Stihl FR 460 TC.

The Stihl FR 460 TC is a professional-grade, backpack-style brushcutter designed for heavy-duty landscaping and forestry work, particularly in challenging terrains like steep slopes, banks, or overgrown areas.

The FR 460 TC is a gas-powered machine built for cutting through dense vegetation—think tall grass, brambles, saplings, or even small trees with the right attachment. It’s part of Stihl’s line-up of robust outdoor power equipment, aimed at users who need more than a handheld tool can offer.

STIHL FR 460 TC-EFM Brushcutter

This model features a 45.6 cc, 2-stroke engine with Stihl’s 2-MIX technology, delivering 3.0 horsepower (2.2 kW). The 2-MIX system mixes a layer of air with the fuel, boosting efficiency—cutting fuel use by up to 20% and emissions by up to 70% compared to older 2-stroke designs.

It weighs about 11.5 kg (25 lbs) without fuel or cutting tools, which is hefty but manageable thanks to its backpack design, distributing weight across the shoulders and back for prolonged use.

STIHL FR 460 TC-EFM

Key features set it apart. The “TC” stands for “tube detachable,” meaning the shaft splits apart without tools, making transport and storage easier—a practical touch for pros working across multiple sites. It’s equipped with Stihl’s M-Tronic system, an electronic engine management setup that adjusts fuel-air mix and ignition timing on the fly, ensuring optimal performance whether you’re at sea level or high altitude, hot or cold. Starting is simplified with ErgoStart, reducing pull effort, though some versions (like the FR 460 TC-EFM) add ElectroStart for push-button restarts without removing the unit from your back.

The tool comes with a loop handle for manoeuvrability in tight spaces and a 4-point anti-vibration system to cut down on fatigue—vital for long sessions. It typically ships with a GrassCut 230-4 blade, good for thick grass, but can swap to other heads like AutoCut mowing lines or metal blades for tougher jobs. The fuel tank holds 0.75 liters, giving decent runtime before refueling.