STIHL FSA 120 Cordless Brushcutter – AP System
Price range: £367.38 through £383.05
Product information & specifications
STIHL FSA 120 Cordless Brushcutter – AP System Review
This review explores the STIHL FSA 120 Cordless Brushcutter – AP System in depth, covering who it suits best, its standout features, headline specifications, how it compares with similar options, practical usage tips, and answers to popular questions. It is supplied as a tool-only unit, so you can choose the AP System battery and charger that match your workload.
Who the STIHL FSA 120 Cordless Brushcutter – AP System is for
The FSA 120 is ideal for homeowners with large gardens, estate caretakers, grounds teams, and landscaping professionals who want cordless convenience with serious cutting performance. Its low operating noise is especially well-suited to work in schools, healthcare sites, residential areas, and any noise-sensitive environment. The ergonomic bike handle, harness compatibility, and broad cutting-tool support make it a strong fit for tackling tall grass, weeds, and demanding vegetation over larger areas with confidence and comfort.
Key features
Tool-only flexibility in the AP System: Choose the AP battery and charger that suit your runtime needs and fleet compatibility. The recommended battery is the AP 300 S, and the tool integrates seamlessly within the AP System for shared power across devices.
Quiet, cordless power with constant performance: The battery-powered design delivers low noise and smooth operation. Intelligent electronics provide consistent output throughout the charge, helping you maintain pace and cut quality from start to finish.
Efficient brushless EC motor: A durable, low-maintenance EC motor supports high efficiency and long service life, translating to productive, reliable cutting in tough conditions.
Two-speed control with ECO mode: Switch between two power levels on the control handle. ECO (level 1) helps extend runtime for lighter trimming, while full power (level 2) is ready for thicker, more demanding growth.
Ergonomic bike handle with tool-free adjustment: The bike handle supports a natural sweeping motion for quick progress on large areas. A central clamp lets you set the handle position without tools, and the handle can be rotated 90 degrees for transport and storage.
Comfortable handling and harness support: Soft-grip elements on the control handle enhance grip in varied conditions. The tool accepts a harness to distribute weight effectively, making longer sessions feel light and controlled.
Two supplied configurations: The FSA 120 (part no. FA08-200-0000) comes with a double shoulder harness and GrassCut 230-2 metal blade, while the FSA 120 (part no. FA08-200-0002) includes a basic harness and AutoCut 27-2 mowing head.
Versatile cutting tool compatibility: Beyond the standard attachments, you can fit alternative heads such as TrimCut, DuroCut, and PolyCut to match your task and material.
IPX4 splashwater protection: Designed for daily outdoor use, the tool’s IPX4 rating provides protection against splashing water from all directions.
Connected-ready for smarter fleet management: Compatible with the Smart Connector for integration into the STIHL connected system, which records operating hours and helps track maintenance needs in the app.
STIHL FSA 120 Cordless Brushcutter – AP System specifications
- Battery system: AP
- Rated voltage: 36 V
- Motor power: 0.
80 kW - Recommended battery: AP 300 S
- Device weight (without battery): 4.
5 kg - Cutting circle diameter: 380 mm
- Standard cutting attachment: GrassCut 230-2 blade or AutoCut 27-2 head (depending on kit)
- Device length (without cutting tool): 178 cm
- Sound pressure level: 81 dB(A)
- Sound power level: 94 dB(A)
- Vibration value, left handle: 1.
8 m/s² or 2.
6 m/s² - Vibration value, right handle: 1.
3 m/s² or 2.
3 m/s² - IP rating: IPX4
- Approximate working times with metal blade:
- AP 100: 20–30 min
- AP 200: 40–60 min
- AP 200 S: 40–60 min
- AP 300: 50–80 min
- AP 300 S: 60–110 min
- AP 500 S: 70–130 min
- AR 2000 L: 210–400 min
- AR 3000 L: 280–490 min
STIHL FSA 120 Cordless Brushcutter – AP System vs similar models
FSA 120 configurations vs line-head-focused trimmers: Compared with loop-handled, line-only trimmers in the same battery platform, the FSA 120’s bike handle and compatibility with both metal blades and various mowing heads offer broader task coverage. Choose the GrassCut 230-2 configuration when you want metal blade capability out of the box, or the AutoCut 27-2 configuration if line trimming is your priority and you prefer a lighter harness.
FSA 120 vs lighter-duty AP System options: The FSA 120 emphasizes area capacity, ergonomics for sweeping cuts, and multi-attachment readiness. Lighter-duty models in the platform are great for quick edging and lawn tidy-ups; the FSA 120 excels when you want extended runtime potential and efficiency on larger plots with tougher growth.
FSA 120 with AP batteries vs backpack solutions: The AP 300 S offers an excellent balance of performance and runtime. For extremely long sessions, pairing the tool with higher-capacity backpack batteries in the AP System extends working time dramatically, which benefits professional crews and large properties.
Usage tips
- Set the bike handle using the central clamp so your arms hang naturally; this reduces fatigue and improves cutting accuracy.
- Use ECO mode for edging and thinner grass, then switch to full power for dense areas to optimize battery life and pace.
- Select the attachment to match the task: line heads for grass and lawn work, metal blade for heavier vegetation where appropriate.
- Before trimming, protect local wildlife by checking for nesting birds and small animals hidden in long grass.
- For best line durability, immerse trimmer line in water for 12–24 hours before use to enhance flexibility.
- Keep the air inlets clean and store batteries at moderate temperatures for consistent performance.
- Add a Smart Connector to log operating hours and stay ahead of routine maintenance using the connected app.
- Rotate the bike handle 90 degrees for compact transport and easy storage when the job is done.
Frequently asked questions
Is the STIHL FSA 120 cordless brushcutter supplied with a battery?
No. It is supplied as a tool-only unit without a battery or charger, allowing you to choose the AP System battery that suits your needs.
What is the cutting diameter of the STIHL FSA 120?
The cutting circle diameter is 380 mm.
How long does the STIHL FSA 120 run on an AP 300 S battery?
With a metal blade, the AP 300 S delivers approximately 60–110 minutes of working time.
Does the STIHL FSA 120 have adjustable speed settings?
Yes. It features two power levels on the control handle: ECO for energy-efficient trimming and a full-power mode for thicker growth.
What cutting attachments fit the STIHL FSA 120?
It is compatible with the GrassCut 230-2 blade and AutoCut 27-2 head, and it can also be fitted with TrimCut, DuroCut, and PolyCut mowing heads.
Is the STIHL FSA 120 waterproof?
It carries an IPX4 splashwater rating, providing protection against splashing water from all directions for everyday outdoor use.
What is the weight of the STIHL FSA 120 without the battery?
The device weighs 4.
5 kg without the battery.
Can I use the STIHL FSA 120 in noise-sensitive areas?
Yes. Its battery-powered design produces low noise, making it well-suited to work around homes, schools, and hospitals.
Does the STIHL FSA 120 support fleet connectivity?
Yes. It is compatible with the Smart Connector for integration into the STIHL connected system, which records operating hours and helps schedule maintenance.
| Rated voltage | 36 V |
| Power | 0.80 kW 1) |
| Battery system | AP |
| Recommended battery | AP 300 S |
| Device weight without battery | 4.5 kg 2) |
| Cutting circle diameter | 380 mm |
| Standard cutting attachment | GrassCut 230-2 |
| IPX Rating | IPX4 |
| Min. battery working time AP 100 with metal blade | 20 min 3) |
| Max. battery working time AP 100 with metal blade | 30 min 3) |
| Min. battery working time AP 200 with metal blade | 40 min 3) |
| Max. battery working time AP 200 with metal blade | 60 min 3) |
| Min. battery working time AP 200 S with metal blade | 40 min 3) |
| Max. battery working time AP 200 S with metal blade | 60 min 3) |
| Min. battery working time AP 300 with metal blade | 50 min 3) |
| Max. battery working time AP 300 with metal blade | 80 min 3) |
| Min. battery working time AP 300 S with metal blade | 60 min 3) |
| Max. battery working time AP 300 S with metal blade | 110 min 3) |
| Min. battery working time AP 500 S with metal blade | 70 min 3) |
| Max. battery working time AP 500 S with metal blade | 130 min 3) |
| Min. battery working time AR 2000 L with metal blade | 210 min 3) |
| Max. battery working time AR 2000 L with metal blade | 400 min 3) |
| Min. battery working time AR 3000 L with metal blade | 280 min 3) |
| Max. battery working time AR 3000 L with metal blade | 490 min 3) |
| Device length without cutting tool | 178 cm |
| Sound pressure level | 81 dB(A) 4) |
| Sound power level | 94 dB(A) 4) |
| Vibration value on the left in right-handed operation | 1.8 m/s² 5) |
| Vibration value on the left in right-handed operation | 2.6 m/s² 5) |
| Vibration value on the right in right-handed operation | 2.3 m/s² 5) |
| Vibration value on the right in right-handed operation | 1.3 m/s² 5) |
| Rated voltage | 36 V |
| Power | 0.80 kW 1) |
| Battery system | AP |
| Recommended battery | AP 300 S |
| Device weight without battery | 4.5 kg 2) |
| Cutting circle diameter | 380 mm |
| IPX Rating | IPX4 |
| Min. battery working time AP 100 with metal blade | 20 min 3) |
| Max. battery working time AP 100 with metal blade | 30 min 3) |
| Min. battery working time AP 200 with metal blade | 40 min 3) |
| Max. battery working time AP 200 with metal blade | 60 min 3) |
| Min. battery working time AP 200 S with metal blade | 40 min 3) |
| Max. battery working time AP 200 S with metal blade | 60 min 3) |
| Min. battery working time AP 300 with metal blade | 50 min 3) |
| Max. battery working time AP 300 with metal blade | 80 min 3) |
| Min. battery working time AP 300 S with metal blade | 60 min 3) |
| Max. battery working time AP 300 S with metal blade | 110 min 3) |
| Min. battery working time AP 500 S with metal blade | 70 min 3) |
| Max. battery working time AP 500 S with metal blade | 130 min 3) |
| Min. battery working time AR 2000 L with metal blade | 210 min 3) |
| Max. battery working time AR 2000 L with metal blade | 400 min 3) |
| Min. battery working time AR 3000 L with metal blade | 280 min 3) |
| Max. battery working time AR 3000 L with metal blade | 490 min 3) |
| Device length without cutting tool | 178 cm |
| Sound pressure level | 81 dB(A) 4) |
| Sound power level | 94 dB(A) 4) |
| Vibration value on the left in right-handed operation | 1.8 m/s² 5) |
| Vibration value on the left in right-handed operation | 2.6 m/s² 5) |
| Vibration value on the right in right-handed operation | 2.3 m/s² 5) |
| Vibration value on the right in right-handed operation | 1.3 m/s² 5) |
Product Info
Product Info
With other brands of battery tools, the performance usually decreases during work as the battery discharges. This is not the case with STIHL cordless power tools with CONSTANT POWER. Thanks to the intelligent electronics, your STIHL power tool works with consistently high power.
The harness distributes the weight of your work tool so that you can work comfortably and effortlessly even during longer periods of use.
To make your work easier and improve ergonomics, you can attach a harness to this STIHL power tool. You can use a special suspension eye or hanger strip to do so.
You can change the power of your device thanks to 2 different power levels. At level 1, you reduce the power (Eco mode) and extend the battery life. Level 2 allows you to call up full power. This means that you can either work particularly energy-efficiently or use all the power of the device when you need it.
The ergonomic bike handle helps you work on large areas quickly and effortlessly, as this handle supports a natural brushcutter movement. The bike handle is easy to adjust and secure.
You can individually adjust the ergonomic bike handle using the central clamping device. Thanks to the tool-free handle adjustment, you do not need any tools for this. The bike handle can be rotated 90 degrees for transport and space-saving storage.
Thanks to its compact design, low weight and high efficiency, the EC engine enables you to work in an energy efficient manner. This engine also has a long service life.
Thanks to the soft components on the control handle, your work tool sits comfortably in the hand and can be guided safely. The softgrip handle also improves your grip, especially when wet. The ergonomic lever also makes work easier, as there is no need to unlock the machine again while working, as long as one hand continuously remains on the rear handle.
The IPX protection classes define the moisture protection of electrical or electronic devices. The moisture protection test is defined in different stages. IPX4 certifies protection against splashwater from all sides. Battery-powered tools with this certification are therefore designed for daily use, even in rainy conditions.
The power tool is compatible with the Smart Connector, meaning it can be integrated into the STIHL connected system. Once you have attached a Smart Connector to the power tool, after one-time commissioning it will record the power tool’s operating hours and transmit them to the STIHL connected App via Bluetooth. In addition to displaying the operational time, the app also provides an overview of all necessary maintenance, ensuring that you do not overlook important upkeep and that your power tool is always in a ready-to-use condition.
Warranty & Manuals
Warranty
STIHL offer a 1 year professional warranty or 2 year domestic warranty with all of their machines.
The following exceptions apply:
- AK System, AS System and AI Line cordless products aren't covered under warranty when used by professionals
- AP System machines, batteries and chargers - 2 year professional warranty
- Pressure washers - 2 year professional warranty or 3 year domestic warranty
- Mowers, tillers, shredders, scarifiers & iMOW machines
Extend your Stihl warranty by an additional year when purchasing a STIHL Smart Connector with selected machinery from the petrol and cordless range. Extends your petrol warranty from 1 to 2 years AND 2 to 3 years on select cordless tools.
Delivery & Returns
Delivery
UK Standard Delivery from - £11.00
Estimated delivery 2-4 days
Free Delivery available for orders above £150 Inc VAT
Estimated delivery 2-4 days
Returns
Returns
30-Day Return Policy
Faulty returns please call us on 01603 754890
For more information on shipping options, visit our contact us page