A good chainsaw can do great wonders for your cutting labors. It is a tool powerful enough to easily cut down trees, clear bushes, and eliminate hazardous tree limbs. There are several brands that offer chainsaws. In this article, we'll be looking at the 7 best Husqvarna Chainsaws.
Available sizes vary from large gasoline-powered to small electric-powered models. For you to find the best chainsaw, you must know what you'll be using the chainsaw for.
We chose 7 of the best chainsaws from Husqvarna that will help guide you in making your purchase decision.
Homeowner Chainsaw vs. Professional Chainsaw
A professional chainsaw is built tougher and more powerful. Looking at a professional chainsaw, you will notice better bearings, light alloys, less plastic material, and a more dominant metal casing. The combination of these results in better power to weight ratio. You get greater power with the advantage of lighter construction.
On the other hand, homeowner chainsaws often have a clamshell plastic casing. Although a plastic casing would mean it's lightweight, this does not necessarily mean that they're as powerful as professional chainsaws. The engine in a homeowner chainsaw isn't as powerful as the one found in a professional chainsaw.
A professional chainsaw have parts that are removable and reusable. In most cases, homeowner chainsaws cannot attain 8 hours of continuous use.
Gas-Powered Chainsaw vs. Battery-Powered Chainsaw
Gas-powered chainsaws are much powerful and noisier than electric-powered chainsaws. They are commonly seen in commercial environments. On the other hand, battery-powered chainsaws are commonly seen in home environments.
Customers should choose the one that is suitable for their needs. As a general rule of thumb, you should pick a battery-powered chainsaw if you'll be using it for basic housework or yardwork. The power of a battery-powered chainsaw is more than enough to meet these types of needs.
However, if you are planning to do some heavy cutting, there is no doubt that a gas-powered chainsaw is the best option to pick. Battery-powered chainsaws cannot compete with the power, reliability, and stability of the gas-powered types. The main advantage of battery-powered chainsaws is that they are portable and lightweight. Battery-powered chainsaws also require little maintenance compared to gas-powered ones.
If you are looking for a chainsaw that is light, portable, less noisy, and easy to use, then battery-powered types are great. If these are not a concern to you, then definitely pick a gas-powered chainsaw for maximum performance.
7 Best Husqvarna Chainsaws Specs
Below are the specs for each of the 7 best husqvarna chainsaws. As you will notice there are a few different types of chainsaws. Make sure you are familiar with which chainsaw you will be needing before making a purchase.
| Model | Rancher 455 | Rancher 460 | 240 | T525 | 572 XP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chainsaw Type | Medium Duty | Medium Duty | Light Duty | Top hand saw | Professional Saw |
| Max. Bar Length | 20 in. | 24 in. | 16 in. | 12 in. | 28 in. |
| Cylinder Discplacement | 55.5 cc | 60.3 cc | 38.1 cc | 27 cc | 70.6 cc |
| Power Output | 3.49 hp | 3.68 hp | 2 hp | 1.48 hp | 5.8 hp |
| Weight | 13.2 lb. | 13.2 lb. | 10.3 lb. | 5.95 lb. | 14.5 lb. |
| Oil Pump Type | Automatic | Automatic | Fixed Flow | Adjustable flow, no flow at idle | Adjustable flow |
| Vibration (m/s) | Front: 3.8 Back: 6.9 | Front: 3.8 Back: 6.9 | Front: 2.1 Back: 2.7 | Front: 4.9 Back: 5.2 | Front: 5.0 Back: 4.1 |
| Fuel Capacity | .14 | .93 | .90 | 1.5 | |
| Smart Start | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| X-Torq | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 2-year residential; 90 day commercial | 2-year residential; 90 day commercial | 2-year residential; 90 day commercial | 2-year residential; 90 day commercial | 2-year residential; 1-year commercial |
| Price | $$ | $$ | $ | $$ | $$$ |
Best Husqvarna Chainsaw Reviews
Husqvarna 455 Rancher
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is an all-around chainsaw that can cut through almost anything. Its high powered and heavy-duty engine will help you with the most daunting scenarios.
This gas-powered chainsaw is perfect for everyday cutting tasks. It features an Air Injection System that cleans its self in a centrifugal direction. Debris and dust are removed even before they reach the air filter inside. This prolongs the chainsaw's service life.
Engine
- Gas-powered with 60.3 cc engine cylinder displacement
- 3.62 HP with a fuel tank volume of 0.9 US pint.
- Max torque of 3.2 Nm
Performance
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is a professional chainsaw that's great for all-around cutting work. Although this is a professional chainsaw, heavy cutting work is not advised.
Ease of Use
The inertia activated chain brake decreases the likelihood of injury due to kickback. The combined choke/stop control enables easier starting and reduces the risk of engine flooding.
Pros/Cons
- Pros: Versatile and ergonomic chainsaw that you can trust with common cutting tasks. Simple and easy to use
- Cons: Not recommended for heavy cutting tasks. The gas-powered engine can also get very noisy.
Price
Check price for the Husqvarna 455 Rancher II on Amazon.
Husqvarna 460 Rancher
The Husqvarna 460 Rancher ideal for those demanding cutting tasks that require more power. This has an Xtorq Engine that offers high torque over a wide rpm range. It also delivers reduced emissions and low fuel consumption.
The Air Injection System cleans the system as it runs in a centrifugal direction. This removes debris and dust before it reaches the air filter inside. A LowVib system reduces vibration levels to the operator, which lessens fatigue especially in long periods of use.
Engine
- Gas-powered with 55.5 cc engine cylinder displacement
- 3.49 HP with a fuel tank volume of 0.93 US pint.
- Max torque of 3.4 Nm
Performance
The Husqvarna 460 Racher is a professional chainsaw that's great for all-around cutting work. Although this is a professional chainsaw, heavy cutting work is not advised.
Ease of Use
An inertia activated chain brake decreases the chances of injury due to kickback. The combined choke/stop control enables easier starting and reduces the risk of engine flooding. It also has distinct marks for you to have a better feel of the chainsaw.
Pros/Cons
- Pros: Great for heavy cutting tasks. Simple and easy to use. Powerful and also lightweight. Easy to clean because of the quick-release air filter
- Cons: The gas-powered engine gets noisy at times.
Price
Check price of Husqvarna 460 on Amazon.
Husqvarna 240
The Husqvarna 240 is always ready to help you with your light cutting tasks. It features a simple and ergonomic design that is easy to start and simple to operate. The Xtorq engine delivers reduced emissions and low fuel consumption.
A LowVib system reduces vibration levels to the operator, which lessens fatigue especially in long periods of use. An Air Purge System removes the air from the carburetor and fuel system for an easy startup.
Engine
- Gas-powered with 38.2 cc engine cylinder displacement
- 2 HP with a fuel tank volume of 0.14 US pint.
- Idling speed: 3000 rpm
Performance
The Husqvarna 240 is a homeowner chainsaw that's great for home cutting work. Basic housework and hobby work are perfect with this chainsaw. Heavy cutting tasks are not advised with this chainsaw.
Ease of Use
An inertia activated chain brake decreases the chances of injury due to kickback. This has a combined choke/stop control that allows easier starting and prevents engine flooding. Its ergonomic design enables better handling of the chainsaw and reduces stress while operating.
Pros/Cons
- Pros: Great for light cutting tasks. Simple and easy to use. Easy startup
- Cons: The gas-powered engine gets noisy at times. Doesn't have enough power for medium or heavy cutting tasks.
Price
This is a homeowner grade chainsaw that is pretty very competitive. Check out the price of the Husqvarna 240 at Amazon.
Husqvarna 536Li XP
The Husqvarna 536Li XP is a battery-powered professional chainsaw. When operating, you can choose between normal mode or savE mode. The normal mode is for maximum power, while the savE mode is for maximum runtime.
Engine
- Battery-powered
- Battery Voltage: 36 V
- Batter Type: Li-Ion
- A Brushless motor is 25% more efficient than a traditional brush motor
Performance
The Husqvarna 536Li XP is a professional chainsaw that's great for all-around cutting work. It is perfect for carpenters, contractors, and tree care workers.
Ease of Use
The battery-powered engine runs smooth and quiet. The battery pack that comes with the Husqvarna 536Li XP is designed for demanding, long lasting professional use. The same battery type is used across the entire Battery Series line-up, which allows you to quickly swap the battery across different product applications.
An inertia activated chain brake decreases the chances of injury due to kickback.
Pros/Cons
- Pros: Great for all-around cutting tasks. Simple and easy to use. Fast and smooth cutting. Quiet performance
- Cons: It doesn't have the power of a traditional gas-powered chainsaw. It only runs for a limited amount of time.
Price
This chainsaw is at a great price. Check out the Husqvarna 536Li XP on Amazon.
Husqvarna 540i XP
The Husqvarna 540i XP is an efficient and powerful professional chainsaw that can match 40 cc displacement chainsaws. It has a high chain speed for smooth and fast cutting.
Even though the 540i XP is battery-powered, it is weather-resistant. With the Husqvarna 540i XP, you can expect reliability with quiet and fast cutting performance.
Engine
- Battery-powered
- Battery Voltage: 36 V
- Batter Type: Li-Ion
Performance
This is a Professional chainsaw that's great for all-around cutting work.
Ease of Use
Because it is electric, it runs smooth and quiet. Fast chain speed ensures smooth cutting. An inertia activated chain brake decreases the chances of injury due to kickback.
Pros/Cons
- Pros: Great for all-around cutting tasks. Simple and easy to use. Fast and smooth cutting. Quiet performance
- Cons: It only runs for a limited amount of time.
Price
This is a pretty expensive chainsaw but it is a great chainsaw. Check out more details at Husqvarna's website.
Husqvarna T525
The Husqvarna T525 is a homeowner chainsaw that's ideal for those who are looking for a top handle design. It features an Xtorq Engine that has high torque over a wide rpm range.
The efficient engine enables reduced emissions and low fuel consumption. A belt eyelet is included which makes it easier for the saw to connect to the climbing harness. The air purge reduces the amount of effort required to cold start the engine.
Engine
- Gas-powered with 27 cc engine cylinder displacement
- Max torque of 1.28 Nm
- Idling speed: 2900 rpm
Performance
The Husqvarna T525 is a homeowner chainsaw that's great for light cutting work. Heavy cutting tasks are not recommended with this chainsaw.
Ease of Use
The lightweight construction of the Husqvarna T525 makes it simple and easy to use. The flip-up tank cap is easy to open, which makes refueling so much faster and easier.
Pros/Cons
- Pros: Great for light cutting tasks. Simple and easy to use. Powerful and also lightweight. Easy to clean because of the quick-release air filter.
- Cons: The gas-powered engine can get very noisy. Heavy cutting tasks are not advised with this chainsaw.
Price
$499.99 MSRP
For more details on this chainsaw check out Husqvarna's website. Or check out the Husqvarna T435 at Amazon.
Husqvarna 572 XP
The Husqvarna 572 XP is a professional chainsaw that is ideal for harsh conditions. This chainsaw is great for heavy cutting work.
The Husqvarna Anti-Vibration System significantly reduces the vibration being produced. The AutoTune system provides consistent engine performance. No matter what the condition, AutoTune ensures reliable and smooth operation.
Engine
- Gas-powered with 70.6 cc engine cylinder displacement
- Max torque of 4.5 Nm
- Idling speed: 2700 rpm
Performance
The Husqvarna 572 XP is a professional chainsaw that's great for heavy and demanding cutting work.
Ease of Use
At just 14.5 lbs, the 572 XP has a better power-to-weight ratio than previous Husqvarna models in the same class. The flip-up tank cap is easy to open so refueling is much faster and easier. A transparent fuel indicator makes it easy to check fuel meter reading.
Pros/Cons
- Pros: Great for heavy and demanding cutting tasks. Simple and easy to use. Powerful and also lightweight. Designed with durability in mind. Reliable whatever the circumstances.
- Cons: The gas-powered engine makes it very noisy.
Price
$999.99 MSRP. Check out more details at Husqvarna's website.
Chainsaws FAQs
1. What to check before using a chainsaw?
Before using a chainsaw, you must understand its controls and check for problems, especially if it’s not brand new. Look for loose, damaged, or missing parts, and inspect for signs of wear and leaks around the engine.
Be sure that the machine has a tight guide rail and that its chain snugly fits without binding. If necessary, adjust the tension on the chain. Ensure that the chain is sharp and has proper lubrication. Also, check that there are no obstructions and debris around the chain and the guard rail.
Checking the chain catcher is also crucial, as it prevents injuries whenever the chain breaks or jumps off the guide bar.
Finally, ensure that the chain brake works before starting the chainsaw and secure a well-balanced stance and stable footing.
2. What is the proper procedure for starting a chainsaw?
The proper procedure for starting a chainsaw depends on whether the engine is cold or warm.
Cold Engine Start
A chainsaw that has not been used for an extended period will require a cold start, which takes about two or three attempts.
The best way to achieve a cold start is with a ground start. The chainsaw should be on the ground and aligned as levelly as possible. The chain and rail should not touch anything except the machine.
First, completely prime the carburetor by operating the fuel pump, set the control bar or lever to “close,” and engage the chain brake. Firmly hold the front handle and pull the start-up cord several times until you hear the first bursts of the engine.
Finally, move the control lever to its “open” position, and pull on the cord several times until the engine starts up. However, do not release the cord without the chain brake being released while the engine is already idling.
Warm Engine Start
Restarting a chainsaw that has recently been in operation is much easier. Since the engine is still warm, it should effortlessly run after one or two startup attempts.
First, set the control bar or lever to its “open” position. Place the chainsaw in a stable position on the ground and ensure that the chain and rail won’t touch anything.
Firmly hold the main handle and pull on the starter until the engine begins to run. Again, do not release the starter unless you’re sure the engine is idling.
3. How do you maintain a chainsaw?
There are four important points to remember to keep your chainsaw in perfect running condition. Keep it clean and lubricated, and ensure that the blades are sharp. Also, avoid keeping it in storage with gas in the tank.
If you use your chainsaw often, it becomes open to more chances of accumulating debris. The only way to keep your chainsaw running efficiently is to clean it regularly.
However, each chainsaw part requires different cleaning techniques, so learn how to clean them properly.
Since the chain continuously turns along the guide rail during operation, your chainsaw will need adequate lubrication. Oil reduces friction between the rail and the chain, keeping it running as fast as it should.
A chainsaw with dull blades is pretty much useless, which is why regular blade sharpening is essential for chainsaw maintenance.
4. What type of hazard is chainsaw?
The most common hazards with any chainsaw include kickback, pushback, pull-in, vibration disease, carbon monoxide poisoning, and hearing loss.
While the most common causes of injuries are kickback, pushback, and pull-in hazards, other hazards are easily preventable with safety and protective gear.
5. What is the most common chainsaw injury?
The most common chainsaw injuries involve the hands, arms, and lower extremities. Less than 10 percent of all chainsaw injuries occur in neck and head regions.
Wrap Up
These are 7 of the best Husqvarna gas-powered and battery-powered chainsaws that we've reviewed. We've also given you some tips on how to choose the best chainsaw suitable for your needs.
There is a Husqvarna chainsaw for you whether you're looking for one that can easily crunch through heavy cutting work, or simply looking for one that can do some light to moderate work.
We hope you like this article and have fun shopping for the perfect Husqvarna chainsaw!
Be sure to check other articles here. For a complete list of Husqvarna products, visit their official website here.
