Which mowing line is best for my STIHL brushcutter?

The mowing line that is most suitable for your STIHL brushcutter depends on the model, mowing head used and purpose. Mowing lines with a diameter of 2.4 millimetres are suitable for the Trimcut C 32‑2 and Autocut C 6‑2 mowing heads, for example. Read our guide to find out which mowing line is right for your needs . Otherwise, your STIHL dealer will be happy to advise you on suitable mowing lines and can also install the right mowing head directly if you wish.

Which blade do I need for a brushcutter?

The blade you need for your brushcutter depends on the application. The ShredCut shredder blade is ideal for pruning and shredding tough scrub. On the other hand, the GrassCut steel grass cutting blade is perfect for mowing strong, dry grass and reeds. Check out our technology guide to find out which mower blade is right for your needs.

Mowing correctly with a brushcutter: How to cut long grass the right way

For successful mowing with a brushcutter, the right technique is just as important as the correct position of the blade. Learn how to cut long grass with ease with our useful tips.

23.01.2025

Overview: How to mow correctly with a brushcutter

Wear personal protective equipment in accordance with the operating instructions for your device
Mowing correctly with the brushcutter held in the right position
Mowing movement mainly from right to left, mowing in two directions if the grass is very long
Mowing larger areas using the quadrant method
The strip method is suitable for mowing on slopes
If there are obstacles, trim around them before mowing the grass.

Safety first: PPE

Working with high-performance power tools is fun and allows you to broaden your skills, which is great if you can rely on effective and safe protective clothing. Always wear your personal protective equipment when working with a brushcutter. This includes, for example, safety glasses, face protection, safety boots and more. Find out more in the owners manuals for your products. Before using your power tool for the first time, you should familiarise yourself with it fully and ensure that it is in flawless condition before each use. On request, your STIHL dealer will be happy to prepare your power tool for its first job, and will also advise you on models and sizes of protective clothing that you can try on at your leisure. Please remember that personal protective equipment is no substitute for working safely.

A woman wearing safety glasses using a FS 240 brushcutter on a harness

The basics: Holding your brushcutter correctly

Before you can start mowing long grass properly, there are still a few preparations to be made. You should always ensure that you are holding the brushcutter correctly. For effortless and pleasant work, it is essential that the shoulder harness is positioned perfectly – because this is the only way to ensure that the brushcutter is well balanced.Keep reading to find out what else you should pay attention to when using a brushcutter.

A woman mowing long grass on the edge of a property with a STIHL FSA 57 cordless brushcutter

The right technique: using your brushcutter correctly

When you use it correctly, you can achieve amazing results with your STIHL brushcutter. Even if this is the first time you have ever held a brushcutter, you will quickly master the right mowing technique. Simply swing the device in a semicircle from right to left, moving gradually forward. One advantage of this method is that the cuttings fall onto the surface you have already mown.

A woman mowing long grass beside a lake with a STIHL FS 240 brushcutter and face protection

Basic technique: How to cut long grass

For very long grass or tough weeds, we recommend mowing in two directions. First cut the top part of the growth by moving the power tool to the right, then cut the bottom part by moving it (to the left). The cuttings will fall on the left.

A person mowing a large, level area with a STIHL FS 230 brushcutter

Large, flat areas – the right turn

Our tip: The best way to mow larger areas is to use the quadrant, or squares method. This technique is particularly advisable if you want to mow very large gardens or meadows. The area to be mowed is divided up so that you always work along the outer sides towards the middle.

PRACTICAL ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR WORK WITH THE BRUSHCUTTER

Person mowing along a slope with a STIHL FS 240 brushcutter

Across a slope – strip by strip

The strip method can help you progress effectively, especially on slopes. Mow a strip straight across the slope and then walk back along the track you have just cut. Now cut the next strip above it. With this method too, the cuttings always land on the area that has already been mown.

Person mowing around a tree with a STIHL FS 240 brushcutter

Dealing with obstacles: mowing around objects with a brushcutter

It is best to use a mowing line for mowing close to trees or bushes without damaging branches or trunks. If there are several plants at short intervals, it is a good idea to mow an outline around these before mowing. To do this, use the guard of your brushcutter to help you. You should always guide it directly along the stem of the bush and thus move around it.