A low cost curved shaft trimmer for small, tidy yards.
Amazon $179.99The Husqvarna 122C is the better string trimmer overall, rated 3.9 to 3.7. The Husqvarna 122C leads on value, weight and swath. The STIHL FS 56 RC-E wins on line. The Husqvarna 122C costs $80 less ($179.99 vs $259.99).
The STIHL most homeowners should buy: a straight shaft, an easy start and a head that takes heavy line, for a few dollars more than the curved models.
STIHL $259.99Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Husqvarna 122C for value ($10.59 per inch of swath ($179.99, 17 in swath) vs $15.76 per inch of swath ($259.99, 16.5 in swath)), weight (9.7 lb (dry) vs 10.6 lb (dry)) and swath (17 in swath vs 16.5 in swath).
- Choose the STIHL FS 56 RC-E for line (.105 in line vs .095 in line).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every gas string trimmer; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Husqvarna 122C | STIHL FS 56 RC-E |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Value 30% | 94 $10.59 per inch of swath ($179.99, 17 in swath) | 56 $15.76 per inch of swath ($259.99, 16.5 in swath) |
| Line 20% | 60 .095 in line | 100 .105 in line |
| Swath 15% | 75 17 in swath | 62 16.5 in swath |
| Weight 15% | 88 9.7 lb (dry) | 73 10.6 lb (dry) |
| Warranty 20% | 25 2-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Husqvarna 122C | STIHL FS 56 RC-E | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Cutting swath | 17 in | 16.5 in |
| Largest line | .095 in | .105 in |
| Line feed | Bump feed | Bump feed |
| Shaft | Curved | Straight |
| Converts to edger | No | No |
| Takes attachments | No | No |
| Power | ||
| Engine or battery | 21.7 cc, 2-stroke | 27.2 cc, 2-stroke |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 9.7 lb (dry) | 10.6 lb (dry) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
