The best loop-handle brush cutters

How we picked

For this list we prioritised machines built around a loop (D-shaped) handle rather than the wider bike handle — the layout that keeps a brush cutter narrow, light and easy to swing around lawn edges, beds and borders. We looked for:

• Low weight and good balance, so the machine doesn’t tire your arms on longer sessions
• Easy manoeuvring, since a loop handle is only worth it if the machine is genuinely nimble
• A sensible power-to-weight trade-off — enough grunt for grass and light growth, without adding bulk that defeats the point of the handle
• A mix of fuel types, because loop handles turn up on petrol, corded and cordless machines alike, so there’s an option whatever power source you prefer
• Real-world comfort, from harnesses to starting systems, since a light machine that’s still awkward to start or wear all morning defeats the point

We deliberately left out the heaviest bike-handle petrol machines built for all-day bramble clearing — that’s a different job, covered in our heavy-use guide.

Our picks

The Makita DUR368LZ is one of the lightest pro-grade cordless machines around, at roughly 3.9 kg, so it’s a joy to steer for long grass sessions if you already own Makita LXT batteries. The Stihl FS 70 C-E proves loop handles aren’t just a cordless thing — its ErgoStart makes cold starts easy and it ships with a blade for the odd patch of tougher growth. The Husqvarna 128R is a friendly, well-priced entry into petrol, with Smart Start and a harness that make grass sessions comfortable.

For cordless value, the Einhell Agillo 36/255 brings brushless 36V power and a metal blade at roughly half the price of the premium brands. The Makita DUR190LZX3 is a rare 18V machine that also accepts a metal blade, so it can step beyond grass into light scrub while staying light on a single battery. Finally, the Greenworks GD40BC pairs its loop handle with a generous 40 cm cutting width, so it clears open grass quickly while staying easy to manage.

Which should you choose?

If you already own a battery platform, stick with it: LXT owners should look at the Makita DUR368LZ or DUR190LZX3 depending on how light you want to go, and Power X-Change owners get excellent value from the Einhell Agillo. If you’d rather avoid batteries altogether, the Stihl FS 70 C-E and Husqvarna 128R are the petrol choices, with the Stihl edging it on included blade and starting ease. For the widest, fastest cut on open lawn, the Greenworks GD40BC is hard to beat.

Whichever you pick, remember a loop handle is about agility, not brute force — for dense, sustained bramble clearing, a bike-handle petrol machine will still serve you better. See our full buying guide for more on choosing between handle types.