Metabo brush cutters
German engineering, brushless power
Metabo brings its 18V CAS trade batteries to the garden. We review the twin-battery FSB 36-18 LTX BL 40 brush cutter and the RTD 18 LTX BL 30 trimmer.
In short:Metabo's garden tools run on its 18V CAS batteries. We review two, both sold bare: the FSB 36-18 LTX BL 40, a brushless brush cutter powered by two 18V packs, with a bike handle, a 40 cm twin-line spool and a blade for brushwood (3.9 kg, £253.99 on Amazon.co.uk on 27 October 2026); and the RTD 18 LTX BL 30, a single-battery brushless trimmer with a 30 cm cut, stepless speed up to 6,500 rpm and a split shaft (3.4 kg, £130.35).
Metabo (founded in Nürtingen, Germany, in 1924, and owned by Koki Holdings since 2016) is a trade power-tool maker. Its garden tools use the same 18V batteries as its drills and grinders, which also belong to the CAS (Cordless Alliance System): one battery fits tools from several brands in the alliance.
The Metabo machines we review
The FSB 36-18 LTX BL 40 is a brush cutter powered by two 18V batteries. It has a brushless motor, an adjustable bike handle, a 40 cm twin-line spool with tap feed and tool-free line changes, and a blade for brushwood. Amazon gives an item weight of 3.9 kg and a listed 6,000 rpm. It cost £253.99 as a bare tool on Amazon.co.uk on 27 October 2026.
The RTD 18 LTX BL 30 is a single-battery line trimmer: brushless, a 30 cm cut, stepless speed control up to 6,500 rpm, tap-to-feed line, a loop handle with shoulder strap and a two-piece shaft with a quick coupling for storage. The listing gives an item weight of 3.4 kg (£130.35 bare).
What Metabo does well
Trade build quality, brushless motors and a battery shared with a large range of tools. The FSB 36-18 is light for a twin-battery brush cutter with a bike handle and a blade.
Things to weigh
The garden range is small, and both machines are sold without batteries or charger. Without existing Metabo or CAS batteries, a twin-battery setup costs considerably more than the tool alone.
Alternatives we review
The Makita DUR368AZ and Einhell Agillo 36/255 BL are the closest twin-battery rivals. See Metabo FSB 36-18 vs Makita DUR368LZ and DeWalt vs Metabo.
Who should buy Metabo
Tradespeople and homeowners already on Metabo or CAS batteries who want a well-built cordless brush cutter. Compare in our cordless brush cutter guide.
Our Metabo reviews
METABO · 36V (2×18V) Brushless
Metabo FSB 36-18 LTX BL 40
A twin-18V brushless Metabo brush cutter with a bike handle, 40 cm twin-line head and a blade for brushwood — for Metabo 18V CAS battery owners.
Read the review
METABO · 18V Brushless
Metabo RTD 18 LTX BL 30
An 18V brushless Metabo line trimmer with a 30 cm cut, stepless speed, tap feed, loop handle, shoulder strap and split shaft — for 18V CAS owners.
Read the review