Buying guide for Best Husqvarna chainsaws
When you grab hold of a Husqvarna chainsaw, you're wielding a mighty tool that puts you in charge of nature. You can cut away the overgrown or dying vegetation in your yard to create a picturesque and healthy landscape. You can face the aftermath of a storm with confidence because you have the power to dispense with the debris yourself.
If you’re shopping for a new chainsaw, it’s important to choose the right one. All power equipment is not created equally; tools are carefully designed and manufactured to facilitate unique or specific tasks. Using the wrong chainsaw could lead to frustration, dissatisfaction, or even worse – damage.
The following article is packed with information, insight, guidance, and tips to help you make the right buying decision. When you’re ready to purchase a new Husqvarna chainsaw, see which ones we endorse as the very best.
Chainsaw power
There are two ways to power a Husqvarna chainsaw: electricity and fuel.
Cordless electric
These chainsaws run on a potent lithium-ion battery, which adds approximately three pounds to the overall weight of the unit. They offer the user maximum mobility but are the least-powerful option on the market. Cordless chainsaws are quieter and easier to start, and they produce less vibration than gasoline-powered chainsaws. If you’re interested in an environmentally friendly tool, this emission-free option could be right for you.
Corded electric
Because these chainsaws are powered by electricity, you can only work where your extension cord reaches. Weight-wise, these are the lightest chainsaws, yet they pack more wallop than battery-powered options. You never need to worry about running out of charge or fuel with a corded chainsaw, and like the cordless variety, these chainsaws produce less vibration than gas-powered chainsaws and are quieter and easier to start.
Gas-powered
This type of chainsaw requires more care and maintenance than either of the electric options. These chainsaws are louder, heavier, and tougher to start. What’s more, you may experience muscle fatigue from the extreme vibration. However, all that aside, a gas chainsaw is extremely powerful; it can take on jobs that electric chainsaws just can't handle.
Expert TIp
Do not use chainsaws alone. Always have a buddy on-site in case of an emergency.
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Size matters
Form is function when it comes to measuring the ability of your Husqvarna chainsaw. The length of the bar has a direct impact on what you can accomplish. Take a moment to really consider what you'll be using your Husqvarna chainsaw for, then read through these options to determine how many inches you need and see a rough price estimate.
Light-duty use
If you need a chainsaw to keep up with general yard maintenance such as pruning ornamental trees and shrubs – and you don't intend to tackle larger jobs or thicker branches – a Husqvarna with a bar that is 14 or 16 inches is all you'll need.
Approximate price range: $179 to $279
Moderate use
For the average homeowner – someone who needs to do maintenance pruning along with removing some branches and possibly even taking down a small tree or two – a Husqvarna chainsaw with a 16-inch or 18-inch bar would do the trick.
Approximate price range: $279 to $389
"Bar and chain oil has an additive that makes it sticky. If you use regular motor oil instead, it will fling off and wear out your chainsaw much faster. Used motor oil is even worse, as it contains tiny bits of metal that act as an abrasive."
STAFF
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Serious work
When you have the type of property that requires everything from pruning to removing medium-sized trees and cutting up firewood on a regular basis, it would be best to consider a Husqvarna with either an 18-inch or 20-inch bar.
Approximate price range: $389 to $449
Crisis ready
If you anticipate firing up your chainsaw at least a few times every week to prune, cut firewood, remove trees, and clean up after stormy weather, you're going to need a bigger bar. For a crisis-ready chainsaw, choose a Husqvarna that features a bar of at least 20 inches; 24 inches is ideal.
Approximate price range: $449 to $519
Expert Tip
If your saw does not come with a scabbard, use stiff corrugated cardboard to make a protective sleeve with duct tape.
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Bells and whistles
Husqvarna is as much a reputation as it is a name. As such, the company’s products are equipped with many desirable features that are only found on top-end chainsaws. Additionally, Husqvarna boasts some remarkable technology that is unique to the brand. Here are some standout features that can be found on some, but not all, Husqvarna chainsaws.
Air injection: This is the name for Husqvarna's centrifugal air-cleaning system. The system keeps larger particles from blocking the air filter in order to help extend the life of your chainsaw.
Automatic oiler: Make sure the reservoir is properly filled, and this system will keep your chain rotating smoothly and cutting efficiently.
Chain brake: This safety feature is designed to stop chain movement when the unexpected happens.
Felling marks: These are the distinctive lines on a chainsaw that you help target where a tree will fall.
Low Vib: This is the name for Husqvarna's anti-vibration dampener, which reduces fatigue-inducing vibrations that can adversely affect the user's hands and arms.
Side-mounted chain tensioner: This is an easy-access tensioner that allows you to quickly correct sagging chains.
- X-Torq: This is Husqvarna's revolutionary two-stroke engine technology, which reduces both fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining high performance.
Safety tips
Even under optimum conditions, operating a chainsaw can be dangerous. Here are a few things to keep in mind when using this powerful tool.
Fuel up safely. Only add fuel to your chainsaw when the unit is off and cool. Use a funnel or a flexible hose to add the fuel, and keep the fuel away from any potential sources of ignition.
Clear your work area. Remove all dirt, debris, branches, rocks, and other hazards from your work space. Inspect the area you will be cutting to be certain there are no spikes, nails, or other foreign objects in your cutting path. If you are cutting down a tree, ascertain that there is nothing in the fall zone and that you have a clear escape route.
Inspect your equipment before you start. Check to see if the chain is sharp and clean and the tension is proper. It’s also important to make sure there is bar oil in the reservoir, double-check all adjustments, and confirm that all handles and bolts are secure.
Protect yourself. A hard hat, eye protection with side shields, ear protection, cut-resistant gloves with enhanced gripping surfaces, cut-resistant pants, and work boots with steel toes and nonskid soles are all essential clothing items when working with a chainsaw. No loose clothing!
- Only operate at 100%. Never operate power equipment of any kind when you are tired, intoxicated, on medication, unsure of safe operating procedures, or mentally/physically impaired in any way.
Expert Tip
Whichever model you choose, keep your receipts and the UPC code from the box in case you need to use the warranty.
BestReviews Home Improvement and DIY Expert
FAQ
Q. How do I know if the tension on the chain of my Husqvarna chainsaw is correct?
A. When you place the chainsaw on a level surface, there should be no slack – the chain should be snug against the guide bar. If you pull the chain away from the guide bar, the drive links should not come out of the groove, yet the chain should still glide easily around the bar.
Q. What other items should I purchase with my Husqvarna chainsaw?
A. There are a number of items you will need if this is your first chainsaw. Luckily, Husqvarna makes them all. Before operating, be sure you have all the required safety clothing. Husqvarna makes chainsaw helmet systems that include ear and eye protection. You can also purchase saw protection gloves, apron chaps, and rubber logger boots made by Husqvarna.
You should also have Husqvarna pre-mixed fuel, bar and chain oil, and a replacement chain on hand. You'll probably want to have a saw chain filing kit, chainsaw case, and maybe even a Husqvarna bar scabbard (a.k.a. blade cover) as well.
Q. How much do Husqvarna chainsaws weigh?
A. Depending on which chainsaw you purchase, the weight can vary from a little over eight pounds to nearly 16 pounds. To give you a reference point, one gallon of milk weighs 8.3 pounds.
Q. Where should I keep my Husqvarna chainsaw?
A. Store your chainsaw in a dry, well-ventilated, dust-free location that is protected from the weather and direct sunlight. It should also be kept out of reach of children – preferably locked up.
