Description
Is the STIHL FSA 250 the right clearing saw for you?
The STIHL FSA 250 Cordless Clearing Saw is designed for professional landscapers, grounds-maintenance teams, estates, local authorities and demanding users who regularly need to clear tall grass, thick weeds and scrub.
It combines a powerful 1.6 kW output with the quieter operation and reduced maintenance of the STIHL professional cordless system. STIHL describes its performance as comparable with the petrol STIHL FS 240, making the FSA 250 a serious cordless alternative rather than a lightweight garden strimmer.
The bike-style handle supports a wide, controlled sweeping action across open ground, while three selectable operating speeds let the user balance maximum cutting performance against battery working time.
Best suited to: commercial landscaping, estate maintenance, roadside and verge work, paddocks, orchards, schools, hospitals, housing developments and other areas where professional cutting performance is required with less noise and no exhaust emissions at the machine.
Not designed primarily for: occasional lawn edging or light trimming in a small domestic garden. For those jobs, browse our full range of STIHL strimmers and brushcutters.
Key benefits of the STIHL FSA 250
- Professional 1.6 kW output: built for demanding cutting and clearing work.
- Comparable power to the petrol FS 240: a credible cordless replacement for many professional applications.
- Up to 480 mm cutting circle: covers open areas efficiently when fitted with a suitable cutting attachment.
- Three speed settings: match the machine’s output and battery consumption to the vegetation being cut.
- Ergonomic bike handle: supports a natural sweeping movement when clearing larger areas.
- STIHL anti-vibration system: reduces vibration transmitted to the handles during prolonged use.
- BrushCut 300-3 blade included: suitable for tough, matted grass, coarse weeds and scrub.
- ADVANCE Universal harness included: helps distribute the machine’s weight during longer working sessions.
- Durable professional construction: includes a steel drive shaft, robust aluminium shaft tube and serviceable gearbox.
- IPX4 splash protection: designed for professional outdoor use in changeable working conditions.
- Smart Connector 2 A ready: prepared for integration with STIHL connected fleet and machine management.
What is included with the FSA 250?
- STIHL FSA 250 cordless clearing saw
- STIHL BrushCut 300-3 brush knife
- Appropriate guard for the supplied cutting attachment
- STIHL ADVANCE Universal harness
- Instruction manual
Please note: this is a tool-only machine. A battery and charger must be purchased separately unless you already own compatible batteries from the STIHL AP professional cordless system.
Professional cordless power without petrol
The FSA 250 is aimed at operators who need substantial clearing performance but want to reduce their reliance on petrol machinery. Starting is immediate: insert a charged battery, switch on the machine and select the required power level.
There is no fuel to mix, no pull cord and no exhaust emitted at the point of use. Its comparatively low noise output also makes the FSA 250 particularly useful around schools, hospitals, hotels, residential developments and other noise-sensitive locations.
STIHL Constant Power electronics are designed to maintain consistent machine output as the battery discharges, rather than allowing cutting performance to gradually fall away with the battery charge level.
Three-speed control for different cutting conditions
The operating speed can be adjusted directly from the control handle without changing grip. This allows the operator to select a lower setting for lighter vegetation and improved battery efficiency, or increase the output when tackling dense, wet or resistant growth.
The three settings are particularly useful for professional teams working across mixed sites where grass density and cutting conditions change throughout the day.
Ergonomic bike handle and anti-vibration system
The bike handle is designed for efficient side-to-side cutting across open ground. A folding clamp allows the handle position to be adjusted without tools, helping different operators achieve a balanced and comfortable working position.
The STIHL anti-vibration system reduces the level of vibration transferred to the handles. Combined with the supplied ADVANCE Universal harness, this makes the FSA 250 better suited to prolonged professional clearing work than a basic loop-handle grass trimmer.
BrushCut 300-3 brush knife supplied
The included STIHL BrushCut 300-3 is a three-bladed metal cutting attachment intended for cutting tough grass, dense weeds, nettles and scrub. It gives the FSA 250 the capability needed for areas that would quickly overwhelm a lightweight nylon-line strimmer.
The machine can also be used with a selection of approved STIHL cutting attachments, including compatible AutoCut, TrimCut, DuroCut, PolyCut, GrassCut, WoodCut and shredding tools. The correct guard, thrust plate and attachment hardware must always be fitted for the selected cutting tool.
Which battery should you use with the STIHL FSA 250?
The FSA 250 forms part of the 36 V STIHL AP professional cordless range. STIHL recommends the STIHL AP 500 S battery for this machine because it provides the capacity and power delivery required for intensive cutting work.
The STIHL AP 300 S battery is also compatible and may suit operators who prioritise a lower purchase cost or already have AP 300 S batteries within their existing fleet.
| Battery | Indicative working time with blade | Masseys guidance |
|---|---|---|
| STIHL AP 300 S | Approximately 27–54 minutes | A practical compatible option for shorter jobs or existing AP System users. |
| STIHL AP 500 S | Approximately 32–63 minutes | STIHL’s recommended battery for maximum machine performance and working time. |
Working times are approximate and vary according to the selected speed, cutting attachment, vegetation, technique, temperature and battery condition. Professional operators should consider rotating two or more batteries where uninterrupted working is important.
Pair the battery with a suitable model from our STIHL battery charger range. The AL 501 high-speed charger is especially useful for professional users who need faster battery turnaround.
Built for demanding professional use
The FSA 250 has a durable steel drive shaft and a stable aluminium shaft tube. Its gearbox includes a grease refill point, allowing appropriate maintenance during the machine’s working life.
A removable fine-mesh air filter helps keep cooling air clean and protects the EC motor from excessive dirt build-up. The filter can be removed for cleaning, helping maintain effective cooling during dusty or intensive work.
STIHL connected ready
A STIHL Smart Connector 2 A can be installed in the prepared mounting position on the machine. Once fitted, compatible machine information can be transferred to the STIHL connected system.
This can help contractors, grounds teams and fleet managers monitor machine use, organise maintenance and maintain clearer records across multiple tools.
What can the STIHL FSA 250 cut?
With the correct approved attachment, guard and operating technique, the FSA 250 can be used for:
- Long and overgrown grass
- Dense weeds and nettles
- Tough, matted vegetation
- Light scrub and brambles
- Verge and embankment maintenance
- Orchard, paddock and estate clearance
- Young growth and small woody material with an appropriate approved cutting tool
Why Masseys recommends the STIHL FSA 250
At Masseys, we recommend the FSA 250 to professional users who want to replace a substantial petrol brushcutter without moving down to a lighter-duty machine.
Its 1.6 kW output, bike handle, anti-vibration system and wide range of compatible cutting attachments make it considerably more capable than a general-purpose cordless grass trimmer. It is particularly compelling for contractors who already use STIHL AP batteries across chainsaws, hedge trimmers, blowers and other professional machines.
We also like the ability to select between three operating speeds. It gives operators greater control over battery use while retaining the option of full output for difficult vegetation.
Masseys recommends choosing the FSA 250 when:
- You regularly clear dense grass, weeds or scrub.
- You need a bike-handle machine for efficient work across open areas.
- You want performance comparable with a professional petrol brushcutter.
- You work around schools, hospitals, housing or other noise-sensitive sites.
- You already own STIHL AP batteries and want to expand your cordless fleet.
- You want professional power without fuel mixing, pull starting or engine exhaust.
For help choosing between a grass trimmer, brushcutter and clearing saw, read our STIHL strimmers and brushcutters buying guide.
STIHL FSA 250 technical specifications
| Model | STIHL FSA 250 |
|---|---|
| Machine type | Professional cordless clearing saw |
| Battery system | STIHL AP / ALLPRO System |
| Rated voltage | 36 V |
| Maximum voltage | 40 V |
| Power output | 1.6 kW mechanical comparative output |
| Recommended battery | STIHL AP 500 S |
| Cutting circle | Up to 480 mm with a suitable attachment |
| Standard cutting attachment | STIHL BrushCut 300-3 brush knife |
| Handle type | Adjustable bike handle |
| Speed settings | Three |
| Drive shaft | Steel |
| Shaft tube | Aluminium |
| Weather protection | IPX4 splashwater protection |
| Connectivity | Prepared for STIHL Smart Connector 2 A |
| Harness | STIHL ADVANCE Universal harness included |
| Battery and charger | Not included |
| STIHL part number | FA032000043 |
Why buy the STIHL FSA 250 from Masseys?
- STIHL authorised dealer: genuine STIHL machinery, batteries and accessories with UK warranty support.
- Specialist product advice: help selecting the correct battery, charger and cutting attachments for your work.
- Pre-delivery preparation: garden machinery can be checked and prepared before collection or dispatch where applicable.
- Extensive STIHL range: compare professional cordless and petrol machines through one specialist retailer.
- On-site workshop: access to local garden machinery servicing and repair support.
- Local showroom: visit Masseys in Woodville, Swadlincote, Derbyshire.
Frequently asked questions
Does the STIHL FSA 250 include a battery and charger?
No. The FSA 250 is supplied as a tool-only machine. The BrushCut 300-3 brush knife and ADVANCE Universal harness are included, but the battery and charger must be purchased separately.
Which battery is recommended for the STIHL FSA 250?
STIHL recommends the AP 500 S battery. It provides the capacity and power delivery most suitable for this high-performance professional clearing saw.
Can the FSA 250 use an AP 300 S battery?
Yes. The AP 300 S is compatible. STIHL gives an indicative working time of approximately 27–54 minutes with the blade, depending on operating speed and working conditions.
How long does the STIHL FSA 250 run with an AP 500 S?
STIHL quotes an indicative blade working time of approximately 32–63 minutes. Actual runtime depends on operating speed, vegetation, cutting attachment, temperature, technique and battery condition.
Is the STIHL FSA 250 as powerful as a petrol brushcutter?
STIHL states that the FSA 250 offers power comparable with the petrol STIHL FS 240. This makes it suitable for many demanding professional jobs previously completed using a petrol brushcutter.
Can the FSA 250 use a nylon-line mowing head?
Yes. The FSA 250 can accept several approved STIHL cutting attachments, including compatible line heads. Always use the correct guard and mounting components specified for the chosen attachment.
Can the STIHL FSA 250 cut brambles?
The supplied BrushCut 300-3 blade can tackle tough weeds, coarse vegetation and lighter scrub. For established brambles or woody growth, an alternative approved cutting tool may be more appropriate. Ask Masseys for advice before selecting an attachment.
Can the FSA 250 be used in wet weather?
The machine has IPX4 splashwater protection and is designed for professional outdoor use in changeable weather. It must not be submerged, pressure washed or used contrary to the instructions in the STIHL manual.
Is the FSA 250 suitable for homeowners?
It can be purchased by private users, but it is designed primarily for professional and intensive work. For lawn edges and routine garden trimming, a smaller STIHL cordless strimmer will normally be lighter and more economical.
Does a cordless clearing saw still require maintenance?
Yes. Although there is no petrol engine to service, the cutting attachment, guard, gearbox, air filter, drive components, battery and electrical contacts should still be inspected and maintained as directed in the instruction manual.
Safe operation
Read the supplied instruction manual before using the FSA 250. Wear suitable eye or face protection, hearing protection, gloves, robust footwear and appropriate work clothing. Inspect the area for stones, wire, glass, animals and other hazards before starting.
Always fit the correct guard for the cutting attachment being used. Remove the battery before cleaning, inspecting or changing the blade or mowing head. Check long grass and scrub for hedgehogs, nesting birds and other wildlife before cutting.
