Description
Professional cordless cutting with precise loop-handle control
The STIHL FSA 120 R Cordless Brushcutter is a powerful 36 V machine for professional gardeners, landscapers, grounds-maintenance teams and demanding homeowners. Part of the professional STIHL AP System, it combines a 0.8 kW brushless EC motor with an adjustable loop handle, two power levels and the STIHL AutoCut 27-2 mowing head.
The loop-handle design makes the FSA 120 R particularly easy to manoeuvre around trees, borders, street furniture, banks and other obstacles. It is also quieter and requires less routine maintenance than a petrol brushcutter, making it a practical choice for residential areas, schools, hospitals, estates and other noise-sensitive locations.
Please note: this is a tool-only machine. A compatible STIHL AP battery and charger are required and are sold separately.
STIHL FSA 120 R at a glance
- Best for: professional grass cutting, edges, banks, obstacles and tougher growth
- Battery system: STIHL AP System, 36 V
- Power: 0.8 kW
- Recommended battery: STIHL AP 300 S
- Standard cutting attachment: AutoCut 27-2 mowing head with 2.4 mm line
- Handle: tool-free adjustable loop handle with barrier bar
- Power control: two selectable power levels with variable-speed trigger
- Weather protection: IPX4 rated
- Supplied with: AutoCut 27-2 mowing head and basic shoulder harness
- Battery and charger: not included
Why choose the FSA 120 R?
Loop handle for confined and awkward areas
The R version uses a loop handle rather than a bike handle. This gives the operator greater freedom when working around trees, posts, borders and other obstacles. It is also well suited to slopes and uneven ground where accurate positioning is more important than a wide sweeping action.
The handle can be adjusted without tools, helping different operators find a comfortable working position quickly. Its barrier bar helps maintain separation between the operator and the cutting attachment.
Two power levels for performance or runtime
Power level 1 reduces the maximum speed for routine trimming and more efficient battery use. Power level 2 provides full performance for denser grass, weeds and more demanding clearing work.
The variable-speed trigger provides additional control within each level, allowing the operator to reduce speed near delicate borders, gravel and obstacles rather than running continuously at maximum output.
Automatic cutting-tool recognition
The brushcutter can recognise the fitted cutting attachment and adjust its operating speed to suit the application. This helps provide suitable performance when changing between approved STIHL mowing heads and cutting tools.
Professional STIHL AP System power
The FSA 120 R uses the same professional battery platform as a wide range of STIHL chainsaws, hedge trimmers, blowers and Kombi engines. Existing AP System users can therefore share compatible batteries and chargers across multiple tools.
Explore the full STIHL AP System range at Masseys or read our guide to the professional STIHL AP battery platform.
Battery choice and expected runtime
STIHL recommends the STIHL AP 300 S battery for the FSA 120 R. With the standard nylon mowing head, its approximate working time is:
- AP 300 S: approximately 30–50 minutes
- AP 500 S: approximately 35–60 minutes
The longer figure represents lighter work or the lower power setting. Actual runtime varies with the vegetation, cutting attachment, technique, power setting, temperature and battery condition.
For most users, the AP 300 S offers the best balance of weight, runtime and purchase cost. The AP 500 S is better suited to contractors who prioritise maximum working time between battery changes. Pair your battery with a suitable model from our STIHL battery charger range.
What Masseys think
At Masseys, we think the FSA 120 R occupies a useful middle position in STIHL’s professional cordless range. It offers noticeably more capability than a lightweight grass trimmer, while retaining the control and manoeuvrability needed for work around trees, banks, borders and street furniture.
We would choose the FSA 120 R over the bike-handle FSA 120 where the work involves frequent obstacles, slopes or detailed trimming. For wide, open areas where a sweeping mowing action is more efficient, the bike-handle model remains the better choice. The FSA 120 R is also a sensible step up from the FSA 110 R without moving to the additional cost and output of the FSA 200 R.
For the majority of professional and large-garden users, our preferred combination would be the FSA 120 R with an AP 300 S battery. Contractors working for longer periods between charges may prefer the AP 500 S.
Who is the STIHL FSA 120 R suitable for?
- Professional gardeners and landscape contractors
- Grounds-maintenance and estate teams
- Schools, hospitals and housing developments
- Local authorities and facilities-management teams
- Owners of larger gardens, orchards and paddocks
- Existing STIHL AP System users wanting a professional brushcutter
For light domestic lawn edging, a smaller cordless strimmer may be more economical. Browse all cordless strimmers and brushcutters or view the complete STIHL strimmer and brushcutter range.
Technical specifications
| Model | STIHL FSA 120 R |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer part number | FA082000005 |
| Battery system | STIHL AP System |
| Rated voltage | 36 V |
| Power | 0.8 kW |
| Recommended battery | AP 300 S |
| Standard cutting attachment | AutoCut 27-2 mowing head |
| Cutting line | 2.4 mm |
| Maximum cutting circle | Approximately 380 mm |
| Handle | Adjustable loop handle with barrier bar |
| Power settings | Two levels with variable-speed trigger |
| Protection rating | IPX4 |
| Battery included | No |
| Charger included | No |
| Included equipment | AutoCut 27-2 mowing head and basic shoulder harness |
Compare STIHL cordless brushcutters
- STIHL FSA 110 R – a lighter and more affordable professional loop-handle model for routine trimming and maintenance.
- STIHL FSA 120 – the bike-handle version, better suited to wide sweeping cuts across open areas.
- STIHL FSA 135 R – a robust professional AP System alternative for intensive use.
- STIHL FSA 200 R – the higher-powered loop-handle option for demanding commercial workloads and heavier growth.
Frequently asked questions
Does the STIHL FSA 120 R include a battery and charger?
No. This version is supplied as a tool-only machine with the AutoCut 27-2 mowing head and a basic shoulder harness. A compatible STIHL AP battery and charger must be purchased separately.
Which battery is recommended for the FSA 120 R?
STIHL recommends the AP 300 S. It provides a good balance of runtime, weight and cost for regular professional use. The AP 500 S is suitable when longer working time is the priority.
How long does the FSA 120 R run with an AP 300 S?
With the nylon mowing head, the approximate working time is 30–50 minutes. Runtime depends on the selected power level, vegetation, technique, attachment and battery condition.
What is the difference between the FSA 120 and FSA 120 R?
The FSA 120 has a bike handle for broad sweeping cuts across open ground. The FSA 120 R has a loop handle, which provides greater manoeuvrability around trees, borders, banks and other obstacles.
Can the FSA 120 R use a metal blade?
The machine is compatible with selected STIHL cutting tools, including approved GrassCut attachments. The correct guard, fittings and personal protective equipment must be used. Contact Masseys before changing attachments if you are unsure which components are required.
Can the FSA 120 R be used in the rain?
The machine has an IPX4 rating and is designed for professional outdoor use in wet weather. It should not be submerged, pressure washed or stored wet.
Why buy from Masseys?
- STIHL authorised dealer
- Genuine UK machines, batteries and accessories
- Expert advice on battery and cutting-tool selection
- In-store comparison with other cordless and petrol models
- Garden-machinery workshop and aftersales support
- Open seven days a week in Swadlincote, Derbyshire
Order the STIHL FSA 120 R online for UK delivery or visit Masseys in Swadlincote to compare it with other professional cordless brushcutters. Our team can also help you select the correct battery, charger, cutting attachment and protective equipment for your work.
For manufacturer information and the latest approved cutting-tool options, visit the official STIHL FSA 120 R product page.
