When it comes to home and commercial-grade power tools and machinery, Husqvarna and STIHL are among the most trusted names. They are especially known for their reliable and top-quality chainsaws, but their range of trimmers exceeds expectations as well. Both Husqvarna and STIHL have numerous trimmer models for professional and recreational home use, thus we narrowed down our list to some of their most popular and versatile gas-powered trimmers: the Husqvarna 128 LD and STIHL FS 56 RC-E.
Husqvarna's best-selling 128LD 17-inch trimmer is a powerful and easy-to-use tool for cutting grass, weeds, and more. Features SmartStart technology and a 28cc 2-cycle engine.
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Husqvarna vs STIHL Trimmers Comparison Chart
| Model | Husqvarna 128 LD 17″ Trimmer | STIHL FS 56 RC-E Trimmer |
|  | |
| Price | Check Price
at Amazon | Check Price
at STIHLusa.com |
| Engine and Displacement | 2-stroke 28cc | 2-stroke 27.2cc |
| Cutting Width | 17″ | 16.5″ |
| Power Source | Gas-Powered | Gas-Powered |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.53 fl oz | 11.5 fl oz |
| Weight (without cutting attachment) | 11.11 lbs | 10.6 lbs |
| 360° Adjustable Handle | No | Yes |
| Starting System | Husqvarna Smart Start | STIHL Easy2Start |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Design and Ease of Use
The Husqvarna and STIHL trimmers are lightweight and easy to start and maneuver
Both the Husqvarna and STIHL trimmers are user-friendly and lightweight enough that they are easy to maneuver. Weighing 11.11 lbs, the Husqvarna trimmer is slightly heavier than the STIHL trimmer that weighs 10.6 lbs without their cutting attachments. Their controls are housed in their handles so you can easily manage the trimmer as needed. The STIHL has a slight edge over the Husqvarna trimmer when considering their handles as the STIHL’s features a 360° front handle adjustment capability.
Size-wise, the Husqvarna 128 LD wins by a slim margin as its fuel tank capacity and cutting width are slightly bigger and wider than the STIHL’s. The Husqvarna trimmer’s cutting width is 17 inches while the STIHL’s is 16.5″. While this may seem like an insignificant difference at a glance, one will set itself apart when cutting the grass and weeds in larger areas. Both their starting mechanisms are also straightforward and almost effortless. It typically takes two to three pulls for Husqvarna’s Smart Start and STIHL’s Easy2Start systems to fire up, and they’ll be running flawlessly afterward.
Engine and Power
The Husqvarna 128 LD has a slightly higher engine displacement than the STIHL FS 56 RC-E trimmers
In terms of power and engine, the Husqvarna and STIHL trimmers are almost on the same level. The Husqvarna 128LD boasts a 2-stroke 28cc engine while the STIHL trimmer is equipped with a 2-stroke 27.2 cc engine. Their output power is almost the same, thus it’s a toss-up between the Husqvarna and STIHL trimmers in this category. Despite their powerful engines, both trimmers do not vibrate aggressively and are quieter than many trimmers in their class.
The STIHL FS 56 RC-E trimmer features an AutoCut cutting head with Easy2Start technology. Its high-performance and efficient engine provides plenty of effortless cutting power.
It is worth mentioning that some users of the Husqvarna trimmer have reported having to adjust the carburetor screws at first. This is not something everyone has experienced, but if you do, the quick carburetor screws adjustment does the trick and you can expect the Husqvarna to run smoothly after.
Additional Features
The 128LD trimmer can be set-up with other compatible Husqvarna attachments; both brands offer a two-year warranty.
If you’re short on space and want to free up some in your garage, the Husqvarna 128LD trimmer is the clear choice for you. Its trimmer head can be detached from its shaft and replaced with other compatible attachments, making it the more versatile trimmer compared to the STIHL FS 56 RC-E. Apart from its space-saving advantage, you’ll end up saving some cash as well as you won’t need to get an entirely different machine to do what other attachments can accomplish.
Among the attachments compatible with the Husqvarna 128LD 17″ trimmer are the following:
- lawn edger attachment: a must-have for creating well-defined lawn edges or flower beds
- cultivator attachment: perfect for tilling flower beds, tree bases, and similar areas
- pole pruner and trimmer saw attachment: for trimming higher areas that are hard to reach
Verdict
Both the Husqvarna and STIHL trimmers won’t disappoint, but the Husqvarna 128LD offers better value and versatility
Husqvarna's best-selling 128LD 17-inch trimmer is a powerful and easy-to-use tool for cutting grass, weeds, and more. Features SmartStart technology and a 28cc 2-cycle engine.
The STIHL FS 56 RC-E trimmer features an AutoCut cutting head with Easy2Start technology. Its high-performance and efficient engine provides plenty of effortless cutting power.
Regardless of your pick, you’ll end up with a reliable, fuel-efficient trimmer that delivers excellent performance to help keep the weeds at bay. They have similar engine power, overall design, ergonomics, and starting features, not to mention they are similarly-priced, too. Having said that, the Husqvarna 128LD’s versatility, slightly bigger fuel tank capacity, and higher engine displacement give it an edge over the STIHL FS 56 RC-E trimmer.
FAQs
Both brands are very good when it comes to trimmers. In our comparison between the Husqvarva 128LD and the STIHL FS 56RC-E, we concluded that the Husqvarna is the better choice.
Yes, they are reliable and durable.
Yes, STIHL trimmers are very efficient and they are reliable as well.
Our pick is the Husqvarna 128LD. It is reliable, fuel efficient and easy to use. It has the power to deal with any trimming jobs that you need to do at home.