STIHL FS 560 C-EM vs Husqvarna 555 RXT - which blade? Brush cutters.

[PuG]

After discussing with the old man we've decided to go with a new brush cutter, looking for opinions. Mostly dealing with brambles, light coppice and general brush along the fence lines. We don't normally suffer from grass. Originally started looking at back packs but ruled them out with people suggesting the strain on the arms by it not being balanced. We then looked at the 460 Stihl and 545 Hasqvarna but only being between 150 - 200 euro's cheaper decided the biggest engine available is better?

Personally we prefer the Husqvarna, apart from anything its over half the vibration rating of the comparable Stihl, slightly cheaper and people claim better air cleaning - but I'm confused on the cutters. Basically the Husqvarna RXT comes with a Multi 350-3 "grass blade" which they state is only for brush and grass (not woody growth) - the Stihl is fitted with a similar blade but in there information is more for brambles and brush/coppice work, and lots of different designs.

Husqvarna seem very conservative on the blades they offer.

Having read up for brambles they then suggest a shredding knife / mulcher is better but requires a different guard? (at least on the Husqvarna). Though the knife its self is cheap relatively speaking (Oregon is only 14 euros) I can't seem to source the alternative guard - and to buy the same model with it pre-fitted its +200 euros. The Stihl doesn't seem to mind, and just change the blade.

STIHL FS 560 C-EM (this one comes with the disc rather than shedder/3 point which is actually offered by the shop)

404 Not found | STIHL

www.stihl.co.uk

Husqvarna 555 RXT

Husqvarna 555RXT Brushcutter

Husqvarna 555RXT is a very powerful brushcutter developed for full time work in tough conditions. The X-Torq® engine provide raw power, rapid acceleration and

www.husqvarna.com

Husqvarna 555 FRM model

Débroussailleuse Husqvarna 555 FRM

Débroussailleuse Husqvarna 555FRM Husqvarna 555FRM est une débroussailleuse très puissant développé pour le paillage dans des conditions extrêmes. Le moteur ...

www.agrigardenstore.com

Do the guards really need to be changed?
Whats a good all round blade?
Any comments on the above machines? are they overkill? should I be looking at the model down which saves a decent amount.


Cheers, James

 

[pycoed]

The Oregon mulching blades are the best thing I've found for brushcutters, three blades with turned down tips. They are miles ahead of the flat cutters or string lines for brambles & up to about 1" saplings. I never use a guard on brushcutters anyway, since it just gets in the way in any rough going

 

[Stock]

Honda bushcutter
know someone with one of these and he swears by it....................................................................................................

 

[Rust]

Honda bushcutter
know someone with one of these and he swears by it....................................................................................................

I used one and swore about it !

 

[FarmerD89]

Use a blade by all means the four toothed one is best for general grass and brambles. The saw tooth ones are a bit different for saplings 18mm+ I’d say we have an fs460 and that’s a brute really can’t see the reason for anything bigger as it doesn’t bog hardly ever and just blasts the work, they’re heavy on fuel though I must say that. Don’t hit anything solid ie steel or stones as those blades can shatter. Don’t be tempted to use the chain flail style as a guy was killed a few years ago and hse outlawed any full stop.
The 560 is a big clearing saw I’d expect the council to use daily. For what the scag mower can go over tenders this fairly obsolete now after I bought that.

 

[PuG]

Thanks for the replies - I ordered a 555FRN last night in the end, 830 euros + TVA from Italy. I'll pick up a few Oregen mulcher blades to go with it. Cheers