Description
STIHL FS 55 R Petrol Brushcutter with Loop Handle
The STIHL FS 55 R is a lightweight petrol brushcutter designed for mowing larger areas of grass and trimming neatly around trees, shrubs, borders, fences and other obstacles. Its compact loop handle provides excellent manoeuvrability in restricted areas, while the 27.2cc STIHL 2-MIX engine delivers dependable power for regular domestic garden maintenance.
The FS 55 R is supplied with an AutoCut C 26-2 mowing head and a single shoulder harness. The nylon line is advanced by tapping the mowing head lightly on the ground while it is rotating, making it easy to continue working without repeatedly stopping to adjust the line.
Browse our complete range of STIHL strimmers and brushcutters, or compare all of our petrol strimmers and brushcutters.
Why Choose the STIHL FS 55 R?
- Lightweight handling: The machine weighs 4.4 kg without fuel, cutting tool or guard, making it manageable for regular garden work.
- Loop handle control: The R-version loop handle makes it easier to work around obstacles and in narrow or uneven areas.
- 27.2cc STIHL 2-MIX engine: Produces 0.80 kW of power for dependable grass mowing and general vegetation maintenance.
- AutoCut C 26-2 head: A practical tap-and-go nylon-line mowing head is included as standard.
- Multi-function control handle: The principal engine controls are positioned conveniently on the operating handle.
- Manual fuel pump: Helps reduce the number of starter pulls required after the machine has been unused.
- Shoulder harness included: Helps support the machine during longer working sessions.
- Dealer preparation: Masseys assembles and carries out a pre-delivery inspection on the machine before handover.
What Is the STIHL FS 55 R Best Used For?
The FS 55 R is a strong choice for homeowners and ambitious gardeners who need more freedom and sustained cutting performance than a corded grass trimmer can provide.
It is particularly well suited to:
- Mowing grass across larger garden areas
- Cutting longer grass and general garden growth
- Trimming around trees, shrubs and planting
- Working beside fences, walls and garden furniture
- Tidying lawn edges, paths and driveways
- Maintaining areas where a bike-handle brushcutter would be difficult to manoeuvre
For persistent brambles, very dense scrub or frequent professional clearance work, a more powerful machine and the correct approved cutting attachment may be more appropriate. Our team can help you compare the FS 55 R with the wider STIHL garden machinery range.
Loop Handle for Confined and Obstacle-Rich Areas
The letter R identifies the loop-handle version of the FS 55. This configuration gives the operator more freedom of movement when working between shrubs, around trees, along fence lines or on areas where space is restricted.
A loop handle is generally the better option when precision and manoeuvrability are more important than making repeated wide cutting sweeps across completely open ground.
STIHL 2-MIX Petrol Engine
The 27.2cc STIHL 2-MIX engine produces 0.80 kW or approximately 1.02 HP. It gives the FS 55 R sufficient performance for general domestic mowing while keeping the machine compact and relatively light.
The manual fuel pump can be pressed before starting to deliver fuel to the carburettor. This is particularly useful after the machine has been stored or has not been operated for a while.
What Comes with the STIHL FS 55 R?
- STIHL FS 55 R petrol brushcutter
- AutoCut C 26-2 mowing head
- Single shoulder harness
- Cutting-tool guard
- Operating instructions
Please use suitable eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, robust footwear and appropriate leg covering when operating a petrol brushcutter. Always inspect the working area for stones, wire, wildlife and other hazards before starting.
STIHL FS 55 R vs FS 56 RC-E
| Model | Power | Weight | Starting system | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STIHL FS 55 R | 0.80 kW | 4.4 kg | Standard recoil start with manual fuel pump | Lightweight domestic mowing and precise work around obstacles |
| STIHL FS 56 RC-E | 0.85 kW | 4.8 kg | STIHL ErgoStart | Users wanting slightly more power and a lower-effort starting system |
Choose the FS 55 R when low weight, straightforward operation and value are the priorities. Consider the FS 56 RC-E when easier starting and a modest increase in power justify the step up.
For more demanding mowing over open areas, also consider the STIHL FS 70 C-E brushcutter.
STIHL FS 55 R Technical Specifications
| Model | STIHL FS 55 R |
|---|---|
| STIHL part number | 41402000526 |
| GTIN / EAN | 0886661918546 |
| Engine | STIHL 2-MIX two-stroke petrol engine |
| Displacement | 27.2 cm³ |
| Power output | 0.80 kW / 1.02 HP |
| Machine weight | 4.4 kg without fuel, cutting tool or protection |
| Handle | Loop handle |
| Standard cutting attachment | AutoCut C 26-2 mowing head |
| Harness | Single shoulder harness included |
| CO₂ emissions | 857 g/kWh |
| Primary applications | Grass mowing, longer grass, garden edges and work around obstacles |
Specifications refer to the current UK model and may be updated by the manufacturer. Product appearance can also vary slightly from catalogue photography.
Fuel and Routine Maintenance
The FS 55 R uses a two-stroke petrol and engine-oil mixture. Follow the mixing ratio and fuel guidance in the STIHL instruction manual. When suitable STIHL two-stroke oil is used, the normal mix is 50 parts petrol to one part oil.
Fresh, correctly mixed fuel is important for starting performance and engine reliability. See our range of two-stroke oil and garden machinery fuel products. Customers seeking a convenient premixed option can also read about Aspen alkylate fuel at Masseys.
Routine maintenance should include checking the air filter, spark plug, cutting head, guard and mowing line in accordance with the instruction manual.
Domestic Warranty
The STIHL FS 55 R normally includes a two-year domestic warranty when purchased from an approved dealer, subject to STIHL’s current warranty conditions.
STIHL may extend the domestic warranty from two to three years when the machine is purchased with five litres of STIHL MotoMix and registered by the STIHL Approved Dealer at the point of purchase. Please confirm the current promotion and eligibility with Masseys when ordering.
Why Buy Your STIHL FS 55 R from Masseys?
- STIHL Approved Dealer: Genuine UK products with manufacturer-backed support.
- Assembly and PDI: The machine is assembled and inspected before handover.
- Operating guidance: We can explain the controls, starting procedure, fuel requirements and basic maintenance.
- Product knowledge: Our team can help you decide whether the FS 55 R, FS 56 RC-E or a larger brushcutter is best for your ground conditions.
- Workshop support: Long-term maintenance and repairs are available through our garden machinery servicing and repair workshop.
- Established local retailer: Visit Masseys DIY in Woodville, Swadlincote for practical advice and aftercare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the STIHL FS 55 R a strimmer or a brushcutter?
STIHL classifies the FS 55 R as a petrol brushcutter. Because it is supplied with an AutoCut nylon-line mowing head, many UK customers also describe it as a petrol strimmer. Both terms are commonly used for this model.
What does the R mean on the STIHL FS 55 R?
The R identifies the loop-handle version. The loop handle gives the operator greater manoeuvrability when cutting around obstacles or working in confined areas.
What is the difference between the STIHL FS 55 and FS 55 R?
The principal difference is the handle configuration. The FS 55 uses a bike-style handle suited to broader sweeping movements, while the FS 55 R uses a loop handle for greater control around obstacles and in tighter areas.
Is the STIHL FS 55 R suitable for a large garden?
Yes. STIHL positions the FS 55 R for working on larger areas of grass as well as around obstacles. It is particularly useful where a garden combines open grass with trees, shrubs, borders or narrow access points.
How much does the STIHL FS 55 R weigh?
The current machine weighs 4.4 kg without fuel, cutting tool or protection.
What cutting head is supplied?
The FS 55 R is supplied with the STIHL AutoCut C 26-2 mowing head. The nylon line can be advanced by tapping the head on the ground while it is rotating.
Does the STIHL FS 55 R come with a harness?
Yes. A single shoulder harness is supplied as standard.
Is the STIHL FS 55 R easy to start?
It uses a conventional recoil starter and includes a manual fuel pump to help reduce the number of starting pulls. Customers who specifically want STIHL ErgoStart should compare it with the FS 56 RC-E.
What fuel does the STIHL FS 55 R use?
It uses a suitable petrol and two-stroke engine-oil mixture prepared in accordance with the STIHL instruction manual. A suitable premixed alkylate fuel may also be used where approved.
Buy the STIHL FS 55 R from Masseys
Order the STIHL FS 55 R petrol brushcutter from Masseys for a lightweight, manoeuvrable machine backed by authorised-dealer preparation, practical operating guidance and long-term workshop support.
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