Stihl FS 55 vs FS 131: entry or semi-pro Stihl?
Both are bike-handle Stihl petrol machines. The FS 131 nearly doubles the power for regular blade work, for about a kilo more.
In short:The Stihl FS 55 is an entry two-stroke brush cutter with a 27.2 cc engine producing 0.75 kW and a bike handle, weighing 4.4–4.9 kg per retailers; the FS 55 C-E adds ErgoStart and comes with an AutoCut head and a metal blade. The 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. FS 55 for gardens; FS 131 for brambles and scrub.
The Stihl FS 55 and FS 131 bookend Stihl’s homeowner-to-semi-pro petrol range. Both have bike handles; the engines set them apart.
At a glance
| Stihl FS 55 | Stihl FS 131 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 27.2 cc, 2-stroke | 36.3 cc 4-MIX |
| Power | 0.75 kW | 1.4 kW |
| Starting | ErgoStart on C-E version | Easy Start, decompression |
| Weight | 4.4–4.9 kg | 5.8 kg (no guard, no tool) |
| Fuel tank | — | 0.71 L |
| Supplied | FS 55 C-E: AutoCut head + metal blade | Dealer set-up |
| Rating | 7.8 / 10 | 8.7 / 10 |
What the step up buys
The FS 131’s 1.4 kW 4-MIX engine keeps a blade turning through thick brambles and saplings, and its larger tank suits long sessions. The FS 55 handles maintained lawns, long grass and light growth, and the C-E’s metal blade copes with nettles and light brambles.
Which should you buy?
For gardens and smaller plots, the FS 55. For regular heavy clearing on larger land, the FS 131. In between: FS 70 C-E vs FS 131.
Full specifications
| Stihl FS 55 | Stihl FS 131 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine / power | 27.2 cc · 2-stroke | 36.3 cc · 4-MIX |
| Engine | 27.2 cc, 2-stroke | 36.3 cc, 4-MIX (4-stroke that runs on 2-stroke mix) |
| Power | 0.75 kW | 1.4 kW |
| Weight | 4.4–4.9 kg (retailers) | 5.8 kg (without guard and cutting tool) |
| Cutting head | AutoCut line head | — |
| Handle | Bike handle (R versions: loop) | Bike handle |
| Fuel tank | — | 0.71 L |
| Cutting width | — | 420 mm (line) |
| Starting | — | Easy Start, automatic decompression |
| Best for | Maintained lawns and light grass on small-to-medium plots, first petrol machine. | Large plots, brambles, scrub and regular heavy clearing — semi-pro use. |
| Our rating | 7.8 / 10 | 8.7 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
Stihl FS 55
- + Genuine Stihl build quality at the lowest petrol price point
- + Light and easy to handle for beginners
- + Huge dealer network for parts and service
- − Not for thick brambles, even with a blade
- − No anti-vibration refinements of pricier models
- − 2-stroke means mixing fuel and oil
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
How much more powerful is the FS 131?
Nearly twice: 1.4 kW against 0.75 kW. Its 4-MIX engine also delivers strong low-speed torque for blade work.
Do both have bike handles?
Yes — the standard FS 55 and the FS 131 both have bike handles. The FS 55 R versions have a loop handle.
Is the FS 131 much heavier?
About a kilo: 5.8 kg without guard or cutting tool, against 4.4–4.9 kg for the FS 55 per retailers.