Serious Sawing Starts Here: These Are the Best Husqvarna Chainsaws

Husqvarna has been one of the top chainsaw and forestry tool brands for more than 60 years. We researched dozens of Husqvarna models and tested five in real-world wood-cutting. Our top pick? The Husqvarna 455 Rancher stood out for its sheer power, balanced design, and ability to handle big cutting jobs. 

While the Husqvarna brand is renowned for quality products, choosing the right chainsaw can be challenging. With a wide range of sizes and features, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Ahead, we’ll break down what to consider when choosing from among the best Husqvarna chainsaws and share what we learned from our hands-on tests.

1. BEST OVERALL: Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-Inch Gas Chainsaw
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Husqvarna 120 Mark II 14-Inch Gas Chainsaw
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3. BEST LIGHT-DUTY: Husqvarna Power Axe 225i 14-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
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4. BEST CORDLESS: Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
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5. UPGRADE PICK: Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20-Inch Gas Chainsaw
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6. BEST FOR PROS: Husqvarna 545 Mark II 20-Inch Gas Chainsaw
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Husqvarna Chainsaws Comparison

Our Top Picks

The list below includes a wide range of Husqvarna chainsaws: five that we tested and an additional one that made our shortlist but didn’t test. This list includes the best Husqvarna chainsaw for homeowner use and models suitable for larger properties. 

Best Overall

Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-Inch Gas Chainsaw

Buy at Lowes Buy at Tractor Supply

What We Like

• Good power and performance
• Cut through hard woods
• Very little vibration
• No noticeable kickback in testing
• Powerful gas chainsaw

What We Don’t Like

• Requires gas-power maintenance and fuel

Specs

• Power source: Gas engine
• Weight: 13.2 pounds
• Bar length: 20 inches

Our Ratings

The gas-powered Husqvarna 455 Rancher earned the best overall award due to its unbeatable level of power and performance. This is a serious chainsaw for harvesting firewood and felling medium trees. 

This was the only chainsaw we tested that easily cut through honey locust (a very hard wood). It also made quick work of our other two test woods, osage orange and eastern red cedar. It comes with a 20-inch bar, which is standard for higher-power home and DIY chainsaws. 

It has a powerful 55.5 cc engine and a rugged build. Unlike many gas chainsaws we’ve used in the past, the 455 Rancher doesn’t take herculean strength to pull start. We tested it for different cutting projects every day for a week, and it started up reliably every time. 

It cut smoothly and cleanly, with very little vibration. It’s ergonomically designed to reduce hand and arm fatigue with frequent use, and we didn’t experience any kickback, though it is a hefty saw at 13.2 pounds. The 455 is overkill for those who are looking for a chainsaw to do just a little backyard pruning, but those looking for a good Husqvarna chainsaw to cut firewood or fell the occasional tree, the 455 is an excellent tool.

What our tester says: “I love how easy it is to pull-start the Husqvarna 455 Rancher. Just pull the choke, prime the bulb five times, and pull the recoil cord—it didn’t take repeated pulls.”  —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the 455 Rancher Husqvarna chainsaw at Lowes and Tractor Supply.

Best Bang For The Buck

Husqvarna 120 Mark II 14-Inch Gas Chainsaw

Buy at Lowes Buy at Tractor Supply Buy at Sears

What We Like

• Budget-friendly price
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Smooth cutting on soft-to-medium wood

What We Don’t Like

• Demonstrated some kickback on knots
• Not powerful enough for heavy-duty sawing

Specs

• Power Source: Gas Engine
• Weight: 10.7 pounds
• Bar length: 14 inches

Our Ratings

Choosing a chainsaw that will tackle backyard tree-trimming and log-cutting tasks doesn’t require spending a fortune. The Husqvarna 120 Mark III features a 38.2 cc gas engine, and at just 10.7 pounds, it was lightweight enough to use without hand and arm fatigue. 

This is a light-to-medium-duty chainsaw, and in our tests, it sliced through Osage orange and eastern red cedar logs with relative ease. It didn’t quite make it through our honey locust logs, but we didn’t expect it to. Honey locust is very hard and dense. 

With the same easy-start technology found on the 455 Rancher, the 120 Mark II fired up reliably every time we tried it during our one-week test phase. And like all gas chainsaws, the 120 Mark II is loud. We recommend using hearing protection when operating it.

It was slightly kicky when we hit knots in the logs but still manageable. Once, it kicked hard enough to flip the brake, immediately shutting the saw off. That was an impressive—and appreciated—safety feature.

We recommend the 120 Mark II for cutting small logs and trimming small trees. Not only is it well-suited for those tasks, but it’s affordable. 

Get the 120 Mark II Husqvarna chainsaw at Lowes, Tractor Supply, and Sears. 

Best Light Duty

Husqvarna Power Axe 225i 14-Inch Cordless Chainsaw

Buy at Amazon Buy at Tractor Supply Buy at Walmart

What We Like

• Push-button start
• Lightweight small chainsaw
• Runs quieter than gas models
• Eco-friendly and zero-emissions

What We Don’t Like

• Slower cutting speed

Specs

• Power source: 40V Battery
• Weight: 6.83 pounds
• Bar length: 14 inches

Our Ratings

Cordless chainsaws are making inroads and for good reason—they’re convenient, and there’s no need to store or mix fuel. Plus, they’re quieter and don’t produce fumes. 

Right now, cordless motors are limited to light-duty chainsaws, like the Husqvarna Power Axe 225i, which was a pleasure to test. We loved the push-button start; no priming was necessary, and we didn’t even have to wear hearing protection with this one. It’s not loud at all. 

We couldn’t cut through honey locust with this one, but it had plenty of power to slice through cedar and Osage orange. With its 14-inch bar, this model is especially useful for trimming small to medium tree branches and for cutting logs for firewood. It weighs in at 6.83 pounds, so it’s well-suited to users who prefer a small chainsaw that’s easy to handle.

It took a little longer to cut through the wood, but we made dozens of cuts every day, and the battery only needed to be charged twice during the testing week. We recommend this Husqvarna cordless chainsaw for anyone who needs light-duty sawing and wants an eco-friendly battery-powered saw. 

Get the battery-powered Husqvarna chainsaw at Amazon, Tractor Supply, or Walmart.

Best Cordless

Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw

Buy at Amazon Buy at Lowes

What We Like

• Easy button start
• Lightweight and ergonomic
• Powerful rechargeable battery

What We Don’t Like

• Battery isn’t weatherproof

Specs

• Power source: 36V battery
• Weight: 7.7 pounds
• Bar length: 18 inches

Our Ratings

The Power Axe 350i is an excellent value for a fairly heavy-duty saw with a sub-$500 price point. The high-capacity 7.5Ah battery is well made and boasts a long runtime. We spent over an hour working through a series of logs without losing power. 

The saw has a clear oil reservoir for easy level monitoring and a standard chain brake. It also has a power button and an indicator light showing if the chain brake is engaged. For most cuts, we used the standard cutting mode, which had more than enough power. It does have a boost mode to add more power as well. 

This Husqvarna is a great cordless pick for an all-duty chainsaw. Keep a second battery charging while working and it has the ability to perform through an entire day.

Get the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i chainsaw at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Upgrade Pick

Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20-Inch Gas Chainsaw

Buy at Amazon Buy at Lowes Buy at Tractor Supply

What We Like

• Smooth consistent cuts
• Excellent torque and power
• Easy-start feature
• Good at angle cuts

What We Don’t Like

• Oversized for small yards

Specs

• Power source: Gas engine
• Weight: 11.3 pounds
• Bar length: 20 inches

Our Ratings

We worked with the Husqvarna 450 in the past, so we already had a good idea what it could do. The 450 has a ton of torque and is one of our all-time favorite models for felling trees and working through bigger rounds.

The 50.2cc gas engine is easy to start and warm up. It seems less finicky and requires less tuning than other saws at variable elevations. This makes it especially nice for those who work on the move and have some geographical range. The 20-inch bar is ideal for working in the woods and doing just about everything short of commercial work.

This saw feels pretty mellow in the hand. It has little vibration and is easy to control. Those who have a property that requires regular tree work or who spend time working in the woods will find that this is a great chainsaw to use. It’s reliable and hardworking. We managed to put up a cord of wood in pretty fast order with the Rancher and did plenty of camp cutting as well.

Get the Husqvarna 450 Rancher chainsaw at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Tractor Supply Co.

Another Great Option

While we didn’t test the next Husqvarna chainsaw, we think it’s an excellent pick for someone who’s looking for a bit more power from their tool. 

Best For Pros

Husqvarna 545 Mark II 20-Inch Gas Chainsaw

Buy at Amazon Buy at Lowes Buy at Tractor Supply

What We Like

• Powerful engine and performance
• AutoTune technology for automatic adjustments
• Self-cooling feature
• Easy-start recoil

What We Don’t Like

• Heavy for some users
• Requires gas-powered maintenance

Specs

• Power source: Gas engine
• Weight: 11.7 pounds
• Bar length: 20 inches

Those who are serious about felling trees and harvesting cords of firewood may want to consider Husqvarna’s 545 Mark II gas-powered chainsaw. This model is in Husqvarna’s pro series, and it features a 50cc engine that delivers a 3.6 HP power output. 

We like that the 545 Mark II is compatible with bars ranging from 13 to 20 inches because sometimes a shorter bar is necessary to get into tight spots, but maximum power is still needed to get the job done. Like other gas-powered Husqvarna models, this one features an easy-start recoil and comes with self-cooling capacity. It also comes with AutoTune, which gives the engine the ability to make adjustments to compensate for different fuels, working altitude, and outdoor temperatures.

This is a heavy model—20 pounds—but in our experience, sometimes the added heft of a pro tool adds stability to the cutting process. It would be overkill for most backyard landscapers, however. 

Get the 545 Mark II Husqvarna chainsaw at Amazon, Lowes, and Tractor Supply.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose and Tested the Best Husqvarna Chainsaws

We’re big Husqvarna fans, but with more than 40 chainsaws on the market, we had to be selective when picking and choosing the ones we wanted to test. However, we still wanted to try out a range of models, so we chose gas-powered, battery-powered, heavy-duty, and light-duty models based on customer reviews and pricing.

In actual testing, we spent over a week using the chainsaws in the same way that we, our readers, would use them. We cut three different types of wood—honey locust, Osage orange, and eastern red cedar—and harvested cords of firewood. We noted the build quality of each chainsaw and how smoothly they cut through the logs. We also noted how user-friendly and ergonomic they were. We awarded points based on a rubric.

After testing, we averaged the points to determine our best overall pick and to decide the best uses for the others. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Husqvarna Chainsaw

Husqvarna makes a broad range of chainsaws for both homeowners and professionals. Ahead, learn how to choose the model that best suits the job. 

Types of Husqvarna Chainsaws

While most are entirely gas-powered, there are a few electric Husqvarna chainsaws. We’ve noted an increase in battery-powered models in the past couple of years. 

Electric Chainsaw

While a Husqvarna electric chainsaw is more difficult to find at retailers, this type is becoming more common as the company expands from its gas-powered chainsaw line. The company’s 16-inch corded chainsaw provides a constant stream of power and is easier to start than its gas-powered models, though it is less powerful. The company also makes Husqvarna battery chainsaws that use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which are suitable for light-duty applications. 

Gas Chainsaw

The majority of Husqvarna’s more than 40 chainsaws have gas-powered engines. They range from its smallest 12-inch bar models up to its massive 24-inch bar Rancher chainsaws. Husqvarna’s gas chainsaws are some of the most powerful on the market, with engines that range in output from 38 to 50cc. 

Engine Capacity

Engine capacity on a Husqvarna chainsaw is measured in cubic centimeters (cc). The greater the engine capacity, the more torque the engine can create. Greater torque allows the chainsaw to support a chain with a longer bar while also pulling the chain through denser material more easily. Husqvarna chainsaw engines range from 38cc, found on its smaller 14-inch chainsaws, up to more than 50cc, which are found on its 20-inch plus models. 

Bar Length and Weight

With more than 40 models available, Husqvarna’s chainsaws run the gamut in bar length and weight. The chainsaw’s bar length determines the diameter of the branch it can cut. Bar lengths of 12 to 14 inches are well suited for light-duty jobs, such as cleaning up fallen branches after a storm and general pruning needs. General-purpose chainsaws for cutting small trees and chopping up firewood range in length from 16 to 18 inches. Heftier chainsaws with bar lengths of 20 inches and above are suitable for cutting larger branches and medium-sized trees. 

Husqvarna’s chainsaws vary in weight from its lightest 12-inch bar model, which comes in at a little under 6 pounds, to its large 24-inch Rancher chainsaw, which tips the scales at over 14 pounds. 

Job Type

Selecting a chainsaw size largely depends on the type of job. A 14-inch or 16-inch chainsaw is suitable for light-duty yard work that involves pruning small branches. An 18-inch chainsaw is a good choice for jobs that require cutting down small trees or thicker branches. For larger properties, a heavy-duty chainsaw with a bar that is 20 inches or longer is ideal.

Maintenance

Husqvarna is known for equipping its chainsaws with technologies that make them easier to sharpen and maintain. These features include automatic chain oilers, which eliminate the need for the operator to stop the chainsaw periodically and oil the chain, and side-mounted chain tensioning systems that allow the operator to adjust chain tension on the fly. Some of Husqvarna’s larger chainsaws also include quick-release air filters that are easier to clean and replace. 

Safety Features

Husqvarna increases the safety of its chainsaws by addressing one of the most common causes of chainsaw injuries—kickback. This phenomenon occurs when the tip of the bar comes into contact with a solid object, causing the bar to move upward suddenly. While most chainsaws have a chain brake that disengages the chain when the guard in front of the handle is pushed toward the chain by the operator’s hand, Husqvarna’s chainsaws improve on this with an inertia chain brake. This technology stops the chain in fractions of a second as soon as it senses a sudden upward motion in the bar. 

Additional Features

In addition to its maintenance and safety features, Husqvarna also equips its chainsaws with other technologies that make them easier to use. The “easy start” feature, for example, avoids chainsaw start problems by eliminating the need to pull on the cord again and again, even when the engine is cold. Many of Husqvarna’s chainsaws also include anti-vibration technology that helps reduce operator fatigue over long cutting sessions.

Environmental Concerns

Though most of Husqvarna’s chainsaws use gas engines, they are more environmentally friendly than other brands thanks to its use of X-Torq, which helps to reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent and emissions by up to 60 percent. This technology works by allowing the engine to provide maximum torque at lower revolutions per minute (rpm). The X-Torq feature also uses pure air, as opposed to air mixed with fuel, to flush out exhaust fumes, resulting in cleaner emissions. 

Tips on How to Use a Husqvarna Chainsaw

When it comes to chainsaw safety and efficiency, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First and foremost, understand your limits. If you don’t feel comfortable with the chainsaw in your hands or if the task feels too big, then consider calling a professional. Before getting started, check to make sure the chain is properly lubricated and has the correct amount of tension. While working, be mindful of the potential for kickback. Hold the chainsaw firmly in both hands and make sure the tip of the chainsaw does not come into contact with any objects. When making cuts, keep the chainsaw steady and don’t cut anything that is above shoulder height to reduce the risk of injury. Finally, always use protective equipment, which includes a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, and chainsaw chaps. 

• Make sure you feel comfortable with the chainsaw and the job.
• Properly lubricate the chain and adjust the chain tension.
• Hold the chainsaw firmly in both hands while cutting.
• Never cut anything above shoulder height.
• Use the necessary safety equipment.

FAQs

Looking for more information about Husqvarna chainsaws? Read on to find out how to decipher Husqvarna model numbers and bar chain codes and to learn how to select the right size chainsaw for your property.

 

Q. What do Husqvarna model numbers mean?

The first digit in a Husqvarna chainsaw model number refers to the generation of the chainsaw. The second and third digits refer to the cubic centimeters of the engine. Chainsaws meant for professionals include an XP at the end of the model number. The number is helpful when ordering Husqvarna chainsaw parts. 

Q. How do you tell what year a Husqvarna chainsaw is?

The year of the Husqvarna chainsaw is delineated by the first two characters of the serial number. For example, a series number that starts with 99 is a 1999 model. 

Q. How do you read a Husqvarna chainsaw bar?

A chainsaw bar will have a series of numbers printed on it that include a decimal, a fraction, and a number followed by “DL.” The decimal refers to the gauge size of the chain. The fraction refers to the pitch size, while the number before “DL” lists the number of drive links. You can also measure a chainsaw bar to determine its size.

Q. What size of Husqvarna chainsaw do I need?

For casual users who need a chainsaw for light trimming, a small gas chainsaw, such as a 14-inch model, should be adequate. For medium-duty work that includes felling small trees, look for chainsaws in the 16- to 20-inch range. For cutting down larger trees or thicker branches, select a chainsaw that’s 22 inches or longer. 

Q. How do you start an old Husqvarna chainsaw?

While starting an old chainsaw can sometimes be a struggle, there are a few things you can do to make it easier. Make sure you’re using fresh fuel and that the chainsaw has the right amount of oil in it. Also, check the spark plug to make sure it’s in good working condition and properly seated. 

Q. How many cc should a good chainsaw have?

It depends on the job: 30-45cc is ideal for light-duty work, while 50cc and up are best for heavy-duty cutting.

Q. How much should you spend on a chainsaw?

For light-duty cutting, you can find a good chainsaw for under $300, while mid-range models sell for around $300-$600. For a pro-grade chainsaw, expect to pay upwards of $600.

Q. Should you cut up or down with a chainsaw?

Chainsaw cuts can be made in either direction. Downward cuts are typically for controlled tree felling and bucking (cutting a felled log into smaller sections), while upward cuts prevent the log from pinching the saw bar when cutting logs under tension.

Meet the Tester

Glenda Taylor is a contractor, product tester, and writer focusing primarily on construction and DIY tools

Additional research provided by Tony Carrick, Zach Lazzari, and Mark Wolfe

 

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