This lightweight bent-shaft grass trimmer from Stihl is supplied with a bump-feed line-head, with power coming from a 27.2cc two-stroke petrol engine producing a substantial 1hp. A electronic ignition will assist starting; while a 0.34-litre fuel-tank keeps you running for longer. When the going gets tough, this trimmer will also accept a triple-blade PolyCut mowing-head. Weighs just 4.4kg.

Offering the same performance as the FS50, Stihl supply the FS50 C-E grass trimmer with ErgoStart technology, whereby an additional spring located between the crankshaft and the rope-rotor makes starting of the 27.2cc 2-stroke petrol engine feel light and easy. Supplied with a bump-feed line-head, but also able to accept a triple blade PolyCut mowing head for thicker growth, the FS50 C-E is ideal for tidying up larger gardens. Weight: 4.5kg.

The Stihl FS55 R brush cutter gives you the same beefy, 1hp performance as the standard FS55, but has been equipped with a 'loop' handle. Supplied with a bump-feed nylon head only, this bruschcutter is best suited for use in more confined work-areas. Weight 4.9kg.

If your garden requires a lot of tidying up, you may need a more robust brushcutter for particularly dense areas of growth - the Stihl FS55 is the right choice for this application. In addition to the bump-feed nylon line-head, the double handles on this brushcutter facilitate a comfortable lateral sweeping motion for faster clearance work over larger areas. A multi-function grip puts all the operating controls in one hand; while a 27.2cc two-stroke petrol engine provides ample power (1.0hp). Weighs just 5.1kg.

With a specification identical to that of the Stihl FS56 R, but with the addition of ErgoStart technology for easy starts every time, this compact and lightweight brushcutter is ideal for use in tight spaces where optimum control is required. Weighs only 4.8kg.