Husqvarna 128R vs Stihl FS 55: entry petrol brush cutters
Two entry petrol brush cutters from premium brands, close in engine size. The 128R comes with a harness and grass blade; the FS 55 C-E with a metal blade and ErgoStart.
In short:The Husqvarna 128R has a 28 cc two-stroke producing 0.7 kW, weighs 5.8 kg without cutting equipment, has a bullhorn handle and Smart Start, and comes with a T25 trimmer head, a grass blade and a double harness. The Stihl FS 55 has a 27.2 cc, 0.75 kW two-stroke and a bike handle, weighing 4.4–4.9 kg per retailers; the FS 55 C-E adds ErgoStart and comes with an AutoCut head and a metal blade. Both suit grass and light growth.
The Husqvarna 128R and Stihl FS 55 are entry petrol brush cutters from the two best-known premium brands. Engines are close; kit, weight and starting aids differ.
At a glance
| Husqvarna 128R | Stihl FS 55 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 28 cc, 2-stroke | 27.2 cc, 2-stroke |
| Power | 0.7 kW | 0.75 kW |
| Weight | 5.8 kg (no cutting gear) | 4.4–4.9 kg (retailers) |
| Handle | Bullhorn | Bike (R versions: loop) |
| Easy start | Smart Start + fuel pump | ErgoStart (C-E version) |
| Blade | Grass 255-4 grass blade | Metal blade (C-E version) |
| Harness | Double harness | — |
| Rating | 7.9 / 10 | 7.8 / 10 |
Power and cutting
On power they’re almost level: 0.7 kW against 0.75 kW. Both handle grass, weeds and light growth with line, and both have a blade option for coarser growth — the Husqvarna’s four-tooth grass blade, or the metal blade supplied with the FS 55 C-E.
Comfort
The FS 55 is the lighter machine, which matters for smaller users. The 128R answers with a double harness in the box, spreading its weight across both shoulders on long sessions.
Choose the Husqvarna 128R if…
- You want a harness included for long sessions
- Your local dealer is Husqvarna
Choose the Stihl FS 55 if…
- Low weight matters most
- You want ErgoStart and a metal blade (C-E version)
- Your local dealer is Stihl
Which should you buy?
The two are closely matched; the nearest good dealer is often the best tie-breaker for servicing. For the lightest machine, the FS 55; for a harness in the box, the 128R. For brambles, step up to the Stihl FS 131 or Husqvarna 129R.
Full specifications
| Husqvarna 128R | Stihl FS 55 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine / power | 28 cc · 2-stroke | 27.2 cc · 2-stroke |
| Engine | 28 cc, 2-stroke | 27.2 cc, 2-stroke |
| Power | 0.7 kW | 0.75 kW |
| Weight | 5.8 kg excl. cutting equipment | 4.4–4.9 kg (retailers) |
| Starting | Smart Start + fuel pump | — |
| Included | T25 head, Grass 255-4 blade, double harness | — |
| Cutting head | — | AutoCut line head |
| Handle | — | Bike handle (R versions: loop) |
| Best for | Regular grass and light growth with easy starting and Husqvarna reliability. | Maintained lawns and light grass on small-to-medium plots, first petrol machine. |
| Our rating | 7.9 / 10 | 7.8 / 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)
Stihl FS 55
- + Genuine Stihl build quality at the lowest petrol price point
- + Light and easy to handle for beginners
- + Huge dealer network for parts and service
- − Not for thick brambles, even with a blade
- − No anti-vibration refinements of pricier models
- − 2-stroke means mixing fuel and oil
Frequently asked questions
Which is lighter?
The Stihl FS 55, at 4.4–4.9 kg per retailers, against 5.8 kg without cutting gear for the Husqvarna 128R.
Which is easier to start?
Both brands offer easy-start systems: Husqvarna's Smart Start with a fuel pump on the 128R, and Stihl's spring-assisted ErgoStart on the FS 55 C-E version.
Where can I buy them?
Mainly through dealers, who assemble and hand over the machine ready to run. Neither had a buyable Amazon.co.uk listing when we checked in October 2026.