The best 2-stroke brush cutters
If you want the power-to-weight of a classic petrol machine, this shortlist ranks the best 2-stroke brush cutters we cover, from light garden models to 52 cc clearers.
In short:Two-stroke brush cutters are light for their power and run at any angle, but need petrol mixed with oil. Light garden picks are the Stihl FS 70 C-E (0.9 kW, ErgoStart, 5.4 kg), Husqvarna 129R (0.85 kW, 5.4 kg, grass blade and double harness) and Stihl FS 55 (0.75 kW, 4.4–4.9 kg). For brambles, the Stiga BC 545 B (1.25 kW, 3T blade, double harness) comes complete, and the 52 cc Fuxtec FX-MS152 (2.95 hp) and Einhell GC-BC 52 (1.5 kW) give the most power for the money.
Our picks, ranked
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
What matters in a 2-stroke
A good two-stroke earns its place through power-to-weight, easy starting and what’s in the box. We’ve spread this list across sizes, from light garden machines to 52 cc clearing tools.
Our picks
- Stihl FS 70 C-E — 27.2 cc, 0.9 kW (20% more than the FS 55), ErgoStart, bike handle; 5.4 kg without fuel and cutting tool. Line head, strap and eye protection supplied; blade optional.
- Husqvarna 129R — 27.6 cc, 0.85 kW, 43 cm cut, 5.4 kg without cutting gear, with a grass blade and double harness.
- Stiga BC 545 B — 42.7 cc, 1.25 kW, 45 cm cut, with a 3T blade, Tap&Go head and double harness. A complete clearing kit.
- Stihl FS 55 — 27.2 cc, 0.75 kW, 4.4–4.9 kg; the C-E version adds ErgoStart and a metal blade.
- Fuxtec FX-MS152 — 52 cc, 2.95 hp, line head and metal brush blade, padded strap; the most quoted power per pound.
- Einhell GC-BC 52 — 51.7 cc, 1.5 kW, automatic choke, electronic ignition, split shaft, 25.5 cm 3-tooth blade; 8.5 kg.
Fuel and care
Mix fresh petrol and good two-stroke oil at the manual’s ratio, in a marked can. Don’t keep mixed fuel for months; alkylate fuel stores longer (best 2-stroke oil and fuel). Clean the air filter regularly and check the spark plug each season.
Which should you choose?
For lawns and light growth, the Stihl FS 70 C-E, Husqvarna 129R or light Stihl FS 55. For brambles, the Stiga BC 545 B if you want a complete kit; the Fuxtec FX-MS152 or Einhell GC-BC 52 for the most power per pound. Prefer no mixing? See the best 4-stroke brush cutters.
Our picks at a glance
| Model | Type | Engine / power | Weight | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stihl FS 70 C-E | Petrol | 27.2 cc · ErgoStart | 5.4 kg (without fuel and cutting tool) | 8.4 / 10 |
| Husqvarna 129R | Petrol | 27.6 cc · 2-stroke | 5.4 kg excl. cutting equipment | 8 / 10 |
| Stiga BC 545 B | Petrol | 42.7 cc · 2-stroke | — | 8 / 10 |
| Stihl FS 55 | Petrol | 27.2 cc · 2-stroke | 4.4–4.9 kg (retailers) | 7.8 / 10 |
| Fuxtec FX-MS152 | Petrol | 52 cc · 2-stroke | — | 8 / 10 |
| Einhell GC-BC 52 I AS | Petrol | 51.7 cc · 2-stroke | 8.5 kg (listing) | 7.8 / 10 |
Weights are as stated by the maker, UK retailers or Amazon, so some include a battery or cutting gear and others don't — see each review for details.
Compare our picks head to head
Frequently asked questions
Why choose a 2-stroke over a 4-stroke?
Two-strokes are lighter for the same power, simpler, and run at any angle. The trade-off is mixing fuel and oil, more exhaust smell and a louder note.
Do all 2-strokes use the same fuel mix?
No — always use the ratio in your manual. Using the wrong ratio or poor oil is a common cause of engine wear. See our 2-stroke fuel ratio chart.
Which size should I pick?
For lawns and light growth, 27–28 cc machines like the Stihl FS 55, FS 70 C-E or Husqvarna 129R. For brambles and neglected land, 40–52 cc machines like the Stiga BC 545 B, Fuxtec FX-MS152 or Einhell GC-BC 52.