Stihl FS 70 C-E vs FS 131: which Stihl for tougher ground?
Both are bike-handle Stihl petrol brush cutters with easy-start systems. The FS 131 adds half again as much power for regular heavy clearing.
In short:The Stihl FS 70 C-E has a 27.2 cc two-stroke producing 0.9 kW, ErgoStart and a bike handle, and comes with an AutoCut 25-2 line head, a shoulder strap and eye protection, at 5.4 kg without fuel and cutting tool; a metal blade is extra. The FS 131 has a 36.3 cc 4-MIX engine producing 1.4 kW, Easy Start with decompression, a bike handle, a 0.71 L tank and 5.8 kg without guard or cutting tool. FS 70 C-E for grass and occasional tougher growth; FS 131 for brambles.
The Stihl FS 70 C-E and FS 131 are close in weight and both have bike handles and easy-start systems. The engine is the difference.
At a glance
| Stihl FS 70 C-E | Stihl FS 131 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 27.2 cc, 2-stroke | 36.3 cc 4-MIX |
| Power | 0.9 kW | 1.4 kW |
| Starting | ErgoStart | Easy Start, decompression |
| Weight | 5.4 kg (no fuel, no tool) | 5.8 kg (no guard, no tool) |
| Supplied | AutoCut 25-2, strap, eye protection | Dealer set-up |
| Rating | 8.4 / 10 | 8.7 / 10 |
Which engine for which job
The FS 70 C-E’s 0.9 kW — 20% more than the FS 55 — handles long grass and occasional tougher growth. The FS 131’s 1.4 kW 4-MIX is built for regular blade work in thick brambles and scrub, with a 0.71 L tank for long sessions.
Which should you buy?
For a homeowner with mixed ground, the FS 70 C-E. For regular heavy clearing, the FS 131 — for only 0.4 kg more.
Full specifications
| Stihl FS 70 C-E | Stihl FS 131 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine / power | 27.2 cc · ErgoStart | 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 | 0.9 kW | 1.4 kW |
| Weight | 5.4 kg (without fuel and cutting tool) | 5.8 kg (without guard and cutting tool) |
| Handle | Bike handle (RC-E: loop) | Bike handle |
| Starting | ErgoStart | Easy Start, automatic decompression |
| Included | AutoCut 25-2 head, strap, glasses | — |
| Fuel tank | — | 0.71 L |
| Cutting width | — | 420 mm (line) |
| Best for | Homeowners who want one machine for grass AND occasional tougher growth. | Large plots, brambles, scrub and regular heavy clearing — semi-pro use. |
| Our rating | 8.4 / 10 | 8.7 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
Stihl FS 70 C-E
- + ErgoStart makes cold starts almost effortless
- + Bike handle ready for a blade when you need one
- + 0.9 kW — 20% more than the FS 55
- − Heavier than the FS 55
- − Metal blade is an extra
- − Still 2-stroke fuel mixing
- − Overkill if you only ever cut a small lawn
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?
About 55% more: 1.4 kW against 0.9 kW, with the strong low-speed torque of Stihl's 4-MIX engine.
Does the FS 70 C-E come with a blade?
No — retailers list an AutoCut 25-2 line head, a shoulder strap and eye protection; a metal blade is an extra.
Is the FS 131 much heavier?
Only slightly: 5.8 kg without guard or cutting tool, against 5.4 kg for the FS 70 C-E without fuel and cutting tool.