A light, durable pro trimmer for owners who trim large properties every week.
Amazon $349.99The Husqvarna 525L and the STIHL FS 56 RC-E are evenly matched, rated 3.7 and 3.7. The Husqvarna 525L leads on swath and weight. The STIHL FS 56 RC-E wins on value. The STIHL FS 56 RC-E costs $90 less ($259.99 vs $349.99).
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 525L for swath (18.1 in swath vs 16.5 in swath) and weight (9.7 lb (dry) vs 10.6 lb (dry)).
- Choose the STIHL FS 56 RC-E for value ($15.76 per inch of swath ($259.99, 16.5 in swath) vs $19.34 per inch of swath ($349.99, 18.1 in swath)).
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 525L | STIHL FS 56 RC-E |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Value 30% | 36 $19.34 per inch of swath ($349.99, 18.1 in swath) | 56 $15.76 per inch of swath ($259.99, 16.5 in swath) |
| Line 20% | 100 .105 in line | 100 .105 in line |
| Swath 15% | 100 18.1 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 525L | STIHL FS 56 RC-E | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Cutting swath | 18.1 in | 16.5 in |
| Largest line | .105 in | .105 in |
| Line feed | Bump feed | Bump feed |
| Shaft | Straight | Straight |
| Converts to edger | No | No |
| Takes attachments | No | No |
| Power | ||
| Engine or battery | 25.4 cc, 2-stroke | 27.2 cc, 2-stroke |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 9.7 lb (dry) | 10.6 lb (dry) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
