Stiga vs Stihl brush cutters: garden brand or dealer benchmark?
Stiga sells complete two-stroke kits and a cordless range for homeowners. Stihl's petrol FS range is lighter for its power and sold through dealers.
In short:Stiga's petrol models are the BC 535 B (32.6 cc, 0.9 kW, 43 cm, 3T blade) and BC 545 B (42.7 cc, 1.25 kW, 45 cm, 3T blade, double harness), with 48V ePower cordless machines such as the BC 700e. Stihl's petrol models we cover are the FS 55 (27.2 cc, 0.75 kW, 4.4–4.9 kg), FS 70 C-E (0.9 kW, ErgoStart, 5.4 kg) and semi-pro FS 131 (36.3 cc 4-MIX, 1.4 kW, 5.8 kg), sold mainly through dealers. Stiga gives more kit; Stihl, more power per kilo.
Stiga and Stihl both make petrol brush cutters, but for different buyers. Stiga focuses on complete homeowner kits and adds cordless; Stihl builds lighter, more powerful petrol machines sold through dealers.
Models we cover
| Stiga | Stihl | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | — | FS 55 — 27.2 cc, 0.75 kW |
| Mid | BC 535 B — 32.6 cc, 0.9 kW | FS 70 C-E — 0.9 kW, ErgoStart, 5.4 kg |
| Clearing | BC 545 B — 42.7 cc, 1.25 kW, double harness | FS 131 — 36.3 cc 4-MIX, 1.4 kW, 5.8 kg |
| Cordless | BC 700e — 48V | — |
Power and weight
Stihl’s machines are notably light for their power: the FS 131 gives 1.4 kW at 5.8 kg without guard or cutting tool, and its 4-MIX engine runs on two-stroke mix with no oil sump. Stiga’s BC 545 B offers 1.25 kW with a complete kit.
Kit and buying
Stiga’s BC machines come with a 3T blade, a Tap&Go head and (on the BC 545 B) a double harness. Stihl sells through dealers, who assemble the machine, fit the right cutting tool and service it.
Which should you buy?
For a complete kit at a homeowner price, or a cordless option, Stiga. For the best power-to-weight and dealer support, Stihl. Compare within Stihl: FS 55 vs FS 131.
The models we review from each brand
Stiga— Balanced petrol & battery garden range
| Model | Type | Engine / power | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stiga BC 700e | Cordless | 48V ePower · Brushless | 8.1/10 |
| Stiga BC 545 B | Petrol | 42.7 cc · 2-stroke | 8/10 |
| Stiga BC 535 B | Petrol | 32.6 cc · 2-stroke | 7.9/10 |
| Stiga GT 500e | Cordless | 48V ePower | 7.6/10 |
| Stiga GT 100e Kit | Cordless | 20V ePower | 7.5/10 |
Stihl— Petrol brush cutters & the FS range
| Model | Type | Engine / power | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stihl FS 131 | Petrol | 36.3 cc · 4-MIX | 8.7/10 |
| Stihl FS 70 C-E | Petrol | 27.2 cc · ErgoStart | 8.4/10 |
| Stihl FS 55 | Petrol | 27.2 cc · 2-stroke | 7.8/10 |
Ratings are judged against each machine's class and price; see how we review.
Frequently asked questions
Is Stihl worth the extra money?
For regular, heavy use, often yes: Stihl's FS 131 gives 1.4 kW at 5.8 kg without guard or tool, and dealers set up and service the machine. For occasional use, Stiga's complete kits are good value.
Which brand includes more in the box?
Stiga: both BC models come with a 3T blade and Tap&Go head, and the BC 545 B with a double harness. Stihl kits vary by model and dealer — the FS 55 C-E includes a metal blade; the FS 70 C-E comes with a line head and shoulder strap.
Does Stiga make cordless brush cutters?
Yes, on its 48V ePower batteries: the brushless BC 700e. Stihl also sells battery machines, but the Stihl models we cover are petrol.