No good experience surpasses working with a great chainsaw whether you’re a professional logger or a seasoned woodworker.
Whenever you mention great chainsaws, Husqvarna is a name that won’t miss among the ones mentioned. Its reputation is well-known by those who use either the powerful gas-powered, electric, or battery-powered Husqvarna chainsaw models.
If you are looking for a top-notch Husqvarna chainsaw, here are the five reviews that we recommend you consider checking out.
The Best 5 Husqvarna Chainsaws – Reviews
1. Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-Inch 55-1/2cc 2-Stroke Gas-Powered Chain Saw – Editor’s choice — $$$$

Husqvarna 455 Rancher is not only a top-rated chainsaw but also the best-selling model from Husqvarna. Apart from this, it’s an excellent all-around chainsaw that one can dream to own.
Husqvarna 455 Rancher operates on a 3.5 HP engine that delivers enough power to run the 20-inch bar and chain that is fitted to it. The 3.5 HP engine is capable of producing a speed of up to 9000RPM that is considered ideal for professional use and experienced homeowners who want to handle heavy-duty projects.
It comes with an ergonomically designed front handle and LowVib system that is ideal for minimizing vibrations to ensure a comfortable and less fatigued user. This makes it great for prolonged use.
This model also features the X-Torq engine that is greatly responsible for not only minimizing harmful exhausts emission but also improving fuel consumption.
Like other Husqvarna models, this also comes with a centrifugal air cleaning system, which prevents large dust particles, and debris from reaching the air filters to lessen the cleanings of the air filters while improving the overall engine life.
With easy and quick chain tensioning and assembling of the chain and bar minus the use of tools, this chainsaw is definitely what you need for your professional sawing as well as ideal for experienced homeowners who want to tackle heavy-duty projects.
Pros:
- Easy to access chain tension device.
- Reduced vibrations.
- Great for heavy-duty cutting jobs.
- Low fuel economy.
- Reduced harmful exhaust emissions.
Cons:
- A bit heavier.
2. Husqvarna 450E SASII45020 – Fully Assembled Gas Chainsaw with Farm Tough Bar Best Overall Chainsaw — $$$$


When you invest in this chainsaw, you are purchasing a high-performance chainsaw that will allow you to cut down trees of different sizes. It comes with a number of great features that makes it preferred by several users.
This chainsaw is equipped with X-Torq engine that is common in all Husqvarna chainsaws and allows this chainsaw to be fuel economy yet producing great power. The side-mounted chain tension control is perfect at enabling you to tune in the correct chain tension for your saw, minus the help of any tool.
In terms of safety features, this chainsaw comes with an inertia activated chain that helps prevent kickbacks whenever they occur. The LowVib system is designed in a way that it reduces vibration level, which in turn minimizes user fatigue.
With the smart start and fuel pump makes this saw very easy to start and operate. Best of all, the centrifuge air cleaning system removes large dust and debris from reaching the air filter while improving engine life.
Overall, Husqvarna 450E SASII45020 has the agility and power to handle whatever cutting jobs comes its way.
Pros:
- Reduced vibrations.
- Prolonged engine life.
- Quick and easy to start.
Cons:
- Gets really hot.
- May not comes as advertised.
3. Husqvarna 966048320 460 Rancher Chainsaw Kit, 20-Inch – Best Heavy-duty Chainsaw — $$$$


Husqvarna 460 Rancher is a heavy-duty and a versatile chainsaw model for those who want a chainsaw that handles heavy-duty cutting projects with great efficiency
This chainsaw comes with the top of the range X-Torq engine that is synonymous with all Husqvarna chainsaw models which delivers low-fuel consumption and minimized exhaust emissions but produces high power. This engine delivers enough power to adequately handle the fitted 24-inch bar and chain that is meant for heavy-duty jobs only. The smart start allows for easy, fast-starting with minimum effort.
The centrifugal air cleaning system is essential at not only removing large dust particles from reaching the air filters but also lessening air cleanings while improving the engine lifespan. The Low-Vibration system is designed to lessen vibration levels as well as user fatigue.
It also features an adjustable oil pump that makes it easy to regulate the amount of oil flow with regard to the task at hand and prevailing weather conditions.
It comes with front handguard as well as chain brake that are key safety features. These exclusive features effectively prevent the chain in case it kickbacks making sure you’re safer whenever you operate this chainsaw.
Overall, this chainsaw makes a great choice for anyone who wants to tackle tough cutting tasks like clearing a large bush area.
Pros:
- Prolonged engine life with a high-efficiency air cleaning system.
- Quite low fuel consumption.
- Adjustable oil pump.
Cons:
- Noisy chainsaw.
4. Husqvarna 240 2 HP Chainsaw, 952802154 (16-Inch) – Best Light-duty Chainsaw — $$


This is a unique chainsaw model from Husqvarna specially designed for homeowners who want a high-quality chainsaw for tackling light cutting jobs like pruning and hobby work. Besides, this chainsaw is relatively affordable for anyone without compromising its quality.
Like many other Husqvarna chainsaw models, this model also comes with an X-Torq engine that allows for lower fuel economy with reduced exhaust emission levels. Its 2 HP engine produced enough power to run the 16-inch chain and bar that is attached to it.
It is also equipped with a centrifugal air cleaning system that efficiently removes large dust particles before reaching the air filters. This leads to reduced cleanings or the air filters and overall improved engine life.
The integrated choke/stop control system allows for easy and quick starting in order to reduce the chances of engine flooding. The air purge allows for easy removal of air from the carburetor and the fuel system for quick and easy starting.
The anti-vibration system is designed to minimize vibration levels for comfortable operation and reduced fatigue for the operator.
This chainsaw is ergonomically designed and ultra-lightweight making it ideal for all homeowners and novices. It weighs 10.3 pounds, which mean you won’t tire easily even when working on big cutting projects.
Pros:
- Excellent for light-duty projects.
- Easy and quick to start.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- Slightly low power.
- Doesn’t run for longer periods of time.
5. Husqvarna 435EII16 SASII43516 Gas Chainsaw – Best Lightest Chainsaw — $$


This is one of the most popular chainsaws used by homeowners who want to cut light materials without getting tires easily. Its popularity may be linked to its relatively low price. Besides, it’s one of the lightest chainsaws Husqvarna produces.
This chainsaw is really lightweight with just 9.2 pounds. With its lightweight properties, you will be able to work longer with negligible fatigue.
It comes with a powerful 2.2 HP motor that can adequately handle a bar and chain of 16-inches long. The motor is integrated with X-Torq engine, which enables low fuel economy capacity while reducing exhaust emission levels.
It also comes with a centrifugal air cleaning system that prevents large dust and debris particles from reaching the air filters thus prolonging the engine life.
It is really easy to start this chainsaw due to its fuel pump and automatic return stop switch system. The LowVib system design reduces vibrations allowing for easy and comfortable pruning and other lighter cutting jobs that this chainsaw is ideal for.
If you intend to buy an easy to use, ultra-lightweight and relatively low priced chainsaw, you might think to consider Husqvarna 435EII16 chainsaw.
Pros:
- Powerful and sturdy.
- Quick and easy to start.
- Great for light cutting tasks.
Cons:
- Built with low-quality plastic material.
- May not start and run on high altitude.
How to Buy the Best Husqvarna Chainsaws – Buyer’s Guide
As you go about looking for the best Husqvarna chainsaw, it is crucial to be aware of some aspects to look out for in order to get something that suits your cutting needs.
Keep the following important things in mind.
Bar Length
This is the active cutting component of the chainsaw. The bar length is what determines the length of the cut which in turn determines the size of wood you can cut with that particular chain.
The longer the bar is the better as you can take a few minutes to cut large trees. If you intend to use the chainsaw at home for light cutting, consider choosing a chainsaw with a bar length of 14-inches whereas a 24-inch long bar is great for heavy-duty and professional use. Even though the engine is what provides speed and power, the bar length is key at the actual cutting.
Performance
When it comes to performance, Husqvarna chainsaws seem to do great. This factor cuts across all chainsaws whether small ones for light duties like pruning or those heavy-duty models for cutting large trees. Many factors come into play to guarantee better performance from this chainsaw.
The of the engine is key not only at determining the amount of power the chainsaws produces but also the maximum speed it can attain.
The quality and type of the handle and weight of the chainsaw will also influence the performance level since they are crucial in determining how easy it is to operate.
Husqvarna chainsaws are equipped with features like anti-vibration, tool-less chain adjustment and auto chain oiling that greatly improves its performance. You wouldn’t want to miss out these features.
Safety
This ought to be a top consideration when it comes to buying a powerful tool that can also be dangerous like chainsaws. Luckily, top-rated Husqvarna chainsaws come with a number of safety features that ensure your safety when operating them.
When buying Husqvarna chainsaw you should watch out for the following feature. A chain brake, chain catcher, anti-kickback chain, throttle lock, and emergency stop button. These features make Husqvarna safe to operate.
Warranty
If you own some power tool in your workshop you probably understand how important a warranty is. Apart from the brand’s reputation, the warranty comes second when determining how durable the chainsaw you intend to buy could be.
Husqvarna chainsaw comes with a 2-year warranty which is sufficient for these tools. It can also extend to 3 or 4 years upon buying other Husqvarna items when purchasing your chainsaw.
How to Properly Care for Your Husqvarna Chainsaw?
Husqvarna chainsaw needs to be taken care of on a regular basis in order to keep it on top-notch performance at all times while ensuring it’s durable.
By following this guide below you will be in a position to keep your chainsaw in excellent working condition for years to come.
Proper Chain Tensioning
Always make it a priority to correctly tighten your chain prior to using it. Often, a number of people have tried running chainsaws while the chain is slack and the result has been fatal. The chain jumps off the guide bar to cause serious injuries to the user while damaging the machine as well.
Over-tightening of the chain can also lead the premature wear of the guide bar. So, just tighten your saw correctly. By tightening correctly we mean, the chain doesn’t hang under the guide bar. The correct tension is when the chain is in contact with under the guide bar yet enabling you to easily pull it with your hands.
More importantly, the tensioning of the chain should be done when the chain is completely cool. If you tighten when hot, it will cool to tightening the guide bar way too hard which is not recommendable.
Bar Maintenance
Generally, chainsaw bar issues arise from poor tensioning of the chain, faulty working practices and inappropriate lubrication of the chain. Since the underside of the bar is where most cutting takes place, it often wears off faster than the upper side.
To maintain your chainsaw bar correctly with uniform wear, ensure to turn the bar whenever you change the chain. Also, always clean the bar groove and lubricate the inlet quite often. Crown then maintenance routine by filing all the burrs on the bar rails.
Consistent Chain Lubrication
Typically, insufficient chain lubrication impacts overall chainsaw performance. If you don’t oil your chain adequately, your machine will definitely wear prematurely.
We strongly recommend you check and refill your chainsaw’s lubrication oil whenever it’s time to refuel it. We have brand oil Husqvarna HP that can offer great lubrication for your Husqvarna chainsaw.
A quick chain oil test can be done to ensure the chain is well oil. Simply start the chainsaw engine and hold it over a stump and then rev up the engine. If an oil line is left on the stump you are good to proceed to get the cutting started.
Check out the process of oiling your chain:
Chain Sharpening
It is quite disadvantageous for both the chainsaw and the operator when cutting with a blunt chain. You are inclined to use more energy during operation and easily getting tired. Besides, your engine will tend to consume more fuel on the same amount of job while wearing off much faster than anticipated.
Fortunately, all this can be avoided by sharpening your chain on a regular schedule. If you often use your chainsaw on heavy duties and big sawing projects, it’s ideal to sharpen it at each time you refuel.
In fact, you can easily detect whenever your machine needs sharpening by the way it performs when cutting branches and tree trunks. You will find that when it uses more force to cut through a branch it the chain requires sharpening.
Husqvarna recommends that you use their file gauge and file your chain bit by bit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How frequent should I sharpen my chain?
A: The frequency of sharpening your chain is entirely determined by what you are cutting and how often do you use it. For instance, if you cut hardwoods, dirt, nails, rocks among other hard things, you will blunt your chain pretty fast. Nevertheless, your chain ought to be sharp in order to get the best cutting experience.
Q: How long will my chain last?
A: The durability of the chain will depend on a number of factors. What you cut, how oiled and sharp whenever you are cutting. If your chain is not sharp enough and not adequately oiled it will overheat faster while increasing friction, hence not last longer. In fact, a new chain won’t last days if sand, rocks or charcoal hits the chain cutters during operation.
Q: Is it right to put less oil in my fuel mix or even guess the quantity?
A: It is strongly not recommended since you will cause premature failure to overall engine components.
Q: Why is my chain not cutting straight even after just sharpening?
A: There are various aspects that may be causing this problem. However, the most common is due to an uneven sharpening of the chain or a worn/bent-guide bar. To rectify this, you can either trim your guide bar or professionally sharpen or replace your chain.
Q: Why should I not use cheap generic brand 2 stroke oil in my new Husqvarna chainsaw?
A: Modern chainsaws are designed to operate leaner compared to older models, and thus may run hotter. Generic brand oil may not be designed to run at the temperature and RPM of modern 2 stroke chainsaws
No one uses them for everything they are advertised for. They are marketed to both hobbyists and doormats.
I’ve gotten some very nice Husqvarna saws from decent dealers, so I tend to be biased. But all models were enough durable and work nice
Get the new model with the removable blade of Husqvarna 435EII16
Send me one! I need one for the shed. I’ll leave a review about Husqvarna 240.
4 out of 5 stars for quality and reliability. Still own one, and haven’t had any problems since I bought Husqvarna 460.
I have one as well and even I cannot recommend it highly enough. It’s just so well built and reliable. Never broke and never hesitated to provide a repair estimate. I feel like a proud owner of Husqvarna 455
Not buying it unless they fix the issues i have with their electric starter.