Husqvarna 128R vs Einhell GC-BC 25/1: premium or budget entry?
Same job, very different prices. Both come with a line head, a blade and a harness; Husqvarna adds Smart Start and dealer support, Einhell a much lower price.
In short:The Husqvarna 128R is a 28 cc two-stroke petrol brush cutter producing 0.7 kW, weighing 5.8 kg without cutting equipment, with a bullhorn handle, Smart Start with a fuel pump, a T25 trimmer head, a Grass 255-4 grass blade and a double harness. The Einhell GC-BC 25/1 I AS has a 25.4 cc, 600 W two-stroke, a bike handle, a 42 cm line cut, a 23 cm 3-tooth blade and a harness, weighing about 6.4 kg. Both suit grass and light growth.
The Husqvarna 128R and Einhell GC-BC 25/1 are entry two-strokes for grass and light growth, both supplied with a line head, a blade and a harness. The difference is refinement and price.
At a glance
| Husqvarna 128R | Einhell GC-BC 25/1 I AS | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 28 cc, 2-stroke | 25.4 cc, 2-stroke |
| Power | 0.7 kW | 600 W |
| Weight | 5.8 kg (no cutting gear) | About 6.4 kg |
| Handle | Bullhorn | Bike |
| Starting | Smart Start + fuel pump | Quick-start system |
| Line | T25 head | 42 cm double line |
| Blade | Grass 255-4 (grass blade) | 3-tooth, 23 cm |
| Harness | Double harness | Harness |
| Amazon.co.uk (Oct 2026) | Unavailable | Unavailable |
| Rating | 7.9 / 10 | 7.4 / 10 |
Engine and starting
The 128R’s 0.7 kW edges the Einhell’s 600 W. More noticeable day to day is Husqvarna’s Smart Start, which reduces the pull effort, plus a fuel pump to prime the carburettor — a real help for occasional users.
Blades: grass blade vs 3-tooth
The Husqvarna’s Grass 255-4 is a four-tooth grass blade for coarse grass and thick weeds. The Einhell’s 3-tooth blade is better suited to light woody stems. Choose by what grows on your plot.
Weight and handling
The Husqvarna is a little lighter and comes with a double harness, which spreads the load across both shoulders. The Einhell’s 42 cm line cut covers open grass quickly.
Choose the Husqvarna 128R if…
- Easy starting and dealer support matter
- You want a double harness and a lighter machine
Choose the Einhell GC-BC 25/1 if…
- Price comes first
- A 3-tooth blade suits your growth better
Which should you buy?
For long-term ownership and easy starts, the Husqvarna 128R. For the cheapest complete petrol kit, the Einhell GC-BC 25/1. Neither was buyable on Amazon.co.uk in October 2026, so check dealers and garden retailers.
Full specifications
| Husqvarna 128R | Einhell GC-BC 25/1 I AS | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine / power | 28 cc · 2-stroke | 25.4 cc · 2-stroke |
| Engine | 28 cc, 2-stroke | 25.4 cc, 2-stroke |
| Power | 0.7 kW | 600 W |
| Weight | 5.8 kg excl. cutting equipment | 6.4 kg (listing) |
| Starting | Smart Start + fuel pump | — |
| Included | T25 head, Grass 255-4 blade, double harness | Line + 3-tooth blade + harness |
| Cut | — | 42 cm line / 23 cm blade |
| Handle | — | Bike handle, aluminium shaft |
| Best for | Regular grass and light growth with easy starting and Husqvarna reliability. | A budget first petrol machine for grass and light growth on a small-to-medium plot. |
| Our rating | 7.9 / 10 | 7.4 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
Husqvarna 128R
- + Easy Smart Start cold starts
- + Bullhorn handle, double harness and grass blade included
- + Trusted Husqvarna build and dealer support
- − 28 cc is light for dense brush
- − 2-stroke fuel mixing required
- − Heavier than the newer 129R (5.8 vs 5.4 kg)
Einhell GC-BC 25/1 I AS
- + Very affordable entry into petrol
- + Relatively light and beginner-friendly
- + Blade and harness included
- − Modest power for dense growth
- − Budget-grade build and refinement
- − 2-stroke fuel mixing required
Frequently asked questions
Is the Husqvarna worth the extra money?
If easy starting, a slightly lighter machine and dealer servicing matter to you, yes. If you just need grass and light growth cut on a budget, the Einhell comes with a similar kit for far less.
What comes in the box?
Husqvarna UK lists a T25 trimmer head, a Grass 255-4 grass blade and a standard double harness with the 128R. The Einhell GC-BC 25/1 comes with a bump-feed double-line spool, a 3-tooth blade and a harness.
Can either cut brambles?
Light ones only. Both are 25–28 cc machines for grass and light growth; for dense brambles, see the best brush cutters for brambles.