What stihl strimmer to run mulching blade?

[J@mesC]

‘Cos this old FS85 isn’t going to do it any more.

 

Technically domestic use but used for clearing some pretty rough woodland, brambles and saplings.  I’ve got an FS55 that has line head for normal duties but how burly do I need to go to reliably run a mulching blade? This one buried itself in the undergrowth in front of me thankfully and not my shin. It did give me a moment of “reflection”!! 😳😳

 

[Whoppa Choppa]

A Clearing Saw rather than a brushcutter. Thicker, stronger tube, stronger gear head etc etc.

[J@mesC]

Yikes, £1200! Was thinking I could prob stretch to £500-600 but may need to think again…

[J@mesC]

Actually not quite as bad - seem to start about £800 😬😬

[JLA1990]

We run Fs461 with mulching heads, heavy use on all of the above vegetation on a daily/weekly basis. Lasted three years without fault and then all we’ve had to do is repair/replace drive shaft. If you’re using it fairly infrequently and maintain it properly I’d wager it lasting many years without fault.

[J@mesC]

Thanks - currently looking at the FS361 and FS411 and I’m sure both would do the job fine.
 

 

[Sviatoslav Tulin]

Min u need is FS 261.

[Brushcutter]

3 hours ago, J@mesC said:

Thanks - currently looking at the FS361 and FS411 and I’m sure both would do the job fine.
 

 

I've mulching blades on both. Personally I've preferred the 360 over the 410. 

[J@mesC]

Next question - what’s the difference between “performance” in kW and “Power Output” in kW. Stihl specs have me baffled.

 

411 is 41cc vs 361 at 37cc. They have 2kW and 1.7kW “performance” respectively. Makes sense so far - bigger engine has more output.
 

But then the smaller 361 has a higher “power output” at 2kW versus 1.7kW for the 441.

 

what the heck is the difference?

 

 

Clearing saws | STIHL GB

WWW.STIHL.CO.UK

 

[doobin]

Must be a mistake in the spec.

 

Go for the FS461. They are totally bombproof as mentioned. The price difference is so little that you might as well have the power- you don't have to use it, but it's nice to know it's there for things like the 4 way head.

 

The 490 is not as good. Different chassis and much more vibes.