String trimmer, brush cutter or blade cutter?
Before talking about power, we need to distinguish three tool categories that are often confused:
- String trimmer (line trimmer): nylon line, for finishing work (edges, walls, around trees). 25-30 cc or entry-level battery.
- Brush cutter: heavy nylon line or knife head, for tall grass and light brambles. 30-40 cc.
- Blade cutter: 2 or 3-tooth steel disc, for thick brambles, brush and small wood. 35-50 cc.
Simple rule: if you only cut grass around the house → string trimmer. If you need to clear overgrown land → blade cutter.
What power for what terrain?
| Terrain | Vegetation type | Recommended displacement | Example models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawn / finishing | Short grass, edges | 25-28 cc | Stihl FS 38, Husqvarna 128R |
| Sloped terrain | Tall grass (30-60 cm) | 28-35 cc | Stihl FS 131, Husqvarna 325RJX |
| Light overgrowth | Tall grass + thin brambles | 35-40 cc | Stihl FS 240, Husqvarna 535RXT |
| Dense overgrowth | Thick brambles + shrubs | 40-50 cc | Stihl FS 460 C, Husqvarna 545RXT |
| Undergrowth / clearing | Small wood up to 5 cm | 45-55 cc | Stihl FS 560 C, Husqvarna 555RXT |
The battery option
Battery brush cutters have made huge progress. In 2026, pro models are credible for regular use:
- Stihl FSA 135 (36 V AP): equivalent to a 30 cc. Excellent for finishing and medium-sized areas. 30-45 min runtime with AP 300 S.
- Husqvarna 535iRXT (36 V BLi): equivalent to a 33 cc. Slightly more powerful than the FSA 135. Compatible with backpack battery for more runtime.
- Makita DUR368L (2x18V LXT): the budget option. Less powerful than the other two but you reuse your Makita batteries.
Battery advantages: lightweight, quiet, instant start, no fuel mix. Limits: runtime (30-60 min), not powerful enough for dense clearing.
