Stihl FS 38 Petrol Strimmer

Description

STIHL FS 38 Petrol Strimmer – Lightweight Grass Trimmer for Small Gardens

The STIHL FS 38 is a lightweight petrol grass trimmer designed for lawn edging, trimming around obstacles and keeping small gardens tidy. It is the lightest petrol grass trimmer in the STIHL range and is a practical choice for homeowners who want petrol power without the weight of a larger brushcutter.

Its curved shaft, adjustable loop handle and compact design make the FS 38 particularly easy to guide along lawn borders, beside paths, around trees and underneath shrubs. It is supplied with a STIHL AutoCut C 6-2 mowing head for normal grass trimming.

Browse our complete range of petrol strimmers, view all STIHL strimmers and brushcutters, or read our STIHL strimmer and brushcutter buying guide.

STIHL FS 38 at a Glance

• Best for: Small gardens, lawn edges and light grass trimming
• Engine: 27.2cc STIHL 2-MIX petrol engine
• Power output: 0.80kW / 1.08hp
• Machine weight: 4.1kg without fuel, cutting tool or guard
• Standard cutting head: STIHL AutoCut C 6-2
• Handle: Adjustable loop handle
• Manufacturer part number: 4140 012 2353
• EAN: 0886661909322

 

What Is the STIHL FS 38 Used For?

The STIHL FS 38 is intended for routine domestic grass trimming rather than heavy vegetation clearance. It is particularly suitable for:

• Trimming lawn edges and borders
• Cutting grass beside paths, steps and walls
• Working underneath trees and shrubs
• Trimming around garden furniture and other obstacles
• Maintaining areas that a lawn mower cannot easily reach

For thick weeds, dense overgrowth or regular brushcutting, consider a more powerful model such as the STIHL FS 55 R petrol brushcutter.

Why Choose the STIHL FS 38?

Lightweight and Easy to Control

The FS 38 is the lightest petrol grass trimmer in STIHL’s current range. Its low weight makes it easier to carry and manoeuvre than larger petrol brushcutters, particularly during short, regular garden-maintenance jobs.

Loop Handle for Confined Areas

The adjustable loop handle gives the operator good control when working in narrow or awkward spaces. This is especially useful when trimming between shrubs, alongside walls or around established plants.

STIHL 2-MIX Petrol Engine

The 27.2cc STIHL 2-MIX engine provides dependable petrol performance without a cable or battery runtime limit. The machine is designed for light domestic grass trimming and edging rather than heavy brush clearance.

Manual Fuel Pump

The manual fuel pump moves fuel into the carburettor before starting. This can reduce the number of starting pulls required, particularly when the machine has not been used for a while.

Single-Handed Multi-Function Control

The main operating controls are positioned together on the handle, allowing the machine to be controlled conveniently with either the right or left hand.

AutoCut C 6-2 Mowing Head

The included STIHL AutoCut C 6-2 uses nylon mowing line for cutting grass and tidying lawn edges. Replacement line can be inserted into the head without dismantling it.

The FS 38 can also accept a compatible STIHL PolyCut head for selected thinning and larger-weed applications. Always fit only cutting attachments approved for the machine.

STIHL FS 38 Technical Specifications

Weight is stated without fuel, cutting attachment and protection. Product specifications should be checked against the supplied machine and manufacturer documentation.

STIHL FS 38 vs STIHL FS 40

The FS 38 and FS 40 are both lightweight petrol grass trimmers intended for domestic garden maintenance. Their cutting performance is broadly similar, but the machines differ in their design and starting arrangement.

• Choose the FS 38 if you want STIHL’s lightest petrol grass trimmer for lawn edging and simple trimming work.
• Choose the FS 40 if you prefer its alternative design and simplified starting procedure.

See the STIHL FS 40 petrol strimmer or compare more models in our STIHL strimmer buying guide.

Is the STIHL FS 38 Right for You?

The FS 38 is a good choice if:

• You have a small domestic garden
• You mainly need to trim lawn edges and light grass
• You want unrestricted petrol operation
• You prefer a lightweight machine
• You regularly work around borders, trees and obstacles

 

Choose a larger brushcutter if:

• You need to clear thick weeds or brambles
• You are cutting extensive areas of long grass
• You require a metal cutting blade
• The machine will be used professionally or for prolonged periods

 

Fuel and Maintenance

The STIHL FS 38 has a two-stroke petrol engine and must be operated with the correct fuel and two-stroke oil mixture. Follow the supplied instruction manual and the fuel recommendations printed for your machine.

For convenient, ethanol-free premixed fuel, see our range of Aspen fuel. You can also browse our two-stroke oils and machinery fuels.

Routine maintenance includes checking the air filter, spark plug, mowing line, cutting head and guard. Masseys also provides garden machinery servicing and repairs.

Why Buy Your STIHL FS 38 from Masseys?

Masseys is an authorised STIHL dealer with an experienced garden machinery team based in Woodville, Swadlincote.

Before your machine is supplied, our team can:

• Assemble the STIHL FS 38
• Complete a pre-delivery inspection
• Check its controls and cutting head
• Explain the correct starting procedure
• Provide operating and maintenance guidance
• Offer ongoing servicing and aftercare

This gives you the reassurance that the machine has been checked and that advice is available if you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the STIHL FS 38 suitable for a small garden?

Yes. The FS 38 is designed for light domestic grass trimming, lawn edging and tidying areas that cannot be reached easily with a lawn mower. Its low weight and loop handle make it particularly suitable for small gardens and confined spaces.

What cutting head comes with the STIHL FS 38?

The current UK STIHL FS 38 is supplied with an AutoCut C 6-2 mowing head. It uses nylon mowing line for cutting grass and tidying lawn edges.

Can the STIHL FS 38 cut weeds?

It can trim light weeds and normal garden grass. It is not intended for dense vegetation, woody growth or heavy brush clearance. A more powerful STIHL brushcutter is more suitable for those jobs.

Is the STIHL FS 38 a brushcutter or a strimmer?

The FS 38 is best described as a lightweight petrol grass trimmer or strimmer. It is designed primarily for nylon-line trimming rather than the heavy-duty blade work associated with larger brushcutters.

Does the STIHL FS 38 need mixed fuel?

Yes. It uses a two-stroke petrol engine and must be operated with the correct petrol and two-stroke oil mixture or a compatible premixed fuel. Follow the supplied STIHL instruction manual.

What is the difference between the STIHL FS 38 and FS 40?

Both are lightweight domestic petrol grass trimmers with similar intended applications. The FS 38 is STIHL’s lightest petrol grass trimmer, while the FS 40 uses a different design and starting arrangement.

Buy the STIHL FS 38 Petrol Strimmer from Masseys

The STIHL FS 38 is a dependable choice for homeowners who need a lightweight petrol strimmer for lawn edges, borders and everyday grass trimming.

Order online, visit our Swadlincote garden machinery department, or contact the Masseys team for advice on choosing the right STIHL strimmer for your garden.