10 Best Husqvarna Chainsaws of 2020 – Reviews & Buying Guide
A chainsaw is always a great tool to add to your toolkit whether you are a seasoned logger or a professional woodworker. But not just any will do and so you need to find the best one for your domestic or commercial use.
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And when you mention good chainsaws, Husqvarna is one of those names that always come to mind as it is one of the industry leaders in the manufacture and distribution of various types of chainsaws.
Husqvarna is a Swedish power tool manufacturer that has been in business for more than three centuries now and it is the largest power tool manufacturer in the world.
Although the company makes all types of chainsaws, most of them are largely gas-powered but they also have some good electric and battery-powered models.
Husqvarna has developed dozens of chainsaw models over the years and so you can always be confident of finding something that suits your domestic or commercial needs.
In this piece we review 10 different chainsaws in different categories to help you find the best Husqvarna chainsaw for you.
Product Name | Power | Bar Length | Weight | Rating | Current Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw | 3.5 HP | 20 in | 13.2 lbs | 4.4 | |
2. Husqvarna 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw | 3.62 HP | 24 in | 12.79 lbs | 4.4 | |
3. Husqvarna 240 Gas Chainsaw | 2.0 HP | 16 in | 10.3 lbs | 4.3 | |
4. Husqvarna 120i Battery Chainsaw | 36.5 V | 14 in | 6.5 lbs | 4.9 | |
5. Husqvarna 365 Gas Chainsaw | 4.83 HP | 28 in | 14.11 lbs | 4.2 | |
6. Husqvarna 555 Gas Chainsaw | 4.3 HP | 24 in | 13.01 lbs | 4.2 | |
7. Husqvarna 120 Mark II 14 in. Gas Chainsaw | 3.75 HP | 14 in | 10.8 lbs | 3.7 | |
8. Husqvarna T536Li XP Battery Chainsaw | 36 V | 14 in | 5.29 lbs | 5.0 | |
9. Husqvarna T435 Gas Chainsaw | 2.01 HP | 14 in | 7.5 lbs | 3.9 | |
10. Husqvarna T540 XP II Gas Chainsaw | 2.4 HP | 16 in | 8.6 lbs | 4.2 |
If you search for top-notch Husqvarna chainsaws, here are some reviews that I recommend you to read such as Husqvarna 455 Rancher, Husqvarna 450, Husqvarna 435, Husqvarna 240. Besides you can also read other chainsaw reviews such as Greenwork cordless chainsaw, battery chainsaw, electric chainsaw, small chainsaw, cheap chainsaw, top handle chainsaw, chainsaw sharpener, chainsaw chap.
10 Best Husqvarna Chainsaws - Reviews
All-round Chainsaws
These chainsaws are great for use both around the home for light and medium tasks, and they will also work for heavy duty use by professionals as they are powerful enough
#1. Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas-Powered Chainsaw
Editor's Rating: (4.4 / 5)
- Power: 3.5 HP
- Bar Length: 20 inches
- Weight: 13.2 lbs
It runs on a 3.5 HP engine with a bar length of 20 inches and can deliver a maximum speed of 9000 RPM which makes it ideal for professional use but it can also work well for experienced landowners.
The ergonomic front handle and LowVib system make it ideal for extended use as it is comfortable to hold and with minimum hand fatigue.
Like most other Husqvarna chainsaws, it has X-Torq feature that reduces exhausts emissions while also improving the fuel injection.
Also, it makes use of the centrifugal air cleaning system that traps most of the large dust particles to reduce the frequency of cleaning the filter and also increase the engine life significantly.
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#2. Husqvarna 460 Rancher Gas-Powered Chainsaw
Editor's Rating:
- Power: 3.62 HP
- Bar Length: 24 inches
- Weight: 12.79 lbs
The heavy duty and highly versatile 460 Rancher is another great chainsaws option for those that are looking for something that can tackle various projects and do it with ease and high efficiency.
This chainsaw also helps to deal with vibration which is one of the biggest complaints when it comes to gas-powered chainsaws. And it does this with the LowVib technology that minimizes vibrations to make the tool easier to wield with minimum hand fatigue.
Husqvarna also uses the centrifugal air cleaning system on this chainsaws to increase the engine life and eliminate the need to clean the filter regularly.
The adjustable oil pump on this 3.62 HP chainsaw is also a great feature as it makes it possible to regulate the oil flow according to the task and prevailing weather conditions.
Other features that make this one of the best all-round Husqvarna chainsaws include the Smart Start that makes starting quick and easy, side-mounted tensioner and ergonomic front handle.
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Casual Use Saws
If you are on the hunt for powerful Husqvarna chainsaws for simple tasks like trimming and pruning these are the best choices for you.
#3. Husqvarna 240 Gas-Powered Chainsaw
Editor's Rating:
- Power: 2.0 HP
- Bar Length: 16 inches
- Weight: 10.3 lbs
It is the cheapest model on our Husqvarna chainsaw reviews but it still has most of the features that make Husqvarna chainsaws great.
These fantastic features include X-Torq that delivers fuel efficiency and reduces exhaust emissions and the LowVib feature that deals with vibrations to minimize hand fatigue.
This is also an easy starting chainsaw thanks to the Air Purge that removes air from carburetor and fuel system for easy starts and the combined choke/stop control which also minimizes the risk of engine flooding.
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#4. Husqvarna 120i Battery-Powered Chainsaw
Editor's Rating:
- Power: 36.5 Volts (battery-powered)
- Bar Length: 14 inches
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
Battery-powered chainsaws like the 120i are always very handy when it comes to felling small trees and for pruning tasks.
This lightweight and easy to use chainsaw comes with a brushless motor that provides high torque to weight ratio for increased reliability and efficiency. Also, this motor reduces the noise and increases the life of the power tool.
It is also a dual-mode chainsaw which will allow you to choose between normal and save mode depending on the conditions.
The lightweight and ergonomic chainsaw also allows for quick and easy tool-less tensioning, and it is also a relatively quiet tool and with an intuitive keypad for quick starting.
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Powerful Robust Saws
These are highly powerful and tough enough chainsaws that will be great for heavy duty tasks for both landowners and professionals.
#5. Husqvarna 365 Gas-Powered Chainsaw
Editor's Rating:
- Power: 4.83 HP
- Bar Length: 28 inches
- Weight: 14.11 lbs
And besides the powerful motor, it also has a longer bar length of 28 inches that gives it more cutting width to ensure you can cut large logs in one or a few passes.
Its X-Torq engine makes it a more environment-friendly chainsaw that is highly fuel efficient and with minimal exhaust emission level.
This powerful chainsaw also uses the more efficient centrifugal air cleaning system, and quick air filter release that makes filter cleaning and replacement easy.
The Smart Start feature makes it easy and quick to start and the chainsaw also has LowVib, front handle ergonomics and side-mounted chain tensioner.
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#6. Husqvarna 555 Gas-Powered Chainsaw
Editor's Rating:
- Power: 4.3 HP
- Bar Length: 24 inches
- Weight: 13.01 lbs
Here is another top-rated Husqvarna chainsaw that also runs on a highly powerful motor. The 4.3 HP motor delivers a speed of up to 9600 RPM to make it a great choice for demanding landowner and contractor works.
The 24-inch bar length is also longer than what you get from most other chainsaws, and it makes this a great choice when dealing with large trees.
This chainsaw comes with all the typical Husqvarna chainsaw features which include LowVib and X-Torq. And it also has a few other not so common features like AutoTune that ensures you never waste any time making carburetor adjustments.
Smart Start and combined start/stop switch are also a great addition as they help start the machine quickly and easily.
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Professional Saws
Whether you are a contractor or a professional logger, these are the kind of chainsaws that you need to buy as they are not only powerful but will also handle heavy and regular use.
#7. Husqvarna 120 Mark II 14 in. Gas Chainsaw
Editor's Rating:
- Power: 3.75 HP
- Bar Length: 20 inches
- Weight: 10.8 lbs
Here is another powerful Husqvarna chainsaw that is designed for the skilled landowners and professionals. It runs on a 3.75 HP engine and with a bar length of 20 inches, and it will deliver an impressive speed of 10,200 RPM.
This chainsaw uses RevBoost for rapid acceleration and higher chains speed to provide top-notch limbing performance. Also, the chainsaw has LowVib, Smart Start, and X-Torq which are some of the main features that make Husqvarna chainsaws stand out.
The magnesium crankcase will withstand the high speeds that come with professional use while the AutoTune ensures optimal performance by setting the engine automatically.
For safety, there is an inertia activated chain brake that minimizes the likelihood of kickback injuries. Although this chainsaw will take a little more effort to assemble there are still many other impressive features that make it worth the effort.
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#8. Husqvarna T536Li XP Battery-Powered Chainsaw
Editor's Rating:
- Power: 36 Volts (battery-powered)
- Bar Length: 14 inches
- Weight: 5.29 lbs
If you are a carpenter, logger or contractor that is looking for a battery-powered Husqvarna chainsaw that performs almost as good as the gas-powered models, the 536Li is an excellent choice.
It is the lightest Husqvarna chainsaw on our list and it is also very convenient to own as it requires minimal maintenance since it does not require refueling and there are fewer parts.
This chainsaw has a dual-mode design and it lets you choose between save and normal modes depending on whether you want to get a longer runtime or more power.
The keypad is also easy to operate which makes this a more convenient chainsaw. But, one of its most outstanding features is its brushless motor as it is more efficient for a high and consistent torque.
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Top Handle Saws
Convenient top handle design makes these great chainsaw for professionals that are looking for something comfortable and easy to hold and with excellent weight to power ratio.
#9. Husqvarna T435 Gas-Powered Chainsaw
Editor's Rating:
- Power: 2.01 HP
- Bar Length: 14 inches
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
This lightweight and well-balanced chainsaw is a great choice for pruning vineyards and orchards as it also includes a sturdy rope attachment point to make it easy to hoist up trees.
And with a 2.01 HP engine, this top handle chainsaw will deliver speeds of up to 10,000 RPM to make pruning a fast and easy task.
Also, it comes with all the advanced Husqvarna chainsaw features that include LowVib, X-Torq, side-mounted chain tensioner and a quick-release oil filter.
With the Air Purge to remove air from the fuels system and carburetor, starting this chainsaw is also relatively quick and easy.
And if you also factor in the relatively affordable price tag for a gas-powered chainsaw you will have one of the best Husqvarna chainsaws for the money.
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#10. Husqvarna T540 XP II Gas-Powered Chainsaw
Editor's Rating:
- Power: 2.4 HP
- Bar Length: 16 inches
- Weight: 8.6 lbs
The T540 XP II is one of the best top handle Husqvarna chainsaw as it not only performs well but also comfortable and convenient to use thanks to the individual grip size. With this unique design, you can set the handle in three different positions to suit the size of your hand.
Although for a 2.4 HP chainsaw it is relatively expensive, it has some great features to back the high price tag.
And they include AutoTune that provides optimal engine performance and adjustable oil pump that makes it easy to control the flow of oil depending on the application.
The auto return stop switch is also a great addition to the design as it ensures that the chainsaw is always ready to start. And to make it even more convenient, it comes with a belt eyelet that makes it easy to connect to a climbing harness
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Husqvarna vs. Stihl Chainsaws
When it comes to buying a chainsaw you will in most instances end up caught between going for Husqvarna or Stihl as they are the two most famous (and popular) brands.
The two brands also get international recognition for top-notch performance and durability. And this only makes it harder even for professionalsto make up their mind.
If you are still on the fence about what to buy, understanding what sets the two apart should make the decision easier for you.
1. Husqvarna
Husqvarna has been in business since 1689 and so they have had more than enough time to perfect their tools and technologies.
Although they did not start out as power tool manufacturers, they have been making chainsaws for close to a century now. Their chainsaws might be some of the priciest in the market but they are also some of the most rugged, powerful and fastest.
They also make chainsaws that cater to the needs of all kinds of users. For example,the Husqvarna 440E and 445 models are great for household tasks like trimming and pruning bushes.
And for heavy-duty use, the 60 cc Husqvarna 460 and the 55.5 cc 455 Rancher are some of the best options as they pack more power and come with bars that are up to 24 inches long.
2. Stihl
Stihl is a German company that has been making power tools since 1926. And if Husqvarna does not appeal to you, this is the best alternative brand for you whether you want something for simple tasks like pruning or heavy-duty use.
Read More: 10 Best Pruning Saws
The only thing about Stihl that seems to annoy many loggers and woodworkers is that their products are only available in select vendor and buying one can be a tedious process.
And besides their popular gas-powered chainsaws, they also have a variety of battery-powered and electric chainsaw models.
The Stihl MS170 is a great example of a good Stihl chainsaw for beginners while the 56.5 cc Stihl MS290 is a good pick when you want something more powerful.
3. How to Compare
#1. Efficiency
Both Husqvarna and Stihl chainsaws are highly efficient and there is probably no other brand that is more efficient than the two. However, they still differ a lot when it comes to efficiency.
Husqvarna chainsaws will use X-Torq technology which gives them high fuel efficiency while Stihl chainsaws come with an auto-oiler that lubricates the chain while in operation to increase the tool life.
#2. Handling
Both make use of some impressive modern technologies to make the chainsaws easier and more comfortable to handle for all kinds of users.
Stihl uses their Anti-vibration handles to make it easy to perform the sensitive chainsaw cutting tasks. Husqvarna, on the other hand, makes use of LowVib features that make them ideal for long operations with minimal hand fatigue.
#3. Power
When it comes to power, both companies have electric, battery-powered and gas chainsaws. However, Husqvarna is more into the manufacture of gas-powered chainsaws.
#4. Ease of Starting
If you were to rank the easiest chainsaws brands to start, both Stihl and Husqvarna will be at the top of the list.
While Husqvarna uses their Smart Start feature to accelerate the start, Stihl utilizes their Easy2Start technology on most of their chainsaws for easy and quick starts.
Verdict: Husqvarna and Stihl are the two best chainsaw manufactures and so you can be confident of getting a top-notch tool no matter what you pick.
But, if you want a powerful gas-powered chainsaw, Husqvarna seems to have an edge and it is also the better choice when it comes to ease of getting their saws as they are more widely available.
How to Buy the Best Husqvarna Chainsaws
As you shop for the most powerful Husqvarna chainsaw it is important to note some of the things to watch out for to ensure you get something that suits your needs.
Whether you are looking for something for casual or professionals use or a gas-powered or battery-powered model it is important to keep the following crucial things in mind.
#1. Bar Length
The bar length describes the active cutting area of the chainsaw. And although the engine is what produces the power and speed, this is the part that does the actual cutting.
What makes the bar length an important factor is that it determines the length of the cut and hence the size of wood you can cut in one pass.
The longer the bar length the better as it means you have to take few passes to cut large trees.
If you are a homeowner looking for a good Husqvarna chainsaw for light cutting a bar length of 14 inches is enough while the 24-inch bar length saws are great for heavy duty or professional use.
#2. Durability
Chainsaws are not the most affordable power tools and this is more so if you are buying from top brands like Husqvarna. Hence, whatever you buy should last long enough.
A rugged construction that can withstand the abuse that comes with cutting large trees is vital for any chainsaw to last long.
Everything from the components that make up the engine and its housing has to be tough enough to ensure durability. Also, the metal that makes up the bar and chain should also be high-quality
#3. Performance
Performance is one of the areas where Husqvarna chainsaws seem to excel. And this is regardless of whether you have a small 14-inch model for pruning or something heavy duty for cutting large trees.
When it comes to the performance there are many things that come into play. First, the size of the engine is vital as it determines the amount of power the chainsaws generates, and also the maximum speed it can attain.
Also, other features like the type and quality of the handle and weight of the chainsaw will affect the performance as they determine how easy it will be to operate.
There are many other features that leading brands like Husqvarna will use to improve the performance of their chainsaws such as anti-vibration, auto chain oiling, and tool-less chain adjustment.
#4. Safety
Safety should always be a top consideration when shopping for chainsaws as they are among the most dangerous power tools.
The good news is that the top rated Husqvarna chainsaws will have various safety features to make the tool safer to use.
But whether you are buying a Husqvarna chainsaw or not there are certain features you need to watch out for. And they include anti-kickback chain, chain brake, throttle lock,chain catcher and emergency stop button.
#5. Warranty
Every person that owns some power tools understands the importance of a warranty. Besides the reputation of the brand, the warranty is the other good indication that the chainsaw you buy is durable.
All Husqvarna chainsaws will come with a warranty of 2 years which is good enough for these power tools. Also, you can extend it to 3 or 4 years when you buy certain Husqvarna products when buying the chainsaw.
Conclusion
You cannot go wrong with a Husqvarna chainsaw whether you are a professional logger or are looking for something to help with pruning or trimming around the home.
However, the company has a large product catalog and so you still need to pick the chainsaw that suits your needs. But, this should not be a problem once you identify your needs or the size and location of what you intend to cut.
Our Husqvarna chainsaw reviews above and guide will make things way much easier for you and so you should not have any difficulties finding that perfect chainsaw.
Lastly, also remember to take all the necessary precautions when using these saws such as getting the right clothing items. And this is because despite Husqvarna chainsaws being powerful and top notch quality they are still quite dangerous to use like all other chainsaws.
Last Updated on November 10, 2020 by Tom Bradly