10 Best STIHL Trimmers of 2024

1. Stihl FS 131

STIHL FS 131 is among the best trimmers in the market. It is extremely powerful, has a brilliant low emissions engine and is loaded with a ton of terrific features.

The only concern is that it might be a bit too pricey for some people considering it’s a trimmer designed for professionals.

The engine is a whopping 36.3 cc which is quite a lot for a trimmer which gives it immense power of 1.9 bhp or 1.4 kW. This makes chopping down those sturdy grasses and bushes a piece of cake. The company has also added a much larger fuel tank which makes it last up to 30% longer in action than most trimmers.

The FS 131 comes with STIHL Inc.’s “Caring for Nature” seal, which they give to those fuel products that are designed to be more environmentally friendly. It is the Reduced-Emission Engine Technology which makes the FS 131 a friend to our planet.

It is easiest to start and can be used conveniently by the elderly. The starting procedure requires only pumping the fuel primer, setting the choke and pulling the starter cord, and you’re off and running.

Another feature that makes FS 131 a delight is the Anti-Vibration System which reduces vibration levels and delays fatigue so that you can work for longer than usual.

The handle is pretty amazing as well. Being a bike handle, it improves handling and makes it easier to guide and produce a smooth horizontal trimming action. The soft grips at the end give you more control and further improve comfort while working.

Moreover, the handle has the Tool-Free Handle Adjustment feature, which means that you can adjust the handle manually without any tools. You can rotate the handle at 90 degrees which makes transporting and storing it much easier.

There is also a shoulder strap which helps in carrying it around. Overall, if you have a large space that needs to be trimmed and you know your way around outdoor tools, then the Stihl FS 131 is an excellent choice for you.

Specifications

• Displacement – 36.3 cc (2.2 cu. in.)
• Engine Power – 1.4 kW (1.9 bhp)
• Weight – 5.8 kg (12.8 lbs.)
• Fuel Capacity – 710 cc (24.0 oz.)
• Cutting Swath – 16.5″
• Power Source – Gas

STIHL FS 131 is a complete package and it has everything that a top-notch trimmer should have. Brimming with superb features and a powerful engine, it deserves to be on the top spot of this list.

2. Stihl FSA 130

If you’re more on the green or eco-friendly side and don’t want a trimmer that could harm the environment, then a battery-powered trimmer could be the way for you. If that is the case, let us introduce one of the top battery-powered trimmers in the market. This is the FSA 130 from STIHL.

The FSA 130 comes with an AP Series battery that feeds the powerful and lightweight STIHL motor. This motor provides the professional-grade cutting ability to the blades which have a cutting width of 42 cm or 16.5 inches. You’ll also get a variable speed throttle which comes with 3 different speeds from which you can choose as per the situation requires.

The battery life of the trimmer depends on the mode and other accessories you choose and can last from 30 to 60 minutes on average on the default battery. However, you can extend it to nearly 150 minutes if you go for an advanced battery like the AR 2000. You can switch between different modes to boost battery life and optimise performance according to your preference. Also, just like all battery-powered STIHL tools, the FSA 130 comes with a Retaining Latch, which prevents the unit from starting automatically when the battery is inserted.

FSA 130 is a silent trimmer, so much so, you won’t even feel that you’re working with such a powerful tool. This means you can work during any time of the day without disturbing any of your family or neighbours.

STIHL has also paid special attention towards making the FSA 130 an ergonomic device to use. For this purpose, they have provided the external battery which will be on the user’s back which in turn will make the trimmer lighter and easier and more comfortable to operate.

There are numerous other impressive features that make the FSA 130 class apart from the rest. One of these is the High Tech Polymer Housing which prevents corrosion and improves the trimmer’s ability to withstand damage, increasing durability in the process.

To round it off, there’s also a hanging loop by which you can hang the trimmer any place you desire which will save you a ton of garage space. If comfort and convenience are the priority for you, then there’s no better choice in the market than the STIHL FSA 130.

Specifications

• Cutting Width – 42 cm (16.5 in.)
• Weight – 5.5 kg (8.6 lbs.)
• Power Source – Battery
• Battery Series – AP Series
• Run Time (w/ AP 300) – Up to 38 minutes
• Run Time (w/ AR 2000) (w/ Grass Blade) – Up to 150 minutes

The STIHL FSA 130 is one of the most powerful battery-powered trimmers that you can get your hands on. Its convenience and performance in the field when combined with ease of storage is unmatched.

3. Stihl FSA 56

STIHL FSA 56 is a relatively small trimmer which is primarily designed for domestic use. That being said, its effectiveness should not be underestimated as it might be the best in the market in the current segment.

FSA 56 is a lightweight trimmer, weighing only 3.3 kgs and that too including the AK 10 battery. Despite being lightweight and small, it packs a lot of punch due to its incredibly powerful motor. The cutting width is 28 cm and thick grass shouldn’t be a problem for the blades or the battery. Also, the low weight and size allow for better manoeuvrability and less fatigue while working. On a single charge, you can expect to trim the length of up to half a kilometre.

There are three different battery models that you can go for, namely, the AK 10, the AK 20 and the AK 30. Each one of these has a different battery life which roughly ranges from 17 to 60 minutes.

The FSA 56 comes with a modest price tag, so you shouldn’t expect any over the top features in this trimmer. Rubberized Soft Touch Handle is one of the few unique features it has, and this handle makes it a comfy tool to use.

Although, it does have the standard features that you’d find in all of the STIHL trimmers. Purge Pump Primer, Air Filter Cover, and Protected Spark Plug are some of these features. It is one of the most basic trimmers in the market and is considerably better than any other in the same price range.

Due to its small size, storing is a cakewalk as you can store it anywhere without compromising any significant amount of space. STIHL FSA 56 is an excellent choice for beginners as it is small and cheaper than most trimmers but still has a lot to offer when it comes to performance.

Specifications

• Weight – 3.3 kg. (7.3 lbs.)
• Cutting Swath – 28 cm (11″)
• Power Source – Battery
• Battery Series – AP Series
• Run Time (w/ AK 10) – Up to 17 minutes
• Run Time (w/ AK 20) – Up to 40 minutes
• Run Time (w/ AK 30) – Up to 60 minutes

Despite being smaller than most trimmers, the STIHL FSA 56 is a power-packed machine capable of undertaking any domestic operation. Also, its price factor makes it one of the most suitable trimmers for beginners.

4. Stihl FSE 60

If you’re not convinced by the battery-powered trimmers but still want to have a positive impact on the environment, then electric trimmers may be the option for you. STIHL FSE 60 is an excellent electric that might appeal to you. It is also small and lightweight like the previous entry and there’s a lot more to this machine than meets the eye.

The blades of FSE 60 have a cutting swath of 14 inches and are propelled by the immensely powerful and lightweight STIHL motor. It weighs 4 kilograms which makes it easier to store and move it around the yard.

The FSE 60 is ideal for small to moderate-sized yards and has slightly more features than the FSA 56. There are also a bunch of accessories that you can buy to further enhance your trimming experience. The Quiet line is one such accessory which dramatically reduces the noise level, below 60 decibels to be precise. This quiet line is equipped with spiral grooves which could come in handy if your neighbourhood is a low noise area.

TapAction™ AUTOCUT® Head is one of the trademarked features of STIHL by which you need to tap the head to feed the nylon line. There are several other intuitive features which not only improve its longevity but also make it working on it a comfortable experience.

High Tech Polymer Housing improves its resistance to corrosion while the Built-In Cord Retainer prevents the cord from accidentally disconnecting while in use. There is also a Loop Handle which makes using it a champion of tight spaces when you need to trim between bushes and shrubs.

All in all, the STIHL FSE 60 is an excellent trimmer if you’ll be working on a small to the medium-sized yard. It is packed with some impressive features, is quite powerful and you can get the best out of it even if your gardening skills are not so sophisticated. If you identify as one of these people, then you should buy the STIHL FSE 60 without hesitation.

Specifications

• Weight – 4.0 kg (8.8 lbs.)
• Motor Output – 0.6 kW (5.3 amps)
• Voltage – 120 volts (60 Hz)
• Cutting Swath – 35.5 cm (14″)
• Power Source – Electric

STIHL FSE 60 is another small trimmer with impressive features which make it stand out from the rest in the same price bracket. It is an excellent choice for those who are still finding their feet as a gardener.

5. Stihl FS 111

FS 111 is another gas-powered trimmer which is perfectly suited for professionals or people who know their way around trimmers. It is a state of the art machine and is an absolute beast in the yard when it does its job.

In many ways, the FS 111 is identical to the FS 131, which was the first entry in the list, except it has a slightly smaller engine. While the latter has a 36.3 cc engine, the former’s engine has a capacity of 31.4 cc.

However, this smaller engine isn’t that much of a downgrade as the FS 111 can give a run for its money to any trimmer in the market. It can chop down thick grass and weeds with relative ease and you won’t find any drawbacks when it comes to performance.

Here also you’ll have the large 710 cc fuel tank which can extend the run time of the machine by up to 30 %.

Unlike most trimmers, FS 111 has a straightforward starting procedure, all you need to do is pump the fuel primer, set the choke and pull the starter cord. That’s it.

To move around freely and improve control, STIHL has provided the bike handle with rubber grips. The handle not only improves manoeuvrability but the is also quite comfortable to work with due to the rubber grips. The handle also has all the controls at a single space so it becomes easier to operate without your hand leaving the handle.

One of the remarkable features of the FS 111 is the IntelliCarb™ Compensating Carburetor. What this means is that the metering diaphragm in the carburetor will automatically adjust by measuring the air pressure on the clean side of the air filter.

There are many other splendid features that make the FS 111 one of the best trimmers in the market at a slightly cheaper price than the FS 131. If all of this has impressed you then don’t waste much time and go for the FS 111 right now.

Specifications

• Displacement – 31.4 cc (1.9 cu. in.)
• Engine Power – 1.05 kW (1.4 bhp)
• Weight – 5.8 kg (12.8 lbs.)
• Fuel Capacity – 710 cc (24.0 oz.)
• Cutting Swath – 16.5″
• Power Source – Gas

STIHL FS 111 is an all-rounder when it comes to trimmers. It has a powerful engine, a large fuel tank and all this is topped with some superb features that make it a preferred choice of many professionals.

6. Stihl FSA 90 R

FSA 90 R is another battery-powered trimmer for all those eco-friendly gardeners out there. And like most battery-powered machines, it is smaller, slightly less powerful and far less noisy than its gas-powered counterparts. However, it is much more suited for professionals rather than domestic users or newbie gardeners.

FSA 90 R is quite similar to the FSA 130, both in terms of appearance and also for its mechanics and features. The only thing different is that you won’t find the same amount of features in FSA 90 R. There are still many impressive features that will surely be a deciding factor for you.

Few of these features are the loop handle which improves comfort while working and the ECOSPEED “soft” stop trigger setting. This setting can extend the amount of work that can be done on a single charge. It also starts instantly with a push of a button.

The silent operation of this machine could come in handy when using it in low noise environments like schools or quiet neighbourhoods.

The battery used here is also the AK series, same as the FSA 130. The battery life depends on the model of the battery you have chosen. The basic AP 100 has a battery life of up to 10 minutes while the most expensive AP 3000 has a battery life of up to 150 minutes.

The cutting width is 15 inches which is only a teeny bit smaller than that of FSA 130, which is at 16.5 inches.

FSA 90 R has a slim body profile which makes it a delight when it comes to saving some garage space. Also, the hanging loop makes storage even easier.

Overall, the FSA 90 R is a perfect trimmer for professional and seasoned gardeners who like to have state of the art tools and are inclined towards not harming the environment. If you think you are one of these people then STIHL FSA 90 R could be the one for you.

Specifications

• Cutting Width – 35 cm (15″)
• Weight – 4.5 kg (9.9 lbs.)
• Power Source – Battery
• Battery Series – AP Series
• Run Time (w/ AP 300) – Up to 30 minutes
• Run Time (w/ AR 3000) – Up to 150 minutes

STIHL FSA 90 R is a smaller alternative for those people who find the FSA 130 a bit too expensive for them. It is efficient and less noisy which makes it a sophisticated trimmer to be used in a pristine environment.

7. Stihl FS 56 RC-E

The FS 56 RC-E is a fuel-powered trimmer for those who don’t feel comfortable using the more modern electric or battery-powered trimmers. It is for those people who like a more old school approach.

Unlike the other fuel-powered trimmers in the list, the FS 56 RC-E is much smaller and lightweight in comparison. Its engine has a modest 27.2 cc of displacement which can generate a power of nearly 0.8 kW or 1.07 bhp. Also, the fuel tank is smaller at 340 cc. Low power means that the FS 56 RC-E is more suited to small to moderate scale yards, making it perfect for domestic use.

It has a cutting width of 16.5 inches which is comparable to that of heavy-duty trimmers. FS 56 RC-E comes with STIHL’s Easy2Start™ technology, which makes starting it a piece of cake.

There are not so many over the top features present as it is much cheaper than the high-end trimmers. However, many essential features are provided that you would usually find in more expensive products if you go for any other brands.

To improve ergonomics and ease of use, there is the adjustable front handle which can rotate a full 360 degrees. The fuel tank is upright which means you can check your fuel easily before beginning to work and this position also means easier filling.

Other features are added to extend its life and make it more durable. Some of these include High Tech Polymer Housing, Protected Choke Lever/Knob and the Air Filter Cover.

In conclusion, the STIHL FS 56 RC-E is a modest trimmer with few excellent features and could be a great addition to your collection of domestic garden tools.

Specifications

• Displacement – 27.2 cc (1.66 cu. in.)
• Engine Power – 0.8 kW (1.07 bhp)
• Weight – 4.8 kg (10.6 lbs.)
• Fuel Capacity – 340 cc (11.5 oz.)
• Cutting Swath – 16.5″
• Power Source – Gas

STIHL FS 56 RC-E is a straight shaft trimmer with impressive fuel efficiency and power given its engine capacity. Despite a few minor drawbacks, it is ideal for domestic use.

8. Stihl FS 94 R

If you’re on the lookout for a small trimmer and the FS 56 RC-E didn’t impress you much, then don’t worry we have something else lined up for you. This is the FS 94 R which is one of the smallest and most lightweight trimmers in the market.

FS 94 R is also a gas-powered trimmer but has the smallest engine among all the trimmers that we will feature in this list. Its engine size is 24.1 cc but it can generate a power of 0.9 kW or 1.2 bhp, which is more than the previous entry despite the smaller engine.

The cutting swath is 16.5 inches which is more in line towards a heavy-duty trimmer. It has a moderate capacity fuel tank which can hold up to 540 cc of fuel. It is larger than the FS 56 RC-E but smaller than bigger trimmers like the FS 131.

It weighs slightly more than 10 pounds yet has one of the most powerful engines in the same class across all brands. It has arguably the best power-to-weight ratio in the world.

Features wise too, the FS 94 R is not that far behind its more expensive and sophisticated siblings. You’ll come across several outstanding features such as Fully Lined Drive Shaft which reduces vibration and ensures smooth operation, Heavy-Duty Steel-On-Steel Clutch and the adjustable front handle. Anti-Vibration System and Multi-Function Control Handle are two more exciting features that make it stand out from the rest.

Despite being smaller, the STIHL FS 94 R is made for professional use only and requires some prerequisite skill to operate. We would not recommend it to amateurs and you should buy this only if you’re familiar with heavy garden machinery.

Specifications

• Displacement – 24.1 cc (1.47 cu. in.)
• Engine Power – 0.9 kW (1.2 bhp)
• Weight – 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs.)
• Fuel Capacity – 540 cc (18.3 oz.)
• Cutting Swath – 16.5″
• Power Source – Gas

The STIHL FS 94 R has arguably the best power-to-weight ratio in the trimmer market. Moreover, it is jam-packed with exceptional features that you can’t get anywhere else at the same price.

9. Stihl FS 40 C-E

STIHL FS 40 C-E is the entry-level and the smallest trimmer offered by STIHL. It is lightweight as it weighs only 4.5 kgs which is less than 10 pounds and is specifically designed to be used occasionally for domestic purposes. It has modest features and the price tag is carefully crafted for the amateur gardener.

Despite being lightweight, it has quite a powerful engine similar to the FS 94 R, although there is one difference between the two. Although the displacement of the engine is slightly higher than the FS 94 R, the output power is lesser at 0.7 kW. The cutting swath is also smaller at 15 inches.

Handling wise, the FS 40 C-E is a charm, as it was designed keeping in mind the skills of an average domestic gardener. It has a brilliant in-hand balance due to its unique shaft which is curved at the bottom. This curved shape allows you to get the weeds and grass that are lurking in deep crevices. The shaft also ensures smooth operation while reducing vibration at the same time.

The handle is loop-shaped and can be rotated around for a full 360 degrees. This makes it one of the most comfortable trimmers at this price.

There are not many over the top features in the FS 40 C-E as it is their basic trimmer. That being said, it does have a cool feature in the form of Easy2Start™ technology by which you can simply start the machine by pulling a cord.

FS 40 C-E does have the standard features that you would find across the board when talking about STIHL trimmers. These include the Air Filter Cover, Heavy-Duty Steel-On-Steel Clutch and the Protected Choke Lever/Knob.

If you are keen to chop down those weeds in your yard without consulting any professional help, then the STIHL FS 40 C-E is an ideal machine to practice your skills.

Specifications

• Displacement – 24.1 cc (1.47 cu. in.)
• Engine Power – 0.9 kW (1.2 bhp)
• Weight – 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs.)
• Fuel Capacity – 540 cc (18.3 oz.)
• Cutting Swath – 16.5″
• Power Source – Gas

STIHL FS 40 C-E is the perfect trimmer if you are looking for something to work with domestically. It has a modest price tag and offers decent features that earn it a spot on this list.

10. Stihl FS 240 R

We saved one of the most special trimmers for the last. The FS 240 R is an absolute beast when it comes to trimmers. It is a complete powerhouse designed for heavy-duty professional use with no compromise on performance.

STIHL has carefully crafted this trimmer for long hours of working and for that they have provided the extra-large fuel tank. This fuel tank has a capacity of 750 cc which is larger than any other STIHL trimmer and will deliver up to 20 % more fuel efficiency.

If we talk about the engine, there also STIHL has made sure that you won’t feel any lack of power or efficiency. The engine has a displacement of 37.7 cc and delivers a staggering 1.7 kW or 2.3 bhp of power. You can use this trimmer on any kind of weeds or grass in any terrain, and it will wipe them off the face of this earth.

If you’re worried that the FS 240 R might be harmful to the environment due to its immense power, you shouldn’t. STIHL has taken care of this too by adding the Reduced-Emission Engine Technology which makes sure that the machine meets the EPA or CARB exhaust emission standards.

There are several other impressive features that further enhance the reputation of the FS 240 R. Some of these include the IntelliCarb™ Compensating Carburetor, Anti-Vibration System and the Protected Spark Arrestor Muffler.

We or anyone else would never recommend this trimmer for domestic use. If you’re a professional and you’re looking to upgrade on your current trimmer, then STIHL FS 240 R is the highest you can go.

Specifications

• Displacement – 37.7 cc (2.3 cu. in.)
• Engine Power – 1.7 kW (2.3 bhp)
• Weight – 6.6 kg (14.6 lbs)
• Fuel Capacity – 750 cc (25.4 oz.)
• Cutting Swath – 16.5″
• Power Source – Gas

STIHL FS 240 R is arguably the most hardcore trimmer in the market which can chop down any kind weeds with ease. It is designed for professionals who undertake large-scale operations.