Husqvarna 235FR Brush Cutter

[dfulmer]

Does anyone have any insight or experience with the Husky 235FR brush cutter? I am looking to due some land clearing (forest edges and understory) and then maintain it once it is cut. I would like to be able to cut hardwood saplings up to 3" and of course smaller stuff. Please help me out with any advise you may have.

Thanks,

Dan

 

[Swamp Yankee]

Got its red and black twin, Jonsered GR2036

Very good machine with plenty of power. The anti-vibe and power make it more closely related to a clearing saw than a trimmer.

I run the Stihl chisel blades or if I'm going after a lot of small trees then I use the Beaver Blade. No issues with stuff 4 inches or less, providing you keep the blade sharp. Around stone walls and more pulp type mowing and trimming I switch over to the Trimmy Fix head and run .155 line.

You can trim with a bike handle machine and it will do a good job it you need to, but for general trimming the loop handle is superior. The stock harness that come with the GR2036 / 235F is ok. If you're going out and planning on running it all day, clearing trails and such, I found the stock harness a bit lacking. Invested in the next grade up that goes on the FC2145 that has the hip belt as well as the shoulder supports.

Hope this helps.

Take Care

 

[dfulmer]

Great Info

Swamp Yankee,

Thanks for the detailed advice and information. I actually ended up buying the Stihl FS 130 brush cutter instead. I was unable to locate a Husky locally and a friend of mine (a Stihl dealer) gave me a "too good to refuse" offer on the Stihl. I have only run it about 20 minutes to try it out and I am not so sure I like the 4 stroke power band. Slow on the bottom to rev but the torque at full speed seems to be good. It is going to take a while to get used to the 4 stroke sound and change in power. It's not necessary less power but it is much different. I will give a much more detailed review once I run it a few hours. Thanks again for the info. It is much appreciated.

Dan

 

[WSJchester]

Dan,

How's the FS 130 working for you? I was about to post a query about which trimmer I should buy, Husqvarna 235 or Stihl FS 130, but you beat me to the punch.

The Husky's a bit more expensive around here but comes with more 3 cutting heads I think, although I haven't found on in stock anywhere yet. Everyone's got the Stihl.

Anyone else: Any thoughts, comparisons, suggestions?

Thanks. -WSJ

 

[SawTroll]

The 235 is a bit dated, but still a good machine.

I bought a FS200 instead, when the Husky dealer couldn't get a 334 in due time - bothe are lighter, and have more power.

 

[WSJchester]

An update: 235 to 232 to 130

I happened on an almost-new 2005 Husqvarna 232R at one of my local dealers' for $200 and took it home. Unfortunately, I was somewhat underwhelmed with its performance and took it back the next day in return for a new Stihl FS 130. What a difference!

I realize the Husky 232 is substantially less than the Stihl 130 in displacement and power, but it was still quite a happy increase for me, at much less weight than the 235 (which my dealer didn't stock anyway - the 326 was his largest Husqvarna), at about $50 less.

So now I'm the proud owner of my very first Stihl product and can't wait to see how it works out. It does crank right up, idles nicely, and has gobs of power, plus the (for now) unique exhaust note of the 4-mix motor. I can't wait to stick one of the dedicated brushcutter blades on it and see how it works where my tractor and bushhog can't get to!

Do I have to keep it in a separate shed than my Husqvarna saws? -WSJ

 

[lewis16]

Swamp Yankee,

Thanks for the detailed advice and information. I actually ended up buying the Stihl FS 130 brush cutter instead. I was unable to locate a Husky locally and a friend of mine (a Stihl dealer) gave me a "too good to refuse" offer on the Stihl. I have only run it about 20 minutes to try it out and I am not so sure I like the 4 stroke power band. Slow on the bottom to rev but the torque at full speed seems to be good. It is going to take a while to get used to the 4 stroke sound and change in power. It's not necessary less power but it is much different. I will give a much more detailed review once I run it a few hours. Thanks again for the info. It is much appreciated.

Dan

you probably know its not a 4 stroke its a 4 mix, you still have to mix oil and fuel, i admit acceleration is pretty poor. overall they are good sturdy powerfull brushcutters, whichever you brought would have been a good investment.
Both reputable brands and will last a long time