STIHL FS 55 petrol brushcutter for larger gardens
The STIHL FS 55 is a lightweight petrol brushcutter with an ergonomic bike handle, making it particularly well suited to mowing larger areas of grass, tidying rough garden edges and cutting vegetation that is too demanding for a basic electric strimmer.
Its bike-handle design allows a comfortable side-to-side sweeping action across open areas. The STIHL 2-MIX petrol engine provides cordless working freedom, while the supplied AutoCut C 26-2 mowing head makes routine grass trimming straightforward.
Best for: homeowners with medium to large gardens, longer grass, open banks, verges and rough edges that need more capability than a lightweight domestic strimmer.
Why choose the STIHL FS 55?
- Bike-handle control: designed for a balanced, sweeping cutting action across larger open areas.
- Petrol-powered freedom: work away from sockets, extension leads and battery charging points.
- STIHL 2-MIX engine: dependable two-stroke performance for regular domestic grass cutting.
- AutoCut C 26-2 mowing head: a practical line head for grass, lawn edges and general garden maintenance.
- Shoulder harness included: helps distribute the machine’s weight while working.
- Alternative cutting tools available: a compatible metal grass-cutting blade can be fitted with the correct guard and attachment components.
- Prepared by Masseys: the machine is assembled, PDI checked and explained before it leaves us.
What Masseys think
At Masseys, we think the FS 55 is a very sensible choice for customers with larger gardens who want the freedom of petrol power without moving up to a heavier professional brushcutter. The bike handle makes it particularly comfortable for sweeping across open areas of grass. For regular trimming around trees, furniture and other obstacles, we would normally direct customers towards the STIHL FS 55 R loop-handle model. For tougher vegetation or more frequent clearing work, the STIHL FS 70 C-E is the more suitable step up. As with every machine we sell, we assemble and PDI-check the FS 55 and explain the controls before collection or delivery.
Key features
Ergonomic bike handle
The bike handle gives the operator a stable working position and is particularly useful when cutting wider, open areas. It supports a smooth sweeping movement and can be adjusted to suit the operator.
STIHL 2-MIX petrol engine
The STIHL 2-MIX engine gives the FS 55 the flexibility to work throughout the garden without a power cable. It is suitable for regular domestic maintenance, longer grass and rougher edges where a basic lawn trimmer may struggle.
AutoCut C 26-2 mowing head
The supplied AutoCut C 26-2 is a dual-line mowing head intended for cutting grass and tidying lawn edges. The cutting line can be advanced by tapping the mowing head on the ground while it is rotating.
Multi-function control handle
The important engine and throttle controls are positioned on the handle so the machine can be operated without repeatedly moving your hand away from the working controls.
Shoulder harness
A shoulder harness is included to support the machine and help distribute its weight during longer cutting sessions. Correct harness adjustment also helps maintain an efficient and comfortable cutting position.
Technical specifications
| Model | STIHL FS 55 |
|---|---|
| Machine type | Petrol brushcutter |
| Engine | STIHL 2-MIX two-stroke petrol engine |
| Displacement | 27.2 cm³ |
| Handle type | Ergonomic bike handle |
| Standard cutting tool | STIHL AutoCut C 26-2 mowing head |
| Cutting diameter | 420 mm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 0.33 litres |
| Harness | Single shoulder harness |
| CO₂ emissions | 857 g/kWh |
Specifications should be checked against the product supplied, as manufacturers may update individual components or specifications without notice.
What is included?
- STIHL FS 55 petrol brushcutter
- STIHL AutoCut C 26-2 mowing head
- Single shoulder harness
- Basic tool kit supplied by the manufacturer
- Masseys assembly and pre-delivery inspection
- Product control and starting explanation
STIHL FS 55 vs FS 55 R and FS 70 C-E
| Model | Handle | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| STIHL FS 55 | Bike handle | Open areas, longer grass and sweeping across wider sections of garden |
| STIHL FS 55 R | Loop handle | Working around trees, borders, furniture and confined spaces |
| STIHL FS 70 C-E | Bike handle | Tougher vegetation, more frequent use and demanding domestic clearing |
For more help comparing the range, read our STIHL strimmer and brushcutter buying guide.
Is the STIHL FS 55 right for you?
The FS 55 is a strong choice when you need to:
- Cut larger areas of grass that are awkward to reach with a mower.
- Maintain banks, verges and rough lawn edges.
- Work across open areas using a comfortable sweeping action.
- Use a petrol machine without relying on cables or battery charging.
- Move beyond a basic domestic strimmer without buying a heavy professional machine.
A different model may be more suitable when:
- You mainly work around obstacles and need the manoeuvrability of a loop handle — consider the STIHL FS 55 R.
- You regularly clear dense weeds, heavy growth or larger areas — consider the STIHL FS 70 C-E.
- You only trim a small lawn edge occasionally — browse our full range of strimmers and brushcutters for lighter alternatives.
Fuel, maintenance and after-sales support
The FS 55 is a two-stroke petrol machine and must be operated with the correct fuel and lubrication. We can advise on suitable products from our oil and fuel range, including ready-mixed Aspen alkylate fuel.
Routine care should include checking the cutting attachment, guard, line head, air filter and spark plug in accordance with the STIHL instruction manual. Masseys also provides garden machinery servicing and repairs through our workshop.
For advice before ordering, contact Masseys and speak to a member of our garden machinery team.
Frequently asked questions
What is the STIHL FS 55 best used for?
The STIHL FS 55 is best used for mowing longer grass, clearing rough garden edges and maintaining wider open areas where its bike handle allows a comfortable side-to-side cutting action.
What is the difference between the STIHL FS 55 and FS 55 R?
The FS 55 has a bike handle designed for sweeping across open areas. The FS 55 R has a loop handle, making it easier to manoeuvre around trees, borders, furniture and other obstacles.
Which mowing head is supplied with the FS 55?
The STIHL FS 55 is supplied with an AutoCut C 26-2 dual-line mowing head for cutting grass and tidying lawn edges.
Can the STIHL FS 55 use a metal blade?
Yes. The FS 55 can use a compatible metal grass-cutting blade when the correct guard, fittings and approved attachment are installed. Ask Masseys to confirm the correct components before fitting a different cutting tool.
Is the FS 55 suitable for a first petrol brushcutter?
Yes. It is a practical first petrol brushcutter for customers who need more capability than a basic strimmer. Masseys assemble and PDI-check the machine and explain its starting and operating controls before it leaves us.
Does Masseys assemble the STIHL FS 55?
Yes. Masseys assemble and inspect the machine before collection or delivery. We also explain the basic controls and safe starting procedure so that you understand how to operate it correctly.
Buy the STIHL FS 55 from Masseys
Order the STIHL FS 55 petrol brushcutter online or speak to our garden machinery team for advice. You can also browse our complete ranges of STIHL strimmers and brushcutters and petrol strimmers.







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