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Embankments

The best brush cutters for steep embankments

Steep embankments punish a heavy, top-heavy machine long before they reward power. These picks are ranked on balance, harness comfort and control underfoot.

By · Updated · first published

In short:On steep embankments, weight and balance beat power. The Husqvarna 129R (5.4 kg without cutting gear, double harness) and Stihl FS 70 C-E (5.4 kg, ErgoStart) are light petrol picks; Honda's UMK 425 GX25 four-stroke is 360° inclinable. Cordless machines are lighter and stop instantly: the Makita DUR368LZ (3.2 kg bare), Bosch AdvancedBrushCut 36V (4.1 kg with battery, 23 cm blade) and Worx WG183E (2.9 kg, grassy banks). Cut across the slope, never up and down.

Our picks, ranked

  1. 1
    Husqvarna 129R 27.6 cc 2-stroke petrol brush cutter with straight shaft and bike handle
    All-round Husqvarna

    HUSQVARNA · 27.6 cc · 2-stroke

    Husqvarna 129R

    A 27.6 cc, 0.85 kW, 5.4 kg Husqvarna petrol brush cutter with bullhorn handle, double harness, trimmer head and grass blade included.

    8.0/10
    Read the review
  2. 2
    Makita DUR368LZ 36V LXT brushless cordless brush cutter lightweight loop handle
    Light twin-18V

    MAKITA · 36V LXT · Brushless

    Makita DUR368LZ

    A light twin-18V (36V) LXT brushless trimmer with a loop handle, three speeds, ADT and a 350 mm cut — comfortable for long grass sessions, sold bare.

    8.4/10
    Read the review
  3. 3
    Stihl FS 70 C-E petrol brush cutter with ErgoStart and bike handle
    All-rounder

    STIHL · 27.2 cc · ErgoStart

    Stihl FS 70 C-E

    20% more power than the FS 55 (0.9 kW vs 0.75 kW), effortless ErgoStart and an AutoCut 25-2 head — the best Stihl compromise for homeowners.

    8.4/10
    Read the review
  4. 4
    Bosch AdvancedBrushCut 36V cordless brush cutter lightweight line and blade
    Entry 36V

    BOSCH · 36V Power For All

    Bosch AdvancedBrushCut 36V

    A brushless 36V cordless brush cutter with a line head and a laser-cut metal blade in the box — 4.1 kg with battery, sold bare or as a kit.

    8.3/10
    Read the review
  5. 5
    Honda UMK 425 LE GX25 4-stroke petrol brush cutter blade harness premium
    Premium 4-stroke

    HONDA · 25 cc · GX25 4-stroke

    Honda UMK 425 LE

    A premium 25 cc Honda GX25 mini 4-stroke brush cutter — 5.9 kg dry, mix-free and dependable, with a 3-tooth blade and nylon head supplied.

    8.2/10
    Read the review
  6. 6
    Worx WG183E 40V cordless grass trimmer with AutoFeed line and 33 cm cut
    40V AutoFeed kit

    WORX · 40V PowerShare (2× 20V)

    Worx WG183E 40V

    A 40V (2 × 20V) PowerShare grass trimmer with a 33 cm dual-line cut and AutoFeed, sold with batteries and charger — easy lawn care, not for brush.

    7.6/10
    Read the review

A balance problem first

Cutting a steep bank is a balance problem before it’s a power problem. A heavy, front-loaded machine pulls you forward or downhill. Choose a light machine, a harness that keeps it level, and boots with real grip.

Our picks

  • Husqvarna 129R — 0.85 kW, 5.4 kg without cutting gear, bullhorn handle and double harness.
  • Makita DUR368LZ — twin-18V loop-handle trimmer, 3.2 kg bare; stops the moment you release the trigger.
  • Stihl FS 70 C-E — 0.9 kW, ErgoStart; 5.4 kg without fuel and cutting tool.
  • Bosch AdvancedBrushCut 36V — 4.1 kg with battery, 23 cm metal blade for brambles on the bank.
  • Honda UMK 425 LE — GX25 four-stroke that’s 360° inclinable, with a blade.
  • Worx WG183E — 2.9 kg line trimmer with two batteries, for grassy banks.

Technique on a steep bank

  1. Work across the slope in horizontal strips, starting at the bottom.
  2. Keep the head on the downhill side and your weight on the uphill foot.
  3. Never walk backwards downhill while cutting.
  4. Stop when wet, and leave very steep banks to a two-person team or specialist kit.
  5. Keep people below clear — stones and cuttings roll.

More terrain guides

See the best brush cutters for slopes, ditches and uneven ground.

Our picks at a glance

ModelTypeEngine / powerWeightRating
Husqvarna 129R Petrol 27.6 cc · 2-stroke 5.4 kg excl. cutting equipment 8 / 10
Makita DUR368LZ Cordless 36V LXT · Brushless 3.2 kg (Amazon item weight, bare) 8.4 / 10
Stihl FS 70 C-E Petrol 27.2 cc · ErgoStart 5.4 kg (without fuel and cutting tool) 8.4 / 10
Bosch AdvancedBrushCut 36V Cordless 36V Power For All 3.4 kg bare, 4.1 kg with battery (Bosch) 8.3 / 10
Honda UMK 425 LE Petrol 25 cc · GX25 4-stroke 5.9 kg dry 8.2 / 10
Worx WG183E 40V Cordless 40V PowerShare (2× 20V) 2.9 kg (Amazon item weight) 7.6 / 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

Weight or power on a steep bank?

Weight and balance. A heavy machine pulls you downhill and tires your arms; choose the lightest machine that copes with the growth and lean on the harness.

Do I need a harness?

Strongly recommended. It moves the weight onto your shoulders and keeps the head steady while you stand across the slope.

Line or blade on a bank?

Line if the bank is grassy or you can't see the ground. Use a blade only once you know the terrain and have firm footing.