The best budget petrol brush cutters
You don't need to spend a fortune for petrol power. These budget machines come with a blade and line head — real clearing capability for far less than the premium brands.
In short:Budget petrol brush cutters from Fuxtec, Einhell and Stiga come with a metal blade and line head. For brambles, the 52 cc Fuxtec FX-MS152 (2.95 hp) and Einhell GC-BC 52 (1.5 kW, 25.5 cm blade, split shaft) give the most power for the money; the Stiga BC 535 B (0.9 kW, 43 cm, 3T blade, two-year warranty) suits mixed growth; the Einhell GC-BC 36-4 S is a budget four-stroke; and the Fuxtec FX-MS125 (5.5 kg) and Einhell GC-BC 25/1 are light starters.
Our picks, ranked
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Petrol power for less
Budget petrol machines from Fuxtec, Einhell and Stiga pack a lot into the box: a metal blade, a line head and often a harness or strap. The trade-offs are weight, finish and support — premium brands are lighter for their power and backed by dealers.
Our picks
- Fuxtec FX-MS152 — 52 cc, 2.95 hp, twin-line head, metal brush blade and padded strap. The most power for the money.
- Einhell GC-BC 52 — 51.7 cc, 1.5 kW, automatic choke, electronic ignition, split shaft and 25.5 cm 3-tooth blade; 8.5 kg.
- Stiga BC 535 B — 32.6 cc, 0.9 kW, 43 cm cut, 3T blade and Tap&Go head, with a two-year manufacturer warranty.
- Einhell GC-BC 36-4 S — budget four-stroke: 37.7 cc, 1 kW, blade, line and harness; 8.7 kg.
- Fuxtec FX-MS125 — light 25.4 cc starter at 5.5 kg, with blade and shoulder harness.
- Einhell GC-BC 25/1 — 25.4 cc, 600 W, blade, line and harness; the cheapest way into petrol.
Where budget machines cut corners
Expect more weight for the power, simpler carrying straps, and less dealer support. Upgrade to a proper double harness for long sessions (best harnesses), keep a spare spark plug and air filter, and use good two-stroke oil (best 2-stroke oil and fuel).
Which should you buy?
For brambles and big plots, the Fuxtec FX-MS152 or Einhell GC-BC 52; for mixed gardens, the Stiga BC 535 B; for no fuel mixing, the Einhell GC-BC 36-4 S; for light work, the Fuxtec FX-MS125. Compare with premium machines in the best petrol brush cutters.
Our picks at a glance
| Model | Type | Engine / power | Weight | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Stiga BC 535 B | Petrol | 32.6 cc · 2-stroke | — | 7.9 / 10 |
| Einhell GC-BC 36-4 S | Petrol | 37.7 cc · 4-stroke | 8.7 kg (listing) | 7.7 / 10 |
| Fuxtec FX-MS125 | Petrol | 25 cc · 2-stroke | 5.5 kg (Fuxtec) | 7.5 / 10 |
| Einhell GC-BC 25/1 I AS | Petrol | 25.4 cc · 2-stroke | 6.4 kg (listing) | 7.4 / 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
- Einhell GC-BC 25/1 vs Fuxtec FX-MS125: budget petrol duel
- Einhell GC-BC 25/1 vs GC-BC 52: which petrol Einhell?
- Fuxtec FX-MS125 vs Einhell GC-BC 25/1: a first petrol brush cutter
- Fuxtec FX-MS125 vs FX-MS152: 25 cc or 52 cc?
- Fuxtec FX-MS152 vs Einhell GC-BC 52: budget 52 cc clearers
- Stiga BC 535 B vs Fuxtec FX-MS152: 32.6 cc or 52 cc?
Frequently asked questions
Are budget petrol brush cutters any good?
The best give genuine clearing power with a blade and line head included. You trade some refinement, weight and dealer support compared with Stihl, Husqvarna or Honda — fine for occasional to regular use.
What should I check on a cheap petrol machine?
That a metal blade is included if you'll cut brambles, how it's carried (harness or just a strap), and its weight. Use fresh fuel mixed at the manual's ratio to avoid starting problems.
Is a budget 4-stroke worth it?
If you hate mixing fuel, yes: the Einhell GC-BC 36-4 S runs on unmixed petrol and comes with a blade and harness, though it's heavy at 8.7 kg.