Stihl ASA 20 Review

Stihl ASA 20 Secateurs offer battery-powered, ergonomic pruning with up to 2000 cuts per charge. Learn if they’re ideal for you in this in-depth review.

The Stihl ASA 20 Secateurs are cordless, battery-powered pruning shears designed to make garden maintenance easier, faster, and more accessible for all types of users. Whether you’re a home gardener or a professional looking to reduce fatigue, this tool brings together modern features like progressive cutting, adjustable blade widths, and OLED display tracking. With an impressive 2000 cuts per charge, it’s especially ideal for people who struggle with manual secateurs due to mobility issues. This review covers everything you need to know, from features and specifications to real-world performance and value for money.

What Are the Stihl ASA 20 Secateurs?

Are the Stihl ASA 20 Secateurs good for everyday pruning?
Yes they’re highly effective for regular pruning tasks and light professional work. The Stihl ASA 20 is part of the AS System, a family of battery-powered tools designed for small to medium gardening jobs. What sets it apart is its thoughtful combination of user-friendly controls and precise cutting ability.

These secateurs are built for versatility, allowing you to cut through soft stems, woody branches, and everything in between. The tool can handle branches up to 25 mm in diameter, thanks to its high-powered motor and durable steel blades. Blade width can be switched between 19 mm and 25 mm depending on the thickness of the branches you’re dealing with a smart touch that speeds up work on smaller material.

One of the key benefits is the progressive cut system. Instead of a one-click action like traditional secateurs, the blade follows the motion of your trigger finger. This gives you full control and avoids over-cutting delicate stems. For anyone doing detailed pruning of shrubs, perennials, or ornamental plants, this feature alone is a game-changer.

Combined with its lightweight construction and quiet operation, the ASA 20 stands out as a practical solution for gardeners who want more ease and less effort without compromising on cut quality.

My Experience with the Stihl ASA 20 Secateurs

When I first got my hands on the Stihl ASA 20 Secateurs, I honestly thought they might be too bulky or overengineered for regular garden use. But within minutes of using them, I realized how wrong I was these secateurs are surprisingly lightweight, extremely well-balanced, and incredibly easy to handle. I used them for pruning everything from young branches to thicker 25 mm stems, and the clean, satisfying slicing sound they made with every cut was oddly addictive.

Comfortable to Use Even After Hours

One of the things that impressed me most was how comfortable they felt in my hand over long periods. I didn’t feel any wrist strain or finger fatigue, even after an extended pruning session. The soft grip and overall weight distribution made it effortless to reach into shrubs, prune overhead, and trim back awkward angles.

OLED Display That Actually Matters

The OLED screen on top might seem like a gimmick at first, but it’s incredibly useful. It tells you how much battery you have left, the selected blade opening width (19 mm or 25 mm), and even counts your cuts which sounds unnecessary until you’re halfway through a big job and want to know how far you’ve gone. I never had to guess if I could finish a task before recharging.

Safety and Practical Advice

Even though the ASA 20 feels intuitive, I still made sure to wear proper safety gear gloves, sturdy boots, and goggles especially when trimming thicker wood or working at eye level. These secateurs are powerful, and debris can fly, so eye protection is a must.

The Most Versatile Secateurs I’ve Used

I used the ASA 20 for just about everything:

• Cutting bean and pea sticks for supports
• Deadheading overgrown flower beds
• Pruning back shrubs and young fruit trees
• Making small wildlife shelters from twig piles
• Trimming down brassica stems and taming back brambles

Switching between 19 mm and 25 mm blade settings made the job faster and smoother, especially when working through varying branch thicknesses.

Great for Mobility-Limited Gardeners

While I don’t have joint issues myself, it’s immediately clear how helpful this tool would be for anyone with arthritis, MS, or reduced hand strength. You barely need to squeeze just guide the blade with your finger. I could see this being a real game-changer for older gardeners or anyone who wants to keep gardening without putting too much stress on their hands and wrists.

Honestly, it became a bit of a running joke I didn’t want to stop pruning. It was just that satisfying. At one point, I realized I was cutting more than I’d planned, just because it felt so effortless.

How Do the Stihl ASA 20 Secateurs Work?

The ASA 20 is powered by a compact 10.8V lithium-ion AS 2 battery. Despite its size, this battery packs enough punch for up to 2000 cuts before needing a recharge. That’s more than enough to handle a full day of home garden maintenance or a long pruning session on larger properties.

Features and Functions

• Battery-Powered Precision
  You don’t have to exert hand force to cut. The 600W motor takes over as soon as you pull the trigger. The result is a consistent, smooth cut every time, even through tough or fibrous stems.
• Adjustable Cutting Width
  This feature saves time and optimizes performance. Use the 25 mm setting for thicker woody branches and switch to 19 mm for smaller material. The narrower width speeds up blade movement, so you get more cuts done with less delay.
• OLED Display for Smart Tracking
  A standout feature not seen on many competitors: the built-in OLED display. It shows battery level, selected blade width, and even a cut counter. This data helps you track progress, plan battery usage, and monitor tool wear over time.
• Progressive Trigger Control
  Instead of an on/off switch, the trigger allows precise modulation. Light pulls produce small cuts; full pulls make deep cuts. You’ll appreciate this fine control when pruning tender plants or shaping topiary.
• Ergonomic and Lightweight
  Weighing under 1 kg including the battery, the ASA 20 is easy to handle for long periods. The soft rubberized grip reduces slippage and hand fatigue. It’s balanced well enough for both right-handed and left-handed users to work comfortably.
• Quiet Operation
  It produces minimal noise compared to petrol or larger electric tools. No hearing protection is required, making it ideal for community gardens or quiet residential zones.
• Safety Features and Maintenance
  The built-in blade guard protects users and prolongs blade life. A maintenance tool hidden inside the battery compartment allows for easy lubrication, adjustments, and blade servicing.

Step-by-Step: How to Use the ASA 20

1. Fully charge the AS 2 battery using the AL 1 charger (about 70 minutes).
2. Insert the battery into the tool until it clicks into place.
3. Power on and view settings on the OLED screen.
4. Select blade width: choose 19 mm for quick snips, or 25 mm for thicker material.
5. Grip comfortably and begin pruning with light trigger presses.
6. Clean blades after use and attach the blade guard for safe storage.

This seamless setup makes it friendly even for users new to battery-powered garden tools.

Related Topics:

• Best Pole Saws for Tree Trimming and Pruning Tall Branches

Conclusion

The Stihl ASA 20 Secateurs deliver on their promise of efficient, low-effort pruning for every gardener whether you’re managing a backyard, allotment, or orchard. With precision controls, durable power, and thoughtful features like the OLED display and adjustable blade widths, it’s clear that this tool was built with user comfort and versatility in mind.

While the price point may feel steep compared to manual secateurs, the value is clear for anyone who prunes often or experiences hand fatigue. For those with limited mobility, this could be a life-changing addition to your toolkit.

Try it yourself or share your thoughts have you used the ASA 20? Drop your review in the comments or check out our top-rated garden tools roundup.

FAQ

1. Are the Stihl ASA 20 Secateurs suitable for people with arthritis?
   A: Yes, their ergonomic grip and motorized cutting action greatly reduce hand strain, making them excellent for users with reduced grip strength.
2. What battery does the ASA 20 use?
   A: It uses the AS 2 lithium-ion battery, part of Stihl’s AS System. It’s the same battery used in compatible tools like the GTA 26 and SEA 20.
3. What happens if the blade gets dull?
   A: A built-in maintenance tool helps with blade adjustments, cleaning, and eventual replacement if needed.
4. Is it loud like other powered garden tools?
   A: No, it operates almost silently and does not require ear protection.
5. How does the OLED display help?
   A: It gives real-time updates on battery life, blade setting, and number of cuts made keeping you informed without guesswork.

David Murray

Forestry Author

I'm David Murry, a forestry equipment specialist with a focus on chainsaw operation. With over 13 years of experience, I've honed my skills in operating and maintaining a wide range of machinery, from chainsaws to log splitters. My passion for the outdoors and commitment to sustainable forestry drive my work, which emphasizes safety, efficiency, and staying updated with industry advancements. Additionally, I'm dedicated to sharing my expertise and promoting environmental awareness within the forestry community.