The best Honda brush cutters
Honda's brush cutters use its GX mini four-strokes, which run on unmixed petrol. Here's how the two models we cover compare, from light trimming to brambles.
In short:Honda's brush cutters run on unmixed petrol. The UMK 425 LE has the 25 cc GX25 (0.81 kW at 7,000 rpm, 0.55 L tank, 0.08 L oil sump), a D-loop handle with barrier bar, a 5.9 kg dry weight and comes with a nylon head and 3-tooth blade. The UMK 435 UE has the 35 cc GX35 OHC (1.0 kW, 0.63 L tank), a bike handle and, per UK retailers, a double comfort harness, about 7.5 kg dry and a five-year domestic warranty. Both GX engines are 360° inclinable.
Our picks, ranked
- 1
- 2
Honda’s GX advantage
Honda builds a short range around its GX mini four-strokes: unmixed petrol, oil in a sump, a smooth note and 360° inclinable lubrication. Both models are sold mainly through dealers.
Our picks
- Honda UMK 435 UE — 35 cc GX35 OHC, 1.0 kW at 7,000 rpm, 0.63 L tank, recoil start, bike handle; UK retailers list a double comfort harness, about 7.5 kg dry and a five-year domestic warranty. For brambles, scrub and rough ground.
- Honda UMK 425 LE — 25 cc GX25, 0.81 kW, 0.55 L tank and 0.08 L oil sump, D-loop handle with barrier bar, 5.9 kg dry; nylon head and 3-tooth blade supplied. For grass and light growth.
Looking after a GX engine
Check the oil before every session with the engine level, and change it at the interval in the manual. Use fresh unleaded petrol — never two-stroke mix. Clean the air filter regularly, and run the tank dry before winter storage.
Which should you buy?
For a garden of grass, edges and light growth, the UMK 425. For tougher ground, the UMK 435. Head-to-heads: Honda UMK 425 vs UMK 435, Honda vs Stihl. Brand page: Honda.
Our picks at a glance
| Model | Type | Engine / power | Weight | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda UMK 435 UE | Petrol | 35 cc · GX35 4-stroke | About 7.5 kg dry (retailers: 7.53–7.6 kg) | 8.6 / 10 |
| Honda UMK 425 LE | Petrol | 25 cc · GX25 4-stroke | 5.9 kg dry | 8.2 / 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 Honda GX four-stroke?
No fuel mixing — petrol straight from the pump, with oil in a sump — a smoother, quieter note than a two-stroke, and lubrication that lets you tilt the engine any way while working.
UMK 425 or UMK 435?
The UMK 425 LE for grass, edges and light growth, with a nimble loop handle. The UMK 435 UE for brambles and rough ground, with a bike handle and double harness.
Are Honda brush cutters heavier than two-strokes?
Slightly: the UMK 425 is 5.9 kg dry against 4.4–4.9 kg for Stihl's two-stroke FS 55. The UMK 435 UE is about 7.5 kg dry but carried on a double harness.