A Stihl FS 560 brush cutter typically costs about $1,400-$1,900 new through U.S. dealers when available, with the final price affected by dealer inventory, included cutting equipment, and local tax. Used machines often list for $700-$1,300, depending on condition, hours, and service history. The FS 560 is a large-displacement professional tool, so buyers should compare the complete package rather than the powerhead price alone.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New FS 560 powerhead or standard package | $1,400 | $1,650 | $1,900 | Dealer stock and package contents vary |
| Used FS 560 | $700 | $1,000 | $1,300 | Running condition and maintenance matter |
| Cutting head or blade accessory | $25 | $75 | $180 | Price depends on attachment type |
| Pre-purchase service or inspection | $50 | $100 | $175 | Optional; dealer rates and scope vary |
| Estimated new purchase with tax and setup | $1,500 | $1,800 | $2,150 | Assumes ordinary setup and sales tax |
What a Stihl FS 560 costs at U.S. dealers
Budget roughly $1,400-$1,900 for a new unit when a dealer has it, or about $1,000 for a typical used example. The FS 560 is a professional brush cutter with a 57.1 cc engine. It is substantially more powerful and heavier-duty than a homeowner string trimmer, and its price reflects commercial-grade construction and dealer distribution.
Availability can be uneven because dealers may carry newer or related models instead of the FS 560. Some listings show a bare powerhead, while others include a harness, guard, blade, or cutting head. The advertised amount may also be a prior retail price rather than a current in-stock quote. Buyers should confirm the model number, condition, package contents, and whether the machine is new, used, or refurbished before comparing prices.
Assumptions: U.S. dealer pricing for a standard FS 560 configuration, ordinary access to local inventory, and no unusual shipping charge. State and local sales tax are additional.
At the low end, a new-price quote may reflect a discounted unit, limited accessories, or a regional dealer promotion. A quote near the high end may include a more complete cutting package, dealer preparation, or higher local operating costs. For an out-of-production or scarce configuration, a dealer may quote a different price or offer a successor model instead.
How the powerhead, blade, and setup shape the quote
The powerhead is the largest cost, but the cutting attachment and dealer preparation can change the amount due by $50-$250 or more. A useful written quote separates the machine from included equipment and service so that the buyer can compare like for like.
| Quote component | Typical price | What affects the charge | Buyer check |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS 560 powerhead | $1,300-$1,750 | Availability, condition, and dealer pricing | Confirm exact model and warranty status |
| Blade or cutting head | $25-$180 | Blade style, head type, and intended vegetation | Ask which attachment is included |
| Harness, guard, and small accessories | $30-$150 | Package contents and replacement needs | Check fit and compatibility |
| Dealer setup or inspection | $0-$175 | Pre-delivery checks, assembly, and shop rate | Request the service list |
| Delivery or freight | $0-$150 | Distance and dealer delivery policy | Compare pickup with delivery |
Not every dealer lists these as separate line items. A package quote can be convenient, but it should identify whether the blade, harness, and guard are included. A buyer who already owns compatible equipment may not need duplicates; conversely, a bare machine may require additional purchases before it is ready for the intended work.
Tax is calculated according to the buyer’s location and is not included in the listed equipment ranges. A $1,650 purchase, for example, would total about $1,790 with an assumed 8.5% sales tax, before any optional delivery or accessories. The actual tax rate and taxable charges vary by jurisdiction.
Engine size, cutting setup, and condition that shift prices
Model identity and operating condition are the biggest price checks for an FS 560, especially in used listings. Confirm that the machine is actually an FS 560 and not a smaller FS model or a listing that uses similar product photos. The FS 560’s 57.1 cc displacement helps distinguish it from lower-priced brush cutters.
Attachment choice also changes the purchase total. A basic replacement blade may cost around $25-$60, while specialized blades or a complete cutting-head arrangement can be $80-$180. The correct choice depends on the vegetation and approved machine setup. Buyers should verify compatibility with a Stihl dealer rather than assume every universal-looking blade is suitable.
Used price depends on more than appearance. Compression, reliable starting, smooth acceleration, vibration, shaft condition, gearbox noise, and evidence of regular maintenance all affect value. A unit with a documented service history and sound drivetrain can justify a higher price than an untested machine. A low asking price can become expensive if it needs a carburetor, ignition, clutch, shaft, or gearbox repair.
For a used unit, ask for the serial number, age, service records, and a cold-start demonstration. Look for damaged guards, a bent shaft, worn harness points, fuel leaks, and missing controls. A seller’s claim that it “runs” does not establish that it reaches operating speed or cuts under load. If a dealer inspection is available, its fee may be worthwhile for a machine priced several hundred dollars below retail.
Repair labor commonly runs about $75-$125 per hour at small-engine shops; actual diagnostic and minimum charges vary by location.
New FS 560 versus used machines and smaller brush cutters
A used FS 560 may save several hundred dollars, but a smaller model can be the lower-cost choice when the job does not require this level of power. New equipment generally costs more upfront but provides clearer warranty coverage and a known service history. Used equipment may have no remaining warranty, so its price should account for wear and repair risk.
| Purchase option | Typical price | Best price comparison | Potential trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| New FS 560 | $1,400-$1,900 | Dealer quote with matching attachments | Inventory may be limited |
| Used FS 560 | $700-$1,300 | Condition, hours, and service documentation | Repair risk and limited warranty |
| Smaller professional brush cutter | $500-$1,000 | Engine displacement and cutting capacity | May work more slowly in heavy brush |
| Rental for short-term work | $60-$120 per day | Daily rate plus fuel and deposit | Availability and repeated rental fees |
A smaller brush cutter can be adequate for periodic property maintenance, grass, and lighter weeds. Dense, woody growth or extended commercial use may support the higher purchase cost of an FS 560-class tool. The comparison should include time on the job, not just engine size: a cheaper machine may require more passes, while an oversized machine adds purchase and operating expense without a practical benefit.
For occasional clearing, renting can avoid a large upfront expense. At $60-$120 per day, a few rental days may cost less than ownership, though repeated projects can quickly narrow the gap. Rental rates depend on location, equipment condition, deposits, and whether protective gear or cutting attachments are included.
Dealer labor, inspection fees, and ownership add-ons
Setup is often a modest part of the purchase, but repairs and missing used-machine parts can add meaningful expense. New dealers may include basic assembly and checks in the purchase price or list them as a separate preparation charge. A used machine bought privately may need a shop inspection, tune-up, or replacement parts before heavy use.
Typical small-engine shop labor is about $75-$125 per hour, with diagnostic or minimum charges commonly around $50-$100. A basic inspection may take less than an hour; broader service can take 1-2 hours, excluding parts. A repair estimate should separate labor and parts and state whether the shop has confirmed the fault or is offering a preliminary assessment.
Replacement cutting equipment adds another cost. A blade or head may range from $25-$180 depending on design, while a harness or guard replacement can add approximately $30-$150. Consumables such as line and fuel are ongoing operating expenses rather than part of the machine’s purchase price. Buyers should check what comes in the box and avoid paying twice for accessories included in the package.
Warranty terms differ by purchase type, product eligibility, and use. Commercial use may have different coverage conditions from household use, and used private-party purchases may not transfer coverage. Ask the dealer to provide applicable warranty terms in writing instead of assigning a dollar value to coverage that may not apply.
Regional dealer pricing and shipping across the United States
Local labor markets and inventory can move an FS 560 quote by roughly 5%-15% from a comparable advertised price. A dealer in a high-cost metro area may have greater overhead than a rural seller, while a rural buyer may face extra freight or a long trip to pick up the machine. These differences are tendencies, not fixed regional price rules.
In a market with several Stihl dealers and competing professional equipment stores, buyers may find stronger selection or seasonal discounts. In areas with fewer dealers, limited inventory can make the nearest available machine more expensive once delivery is added. A quote from a neighboring town can be useful, but the comparison should include freight, sales tax, setup, and the cost of returning for service.
Shipping a power tool can cost about $30-$150 when a dealer offers delivery, but oversized-item handling and distance can raise the charge. Some dealers sell only through local pickup or require the unit to be prepared at an authorized location. Ask whether delivery includes assembly and whether the machine is ready to operate when received.
Compare two or three local written quotes using the same configuration. If one quote is 10% lower, check whether it is for a bare unit, a used model, or an item without dealer setup. A lower headline price is not necessarily the lower out-the-door cost.
Three realistic FS 560 purchase budgets
These examples show why a machine’s advertised price and the buyer’s total budget can differ. Amounts use illustrative dealer and shop rates, not guaranteed prices; local tax, stock, and package contents change the total.
| Scenario | Equipment and service | Estimated total | Pricing assumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discounted new unit | $1,450 machine, $50 attachment, $0 setup | $1,500 before tax | Basic package and local pickup |
| Typical dealer package | $1,650 machine, $100 accessories, $75 setup | $1,825 before tax | Standard prep and cutting equipment |
| Used unit needing inspection | $950 machine, $100 inspection, $125 parts allowance | $1,175 before tax | Running condition, service check recommended |
For an illustrative 8.5% tax rate, those totals become approximately $1,628, $1,980, and $1,275, respectively, before any delivery. The used example includes a parts allowance, not a guaranteed repair estimate. If an inspection identifies a major drivetrain or engine problem, a buyer should recalculate rather than rely on the allowance.
These budgets also show why a higher-priced dealer package may be competitive if it includes accessories and preparation. A private sale at $950 could be a bargain if the machine is sound, but a $1,175 inspected-and-serviced purchase may provide better cost certainty. Compare the cost of usable equipment, not only the first number in the listing.
How to lower the FS 560 price without cutting needed capacity
The most reliable savings come from comparing equivalent packages and avoiding accessories or services the buyer does not need. Ask dealers for an itemized quote on the same FS 560 configuration, including tax, setup, attachment, and delivery. A clear comparison makes it easier to identify a genuine discount rather than a lower bare-unit price.
Check whether the machine includes a suitable blade or cutting head before buying another. If existing compatible equipment can be reused, confirm that with the dealer and remove duplicate accessories from the quote. Do not economize by choosing an incompatible attachment or omitting required guards.
Consider timing when the work schedule is flexible. Late-season inventory changes or dealer promotions may lower the price, although a scarce model may not be discounted. Contacting nearby dealers can reveal stock that is not prominently advertised, but include travel or shipping in the calculation.
For used equipment, make the price conditional on a cold start and inspection. A documented maintenance history can reduce uncertainty; an untested machine should be priced to reflect the risk of service. Set a maximum repair allowance before purchase and walk away if the estimated repair cost makes a new or better-maintained unit the more economical option.
Finally, match machine capacity to the job. If the work is limited to light trimming or occasional small patches, compare rental or a smaller brush cutter before committing to a professional FS 560. For sustained heavy brush work, paying for the appropriate power and durable equipment may cost less than replacing an underpowered tool.