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Stihl

The best Stihl brush cutters

For anyone set on a Stihl, here's how the three petrol models we cover compare, from a light entry machine to the semi-pro FS 131 for brambles and scrub.

By · Updated · first published

In short:Stihl's petrol brush cutters are light for their power and sold mainly through dealers. The semi-pro FS 131 has a 36.3 cc 4-MIX engine producing 1.4 kW, Easy Start with decompression, a bike handle and a 0.71 L tank, at 5.8 kg without guard or tool. The FS 70 C-E (27.2 cc, 0.9 kW, ErgoStart, 5.4 kg) comes with an AutoCut 25-2 line head, strap and eye protection; the FS 55 (0.75 kW, 4.4–4.9 kg) is the entry model, and the FS 55 C-E adds ErgoStart and a metal blade.

Our picks, ranked

  1. 1
    Stihl FS 131 semi-pro petrol brush cutter 36cc 4-MIX brambles heavy use
    Semi-pro

    STIHL · 36.3 cc · 4-MIX

    Stihl FS 131

    For tough land and heavy use: a 36.3 cc, 1.4 kW 4-MIX brush cutter with a bike handle, 5.8 kg and a 420 mm cut — Stihl's semi-pro petrol benchmark.

    8.7/10
    Read the review
  2. 2
    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
  3. 3
    Stihl FS 55 petrol brush cutter 27cc 2-stroke lightweight entry level
    Stihl entry

    STIHL · 27.2 cc · 2-stroke

    Stihl FS 55

    Stihl's most affordable petrol brush cutter: 27.2 cc, 0.75 kW and a bike handle, light at around 4.4–4.9 kg — ideal for maintained land and first-time buyers.

    7.8/10
    Read the review

Stihl’s strengths

Stihl’s machines are light for their power, start easily on the C-E versions, and are sold and serviced through a large dealer network that sets the machine up for your job.

Our picks

  • Stihl FS 131 — semi-pro 36.3 cc 4-MIX, 1.4 kW, Easy Start with automatic decompression, bike handle, 0.71 L tank, 420 mm line cut; 5.8 kg without guard or tool.
  • Stihl FS 70 C-E — 27.2 cc, 0.9 kW (20% more than the FS 55), ErgoStart, bike handle; AutoCut 25-2 head, strap and eye protection supplied; metal blade extra; 5.4 kg.
  • Stihl FS 55 — 27.2 cc, 0.75 kW, bike handle, 4.4–4.9 kg; the FS 55 C-E adds ErgoStart and comes with an AutoCut head and a metal blade; the R versions have a loop handle.

Which should you choose?

For maintained lawns and light growth, the FS 55 (ideally the C-E). For long grass and occasional tougher growth, the FS 70 C-E. For brambles, scrub and big plots, the FS 131. Prices are set by dealers — none had a live Amazon.co.uk price when we checked.

Comparisons

Stihl FS 55 vs FS 70 C-E, FS 70 C-E vs FS 131, Stihl vs Husqvarna, Honda vs Stihl. Brand page: Stihl.

Our picks at a glance

ModelTypeEngine / powerWeightRating
Stihl FS 131 Petrol 36.3 cc · 4-MIX 5.8 kg (without guard and cutting tool) 8.7 / 10
Stihl FS 70 C-E Petrol 27.2 cc · ErgoStart 5.4 kg (without fuel and cutting tool) 8.4 / 10
Stihl FS 55 Petrol 27.2 cc · 2-stroke 4.4–4.9 kg (retailers) 7.8 / 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

Frequently asked questions

Which Stihl should a first-time buyer choose?

The FS 55 C-E for a light machine with ErgoStart and a metal blade in the box, or the FS 70 C-E if you want 20% more power for long grass.

Do I need the FS 131's extra power?

For thick brambles, scrub and regular heavy clearing, yes: 1.4 kW against 0.9 kW for the FS 70 C-E, for only 0.4 kg more.

Are all three two-strokes?

The FS 55 and FS 70 C-E are two-strokes. The FS 131's 4-MIX is a four-stroke design lubricated by two-stroke mix — so all three run on mixed fuel, but the FS 131 has no oil sump to check.