Stihl Trimmer Weight By Model: Complete List - Battery & Gas (2024)

Stihl products are some of the most recognized and reliable lawn care products on the market, trusted by homeowners and professionals alike. But is the weight of one of these weed eaters too much to warrant its use by the casual weekend user? Let’s find out!

How much does a Stihl Weed Eater weigh? The lightest Stihl trimmer is the battery-powered FSA 45 that weighs 5.1 lbs. The heaviest model is the Professional Series FS 311 weighing in at 15.9 lbs. The average weight of Stihl gas-powered trimmers for homeowners is 10 lbs.

Stihl weed eaters (technically trimmers but in the south we refer to all trimmers as “weed eaters”) offer a unique balance between practicality, comfort, and efficiency.

The company designs state-of-the-art string trimmers with the needs of the user in mind. You can find the ideal trimmer for you in their range of products. But if you aren’t yet committed to buying a Stihl, be sure to read my comparison of Stihl vs. ECHO.

Now, let’s get to the details on this but be sure to watch the video at the end of this article on how to choose the right Stihl trimmer for you.

Stihl Trimmers By Weight

Battery Models

Gas Trimmers (Homeowner Series)

Gas Trimmers (Professional Series)

Source: Stihl USA

As you can see, weight varies significantly depending on the model and power source.

If you are looking for a weed eater, few brands on the market can compare with the high-efficiency products created by Stihl. The company’s range includes hedge trimmers, brush cutters, leaf blowers, and chain saws, making it a giant in the field of 2-stroke outdoor handheld equipment.

They also make an all-in-one multi-attachment yard tool called the Stihl KombiSystem. It’s been my tool of choice for several years when combating weeds and high grass. Click here to read my complete review.

You can also check out our head-to-head comparison of multi-attachment yard tools from Stihl, ECHO, EGO, and Maruyama.

Sthil has designed their products to be highly functional and maneuverable. Thanks to the ergonomic design, Stihl weed eaters are reasonably lightweight and compare respectably to their competitors.

A basic, entry-level gas trimmer from Stihl like the FS 38 is just over 9 lbs.

If you are looking at landscaping as a side job and you need to optimize your performances, you may want to explore the other models offered by the company in their Professional Series.

While unique, each product manufactured by Stihl is easy to use, highly efficient, and adaptable to any need. Yet, their product line includes a ridiculously large list of string trimmer models and, if you are not an expert in the field, it can be challenging to pick one that fits your needs.

Types Of Weed Trimmers

String trimmers, aka weed eaters, have come a long way since they were first introduced in 1972. Today you can purchase one that is electric, gas-fuelled, battery-powered, straight, or curved.

Here are the factors that can affect the weight of your weed eater.

Battery, Electric, Or Fuel-Powered

Studies have been supporting the argument regarding the high environmental impact of gas-powered weed eaters since 2011. Their construction is more straightforward and they can be more substantial due to the added weight of a full fuel tank.

Yet, while 120V electric-powered yard tools are more sustainable, they are not as efficient to groom large green areas. Who wants to drag an extension cord around their yard.

Alternatively, battery-powered weed eaters are lighter, quieter, and guarantee you all the freedom of movement you need to reach the corners of your lawn.

I have two acres and have been itching to trade by Stihl Kombisystem for one of the new EGO Multi-Head systems (link to Amazon). They are cheaper, lighter, and the reviews on the battery life have been outstanding. But I just haven’t been able to let go off my Stihl… at least not yet.

Be sure to read my overview on Gas vs Electric: 6 Reasons To Use Battery-Powered Yard Tools.

Straight Or Curved Shaft Trimmers

If your lawn is easy to groom and does not include spots that might be challenging to reach, a weed-eater with a curved rod is often the ideal choice. Curved shaft trimmers generally have a better balance to them.

Oppositely, trimmers with a straight shaft are usually heavier and more difficult to maneuver if you are not of a tall or adequately strong built. Yet, straight trimmers are perfect for grooming uneven surfaces and tricker spots in your garden.

I prefer to straight shaft but this is really a personal preference. Just know the straight shaft models can be a little heavier. Be sure to watch the video later in this article. It covers choosing a curved or straight shaft trimmer with some pretty good guidelines.

Power And Engine Displacement Capacity

The engine’s displacement capacity is a loose indicator of a gas engine’s power and, therefore, the efficiency of your weed eater. To express such a measurement, manufacturers use “cc” (Cubic Centimeters) or cm³.

The higher the engine’s capacity is, the more powerful the weed eater will be.

Often the weight and price of the trimmer are related to this measure. For example, a Stihl weed eater’s engine of 27.2 cm³ will weigh between 8 and 9 lbs. A model with a much higher displacement will weigh heavier.

Battery-powered and electrical Stihl weed eaters follow a similar pattern, but you will need to calculate their power in ­kW (kilowatt). Just know that the higher the number, the more power it has. Example 56V is more power than a 40V battery trimmer.

How To Choose A String Trimmer

You really need to take just a few minutes and watch this short buying guide from Stihl. They explain the various uses and how to choose between the curved or straight shaft and even point out their best options for different use cases.

Let’s walk through each of the buying criteria that Stihl outlines in the video.

Materials You’ll Be Trimming

A thick, heavy brush may require a heftier model with a straight shaft if you will be battling it regularly. Grass and thin weeds put less burden on the engine and can be handled with a smaller engine with a curved shaft or even a battery-powered model.

Yard Size

The distances you will need to cover carrying a weed eater will be a weighting factor in your choice. To groom a smaller lawn, a weed eater with an engine displacement capacity of 27cm³ that weighs no more than 9 lbs will be ideal.

There are two sides to this. The larger the engine the faster and more efficiently it will be able to do the job. At the same time, a larger engine means a heavier overall weight. Consider this in your buying decision.

Noise Restrictions

If you live in a suburban area you may be subject to noise level restrictions. This should play into your buying decision. By and large, the majority of small to medium-sized yards can be handled with an electric model.

The other aspect of this is sheer comfort while working. A weed eater puts out a lot of noise when it’s being used. Your family may find it disruptive. If you like to get started on your yard work early Saturday mornings, you may want to factor this in. My wife has me on a 10 am restriction for any small engine use on Saturdays :).

If you do go with a gas model, be sure to wear ear protection. Here are the noise-canceling headphones that I use for all of my outdoor power yard tool work.

There’s one other issue to factor that you should consider also…

Maintenance And Repair

Gas-powered trimmers will need you to either buy or prepare a premixed fuel. They require a little preventative maintenance and occasional repairs due to engine breakdowns. Spark plugs foul, carburetors get clogged, and fuel filters need to be replaced. It’s just part of having a 2-stroke combustion engine yard tool.

So if you are not the mechanical or handy type, a battery-powered trimmer might be a better choice for you.

Best Stihl Trimmer For Home Use

If you have a small yard and need to keep noise to a minimum, the Stihl FSA 57 is a nice mid-tier battery-powered model. Weighing just 7.5 lbs. it is a good choice for those who prefer to avoid the maintenance of a gas engine.

If gas-power is your preference, the FS 40 C-E is probably the best choice for the average homeowner. It’s on the lighter side for the Homeowner Series at 9.9 lbs. with a curved shaft. It’s well balanced and will handle anything the average homeowner throws at it.

Best Stihl Trimmer Line (It’s Not Made By Stihl)

Stihl makes a quality line for their string trimmers but if you really want superior performance you will want to try Husqvarna Titanium Force String Trimmer Line (link to Amazon). This commercial-grade line fits standard trimmer heads and is commonly touted as having superior durability.

Watch this YouTube video where an independent reviewer tested several brands including Stihl’s own Premium Line.

Conclusion

On average, standard Stihl weed eaters for homeowners weigh between 8 and 10 lbs. This range includes a range of battery and gas-powered options.

Stihl weed eaters are solid and reliable but if you decide to buy one it is essential to pick the model that will best fit your needs. I recommend you visit a Stihl dealer in your area and get a feel for them before buying.

But before you do, be sure to read our comparison of Stihl products against one of their most compelling competitors: