Stihl vs Husqvarna brush cutters
The two best-known premium petrol brands. Here's how their homeowner and semi-pro brush cutters compare on power, weight, starting and kit.
In short:Stihl's petrol models 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). Husqvarna's are the 122C curved-shaft trimmer (21.7 cc, 0.6 kW, 4.4 kg), the 128R (28 cc, 0.7 kW, 5.8 kg) and the 129R (27.6 cc, 0.85 kW, 5.4 kg), the latter two with a grass blade and double harness. Both sell mainly through dealers.
Stihl and Husqvarna both build durable petrol machines sold through dealers. The differences are in power, weight and what comes in the box.
Models we cover
| Stihl | Husqvarna | |
|---|---|---|
| Trimmer | — | 122C — 21.7 cc, curved shaft, 4.4 kg |
| Entry | FS 55 — 0.75 kW, 4.4–4.9 kg | 128R — 0.7 kW, 5.8 kg, harness |
| All-rounder | FS 70 C-E — 0.9 kW, 5.4 kg | 129R — 0.85 kW, 5.4 kg, harness |
| Semi-pro | FS 131 — 1.4 kW 4-MIX, 5.8 kg | — (not covered) |
Weights are without cutting equipment (and fuel or guard where stated by the maker).
Power and weight
Model for model, Stihl's machines give a little more power at similar weight: the FS 70 C-E's 0.9 kW against the 129R's 0.85 kW, both 5.4 kg. At the top, the FS 131's 4-MIX engine gives 1.4 kW at 5.8 kg.
Kit
Husqvarna's 128R and 129R come with a trimmer head, a grass blade and a double harness. Stihl's kits vary: the FS 55 C-E includes a metal blade; the FS 70 C-E a line head, shoulder strap and eye protection.
The verdict
For the most power per kilo, Stihl; for a complete kit with a harness, Husqvarna. Then let the nearest good dealer decide. Head-to-heads: 128R vs FS 55, FS 70 C-E vs 128R, 129R vs FS 131.
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 |
Husqvarna— Professional & forestry brush cutters
| Model | Type | Engine / power | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 129R | Petrol | 27.6 cc · 2-stroke | 8/10 |
| Husqvarna 128R | Petrol | 28 cc · 2-stroke | 7.9/10 |
| Husqvarna 122C | Petrol | 21.7 cc · 2-stroke | 7.8/10 |
Ratings are judged against each machine's class and price; see how we review.
Frequently asked questions
Is Stihl or Husqvarna better for brush cutters?
Both are premium, dealer-backed petrol brands. Among the models we cover, Stihl offers more power at the top (FS 131: 1.4 kW at 5.8 kg), while Husqvarna's 128R and 129R come with a grass blade and a double harness in the box. The nearest good dealer is often the best tie-breaker.
Are Stihl and Husqvarna sold on Amazon?
Both sell mainly through dealers, who assemble the machine and service it. Among the models we cover, we found no buyable Amazon.co.uk listing for the Stihl FS 55 or Husqvarna 128R in October 2026.
Which has easier starting?
Both have easy-start systems: Stihl's ErgoStart (FS 55 C-E, FS 70 C-E) and Easy Start with decompression (FS 131), and Husqvarna's Smart Start (122C, 128R).