Einhell GC-BC 36-4 S vs Honda UMK 425: two mix-free 4-strokes
Two four-stroke petrol brush cutters that run on unmixed petrol. The Einhell has the bigger engine for the money; the Honda is much lighter.
In short:The Einhell GC-BC 36-4 S is a 37.7 cc four-stroke petrol brush cutter rated at 1 kW, with a bike handle, a 42 cm twin-line spool, a 25.5 cm 3-tooth blade and a harness, weighing 8.7 kg per its listing. The Honda UMK 425 LE uses the 25 cc GX25 four-stroke (0.81 kW), has a D-loop handle, weighs 5.9 kg dry and comes with a nylon head and a 3-tooth blade. Both run on unmixed petrol. The Einhell suits tougher growth; the Honda, lighter regular trimming.
Both are four-stroke petrol brush cutters — no oil to mix, just petrol in the tank and engine oil to check. Beyond that, they differ sharply. The Einhell GC-BC 36-4 S offers a large 37.7 cc engine for the money; the Honda UMK 425 uses Honda’s compact 25 cc GX25 and weighs far less.
At a glance
| Einhell GC-BC 36-4 S | Honda UMK 425 LE | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 37.7 cc, 4-stroke | 25 cc Honda GX25, 4-stroke |
| Power | 1 kW | 0.81 kW |
| Weight | 8.7 kg (listing) | 5.9 kg dry (Honda) |
| Handle | Bike, aluminium | D-loop with barrier bar |
| Line | Twin-line, tip feed, 42 cm | Nylon head |
| Blade | 3-tooth, 25.5 cm | 3-tooth |
| Harness | Included | — |
| Amazon.co.uk (Oct 2026) | Unavailable | Check dealers |
| Rating | 7.7 / 10 | 8.2 / 10 |
Displacement vs weight
The Einhell’s 37.7 cc, 1 kW engine and bike handle give it a clear edge in tough grass and light brush, with a larger 25.5 cm blade turning at 7,500 rpm per Einhell. The Honda’s GX25 gives 0.81 kW — plenty for grass and weeds — and wins hands down on weight: 5.9 kg dry against 8.7 kg.
Handling
The Einhell’s weight makes its included harness essential — see how to adjust a harness. The bike handle suits long, sweeping blade passes. The Honda’s D-loop handle is quicker around obstacles and better for frequent short jobs; with the blade fitted, keep to light growth.
Running and upkeep
Neither needs fuel mixing, but both need engine oil checks. Honda’s GX25 is 360° inclinable thanks to its rotary-slinger lubrication; Einhell adds a primer-assisted quick-start system. Honda declares 110 dB(A) sound power for the UMK 425, so wear ear protection on either.
Choose the Einhell GC-BC 36-4 S if…
- Your ground includes tough grass or light brush
- You want the most engine and blade for the money
- You’ll use the harness to manage 8.7 kg
Choose the Honda UMK 425 if…
- Low weight and easy handling matter most
- Your cutting is mostly grass and light growth
- You work around trees, beds and fences
Which should you buy?
For tougher ground on a budget, the Einhell GC-BC 36-4 S gives more power and a bigger blade — if you can carry it. For lighter, regular trimming, the Honda UMK 425 is the easier machine to live with. See also Fuxtec FX-4MS142 vs Einhell GC-BC 36-4 S.
Full specifications
| Einhell GC-BC 36-4 S | Honda UMK 425 LE | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine / power | 37.7 cc · 4-stroke | 25 cc · GX25 4-stroke |
| Engine | 37.7 cc, 4-stroke | Honda GX25, 25 cc, 4-stroke |
| Power | 1 kW (1.36 hp) | 0.81 kW (1.0 hp) at 7,000 rpm |
| Weight | 8.7 kg (listing) | 5.9 kg dry |
| Cut | 42 cm line / 25.5 cm blade | — |
| Speed | 6,400 rpm line / 7,500 rpm blade (listing) | — |
| Included | Blade + line head + harness | Nylon spool head + 3-tooth blade |
| Handle | — | D-loop with barrier bar |
| Tanks | — | 0.55 L fuel / 0.08 L oil |
| Noise / vibration | — | 110 dB(A) / 3.1–8.9 m/s² |
| Best for | Budget buyers who want mix-free 4-stroke power for tough grass and light brush. | Homeowners who want a quiet, clean, ultra-reliable petrol machine for regular maintenance. |
| Our rating | 7.7 / 10 | 8.2 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
Einhell GC-BC 36-4 S
- + No fuel mixing — clean 4-stroke running
- + Blade, head and harness included
- + Affordable for a 4-stroke
- − Heavy at 8.7 kg — use the harness
- − Budget-grade refinement
- − 4-stroke oil checks needed
Honda UMK 425 LE
- + Honda GX25 mini four-stroke, built for durability
- + No fuel mixing — runs on unleaded petrol
- + Blade and nylon head both supplied
- − Modest 25 cc power for heavy brush
- − Premium price for the displacement
- − Loop handle, not a bike handle, for blade work
Frequently asked questions
Which is more powerful?
The Einhell GC-BC 36-4 S: 37.7 cc and 1 kW against the Honda GX25's 25 cc and 0.81 kW. It also has a bigger 25.5 cm blade and a bike handle for blade work.
Which is lighter?
The Honda, clearly: 5.9 kg dry against 8.7 kg for the Einhell per its listing. That near-3 kg gap matters over a long session.
Do both include a blade?
Yes. The Einhell comes with a 3-tooth blade, a twin-line spool with tip feed and a harness; the Honda with a nylon head and a 3-tooth blade.