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Buyer's Guide
STIHL Strimmer Line & Cutting Heads Buyer's Guide
From genuine STIHL strimmer cord in 1.6mm to 3mm diameter, to AutoCut bump-feed heads, PolyCut blade heads and metal brushcutter blades, this guide covers the full STIHL strimmer line and cutting head range at Gustharts — including a size chart to match the right line diameter to your FS or FSA model.
STIHL Strimmer Line Size Chart - Which Diameter Do You Need?
STIHL strimmer line sizes by model: FS 38, FS 40, FS 50 = 2mm line; FS 55, FS 56 = 2mm or 2.4mm; FS 91, FS 94 = 2.4mm or 2.7mm; FS 131, FS 240, FS 460 = 3mm line; FSA 30, FSA 57 = 1.6mm or 2mm; FSA 60, FSA 86 = 2mm or 2.4mm; FSA 130, FSA 135 = 2.4mm or 3mm. As a rule: lighter domestic models use 2mm; professional petrol and battery models use 2.4-3mm. Using a line diameter above the head's maximum will cause head jamming.
Round vs Square vs Twisted Strimmer Line
Round strimmer cord is the most common profile - smooth feed, good cutting performance on grass and light weeds. Square and multi-sided line has sharper edges for a cleaner cut on coarser vegetation and gives a better finish on lawn edges. Twisted line cuts quieter with less vibration and is preferred for professional grounds maintenance work. STIHL produce round, square and twisted line in their genuine range - stocked at Gustharts in standard lengths and bulk spools.
STIHL AutoCut and PolyCut Mowing Heads
STIHL AutoCut heads use a bump-feed mechanism to advance new line automatically when the head is tapped against the ground. The AutoCut C 5-2 suits FSA 30 and FS 38/40 models; the AutoCut C 26-2 suits FS 55 and FS 91; the AutoCut 46-2 suits FS 131 and FS 460. PolyCut heads use short plastic blades rather than nylon line - better for rough grassland and areas with stones where line wear is high.
Replacing a STIHL Strimmer Cutting Head
To replace a STIHL strimmer cutting head: 1. Engage the shaft lock button on the drive tube. 2. Unscrew the head from the gearbox (left-hand thread on most models - turn clockwise to remove). 3. Fit the replacement head and turn anti-clockwise to tighten. 4. Recheck the shaft lock is disengaged before running. Always replace with a genuine STIHL AutoCut or PolyCut head for the correct thread and torque specification.
Brushcutter Blades and Metal Cutting Attachments
STIHL brushcutter blades replace the nylon line head for cutting dense scrub, brambles and woody stems that nylon line cannot handle. Grass blades (8-tooth) suit thick grass and reeds; clearing blades (4-tooth and saw blades) suit dense vegetation and light woody growth. Always use Type C wrap-around chainsaw trousers and a full face visor when using metal brushcutter blades. Blades must be fitted to models with a blade guard.
How to Load STIHL Strimmer Line
For STIHL AutoCut bump-feed heads: 1. Remove the head cover by pressing the side tabs. 2. Remove the spool. 3. Cut 5-8m of the correct diameter line. 4. Find the anchor slot in the spool centre. 5. Wind the line in the direction of the arrow on the spool - even, tight winds. 6. Feed line ends through the exit eyelets. 7. Refit the spool and press the cover until it clicks. Do not overload the spool - overfilling causes line to jam in the head.
Genuine STIHL Strimmer Line vs Aftermarket
Genuine STIHL strimmer line is manufactured to exact diameter tolerances and surface finish for smooth feed through STIHL AutoCut heads. Aftermarket line can vary in diameter and stiffness, causing feed problems, head jamming and faster wear. As an authorised STIHL dealer, Gustharts stocks only genuine STIHL strimmer cord and line across all diameters - 1.6mm, 2mm, 2.4mm, 2.7mm and 3mm - in standard lengths and bulk spools for high-volume professional use.
Pairs Well With
- STIHL Brushcutters & Strimmers — FS petrol and FSA battery models
- STIHL Strimmer Spare Parts — FS and FSA model replacement parts
- STIHL Kombi Attachments — FS-KM strimmer and FR-KM brushcutter heads
- Chainsaw Clothing & PPE — strimmer trousers and eye protection
- STIHL Spare Parts — genuine OEM parts for all STIHL models






