STIHL FS 361 C-EM Petrol Clearing Saw

Is the STIHL FS 361 C-EM the right clearing saw for you?

The STIHL FS 361 C-EM Petrol Clearing Saw is designed for professional landscapers, grounds-maintenance teams, agricultural users and demanding property owners who regularly need to cut large areas of tough grass and dense vegetation.

Its 37.7 cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine produces 1.70 kW of power, placing the FS 361 firmly within STIHL’s professional clearing-saw range. It is considerably more substantial than a lightweight garden strimmer and is best suited to regular, intensive work across verges, estates, paddocks, orchards, commercial grounds and overgrown land.

The machine is supplied with a STIHL AutoCut 46-2 mowing head and an ADVANCE universal harness, giving professional users a complete starting package for large-area grass and weed clearance.

For lighter garden trimming or routine lawn edging, browse our complete range of STIHL strimmers and brushcutters. You can also use our STIHL strimmer and brushcutter buying guide to compare the different handle types, cutting tools and power levels.

STIHL FS 361 C-EM key features

• 37.7 cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine: delivers professional cutting performance with an output of 1.70 kW.
• STIHL M-Tronic 3.0: electronically regulates ignition timing and fuel metering to suit operating conditions.
• STIHL ErgoStart: reduces the effort required to pull the starter cord and start the engine.
• AutoCut 46-2 mowing head included: suitable for mowing long grass, tough weeds and other soft vegetation.
• 520 mm cutting circle: covers wide areas efficiently when used with the supplied mowing-head configuration.
• ADVANCE Grip bike handle: supports a wide, controlled sweeping action across open ground.
• Tool-free handle adjustment: allows the handlebar position to be adapted to the operator.
• Four-point anti-vibration system: helps reduce vibration transferred to the handles during prolonged work.
• ADVANCE universal harness included: distributes the machine’s weight across the operator’s shoulders and body.
• Long-life air-filter system: supports longer operating intervals between filter maintenance.
• Improved gearbox and deflector design: developed for professional mowing and clearing performance.

What is included with the STIHL FS 361 C-EM?

• STIHL FS 361 C-EM petrol clearing saw
• STIHL AutoCut 46-2 mowing head
• Appropriate guard for the supplied mowing head
• STIHL ADVANCE universal harness
• Instruction manual

Metal cutting blades, saw blades, shredding tools and their corresponding guards or mounting kits are not included unless specifically shown as part of a separate Masseys package.

Professional performance for tough grass and brush

The FS 361 C-EM is built for work that would be too demanding or time-consuming for a domestic strimmer. Its wide cutting circle and professional engine output make it well suited to long grass, nettles, heavy weeds, overgrown verges and other dense vegetation.

The bike-handle layout enables the operator to move the cutting attachment in an efficient side-to-side arc. This makes it particularly effective across open areas such as paddocks, orchards, roadside verges, commercial grounds and estate land.

The supplied AutoCut 46-2 is a semi-automatic nylon-line mowing head. Tapping the rotating head against the ground advances the mowing line, reducing interruptions when working across large areas.

STIHL M-Tronic 3.0 engine management

STIHL M-Tronic 3.0 electronically controls ignition timing and fuel metering. The system considers factors such as engine temperature, altitude and fuel quality to maintain suitable engine settings during operation.

This removes the need for routine manual carburettor adjustment when conditions change. Dealer recalibration or servicing may occasionally be required, but normal operating adjustments are handled automatically by the machine.

This is particularly valuable for professional users who work across different sites, weather conditions and elevations and want consistent setup without repeatedly tuning the carburettor.

ErgoStart and straightforward controls

STIHL ErgoStart uses an additional spring between the starter cord and crankshaft to reduce the force required to start the engine. A smooth, steady pull is normally sufficient, rather than a fast or forceful movement.

The multifunction handle places the main controls within easy reach, allowing the operator to manage the machine without repeatedly releasing the handle. A stop button helps make restarting more straightforward because the control returns automatically to the operating position.

ADVANCE Grip and four-point anti-vibration system

The ADVANCE Grip handles are shaped to support a natural working position and controlled machine movement. The handlebar can be adjusted without tools, helping different users achieve a balanced stance.

STIHL’s four-point anti-vibration system reduces the level of engine and cutting-tool vibration transmitted to the handles. The included ADVANCE universal harness further improves balance by distributing the machine’s weight across the operator’s upper body.

The FS 361 weighs approximately 8.6 kg without fuel, cutting attachment or guard. Correct harness adjustment is therefore important for comfort and control.

Which cutting attachments can the FS 361 use?

The supplied AutoCut 46-2 mowing head is intended primarily for long grass, weeds and softer vegetation. The FS 361 can also be fitted with a range of approved STIHL metal cutting attachments when the work requires a different cutting action.

Depending on the task, compatible options may include:

• STIHL GrassCut metal grass-cutting blades
• STIHL BrushCut knives for tough and matted vegetation
• Approved STIHL shredding tools for dense scrub and bramble work
• Approved STIHL WoodCut circular saw blades for woody growth
• Compatible STIHL mowing heads and line-cutting systems

Important: every cutting attachment requires the correct guard, thrust plate, mounting hardware and, where specified, stop kit. Never fit an attachment solely because it fits the drive shaft. Consult the STIHL instruction manual or ask Masseys to confirm the correct combination.

Can the STIHL FS 361 C-EM cut brambles?

Yes, the machine has sufficient professional power for bramble and scrub clearance when fitted with an approved cutting attachment designed for that vegetation.

The standard AutoCut 46-2 head can deal with grass, nettles and softer weed growth. Established brambles, dense scrub and woody stems are normally better tackled with an appropriate BrushCut, shredding or WoodCut tool and its matching protective equipment.

Why Masseys recommends the STIHL FS 361 C-EM

At Masseys, we recommend the FS 361 C-EM as a strong entry point into STIHL’s heavier professional clearing-saw range. Its 1.70 kW output and wide mowing circle give contractors enough capacity for substantial grass and vegetation clearance without immediately stepping up to the larger FS 461 or FS 561.

It is particularly well suited to operators who spend much of their time mowing long grass, maintaining verges or clearing mixed soft vegetation. M-Tronic 3.0 simplifies engine management, while ErgoStart, the ADVANCE Grip handles, anti-vibration system and included harness address the practical needs of regular professional use.

For predominantly woody scrub, forestry clearance or more intensive blade work, compare the STIHL FS 461 C-EM and STIHL FS 561 C-EM. For lighter professional grass and verge maintenance, consider the STIHL FS 94 C-E brushcutter.

Who should choose the STIHL FS 361 C-EM?

The FS 361 C-EM is a suitable choice for:

• Professional gardeners and landscape contractors
• Grounds-maintenance teams
• Agricultural and estate workers
• Local-authority and municipal maintenance
• Orchard and paddock maintenance
• Commercial sites with large grassed or overgrown areas
• Experienced private users maintaining substantial land

For occasional lawn edging or a small domestic garden, a lighter machine from our petrol strimmer and brushcutter range will normally be easier to handle and more economical.

STIHL FS 361 C-EM technical specifications

Specification	STIHL FS 361 C-EM
Machine type	Professional petrol clearing saw
Engine	STIHL 2-MIX two-stroke petrol engine
Displacement	37.7 cm³
Power output	1.70 kW / 2.30 hp
Weight	8.6 kg without fuel, cutting attachment or guard
Engine management	STIHL M-Tronic 3.0
Starting system	STIHL ErgoStart
Handle type	Adjustable bike handle with ADVANCE Grip
Anti-vibration system	Four-point STIHL anti-vibration system
Supplied cutting attachment	STIHL AutoCut 46-2 mowing head
Cutting circle	Up to 520 mm with supplied mowing-head configuration
Harness	STIHL ADVANCE universal harness included
CO₂ value	808 g/kWh
Manufacturer part number	41472000607
GTIN/EAN	0886661593002

Fuel and maintenance

The FS 361 C-EM requires a suitable two-stroke fuel mixture prepared in accordance with current STIHL instructions. A suitable ready-mixed alkylate two-stroke fuel can also provide convenient, consistent mixing and improved storage stability.

Learn more about Aspen fuel available from Masseys.

Routine maintenance remains important even with M-Tronic engine management. The air filter, starter, spark plug, gearbox, guard, cutting attachment and fuel system should be inspected and maintained according to the instruction manual.

Masseys provides specialist garden machinery servicing and repair support for petrol brushcutters and clearing saws.

Why buy from Masseys?

• Authorised STIHL dealer: genuine UK STIHL machinery, accessories and warranty support.
• Specialist advice: help choosing the correct machine, cutting attachment, guard and harness setup.
• Machine preparation: dealer support with setup and safe operating guidance where applicable.
• Workshop support: access to local servicing and repairs after purchase.
• Established physical store: visit Masseys in Woodville, Swadlincote, Derbyshire.

Frequently asked questions

What is the STIHL FS 361 C-EM designed to cut?

It is designed for professional mowing and clearing of large areas of long grass, tough weeds, dense soft vegetation and brush. Approved metal or shredding attachments can extend its capability to brambles, scrub and woody growth.

What is included with the STIHL FS 361 C-EM?

The standard machine is supplied with a STIHL AutoCut 46-2 mowing head, the corresponding guard and a STIHL ADVANCE universal harness.

What does C-EM mean on a STIHL brushcutter?

The letters identify key machine features. C denotes a Comfort specification, E denotes STIHL ErgoStart and M denotes STIHL M-Tronic electronic engine management.

Does STIHL M-Tronic require carburettor adjustment?

M-Tronic automatically regulates ignition timing and fuel metering during normal use, so routine manual carburettor adjustment is not usually required when conditions change. Recalibration or dealer servicing may occasionally be necessary.

Can the STIHL FS 361 use a metal blade?

Yes. It can use approved STIHL metal cutting attachments, provided the correct guard, mounting components and operating procedure are used. Check the instruction manual or ask Masseys before changing the standard head.

Can the STIHL FS 361 cut brambles?

Yes, when fitted with an approved attachment suited to bramble and scrub work. The supplied AutoCut mowing head is better suited to grass, weeds and softer vegetation.

Is the FS 361 suitable for domestic users?

It can be used by experienced private landowners, but it is primarily a professional clearing saw. It will normally be excessive for simple lawn edging or occasional use in a small garden.

What fuel does the STIHL FS 361 use?

It uses a suitable petrol and two-stroke oil mixture prepared to STIHL’s current instructions, or an appropriate ready-mixed two-stroke alkylate fuel.

Can Masseys service the STIHL FS 361?

Yes. Masseys has a garden-machinery workshop providing servicing and repair support for petrol brushcutters and clearing saws.

Safe use of the STIHL FS 361 C-EM

Read the supplied instruction manual before operating the machine. Wear appropriate eye or face protection, hearing protection, gloves, protective footwear and suitable clothing.

Inspect the work area for stones, metal, wire, glass, animals and hidden obstacles. Check long vegetation for hedgehogs, nesting birds and other wildlife before cutting. Always stop the engine before inspecting, cleaning or changing the cutting attachment.