Stihl FS 131 vs Husqvarna 128R: semi-pro or homeowner?
Both weigh 5.8 kg without cutting gear. The Stihl doubles the power for regular heavy clearing; the Husqvarna is a homeowner machine with a harness in the box.
In short:The Stihl FS 131 is semi-professional, with a 36.3 cc 4-MIX engine 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 Husqvarna 128R has a 28 cc, 0.7 kW two-stroke, a bullhorn handle, Smart Start and 5.8 kg without cutting equipment, and comes with a T25 head, a grass blade and a double harness. Stihl for brambles and scrub; Husqvarna for grass and light growth.
The Stihl FS 131 and Husqvarna 128R both weigh 5.8 kg without cutting gear and both have bike-style handles — but the Stihl has twice the power.
At a glance
| Stihl FS 131 | Husqvarna 128R | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 36.3 cc 4-MIX | 28 cc 2-stroke |
| Power | 1.4 kW | 0.7 kW |
| Starting | Easy Start, decompression | Smart Start, fuel pump |
| Handle | Bike | Bullhorn |
| Weight | 5.8 kg (no guard, no tool) | 5.8 kg (no cutting gear) |
| Fuel tank | 0.71 L | — |
| Supplied | Dealer set-up | T25 head, grass blade, double harness |
| Rating | 8.7 / 10 | 7.9 / 10 |
Workload decides it
The FS 131 is built for regular heavy clearing: thick brambles, scrub and saplings with the right blade. The 128R is a homeowner machine for grass, weeds and light growth, ready to go with a harness.
Which should you buy?
For large or rough plots worked often, the FS 131. For a garden, the 128R. In between: Husqvarna 129R vs Stihl FS 131.
Full specifications
| Stihl FS 131 | Husqvarna 128R | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine / power | 36.3 cc · 4-MIX | 28 cc · 2-stroke |
| Engine | 36.3 cc, 4-MIX (4-stroke that runs on 2-stroke mix) | 28 cc, 2-stroke |
| Power | 1.4 kW | 0.7 kW |
| Weight | 5.8 kg (without guard and cutting tool) | 5.8 kg excl. cutting equipment |
| Fuel tank | 0.71 L | — |
| Cutting width | 420 mm (line) | — |
| Handle | Bike handle | — |
| Starting | Easy Start, automatic decompression | Smart Start + fuel pump |
| Included | — | T25 head, Grass 255-4 blade, double harness |
| Best for | Large plots, brambles, scrub and regular heavy clearing — semi-pro use. | Regular grass and light growth with easy starting and Husqvarna reliability. |
| Our rating | 8.7 / 10 | 7.9 / 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
Husqvarna 128R
- + Easy Smart Start cold starts
- + Bullhorn handle, double harness and grass blade included
- + Trusted Husqvarna build and dealer support
- − 28 cc is light for dense brush
- − 2-stroke fuel mixing required
- − Heavier than the newer 129R (5.8 vs 5.4 kg)
Frequently asked questions
How much more powerful is the FS 131?
Twice as powerful: 1.4 kW against 0.7 kW, at the same 5.8 kg weight without cutting gear.
Which comes with a harness?
The Husqvarna 128R, supplied with a double harness, a T25 head and a grass blade. Stihl dealers set up the FS 131 with the harness and blade you need.
Which is better for brambles?
The FS 131, with a 3- or 4-tooth blade. The 128R's grass blade is for coarse grass and weeds.