In the demanding world of landscape maintenance, professionals are constantly seeking machinery that combines raw power with uncompromised safety. As we move into the 2026 season, the Etesia Attila AK98X remains a dominant force in the ride-on brushcutter market, proving that some legends only get better with time. Designed specifically for the toughest terrains, this 4-wheel-drive workhorse is engineered to tackle everything from overgrown verges to steep, waterlogged embankments.

Built for the Extreme

The heart of the AK98X is its formidable Kawasaki FS691V 24HP engine. This twin-cylinder powerhouse provides the high torque necessary to clear dense vegetation, including saplings and thick scrub up to 4.5cm in diameter. With a 98cm cutting width and a theoretical output of up to 9,800 m²/h, the machine is built for high-performance site clearance where standard mowers would simply stall.

One of the standout features of the Attila AK98X is its adaptability. Operators can choose between swing or fixed-tip blades, allowing the machine to be configured for specific tasks, whether it’s fine-tuning a rough grass area or mulching through heavy woody material. The cutting height is easily adjusted via a centralised lever, offering eight positions ranging from 50mm to 120mm.

Stability and Safety

Working on slopes is one of the most hazardous tasks in amenity care. Etesia addresses this with a low centre of gravity and permanent 4-wheel drive. The AK98X is rated for stability on slopes up to 30% (approximately 17°), supported by heavy-tread tyres and a differential lock that ensures traction even in slippery or boggy conditions.

The machine is built on a strengthened, welded tubular chassis, providing a robust frame that withstands the rigors of professional use while offering a comfortable, ergonomic driving position. Safety is further enhanced by a built-in slope indicator, operator presence switches, and front/side mud-flap protection.

Alistair Handyside, owner at Higher Wiscombe, a 52-acre farm and luxury holiday cottage destination in Devon, relies on the AK98X to maintain the site’s prestigious reputation while managing challenging coastal terrain.

“We have a significant amount of steep land and varied vegetation that needs constant attention to keep the estate looking its best for our guests. The Attila AK98X has been a revelation for us. Its ability to climb slopes that were previously only accessible by hand-held tools has saved us an incredible amount of time. It doesn’t just cut; it mulches the material so finely that we don’t have to worry about clearing up afterwards. It’s a robust, reliable piece of kit that has fundamentally changed how we manage our outdoor spaces.”

As amenity managers face the perennial challenge of managing lush growth during unpredictable seasons, the Etesia Attila AK98X offers a reliable, “mulch-first” solution that reduces the need for collection and speeds up site turnaround times. For professionals managing banks, orchards, or woodland paths, it remains the reference point for extreme brushcutting.