Stihl FS 131 vs Einhell GC-BC 52: semi-pro or budget clearer?
Both clear brambles and scrub with similar rated power. The Stihl is much lighter and built for regular heavy use; the Einhell costs a fraction and comes complete.
In short:The Stihl FS 131 is a semi-professional brush cutter with a 36.3 cc 4-MIX engine (a four-stroke 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. The Einhell GC-BC 52 I AS has a 51.7 cc, 1.5 kW two-stroke with automatic choke, a split shaft, a 42 cm line cut, a 25.5 cm 3-tooth blade and a carrying strap, at 8.5 kg. Stihl for regular use; Einhell for budget clearing.
The Stihl FS 131 and Einhell GC-BC 52 both target brambles and scrub with similar rated power, but they’re built for very different owners.
At a glance
| Stihl FS 131 | Einhell GC-BC 52 I AS | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 36.3 cc 4-MIX | 51.7 cc 2-stroke |
| Power | 1.4 kW | 1.5 kW |
| Fuel | Two-stroke mix | Two-stroke mix |
| Starting | Easy Start, decompression | Automatic choke, electronic ignition |
| Weight | 5.8 kg (no guard, no tool) | 8.5 kg |
| Fuel tank | 0.71 L | 0.9 L |
| Shaft | One-piece | Split |
| Supplied | Dealer set-up | 3-tooth blade, line head, strap |
| Rating | 8.7 / 10 | 7.8 / 10 |
Weight is the big difference
With similar power, the Stihl is about 2.7 kg lighter, which makes a large difference over hours of blade work. Its 4-MIX engine delivers strong low-speed torque, and it’s built for regular heavy use, backed by Stihl’s dealers.
Value
The Einhell does the same job occasionally for a fraction of the price, with a blade in the box and a split shaft. Add a proper harness (best brush cutter harnesses).
Which should you buy?
For regular clearing, the Stihl FS 131. For a few big clear-ups a year, the Einhell GC-BC 52.
Full specifications
| Stihl FS 131 | Einhell GC-BC 52 I AS | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine / power | 36.3 cc · 4-MIX | 51.7 cc · 2-stroke |
| Engine | 36.3 cc, 4-MIX (4-stroke that runs on 2-stroke mix) | 51.7 cc, 2-stroke |
| Power | 1.4 kW | 1.5 kW |
| Weight | 5.8 kg (without guard and cutting tool) | 8.5 kg (listing) |
| Fuel tank | 0.71 L | 0.9 L |
| Cutting width | 420 mm (line) | 42 cm line / 25.5 cm blade |
| Handle | Bike handle | — |
| Starting | Easy Start, automatic decompression | — |
| Shaft | — | Split, aluminium bike handle |
| Included | — | 3-tooth blade + twin-line head + carrying strap |
| Best for | Large plots, brambles, scrub and regular heavy clearing — semi-pro use. | Big, overgrown or brambly plots where you want maximum petrol power on a budget. |
| Our rating | 8.7 / 10 | 7.8 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
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
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?
They're close: 1.4 kW for the Stihl, 1.5 kW for the Einhell. The Stihl's 4-MIX engine is known for strong low-speed torque, which suits blade work.
Which is lighter?
The Stihl, by a wide margin: 5.8 kg without guard or cutting tool, against 8.5 kg for the Einhell.
Which comes ready to cut?
The Einhell, with a 3-tooth blade, twin-line head and carrying strap in the box. Stihl dealers set up the FS 131 with the blade, guard and harness you need.