Stihl FS 70 C-E vs Husqvarna 128R: two easy-start petrol machines
Two homeowner petrol brush cutters from premium brands, both with easy-start systems. Stihl has more power; Husqvarna includes a blade and harness.
In short:The Stihl FS 70 C-E has a 27.2 cc, 0.9 kW two-stroke with ErgoStart and a bike handle, supplied 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 Husqvarna 128R has a 28 cc, 0.7 kW two-stroke with Smart Start, a bullhorn handle and 5.8 kg without cutting equipment, supplied with a T25 head, a grass blade and a double harness. Stihl is lighter and stronger; Husqvarna more complete.
The Stihl FS 70 C-E and Husqvarna 128R are both premium-brand homeowner machines with bike-style handles and easy starting.
At a glance
| Stihl FS 70 C-E | Husqvarna 128R | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 27.2 cc, 2-stroke | 28 cc, 2-stroke |
| Power | 0.9 kW | 0.7 kW |
| Easy start | ErgoStart | Smart Start, fuel pump |
| Handle | Bike | Bullhorn |
| Weight | 5.4 kg (no fuel, no tool) | 5.8 kg (no cutting gear) |
| Supplied | AutoCut 25-2, strap, eye protection | T25 head, grass blade, double harness |
| Rating | 8.4 / 10 | 7.9 / 10 |
Power vs kit
The Stihl is lighter and stronger, which shows in long and tough grass. The Husqvarna comes ready for coarse grass and weeds with its grass blade, and its double harness makes long sessions easier.
Which should you buy?
For more power at lower weight, the FS 70 C-E (budget for a blade if needed). For a complete kit, the 128R. Both are sold mainly through dealers.
Full specifications
| Stihl FS 70 C-E | Husqvarna 128R | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine / power | 27.2 cc · ErgoStart | 28 cc · 2-stroke |
| Engine | 27.2 cc, 2-stroke | 28 cc, 2-stroke |
| Power | 0.9 kW | 0.7 kW |
| Weight | 5.4 kg (without fuel and cutting tool) | 5.8 kg excl. cutting equipment |
| Handle | Bike handle (RC-E: loop) | — |
| Starting | ErgoStart | Smart Start + fuel pump |
| Included | AutoCut 25-2 head, strap, glasses | T25 head, Grass 255-4 blade, double harness |
| Best for | Homeowners who want one machine for grass AND occasional tougher growth. | Regular grass and light growth with easy starting and Husqvarna reliability. |
| Our rating | 8.4 / 10 | 7.9 / 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
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
Which is more powerful?
The Stihl FS 70 C-E: 0.9 kW against 0.7 kW for the Husqvarna 128R.
Which comes with a blade and harness?
The Husqvarna 128R: a grass blade and a double harness are supplied. The Stihl comes with a line head, shoulder strap and eye protection; a metal blade is extra.
Which is easier to start?
Both have easy-start systems: Stihl's spring-assisted ErgoStart and Husqvarna's Smart Start with a fuel pump.