Makita vs Stihl brush cutters
Makita leads on cordless and builds low-vibration four-strokes; Stihl's petrol machines give the most power for their weight. Here's how the ranges compare.
In short:Makita sells cordless brush cutters on 18V LXT batteries — from the DUR190LZX3 trimmer to the twin-18V DUR369AZ with a 430 mm line cut and 255 mm blade — and MM4 four-stroke petrol machines on unmixed petrol: the EM2651UH (0.77 kW, 5.6 kg, 2.4–2.5 m/s²) and EM4351UH (1.5 kW, 8.5–8.6 kg). Stihl's petrol models we cover are the FS 55 (0.75 kW, 4.4–4.9 kg), FS 70 C-E (0.9 kW) and FS 131 (36.3 cc 4-MIX, 1.4 kW, 5.8 kg), sold mainly through dealers.
Makita and Stihl are both pro-grade brands. Makita is strongest in cordless and builds four-strokes that avoid fuel mixing; Stihl's petrol machines are notably light for their power.
Models we cover
| Makita | Stihl | |
|---|---|---|
| Small petrol | EM2651UH — MM4, 0.77 kW, 5.6 kg | FS 55 — 0.75 kW, 4.4–4.9 kg |
| Large petrol | EM4351UH — 1.5 kW, 8.5–8.6 kg | FS 131 — 1.4 kW, 5.8 kg |
| Fuel | Unmixed petrol | Two-stroke mix (incl. 4-MIX) |
| Cordless | DUR369AZ, DUR368AZ, DUR190LZX3 and more | — (not covered) |
Petrol: weight vs fuel
Stihl's FS 131 delivers 1.4 kW at 5.8 kg (without guard or tool) — about 2.7 kg lighter than Makita's 1.5 kW EM4351UH. Makita's MM4 engines answer with unmixed petrol and very low declared vibration (2.1–2.2 m/s² for the EM4351UH).
Cordless: Makita's ground
Makita's brushless LXT machines bring smart electronics — Automatic Torque Drive, reverse switches — and the twin-18V DUR369AZ comes with a 255 mm blade. Most are sold bare, so they suit owners of LXT batteries.
Choose Makita if…
You own LXT batteries, want cordless, or want a petrol four-stroke without fuel mixing.
Choose Stihl if…
You want the lightest powerful petrol machine and dealer support for regular heavy clearing.
The verdict
For cordless, Makita. For petrol power-to-weight, Stihl. Head-to-head: EM4351UH vs FS 131.
The models we review from each brand
Makita— Professional cordless (LXT 18V / XGT 40V)
| Model | Type | Engine / power | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita DUR369AZ | Cordless | 36V LXT · Brushless | 8.6/10 |
| Makita DUR368AZ | Cordless | 36V LXT · Brushless | 8.5/10 |
| Makita DUR369LZ | Cordless | 36V LXT · Brushless | 8.5/10 |
| Makita DUR368LZ | Cordless | 36V LXT · Brushless | 8.4/10 |
| Makita EM4351UH | Petrol | 43 cc · 4-stroke MM4 | 8.4/10 |
| Makita DUR189RF | Cordless | 18V LXT · Brushless | 8/10 |
| Makita EM2651UH | Petrol | 25.4 cc · 4-stroke MM4 | 8/10 |
| Makita DUR190LZX3 | Cordless | 18V LXT · Brushless | 7.9/10 |
| Makita DUR192L | Cordless | 18V LXT · Brushless | 7.9/10 |
| Makita DUR193RT | Cordless | 18V LXT | 7.9/10 |
| Makita DUR194 | Cordless | 18V LXT · Brushless | 7.9/10 |
| Makita DUR191LZX3 | Cordless | 18V LXT · Brushless | 7.8/10 |
| Makita DUR181RF | Cordless | 18V LXT | 7.5/10 |
| Makita UR3501 | Corded | Corded 1000W | 7.5/10 |
| Makita UR100D | Cordless | 12V max CXT | 7.4/10 |
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 |
Ratings are judged against each machine's class and price; see how we review.
Frequently asked questions
Makita or Stihl for a brush cutter?
Makita if you want cordless on LXT batteries, or a low-vibration four-stroke that runs on unmixed petrol (EM2651UH, EM4351UH). Stihl if you want the best power-to-weight in petrol: the FS 131 gives 1.4 kW at 5.8 kg without guard or cutting tool.
Does Makita make petrol brush cutters?
Yes, MM4 four-strokes: the 25.4 cc EM2651UH (0.77 kW, 5.6 kg) and the professional 43 cc EM4351UH (1.5 kW, 8.5–8.6 kg). Both run on unmixed petrol.
Where do I buy them?
Stihl mainly through dealers. Makita through dealers, tool merchants and online, though several Makita listings were unavailable on Amazon.co.uk when we checked in October 2026.