices. Listings may be firmer during spring yard-care season, while late fall and winter can bring more room to negotiate. These percentages are rough comparisons, not guarantees; condition and local availability can matter more than location.
Compare at least two local listings with similar running condition before treating a high asking price as typical. Include travel or delivery charges when comparing a distant seller’s offer.
When a repair is cheaper than buying another trimmer
Minor service can make sense when the engine runs well and the problem is limited to a filter, fuel line, spark plug, or blade adjustment. A repair estimate around $50-$125 may be practical for a machine bought at a modest price. By contrast, a carburetor, ignition, and cutter repair together can push the bill above $200.
Compare the repair total with the price of a working used unit and a current entry-level replacement. Current gasoline models in the same general class often sell for roughly $300-$550, but model specifications and dealer prices differ. Electric or battery-powered alternatives may have a lower maintenance burden, though batteries and chargers can add $100-$300 if not already owned.
Use the all-in cost, not the repair quote alone, when deciding whether to keep an older HS 46 C. Include the purchase price, diagnosis, parts, and any missing safety or operating items.
How to lower the HS 46 C buying price safely
Ask for a cold-start demonstration and a short cutting test before negotiating. Check the blade movement, throttle response, fuel leaks, handle controls, and serial identification. A specific repair estimate gives the buyer a stronger basis for an offer than a general claim that the machine “needs a tune-up.”
For an untested trimmer, price the deal as a repair project rather than assuming it needs only routine service. Avoid paying a premium for accessories that are not useful, but confirm that guards and necessary hardware are present. Compare a dealer’s warranty or inspection value against a private seller’s lower cash price.
Set a maximum total budget before buying, including a $50-$150 reserve for likely service on an older machine. A low listing is not a bargain if engine or cutter repairs take the final cost beyond a tested alternative.