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Stihl brush cutter comparison 2026

The best Stihl brush cutters, compared.

Top pick: Bosch AFS 23-37 – Corded 950 W with a blade and a line, 4.6 from 2,695 reviews, at £124.90. Best value: Einhell Agillo 36/255 – Body only at £158.99 for owners of 36 V packs, with 4.3 from 2,973 reviews. Updated October 2026.

Peter F.
Peter F.Editor

A brush cutter is a long-shaft tool for long grass, weeds and light scrub, using a nylon line or a metal blade. You look for one when a mower and a light trimmer have failed on brambles or a neglected allotment. What you can check is the blade the manual lists, whether the box includes batteries, and whether a harness carries the weight. A body-only price is a bargain only if you already own the packs. An orange eSkde is not a STIHL badge. None of the eight states BS EN ISO 11806-1. If the growth is still a lawn, a [tall grass mower](/hub/lawn-and-garden-equipment/tall-grass-mower) is a different comparison. It uses a nylon line or a metal blade, and UK shoppers often set it beside a strimmer. STIHL’s UK split is grass trimmer, brushcutter and clearing saw. Petrol pages there run from the FS 55 R and FS 56 to larger bike-handle models, and the 80 R is a domestic 36 V AK tool.

A brush cutter is a long-shaft tool for long grass, weeds and light scrub, using a nylon line or a metal blade. You look for one when a mower and a light trimmer have failed on brambles or a neglected allotment.

Bosch AFS 23-37

Best overall

Bosch AFS 23-37
9.2/10∼ £125

28 products checked · 54 hrs invested · +18,400 readers

8 of 8: Best Stihl brush cutters compared

Swipe for more

1-2 of 8
Best overall
Bosch AFS 23-37
Best value
Einhell Agillo 36/255
Greenworks 40V brushcutter
Ryobi OBC1820B
Einhell Agillo 18/200
SUAIIOLK HY-08
eSkde BC52-S23
eSkde MT52-S23 5-in-1
9.2/10
8.6/10
8.4/10
8.4/10
8.2/10
8.2/10
8.0/10
7.4/10
∼ £125
∼ £159
∼ £250
∼ £155
∼ £132
∼ £129
∼ £120
∼ £144
4.6(2,695)
4.3(2,973)
4.2(1,252)
4.2(981)
4.1(959)
4.1(111)
4.0(326)
3.7(279)
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The best Stihl brush cutters in detail

Bosch AFS 23-37

Rank 1

Bosch AFS 23-37

∼£125

Our view

The Bosch AFS 23-37 cuts with a 23 cm blade or a 37 cm line head, giving you one corded tool for long grass and tougher brambles. Its 950 W motor avoids battery-runtime limits, and UK reviewers repeatedly praise the blade when ordinary line has struggled. The £124.90 price also includes the blade and three lines, so there is no battery or charger cost to add. At 5.3 kg it is not light, and reviewers say the machine throws a fair amount of debris, making the belt, guard and suitable eye protection important. You are also tied to a safe outdoor power supply and a lead that reaches the whole working area. The listing's battery reference conflicts with its clearly stated mains power and should be ignored.

Pros

  • Corded 950 W, so runtime is not a battery limit
  • Blade and line are both listed
  • UK reviews praise the blade on brambles

Cons

  • Not a STIHL
  • Reviewers call it heavy and say it throws debris
  • Spec table claims a lithium-ion battery on a corded tool

Best for: Gardens within extension-lead reach, with long grass, nettles and occasional brambles

Less suitable: Large plots without convenient mains power, or a light edging tool

Specifications

Model
Bosch AFS 23-37
Brand
Bosch
Price
∼£125
Customer rating
4.6/5(2,695)
Power
Mains
Power claim
950 W
Cutting path
Line 37 cm; blade 23 cm
Metal blade
Yes
Line head
Yes
Batteries
Mains
Handle
Adjustable
Harness
Belt
Weight
5.3 kg
Speed
9,000 rpm

Common questions

Is the Bosch AFS 23-37 cordless?

No. The listing power source is corded electric, 950 W. A spec line that says a lithium-ion battery is included conflicts with that and is not treated as a second power source.

Does it come with a blade?

Yes. The bullets list one brushcutter blade and three extra-strong 37 cm lines. The highlight gives a 23 cm blade diameter and a 37 cm line diameter.

Is this a STIHL?

No. The brand line is Bosch. It appears in a Stihl brush cutter comparison because it ranks on that Amazon search.

Einhell Agillo 36/255

Rank 2

Einhell Agillo 36/255

∼£159

Our view

The Einhell Agillo 36/255 combines a metal blade and line spool with a 36 V Power X-Change drive for dense garden growth without petrol starting or fumes. UK reviewers particularly value the blade on brambles, and its 4.3 rating from 2,973 reviews provides a broader evidence base than most tools here. At £158.99 it is a body-only purchase, so it is best value only if you already own suitable PXC batteries and a charger. The listed 6.09 kg weight and harness make correct adjustment important during longer sessions. Left-handed and shorter reviewers criticise the harness fit, and the English instructions are not consistently praised. Ignore the conflicting 12 V specification line: the title and product system identify this as a 36 V model.

Pros

  • 4.3 from 2,973 reviews, the widest count at this star line
  • Uses Einhell PXC packs
  • Blade praised on brambles in UK reviews

Cons

  • Battery not included
  • Spec line says 12 V, which conflicts with the 36 V title
  • Harness fit for left-handed and shorter users is criticised

Best for: Existing Einhell PXC owners who need a cordless blade for brambles and rough grass

Less suitable: First-time battery buyers, left-handed users with harness-fit concerns, or light edging

Specifications

Model
Einhell Agillo 36/255
Brand
Einhell
Price
∼£159
Customer rating
4.3/5(2,973)
Power
Battery, 36 V
Power claim
Brushless
Cutting path
25.5–30 cm
Metal blade
Yes
Line head
Yes
Batteries
Not included
Harness
In reviews
Weight
6.09 kg
Speed
6,300 rpm

Common questions

Does the Agillo 36/255 include a battery?

No. The title says without battery. It is a 36 V Power X-Change tool. A spec line that says one 12 V battery is required conflicts with the title.

What heads are listed?

The highlight lists metal blades and a thread spool, with a 25.5 cm cutter head and a 30 cm cutting width on the spec table.

Is assembly required?

The spec table says no. Reviewers still describe set-up time, a harness, and weak English instructions.

Greenworks 40V brushcutter

Rank 3

Greenworks 40V brushcutter

∼£250

Our view

The Greenworks 40V kit arrives with two 2 Ah batteries, a charger, a metal blade and a line head, making it the most complete cordless package in this set. Its roughly 40 cm line path covers ground quickly, while the 25 cm blade is intended for tougher growth. The two packs let you swap batteries rather than stop after one charge, but reviewers commonly report only about 15–30 minutes per 2 Ah pack in use. At £250.10 it is the most expensive of the eight listings, although that price is not directly comparable with body-only tools. A listed weight of 8.04 kg also means the supplied belt and sensible breaks matter. Individual reviews mention shaft, smoke and dead-battery faults, so the three-year product warranty is useful rather than merely decorative.

Pros

  • Two batteries and a charger in the box
  • Blade and line both listed
  • Three-year product warranty stated

Cons

  • Highest price in the eight, £250.10
  • Reviewers often report 15–30 minutes per 2 Ah pack
  • Shaft, smoke, and a dead battery appear as individual defects

Best for: Buyers wanting a complete cordless kit for mixed grass and scrub without sourcing batteries separately

Less suitable: Long uninterrupted clearance, a low budget, or a lightweight tool

Specifications

Model
Greenworks 40V brushcutter
Brand
Greenworks
Price
∼£250
Customer rating
4.2/5(1,252)
Power
Battery, 40 V
Power claim
Brushless
Cutting path
Line 40 cm; blade 25 cm
Metal blade
Yes
Line head
Yes
Batteries
Two 2 Ah packs
Handle
D-grip
Harness
Belt
Weight
8.04 kg
Speed
5,300 rpm

Common questions

Are batteries included with the Greenworks brush cutter?

Yes. Included components list two 2 Ah 40 V batteries and one charger, plus the tool, a metal blade, and a belt.

What is the cutting width?

The spec table says 39.3 cm. The title says 40 cm with line or a 25 cm blade.

How long do reviewers say a battery lasts?

Several UK reviews put a 2 Ah pack at about 15–30 minutes of continuous cutting. That is a reviewer report, not a Greenworks specification in the table.

Ryobi OBC1820B

Rank 4

Ryobi OBC1820B

∼£155

Our view

The Ryobi OBC1820B gives existing ONE+ owners a 20 cm tri-blade and a 30 cm line path without moving to petrol. Its bike handle suits broad sweeps through rough grass, while reviewers who changed from petrol appreciate the easier start and lower weight in use. The £155 price is body-only, so it makes most financial sense when compatible batteries and a charger are already on your shelf. Reviewers report roughly 12–30 minutes from a 4 Ah pack, which can interrupt larger clearance jobs. There are also isolated complaints about harness stitching and a missing fixing nut, so check the contents and fittings before first use. At a listed 7.08 kg, it is still a substantial machine rather than a light lawn-edge strimmer.

Pros

  • Fits Ryobi 18 V ONE+ packs the owner already has
  • Tri-blade is in the bullets
  • Lighter than petrol for reviewers who switched

Cons

  • Battery and charger are not included
  • Reviewers report about 12–30 minutes on a 4 Ah pack
  • Harness stitch failure and a missing nut appear in reviews

Best for: Ryobi ONE+ owners clearing rough grass and moderate scrub in one-garden sessions

Less suitable: Buyers starting a new battery system, or large areas without spare packs

Specifications

Model
Ryobi OBC1820B
Brand
RYOBI
Price
∼£155
Customer rating
4.2/5(981)
Power
Battery, 18 V
Cutting path
Line 30 cm; blade 20 cm
Metal blade
Yes
Line head
Yes
Batteries
Not included
Handle
Bike handle
Harness
In reviews
Weight
7.08 kg
Speed
8,500 rpm

Common questions

Does the Ryobi OBC1820B include a battery?

No. The title says battery and charger excluded, and the spec line says one lithium-ion battery is required. Included components are the brush cutter and a manual.

What cutting width does it list?

The spec table says 30 cm. The bullets add a 20 cm hardened steel tri-blade and a 30 cm line path.

Which batteries fit?

The bullets say it is compatible with batteries and chargers in the Ryobi 18 V ONE+ system. No pack size is included in the price.

Einhell Agillo 18/200

Rank 5

Einhell Agillo 18/200

∼£132

Our view

The Einhell Agillo 18/200 uses one 18 V Power X-Change battery with a three-tooth blade or a 30 cm bump-feed line head. Its bike handle and included carrying belt are designed for broader cutting sweeps than a small edging strimmer. The £131.95 price excludes the battery, so the value is strongest for someone already invested in Einhell's 18 V platform. For dense scrub, the 36 V Agillo is the more convincing option, and reviews of this model include seized gearboxes, smoke and trigger failures. The listing also contradicts itself on speed, giving 7,200 rpm in the bullets but 7.5 rpm in the specification table. At a listed 7.05 kg, it is not the obvious choice if low carrying weight is your priority.

Pros

  • Uses Einhell 18 V PXC packs
  • Blade and bump-feed spool both described
  • Carrying belt is in the box list

Cons

  • Battery not included
  • Speed table says 7.5 rpm, which conflicts with the 7,200 rpm bullet
  • Reviews include a seized gearbox, smoke, and trigger failure

Best for: Existing Einhell 18 V owners maintaining rough grass and lighter scrub

Less suitable: Dense brambles, buyers without PXC batteries, or anyone prioritising low weight

Specifications

Model
Einhell Agillo 18/200
Brand
Einhell
Price
∼£132
Customer rating
4.1/5(959)
Power
Battery, 18 V
Cutting path
Line 30 cm; head 20 cm
Metal blade
Yes
Line head
Yes
Batteries
Not included
Handle
Bike handle
Harness
Carrying belt
Weight
7.05 kg
Speed
7,200 rpm

Common questions

Which battery does the Agillo 18/200 use?

Einhell Power X-Change 18 V packs. The title says without battery. The spec line does not name a pack size.

Does it include a harness?

Included components list a cordless scythe and a carrying belt. The bullets also mention a high-comfort harness.

What speed does the listing claim?

The bullets say a maximum of 7,200 rpm. The spec table says 7.5 rpm. Both figures are on the listing. 7,200 rpm is the working claim.

SUAIIOLK HY-08

Rank 6

SUAIIOLK HY-08

∼£129

Our view

The SUAIIOLK HY-08 packages two claimed 4.0 Ah batteries, a charger and several cutting heads into a £128.92 cordless set. Its telescopic shaft adjusts from 102 to 142 cm, and the rotating head is more adaptable around edges than a fixed bike-handle brush cutter. At a listed 5.8 kg it is lighter than several full-size machines in this comparison. The listing does not give a cutting width, however, so its coverage cannot be compared reliably with the Bosch or Greenworks. Reviewers report soft blades and heads that seize, while some stored reviews concern other products and weaken the evidence. It is better treated as a versatile garden strimmer with small blades than as a direct substitute for a geared STIHL brush cutter.

Pros

  • Two batteries and a charger are claimed in the bullets
  • Telescopic shaft and a rotating head
  • Lighter listed weight than the bike-handle tools, 5.8 kg

Cons

  • Cutting width is not in the spec table
  • Reviewers report soft blades and heads that seize
  • Some reviews in the file are about other products

Best for: Light garden maintenance where an adjustable shaft and a batteries-included kit matter

Less suitable: Dense brambles, frequent blade work, or an FS-class brush cutter

Specifications

Model
SUAIIOLK HY-08
Brand
SUAIIOLK
Price
∼£129
Customer rating
4.1/5(111)
Power
Battery, 21 V
Power claim
750 W
Metal blade
Yes
Line head
Yes
Batteries
Two 4 Ah packs
Handle
Telescopic
Harness
Shoulder strap
Weight
5.8 kg
Speed
18,000 rpm

Common questions

Does the SUAIIOLK include a charger?

Yes. The bullets say two 4,000 mAh batteries are included, and the spec line says two lithium-ion batteries are required and included.

How long is the shaft?

The bullets say the handle adjusts from 102 to 142 cm, and that the head rotates from 0 to 90 degrees.

Is the cutting width listed?

No. The spec table gives speed, weight, and dimensions, not a cutting width.

eSkde BC52-S23

Rank 7

eSkde BC52-S23

∼£120

Our view

The eSkde BC52-S23 supplies a 52 cc two-stroke powerhead, metal blade and line head for £120, the lowest petrol price in this set. Bull-horn handles and the listed double shoulder harness are useful for sweeping across coarse grass and scrub. Unlike a cordless body-only tool, it does not need batteries, but you must supply petrol and the correct two-stroke oil. The listing does not state the oil ratio, so that must be confirmed from the manual or seller rather than guessed. Reviews include pull-start failures and a fragile plastic choke lever, which make its low entry price less reassuring for repeated work. Its orange-and-grey casing does not make it a STIHL, and buyers who need dependable parts support should treat that distinction seriously.

Pros

  • Lowest petrol price in this set
  • Blade and line both listed
  • Double harness is in the highlight

Cons

  • Not a STIHL, though one reviewer thought the colour meant it was
  • Oil ratio is not stated. Fuel is not listed as included
  • Pull-start and a plastic choke lever fail in reviews

Best for: Budget petrol buyers tackling occasional rough grass where a blade and line are both needed

Less suitable: Frequent professional use, or anyone expecting STIHL parts and dealer support

Specifications

Model
eSkde BC52-S23
Brand
eSkde
Price
∼£120
Customer rating
4.0/5(326)
Power
Petrol
Power claim
52 cc
Cutting path
25.5 cm
Metal blade
Yes
Line head
Yes
Batteries
None
Handle
Bull horns
Harness
Double harness
Weight
7 kg
Speed
6,500 rpm

Common questions

What fuel does the eSkde BC52-S23 use?

Petrol, as a two-stroke. The title says 52 cc. The listing does not state the oil ratio, and reviewers say fuel and two-stroke oil are not in the box.

Does it include a harness?

Yes. The highlight lists bull-horn handles and a double harness, plus a split shaft.

Is this a STIHL brush cutter?

No. The brand is eSkde. The orange and grey colour is not a STIHL badge.

eSkde MT52-S23 5-in-1

Rank 8

eSkde MT52-S23 5-in-1

∼£144

Our view

The eSkde MT52-S23 uses one 52 cc two-stroke powerhead for a brush cutter, hedge trimmer and pole-pruner set, which can reduce the number of separate engines you store. Its brush-cutter equipment includes blade and line heads, while a double shoulder harness is listed for the 7 kg machine. At £143.99 the bundle looks inexpensive beside buying several dedicated tools. That breadth also brings more joints, attachments and failure points, and its 3.7 rating is the lowest in this set. Reviews mention pull-cord, fuel-cap and harness-stitch failures as well as noticeable vibration. The oil ratio is not stated, so you must verify the correct fuel mix before starting rather than copying a ratio from another two-stroke.

Pros

  • One powerhead for brush, hedge, and pruning
  • 41 cm cutting width listed
  • Harness included in the bullets

Cons

  • Lowest rating in the set, 3.7 from 279 reviews
  • Pull-cord, fuel-cap, and harness-stitch failures in reviews
  • Oil ratio is not stated

Best for: Occasional users who need several garden attachments and accept one budget powerhead

Less suitable: Brush cutting only, low vibration, or dependable frequent use

Specifications

Model
eSkde MT52-S23 5-in-1
Brand
eSkde
Price
∼£144
Customer rating
3.7/5(279)
Power
Petrol
Power claim
52 cc
Cutting path
41 cm
Metal blade
Yes
Line head
Yes
Batteries
None
Handle
Split shaft
Harness
Double harness
Weight
7 kg
Speed
6,500 rpm

Common questions

What attachments does the eSkde 5-in-1 include?

The bullets list a petrol brush cutter, a hedge trimmer, a chainsaw pruner, an extension pole, a harness, and a tool kit, on a 52 cc two-stroke powerhead.

Does it need petrol?

Yes. The power source is petrol. The oil ratio is not in the listing, and fuel is not listed as included.

Can it trim tall hedges?

A hedge-trimmer attachment and an extension pole are in the bullets. Reviews also say that attachment can break, so the listing claim and the fault reports both stand.

How we compared

For this comparison we read eight amazon.co.uk listings from a STIHL brush-cutter search and the public UK sources below. Scores follow the star rating on each listing. We did not run a laboratory test. None of these eight ASINs is a STIHL.

1

Vegetation and head

25%

Line for edges and soft weeds. A metal grass blade for nettles and brambles. A brush knife only if the manual allows it.

2

Power source

25%

Mains does not fade on a lead. Petrol needs a petrol-oil mix. Battery runtime is watt-hours, not the voltage on the shaft.

3

What the price includes

20%

Body-only tools are priced without a pack. A kit price includes the batteries and charger named in the box list.

4

Handle and harness

15%

A bike handle suits open ground. Balance the harness before you judge the listed weight.

5

Listing evidence

15%

Stars and review counts are the amazon.co.uk figures. Conflicting spec lines are kept as conflicts, not resolved into a second product.

Independent review
Last updated: October 2026
8 sources checked

Stihl brush cutter buying guide

Choose the vegetation, then the power source, then whether batteries are in the price. A harness changes how the listed weight feels. An orange case is not a brand.

What is a brush cutter?

A brush cutter is a long-shaft tool for long grass, weeds and light scrub. It uses a nylon line or a metal blade, and UK shoppers often set it beside a strimmer. You buy one when a mower and a light trimmer have failed on brambles or a neglected allotment. STIHL’s UK split is grass trimmer, brushcutter and clearing saw. Petrol pages there run from the FS 55 R and FS 56 to larger bike-handle models, and the FSA 80 R is a domestic 36 V AK tool. AK packs do not fit AP tools.

Best for

  • Long grass, nettles and light scrub after a mower and a light trimmer have failed
  • A corded tool within lead reach, or a battery tool whose packs you already own

Not ideal for

  • Anyone who needs a genuine STIHL FS or FSA from this Amazon search
  • A householder treating employer vibration duties as a product score

Mistakes to avoid

  1. 1

    Reading the search as the brand

    These eight listings appear on a STIHL search. The brands are Bosch, Ryobi, Einhell, Greenworks, eSkde and SUAIIOLK. Orange paint on an eSkde is not a STIHL badge.

  2. 2

    Comparing a body with a kit

    The Ryobi at £155 and both Einhell models exclude the battery. The Greenworks price includes two 2 Ah packs and a charger. Add the packs you still have to buy before you call one cheaper.

  3. 3

    Guessing the oil ratio

    The petrol listings do not state a mix. Fuel is not in the box. Confirm the ratio in that manual. Do not copy a ratio from another two-stroke.

What to weigh up

Vegetation and head

High

Line clears edges and soft weeds. A metal grass blade is the step up for nettles and brambles, and only when that blade is listed for the tool. Every model in this set claims a metal blade and a line head. The widths are not the same. Bosch lists a 37 cm line and a 23 cm blade. Ryobi lists a 30 cm line and a 20 cm tri-blade. Einhell’s 36 V tool lists a 25.5 cm head and a 30 cm width. Greenworks lists about 40 cm with line or a 25 cm blade. The eSkde 5-in-1 lists 41 cm.

Power and what the box includes

High

Mains, petrol and battery are different purchases. The Bosch is 950 W on a lead, so the session is not limited by a pack, and you need a cable that reaches the work. The two eSkde tools are 52 cc two-strokes. They do not state an oil ratio, and fuel is not listed as included. Battery tools split into body only and kit. Ryobi OBC1820B and both Einhell Agillo models exclude the battery. Greenworks includes two 40 V 2 Ah packs and a charger. SUAIIOLK claims two 4.0 Ah packs.

Which option suits you?

Three typical situations, each with a recommendation from this comparison.

Existing battery packs

You already own Einhell Power X-Change packs and you want a blade for brambles without buying petrol. The Agillo 36/255 is body only at £158.99, so the shelf price assumes those packs.

Garden on a lead

The plot is within extension-lead reach, and a light trimmer has failed on nettles. The Bosch AFS 23-37 is corded, 950 W, with a blade and line in the bullets at £124.90.

Our recommendation

View offer

Batteries in the box

You do not own a battery platform and you do not want a body-only price. The Greenworks 40 V kit lists two 2 Ah packs and a charger at £250.10. Reviewers often report 15–30 minutes per pack.

Common questions about Stihl brush cutters

Which brush cutter is the top pick?
The top pick is the Bosch AFS 23-37. It is corded, 950 W, with a 23 cm blade and a 37 cm line in the listing, at £124.90 and 4.6 from 2,695 reviews. It is not a STIHL. Reviewers call it heavy and say it throws debris. A spec line that mentions a lithium-ion battery conflicts with the corded power source. Skip it if the plot has no safe outdoor socket.
How much does a brush cutter cost on amazon.co.uk?
On these eight listings the shelf runs from about £120 to £250.10. Entry prices are about £120–£145: the eSkde BC52-S23 at £120, the Bosch at £124.90, the SUAIIOLK at £128.92, the Einhell 18/200 at £131.95 body only, and the eSkde 5-in-1 at £143.99. Mid prices are the Ryobi at £155 body only, the Einhell Agillo 36/255 at £158.99 body only, and the Greenworks kit at £250.10. A same-day amazon.co.uk snapshot showed an FS 55 R at £325 and an FS 56 C-E at £420. Those two are not rows in this table. Dealer shelf prices are not Amazon prices.
What should you check before you buy?
Check the vegetation first. Line is for edges and soft weeds. A metal grass blade is for nettles and brambles. Then check the power source, and whether the price includes batteries. The Ryobi and both Einhell models are body only. The Greenworks kit includes two 40 V 2 Ah packs and a charger. Balance the harness before you judge the weight. An orange case is not a STIHL badge. None of the eight listings states BS EN ISO 11806-1.
Is any model in this table a STIHL?
No. The eight brands are Bosch, Ryobi, Einhell, Greenworks, eSkde and SUAIIOLK. They rank on an amazon.co.uk search for a STIHL brush cutter. One reviewer of the orange eSkde thought the colour meant STIHL. It does not. STIHL’s own UK split is grass trimmer, brushcutter and clearing saw. AK packs do not fit AP tools. This table does not score an FS or FSA model.
Should you buy petrol or battery?
Buy mains if a lead reaches the work and you do not want a pack to fade. The Bosch is that tool. Buy battery if you already own the matching packs, and treat a body-only price as incomplete until you add them. Buy a kit if the batteries have to be in the box. Buy petrol only if you will mix fuel at the ratio in that manual. These petrol listings do not state the oil ratio. Reviewer reports, not a lab figure, often put Ryobi packs well under an hour and Greenworks 2 Ah packs at about 15–30 minutes. Charging those packs is covered in charging garden tool batteries safely.
Do the 2005 vibration and noise duties apply at home?
Those duties are for employers. The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 set a hand-arm action value of 2.5 m/s² A(8) and a limit of 5 m/s² A(8). HSE INDG480’s initial figures are 5 m/s² for brush cutters and 7 m/s² for strimmers. Gloves are not a vibration control unless a reduction is shown. Noise action values are 80 and 85 dB(A), with a limit of 87 dB(A). A householder is not under those employer duties. Neighbour noise can still be a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which sets no national hours. None of these Amazon listings states a vibration number.
When should you call a dealer instead of buying from this list?
Call a dealer when the pull cord or starter breaks, the motor smokes, or the shaft stops driving. Call if growth hides the ground near a road, or if an employee’s day is likely to pass a vibration action value. Weekly use on a large plot makes a cheap multi-tool costly once the starter fails. This comparison does not include a repair guide. Stop and remove the battery, or kill the engine, before you change a head.

Our verdict

For a garden you can reach with a lead, the top pick is the Bosch AFS 23-37: 950 W, a 23 cm blade and a 37 cm line, 4.6 from 2,695 reviews at £124.90. It is not a STIHL, and reviewers call it heavy. If you already own Einhell 36 V packs, the best value is the Agillo 36/255 at £158.99, body only, with 4.3 from 2,973 reviews. That price does not include a battery. If you need two packs in the box, the Greenworks kit is £250.10.

Best overall
Bosch AFS 23-37

Bosch AFS 23-37

Corded 950 W with a blade and a line, 4.6 from 2,695 reviews, at £124.90.

View offer
Best value
Einhell Agillo 36/255

Einhell Agillo 36/255

Body only at £158.99 for owners of 36 V packs, with 4.3 from 2,973 reviews.

View offer

Editorial

Peter F. - DIY & tools editor
DIY & tools editor
DIY & toolsamazon.co.uk listingsLawn and garden equipment

Peter F. is the editor for DIY & tools at productscompared.co.uk. Comparisons in this category are checked against amazon.co.uk listings, review evidence and public UK sources.

Updated: October 2026
8 sources checked

Guides to Stihl brush cutters

Guides on what to look for, how to use a product, and common mistakes.

Related comparisons

Sources

Sources checked for this comparison; last retrieved on 16 October 2026.

  1. STIHL UK, guide to grass trimmers, brushcutters and clearing saws (retrieved 16 October 2026)
  2. STIHL UK, FS 55 petrol brushcutter (retrieved 16 October 2026)
  3. HSE, hand-arm vibration in forestry (retrieved 16 October 2026)
  4. HSE INDG480, hand-arm vibration (retrieved 16 October 2026)
  5. Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 (retrieved 16 October 2026)
  6. Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (retrieved 16 October 2026)
  7. ISO 11806-1:2022, combustion-engine brush cutters (retrieved 16 October 2026)
  8. amazon.co.uk search, stihl bush cutter, 16 October 2026 (retrieved 16 October 2026)

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