Makita EM4351UH vs Einhell GC-BC 52: pro four-stroke or budget 52 cc?
Same 1.5 kW rating, opposite ends of the market: Makita's professional 43 cc four-stroke against Einhell's budget 51.7 cc two-stroke.
In short:The Makita EM4351UH has a 43 cc MM4 four-stroke rated at 1.5 kW on unmixed petrol, a bike handle, a universal guard, a tool-less handle clamp, 8.5–8.6 kg and 2.1–2.2 m/s² vibration per UK retailers. The Einhell GC-BC 52 I AS has a 51.7 cc, 1.5 kW two-stroke with automatic choke and electronic ignition, a split shaft, a 42 cm line cut, a 25.5 cm 3-tooth blade and a carrying strap, at 8.5 kg. Same weight and power; Makita for all-day use, Einhell for budget clearing.
The Makita EM4351UH and Einhell GC-BC 52 are both rated at 1.5 kW and both weigh about 8.5 kg — but one is a professional tool and the other a budget machine.
At a glance
| Makita EM4351UH | Einhell GC-BC 52 I AS | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 43 cc MM4, 4-stroke | 51.7 cc, 2-stroke |
| Power | 1.5 kW | 1.5 kW |
| Fuel | Unmixed petrol | Petrol/oil mix |
| Vibration | 2.1–2.2 m/s² | — |
| Weight | 8.5–8.6 kg | 8.5 kg |
| Shaft | One-piece, tool-less handle clamp | Split |
| Supplied | Universal guard | 3-tooth blade, twin-line head, strap |
| Rating | 8.4 / 10 | 7.8 / 10 |
What the price buys
The Makita’s premium buys a four-stroke that never needs mixing, very low vibration for long days, and professional durability. The Einhell gives the same rated power for occasional clearing at a fraction of the cost, with starting aids and a split shaft.
Which should you buy?
For regular, long sessions or professional use, the EM4351UH. For occasional bramble clearing on a budget, the GC-BC 52 — add a proper harness.
Full specifications
| Makita EM4351UH | Einhell GC-BC 52 I AS | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine / power | 43 cc · 4-stroke MM4 | 51.7 cc · 2-stroke |
| Engine | 43 cc, 4-stroke (MM4) | 51.7 cc, 2-stroke |
| Power | 1.5 kW | 1.5 kW |
| Weight | 8.5–8.6 kg (retailers) | 8.5 kg (listing) |
| Vibration | 2.1 m/s² line / 2.2 m/s² blade | — |
| Guard | Universal, for blade and nylon head | — |
| Fuel tank | — | 0.9 L |
| Shaft | — | Split, aluminium bike handle |
| Cutting width | — | 42 cm line / 25.5 cm blade |
| Included | — | 3-tooth blade + twin-line head + carrying strap |
| Best for | Professionals and heavy users who want clean, low-vibration 4-stroke power without fuel mixing. | Big, overgrown or brambly plots where you want maximum petrol power on a budget. |
| Our rating | 8.4 / 10 | 7.8 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
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
Einhell GC-BC 52 I AS
- + Big 52 cc power for a very low price
- + Blade, twin-line head and carrying strap included
- + Handles brambles and tough growth
- − Budget-grade build and refinement
- − Heavy at about 8.5 kg — a full harness helps
- − 2-stroke mixing required
Frequently asked questions
Which is more powerful?
Both are rated at 1.5 kW. The difference is in how they deliver it: Makita's four-stroke with very low vibration for all-day work, Einhell's two-stroke at a fraction of the price.
Which needs fuel mixing?
Only the Einhell. The Makita's MM4 runs on unmixed petrol with oil in a sump.
Which comes with a blade?
The Einhell includes a 3-tooth blade and a twin-line head. The Makita has a universal guard for blade and line; check the dealer's kit for the cutting tools included.