Husqvarna is a Swedish company with an excellent reputation for producing high-quality forestry tools, including chainsaws. The brand focuses on quality while keeping tight budgets in mind. Husqvarna is often referred to as a legendary brand, and after reading through the reviews below, you’ll know why!
This article compares five of the best gas-operated Husqvarna chainsaws available today to narrow your choices down for you. So, if you’re in the market for a new chainsaw, keep on reading to see which one takes the top spot!
Before You Continue
While this article will cover everything you need to know about the five best chainsaws available, there are some general points you should read through to ensure that the Husqvarna brand is a good fit for you.
Budget: While Husqvarna chainsaws aren’t as affordable as carpet shampoo, most will fit the tiniest of budgets.
Ease of Use: Although many different chainsaws are available, the ones we recommend in this article are lightweight, making them easy to use.
Set-up: All chainsaws mentioned below are easy to start, and setting them up only takes five to ten minutes.
The Three Chainsaw Types
Husqvarna made sure that they accommodated all needs. Therefore, their gas, electric, and battery-operated chainsaws are all high-quality. Choosing between the three types will depend on the project you need to tackle.
Gas: These chainsaws are great for big projects like cutting trees and big wood pieces. They’re the most commonly purchased type. Compared to battery-operated chainsaws, gas-operated ones are faster and more powerful, and a wider variety of models and sizes are available. However, with their powerful punch comes the need for frequent refuelling. Most models also have a 2-cycle engine which requires maintenance that can’t be ignored. Maintenance on gas-powered chainsaws includes replacing filters, spark plugs, and oil mixtures, as well as regular cleaning. The operation of these models is generally louder than others, and handling them tends to be more challenging.
Electric: Chainsaws that use electricity are corded, which means that your working areas will be restricted to the availability of power sockets. A huge advantage of this type is never having to worry about pre-charging batteries or buying fuel.
Battery: Chainsaws that run on batteries are lightweight and ideal for smaller jobs. They aren’t as popular as gas-powered models but are extremely useful. Battery-run models require little maintenance and cleaning and are also better for the environment. Before purchasing one, look at its battery life to determine if it will operate long enough for your needs before requiring a recharge.
The Best Husqvarna Chainsaws Reviewed
The 20″ 460 Rancher
If you need a powerful chainsaw, then this one is for you! The 20″ 460 Rancher is 29” x 12.75” x 10.5″ and weighs 12.79 lbs., making it a lightweight and easy-to-carry tool.
While installing the bar and chain can be a challenge, the tensioning system is simple and can quickly be adjusted while you’re using the chainsaw.
This model is an excellent choice for cutting thick wood. It has a two-cycle engine with an inertia-activated chain brake and can reach a maximum speed of 9,000 RPM!
The 20″ 455 Rancher
Like the 460 model, the 455 Rancher has a two-cycle inertia-activated chain brake for safety. It’s a great choice for home and landowners who require a heavy-duty machine that’s durable and superior when it comes to wood cutting.
While the Husqvarna 455 Rancher is only 20” x 9.5” x 41″ and weighs 12.8 lbs., it packs a punch! This model has a quick-release air system that is easy to maintain and replace. Its side-mounted tensioning system allows you to adjust the chain with ease and speed.
A built-in X-TORQ lowers this model’s fuel consumption while also reducing emissions. If you’re in the market for an environmentally friendly chainsaw, then the 455 Rancher is a good choice.
Although it might not fit smaller budgets, the results you’ll see when using this model will definitely match its price tag.
The 20″ 450 Rancher
The 20″ 450 Rancher chainsaw by Husqvarna is 38” x 9” x 12.5″ and weighs 11.3 lbs. While it delivers high-quality wood-cutting, it doesn’t break the bank, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget.
This model is lightweight, making it easy to use and maneuver. It also has an X-TORQ installed to lower fuel consumption and reduce the emission levels from the exhaust. To add to that, the 450 Rancher has a centrifugal air purifying system that removes debris, dust, and other particles before it reaches the air filter.
Overall, the 450 Rancher is a minimum effort chainsaw that’s good for the environment and comes with an affordable price tag.
The 445 Chainsaw
Ease comes to mind when describing this chainsaw model. It’s easy to hold and use, and it cuts wood with power. It has been designed to start without a struggle, and its built-in quick-cutting blades never fail.
When cleaning the 455 Chainsaw or changing the spark plugs on it, you’ll save time thanks to its snap-lock cylinder. It also comes with an X-TORQ that lowers fuel consumption and a centrifugal air purifier for debris, dust, and particle removal.
The 455 model is 39” x 11” x 12.5″ and weighs in at 10.8 lbs.
The 18″ 450 Chainsaw
If you’re looking for an affordable chainsaw, then the 18″ 450 Chainsaw from Husqvarna could work for you.
This 3.2 horsepower chainsaw can quickly cut through wood without getting stuck thanks to its extremely sharp blade. It’ an easy-to-hold model making handling it a breeze.
At only 10.8 lbs., the 18″ 450 chainsaw is lightweight. It’s 18” x 9” x 11″ and has a maximum power speed of 9600 RPM.
The 18″ 450 model is a perfect combination of affordability, durability, and efficiency.
Why Husqvarna?
Even after reading the above reviews, you might be wondering why we chose to review this specific brand. The answer is simple: a lightweight yet powerful chainsaw is every man’s dream, and Husqvarna perfectly combines those two features. Here are some more reasons to choose them:
The Husqvarna company was established in 1689. It has been around for more than 330 years and has evolved into a multi-production powerhouse. After initially starting as a weaponry foundry, Husqvarna grew into a supplier of many different machines, including motorcycles, sewing equipment, and this article’s focus – chainsaws!
Husqvarna is a popular name in the industry and defines outdoor work as a calling rather than a simple career choice. The brand believes in high-quality workmanship and has a vision of helping others achieve their dreams.
Chainsaws by Husqvarna can be used for various projects. These uses include cutting trees, clearing branches, cutting firewood, and general outdoor trimming. Heavy-duty models can cut through brick, concrete, and even metal!
Husqvarna chainsaws have also been recognized by the art community – with chainsaws being used as art tools. The Chainsaw Sculpture Championships held annually in Wisconsin provide chainsaw artists with a platform to showcase their art.
Below we highlight some more reasons why a Husqvarna chainsaw will be an excellent buy!
Performance
You won’t find the exceptional performance abilities of a Husqvarna chainsaw anywhere else! This is probably the number one reason why you should choose this brand. Each model is designed to deliver a powerful blast enabling you to complete any job you’re able to think of. While gas-operated models are the most popular, even those running on batteries and electricity deliver reliable outputs.
Durability
When you’re in the market for a chainsaw, the last thing you want to do is purchase something that won’t last. Therefore, Husqvarna designs their chainsaws with durability in mind, and as promised, what they deliver is impressive. Even during the toughest of jobs, these chainsaws are high performers.
Safety
Chainsaws aren’t only powerful; they’re dangerous too. When choosing one, safety features should be at the top of your list to look at.
Most Husqvarna models have an inertia-activated chain brake system which brings snapped chains to an almost immediate halt if a kickback occurs. Their handles are also lined with vibration dumpers and chain catchers.
Environmentally Conscious
Husqvarna has taken the recent global warming threats seriously. While other chainsaw brands don’t live up to the more stringent emission legislation being put in place, Husqvarna immediately started complying.
With the X-TORQ system in their engines, Husqvarna chainsaws minimize carbon emissions. This system allows eco-friendly enthusiasts to use gas-powered chainsaws without going against state laws or polluting the environment.
Warranty
A good warranty is essential for any power tool owner. A product warranty gives users peace of mind. In the rare event that their tool breaks, the cost of repairing it won’t burden them if their tool is still in its warranty window.
Subject to their terms and conditions, Husqvarna offers a 2-year warranty on all their products. If you buy their two-stroke oil or pre-mixed fuel, your warranty can be extended. Buying six bottles of oil can extend your warranty by a year, and buying 96 ounces of fuel will extend it by two years.