Stihl vs Einhell brush cutters: dealer petrol or budget range?
Stihl builds light, powerful petrol machines sold and serviced by dealers. Einhell offers budget petrol and a wide cordless range through general retailers.
In short:Stihl's petrol brush cutters we cover are the FS 55 (27.2 cc, 0.75 kW, 4.4–4.9 kg), the FS 70 C-E (0.9 kW, ErgoStart, 5.4 kg) and the semi-pro FS 131 (36.3 cc 4-MIX, 1.4 kW, 5.8 kg), sold mainly through dealers. Einhell sells budget petrol — GC-BC 25/1 (600 W, 6.4 kg), GC-BC 36-4 S four-stroke and GC-BC 52 (1.5 kW, 8.5 kg) — plus Power X-Change cordless brush cutters with 3-tooth blades. Stihl is lighter and dealer-backed; Einhell much cheaper.
Stihl and Einhell sit at opposite ends of the market. Stihl builds petrol machines that are light for their power and sells them through dealers; Einhell sells budget petrol and a wide cordless range through general retailers.
Models we cover
| Stihl | Einhell | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry petrol | FS 55 — 0.75 kW, 4.4–4.9 kg | GC-BC 25/1 — 600 W, about 6.4 kg |
| Mid petrol | FS 70 C-E — 0.9 kW, ErgoStart | GC-BC 36-4 S — 1 kW four-stroke, 8.7 kg |
| Clearing petrol | FS 131 — 1.4 kW 4-MIX, 5.8 kg | GC-BC 52 — 1.5 kW, 8.5 kg |
| Cordless | — | Agillo 36/255, GP-BC 36/430, Agillo 18/200 |
Power-to-weight
Stihl’s clearest advantage is weight: its FS 131 delivers 1.4 kW at 5.8 kg (without guard or tool), while Einhell’s GC-BC 52 needs 8.5 kg for 1.5 kW. Over hours of blade work, that matters more than the spec sheet suggests.
Kit and price
Einhell’s petrol machines arrive with a blade and line head at a fraction of Stihl’s price, and its GC-BC 52 adds a split shaft and starting aids. Stihl dealers assemble the machine and fit the cutting tools for your job; the FS 55 C-E comes with a metal blade.
Choose Stihl if…
- You use a brush cutter regularly, or on tough ground
- Low weight and dealer servicing matter
Choose Einhell if…
- Use is occasional and budget comes first
- You want a cordless option on Power X-Change
Which should you buy?
For regular, demanding use, Stihl. For occasional jobs or cordless, Einhell. Head-to-heads: Stihl FS 131 vs Einhell GC-BC 52, Stihl FS 55 vs Einhell GC-BC 25/1.
The models we review from each brand
Stihl— Petrol brush cutters & the FS range
| Model | Type | Engine / power | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stihl FS 131 | Petrol | 36.3 cc · 4-MIX | 8.7/10 |
| Stihl FS 70 C-E | Petrol | 27.2 cc · ErgoStart | 8.4/10 |
| Stihl FS 55 | Petrol | 27.2 cc · 2-stroke | 7.8/10 |
Einhell— Affordable cordless (Power X-Change)
| Model | Type | Engine / power | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Einhell Agillo 36/255 BL | Cordless | 36V Power X-Change · Brushless | 8.2/10 |
| Einhell GP-BC 36/430 Li BL | Cordless | 36V Power X-Change · Brushless | 8.2/10 |
| Einhell GC-BC 52 I AS | Petrol | 51.7 cc · 2-stroke | 7.8/10 |
| Einhell GC-BC 36-4 S | Petrol | 37.7 cc · 4-stroke | 7.7/10 |
| Einhell Agillo 18/200 | Cordless | 18V Power X-Change | 7.5/10 |
| Einhell GC-BC 25/1 I AS | Petrol | 25.4 cc · 2-stroke | 7.4/10 |
| Einhell GE-CT 18 Li | Cordless | 18V Power X-Change | 7.2/10 |
Ratings are judged against each machine's class and price; see how we review.
Frequently asked questions
Is Stihl worth the extra money?
For regular or heavy use, usually yes: Stihl's machines are much lighter for their power — the FS 131 gives 1.4 kW at 5.8 kg against 1.5 kW at 8.5 kg for Einhell's GC-BC 52 — and dealers set them up and service them. For occasional use, Einhell does the job for far less.
Where can I buy them?
Stihl mainly through authorised dealers; Einhell through garden and DIY retailers and online.
Does Einhell make cordless brush cutters?
Yes, on 18V Power X-Change batteries: the Agillo 18/200, Agillo 36/255 and GP-BC 36/430, all with a 3-tooth blade and sold bare. Stihl also sells battery machines, but the Stihl models we cover are petrol.