Makita EM4351UH vs Stihl FS 131: MM4 or 4-MIX?
Two professional-grade four-stroke brush cutters with bike handles. Makita's MM4 runs on unmixed petrol; Stihl's lighter 4-MIX runs on two-stroke mix.
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, 8.5–8.6 kg and 2.1–2.2 m/s² vibration per UK retailers. The Stihl FS 131 has a 36.3 cc 4-MIX engine — a four-stroke that runs on two-stroke mix — producing 1.4 kW, Easy Start with decompression, a bike handle, a 0.71 L tank, a 420 mm line cut and 5.8 kg without guard or cutting tool. Makita avoids mixing; Stihl is lighter.
The Makita EM4351UH and Stihl FS 131 are both professional-grade four-stroke brush cutters with bike handles, close in power. Their engines take different routes.
At a glance
| Makita EM4351UH | Stihl FS 131 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 43 cc MM4 | 36.3 cc 4-MIX |
| Power | 1.5 kW | 1.4 kW |
| Fuel | Unmixed petrol (oil sump) | Two-stroke mix (no sump) |
| Starting | — | Easy Start, decompression |
| Weight | 8.5–8.6 kg | 5.8 kg (no guard, no tool) |
| Vibration | 2.1–2.2 m/s² | — |
| Fuel tank | — | 0.71 L |
| Rating | 8.4 / 10 | 8.7 / 10 |
MM4 vs 4-MIX
Makita’s MM4 is a conventional four-stroke: pure petrol in the tank, oil in a sump. Stihl’s 4-MIX is a four-stroke lubricated by its fuel mix — no oil to change, but you still mix fuel (fuel ratio chart). Both deliver strong low-down torque for blade work.
Weight vs vibration
The Stihl is markedly lighter, which matters on long days. The Makita answers with very low vibration and a universal guard for blade and line.
Which should you buy?
If fuel mixing is the thing you want to avoid, the EM4351UH. If weight matters most, the FS 131. Both are sold mainly through dealers.
Full specifications
| Makita EM4351UH | Stihl FS 131 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine / power | 43 cc · 4-stroke MM4 | 36.3 cc · 4-MIX |
| Engine | 43 cc, 4-stroke (MM4) | 36.3 cc, 4-MIX (4-stroke that runs on 2-stroke mix) |
| Power | 1.5 kW | 1.4 kW |
| Weight | 8.5–8.6 kg (retailers) | 5.8 kg (without guard and cutting tool) |
| Vibration | 2.1 m/s² line / 2.2 m/s² blade | — |
| Guard | Universal, for blade and nylon head | — |
| Fuel tank | — | 0.71 L |
| Cutting width | — | 420 mm (line) |
| Handle | — | Bike handle |
| Starting | — | Easy Start, automatic decompression |
| Best for | Professionals and heavy users who want clean, low-vibration 4-stroke power without fuel mixing. | Large plots, brambles, scrub and regular heavy clearing — semi-pro use. |
| Our rating | 8.4 / 10 | 8.7 / 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
Stihl FS 131
- + 4-MIX engine: strong low-speed torque for blades
- + Handles thick brambles and scrub with the right blade
- + Semi-pro durability for regular heavy sessions
- − Price is a real step up
- − Heavier and more machine than a small lawn needs
- − Bike handle and power demand a bit more technique
Frequently asked questions
Do both run on unmixed petrol?
No. The Makita's MM4 does, with oil in a sump. Stihl's 4-MIX is a four-stroke design that runs on two-stroke mix, so there's no oil to check but fuel still needs mixing.
Which is lighter?
The Stihl FS 131: 5.8 kg without guard or cutting tool, against 8.5–8.6 kg for the Makita per UK retailers.
Which is more powerful?
They're close: 1.5 kW for the Makita, 1.4 kW for the Stihl.