Husqvarna 129R vs Makita EM4351UH: home all-rounder or pro four-stroke?
A light two-stroke all-rounder for mixed gardens against Makita's 43 cc four-stroke, a low-vibration professional machine for long days.
In short:The Husqvarna 129R is a 27.6 cc two-stroke petrol brush cutter producing 0.85 kW, weighing 5.4 kg without cutting equipment, with a bullhorn handle, a 43 cm line cut, a grass blade and a double harness. The Makita EM4351UH is a professional brush cutter with a 43 cc MM4 four-stroke rated at 1.5 kW on unmixed petrol, a bike handle, a universal guard, 8.5–8.6 kg and 2.1–2.2 m/s² vibration per UK retailers. Husqvarna for gardens; Makita for all-day clearing.
The Husqvarna 129R and Makita EM4351UH aren’t really aimed at the same buyer: one is a light homeowner machine, the other a professional four-stroke.
At a glance
| Husqvarna 129R | Makita EM4351UH | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 27.6 cc, 2-stroke | 43 cc MM4, 4-stroke |
| Power | 0.85 kW | 1.5 kW |
| Fuel | Petrol/oil mix | Unmixed petrol |
| Weight | 5.4 kg (no cutting gear) | 8.5–8.6 kg |
| Vibration | — | 2.1–2.2 m/s² |
| Handle | Bullhorn | Bike, tool-less clamp |
| Supplied | Trimmer head, grass blade, double harness | Universal guard for blade and line |
| Amazon.co.uk (Oct 2026) | Check dealers | Unavailable |
| Rating | 8.0 / 10 | 8.4 / 10 |
Engine class
The 129R’s 0.85 kW handles grass, weeds and light brush. The EM4351UH’s 1.5 kW keeps a blade turning through dense growth hour after hour, and its four-stroke avoids fuel mixing; its multi-position lubrication lets you tilt it freely.
Weight and comfort
The Husqvarna is about 3 kg lighter and comes with a double harness — easy to carry for an hour or two. The Makita is heavy but has very low vibration, which is what matters for all-day professional use (vibration and HAVS).
Choose the Husqvarna 129R if…
- You have a garden with grass, weeds and light brush
- Sessions are an hour or two, and low weight matters
Choose the Makita EM4351UH if…
- You cut for hours at a time, professionally or on a large property
- You face dense growth and want mix-free running
Which should you buy?
For most homeowners, the 129R. For all-day clearing, the EM4351UH. Match the machine to how often and how hard you’ll use it.
Full specifications
| Husqvarna 129R | Makita EM4351UH | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine / power | 27.6 cc · 2-stroke | 43 cc · 4-stroke MM4 |
| Engine | 27.6 cc, 2-stroke, 0.85 kW | 43 cc, 4-stroke (MM4) |
| Weight | 5.4 kg excl. cutting equipment | 8.5–8.6 kg (retailers) |
| Cutting width | 43 cm (line) | — |
| Fuel tank | 0.34 L | — |
| Noise | 115 dB(A) guaranteed sound power | — |
| Shaft | Straight, solid drive | — |
| Handle | Bullhorn | — |
| Cutting equipment | Trimmer head + grass blade supplied | — |
| Harness | Standard double harness | — |
| Fuel | Petrol/2-stroke oil mix | — |
| Power | — | 1.5 kW |
| Vibration | — | 2.1 m/s² line / 2.2 m/s² blade |
| Guard | — | Universal, for blade and nylon head |
| Best for | Homeowners with a mix of grass, weeds and occasional light brush who want a dependable petrol all-rounder | Professionals and heavy users who want clean, low-vibration 4-stroke power without fuel mixing. |
| Our rating | 8 / 10 | 8.4 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
Husqvarna 129R
- + 0.85 kW from 27.6 cc, at 5.4 kg without cutting equipment
- + Trimmer head and grass blade both supplied
- + Blade-capable for light brush and woody weeds, not just grass
- + Bullhorn handle and standard double harness included
- + Husqvarna build quality and wide dealer/parts network
- − 2-stroke means mixing fuel and oil every time
- − Still not enough engine for dense, established brush
- − Heavier and noisier than a cordless equivalent
Makita EM4351UH
- + No fuel mixing — clean 4-stroke running
- + Very low handle vibration for long days
- + Universal guard and tool-less handle clamp
- − Heavy at ~8.5 kg
- − Unavailable on Amazon.co.uk in October 2026
- − Premium price
Frequently asked questions
Which is more powerful?
The Makita EM4351UH: 1.5 kW from 43 cc against 0.85 kW from the 129R's 27.6 cc. It has far more reserve for sustained blade work.
Which needs fuel mixing?
Only the Husqvarna 129R, a two-stroke. The Makita's MM4 four-stroke runs on unmixed petrol with oil in a sump.
Which is easier to carry?
The Husqvarna, at 5.4 kg without cutting equipment against 8.5–8.6 kg for the Makita. The Makita answers with very low vibration — 2.1–2.2 m/s² per UK retailers.