Husqvarna 450 Chainsaw Review

Professional quality meets the all-around versatility of the Husqvarna 450 chainsaw

The Husqvarna 450 chainsaw sits near the top of the company's landowner category of midsize chainsaws, just behind the Rancher line (there's also a 450 Rancher model). I had some cleanup to do so I took the 450 to work.

advantage

• Fuel-efficient X-Torq engine
• Excellent strength in this class
• extremely low vibration
• inertia start chain brake
• Air jet cleaning system removes dust and debris before reaching the filter

shortcoming

• no major disadvantages

X-Torque Engine

The Husqvarna 450 Chainsaw's 50cc X-Torq engine is designed for fuel efficiency and low emissions and produces 3.2 horsepower. Idle speed is 2,700 RPM and maximum power revs at 9,000 RPM. If you want to look at the next level, Husqvarna's 545 professional chainsaw has a 50cc, 3.35 horsepower engine with an RPM range of 2,800 – 9,600.

air jet

The centrifugal air system removes dust and debris before it reaches the air filter. When it's time to clean and change the filter, there's a convenient quick release on the lid.

low vibration

I'm not sure if the equivalent vibration level measurements are useful, but anyway, the front handlebar vibrates at 3.1 m/s2 and the rear handlebar 4.9m/s2. This is of course low, but the evidence is solid!

As far as ergonomics go, there's nothing special about it. Everything is as you wish. The handle has a bit of rubber overmold on the right side, but is mostly plastic and feels comfortable to hold. I've seen several cordless chainsaw manufacturers add handle overmolding, but professional grade pneumatic saw manufacturers seem to be bucking the trend since most people will be wearing gloves while working.

chain gate

Of course, there's no substitute for careful handling, but the internally activated chain brake on the Husqvarna 450 chainsaw is a great safety advantage. The nature of chainsaws means that you will most likely not have assistance and may be working alone.

Additional features

• Logging marks
• Air purge for easy start-up
• Combination Choke/Stop
• Spring lock cylinder head
• three-piece crankshaft
• visible oil level

Performance

set high standards

Ventured into our family's 50 wooded acres in Georgia, and I put the Husqvarna 450 chainsaw to the test. The estate's bridle path was littered with several storm-downed birches, pines and other trees.

The saw comes standard with 18" Pixel 0.325 laminated poles and will accommodate 13 to 20" poles. The bar comes with one H30 Pixel 0.325" chain. It starts up easily on the first or second pull, and I'm done with the task at hand in no time.

First, I cut a 30-foot birch and a 50-foot pine into 18-inch logs to see power and fuel efficiency. The base of the pine was nearly 2 feet in diameter, so I had to cut from several sides.

A chainsaw has a lot of power and is very efficient, no problem with these cuts.

For good measure, I tested the chainsaw's splitting motion capabilities as I cut straight through the heartwood of a 4 foot tall, 16 inch diameter pine stump.

Husqvarna met the challenge with a smooth, low-vibration feel. Throughout the cut, I noticed that the saw's auxiliary handle made it perfectly balanced. Slicing up the wood is as easy as cutting it down.

Add to that the metal curved spikes that grip firmly on branches or logs, and it's clear these are professional-grade ergonomics.

X mark point

The X-Torq engine definitely increases the efficiency of the saw. I fully chipped birch and pine and did some lighter work on the tank's 0.95 pint capacity, then let the saw sit idle for a while before cutting. I would add the impressive fuel efficiency to the Husqvarna 450 chainsaw's other strengths.

As you move from tree to tree, a translucent window lets you see how much fuel you have left.

The right side of the saw is flat, making it easy to place the saw on to fill with oil and fuel. The flap is easy to use with both gloved and bare hands.

You can use the single bolt on the right side of the chainsaw to tighten the chain. Like most gas chainsaws, squeaks have no place on board. Just make sure you put it in your truck, bag or box before heading out.

price

The Husqvarna 450 chainsaw is around $399. Stihl is Husqvarna's closest competitor, and their MS 271 Farm Boss is slightly more expensive at $410. The $429 Makita DCS5121REG revs higher, but has a similar powerplant. If you like the idea of a slightly larger handlebar size, Husqvarna's 545 is only $500.

the bottom line

The 450's power, ergonomics, and price make it hard for anyone in need of a mid-length saw to pass up. There are tons of options for pneumatic chainsaws, but this represents one of the better values for power and quality when you get into the professional market.

Husqvarna 450 Chainsaw Review Specifications