The best brush cutters for coppicing
Coppice management means cutting woody regrowth, not grass. This list is ranked on power, handle and blade capability for clearing whips and young stems.
In short:For coppice work, a brush cutter clears whips, brambles and young regrowth around stools; thicker poles are a job for a chainsaw. Choose a powerful bike-handle machine with a harness that accepts a saw blade, used with the guard the manual specifies: the Stihl FS 131 (1.4 kW 4-MIX), Makita EM4351UH (43 cc, 1.5 kW) and Honda UMK 435 UE (GX35, double harness) are the most capable; the Stiga BC 545 B comes with a double harness; the 52 cc Einhell GC-BC 52 and Fuxtec FX-MS152 are budget options.
Our picks, ranked
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Brush cutter or chainsaw?
Coppicing cuts stems back to the stool to regrow. A brush cutter is the right tool for clearing whips, brambles and young regrowth between and around stools, and for cutting thin, young stems. Thicker poles are a chainsaw job.
Our picks
- Stihl FS 131 — semi-pro 36.3 cc 4-MIX, 1.4 kW, strong low-speed torque, bike handle; 5.8 kg without guard or tool.
- Makita EM4351UH — 43 cc MM4 four-stroke, 1.5 kW, universal guard and very low vibration for long days.
- Honda UMK 435 UE — GX35 four-stroke, bike handle and double harness.
- Stiga BC 545 B — 42.7 cc, 1.25 kW, 3T blade, Tap&Go head and double harness.
- Einhell GC-BC 52 — 51.7 cc, 1.5 kW, 25.5 cm 3-tooth blade, split shaft; for occasional work on your own woodland.
- Fuxtec FX-MS152 — 52 cc, 2.95 hp; budget power for overgrown, neglected coppice.
Using a saw blade safely
Saw blades cut aggressively and kick back if the wrong part of the blade meets a stem. Use the guard your manual specifies, a full harness, a forestry helmet with visor and ear defenders, gloves, cut-resistant trousers and boots. Approach each stem steadily and let the blade do the work. Keep other people well away.
Planning the work
Clear brambles and ground growth first with a brush blade, so you can see the stools and your footing. Cut stems low and cleanly so stools regrow well. Stack cut material as you go. For woodland clearance, see the best brush cutters for woodland and saplings.
Our picks at a glance
| Model | Type | Engine / power | Weight | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stihl FS 131 | Petrol | 36.3 cc · 4-MIX | 5.8 kg (without guard and cutting tool) | 8.7 / 10 |
| Makita EM4351UH | Petrol | 43 cc · 4-stroke MM4 | 8.5–8.6 kg (retailers) | 8.4 / 10 |
| Honda UMK 435 UE | Petrol | 35 cc · GX35 4-stroke | About 7.5 kg dry (retailers: 7.53–7.6 kg) | 8.6 / 10 |
| Stiga BC 545 B | Petrol | 42.7 cc · 2-stroke | — | 8 / 10 |
| Einhell GC-BC 52 I AS | Petrol | 51.7 cc · 2-stroke | 8.5 kg (listing) | 7.8 / 10 |
| Fuxtec FX-MS152 | Petrol | 52 cc · 2-stroke | — | 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
- Fuxtec FX-MS152 vs Einhell GC-BC 52: budget 52 cc clearers
- Honda UMK 435 vs Einhell GC-BC 52: 4-stroke Honda or 52 cc Einhell?
- Honda UMK 435 vs Makita EM4351UH: four-strokes for rough ground
- Makita EM4351UH vs Einhell GC-BC 52: pro four-stroke or budget 52 cc?
- Makita EM4351UH vs Stihl FS 131: MM4 or 4-MIX?
- Stiga BC 545 B vs Einhell GC-BC 52: which clearing two-stroke?
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a saw blade for coppicing?
For woody whips and young stems, yes — a saw blade cuts more cleanly than a 3-tooth brush blade. Fit only blades your manual lists, with the correct guard, on a bike-handle machine with a harness.
What size stems can a brush cutter cut?
It depends on the machine, blade and wood. A brush cutter is for whips and thin regrowth; for poles and anything you'd struggle to cut in one steady pass, use a chainsaw and proper chainsaw training and PPE.
2-stroke or 4-stroke for coppicing?
Torque and handling matter more than engine type. Stihl's 4-MIX FS 131 and Makita's four-stroke EM4351UH both deliver strong low-speed pull for saw blades; the Honda UMK 435 adds unmixed petrol.