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Choosing the right Husqvarna chainsaw depends on what you actually need to cut. A small homeowner chainsaw such as the Husqvarna 120 Mark II is suitable for light garden work, while larger models such as the Husqvarna 450S Mark II, Husqvarna 545 Mark II and Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II are designed for more demanding cutting, felling and forestry work. Husqvarna also offers battery chainsaws such as the 230i, 435i, 535i XP and 542i XP for users who want cordless cutting without petrol.
The most important factors are what you are cutting, the diameter of the wood, how often you will use the chainsaw, the size of the bar you need and whether petrol or battery power is more appropriate.
Here's a quick starting point:
| What you need to do | Husqvarna chainsaw to consider |
|---|---|
| Light garden cutting | Husqvarna 120 Mark II |
| General domestic cutting | Husqvarna 135 Mark II |
| More demanding garden and landowner work | Husqvarna 435 Mark II |
| Firewood and general land management | Husqvarna 450S Mark II |
| Larger firewood and demanding cutting | Husqvarna 455 Rancher |
| Professional felling and processing | Husqvarna 545 Mark II |
| Professional forestry work | Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II |
| High-performance professional forestry | Husqvarna 564 XP / 564 XPG |
| Battery-powered domestic cutting | Husqvarna 230i |
| More demanding battery cutting | Husqvarna 435i |
| Professional battery chainsaw | Husqvarna 535i XP / 542i XP |
| Professional arborist work | Husqvarna T540i XP |
These aren't rigid categories. The correct saw depends on the job, the material being cut and the experience of the operator.
This is one of the most common questions people ask when buying a chainsaw.
The answer isn't simply:
"Buy the chainsaw with the longest bar."
A longer bar can be useful when cutting larger timber, but a larger chainsaw also tends to be heavier and more demanding to handle.
For many homeowners, a compact chainsaw is easier to control and more appropriate for the work they actually need to do.
Think about the typical diameter of the timber you will be cutting.
A compact saw with a shorter bar is usually sufficient.
A more powerful saw with a 14–18 inch bar can provide a useful balance of cutting capacity and manoeuvrability.
A larger professional saw and appropriately sized bar may be required.
The key is to match the saw to the job rather than automatically buying the biggest model available.
A useful way to think about chainsaw sizes is:
Generally suited to:
Small branches.
Pruning.
Garden maintenance.
Small logs.
Occasional firewood cutting.
Smaller trees.
Examples include the Husqvarna 120 Mark II, Husqvarna 135 Mark II and Husqvarna 230i.
More appropriate for:
Larger firewood.
Medium-sized logs.
Land management.
Larger garden jobs.
General tree work.
Examples include the Husqvarna 435 Mark II, Husqvarna 450S Mark II, Husqvarna 455 Rancher and Husqvarna 545 Mark II.
Designed for:
Forestry.
Professional felling.
Larger timber.
High-volume cutting.
Demanding professional applications.
Examples include the Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II and Husqvarna 564 XP.
Remember that bar compatibility varies by model, so always check the manufacturer's recommended bar and chain combinations.
If you're specifically searching for the best Husqvarna chainsaw for firewood, there are several models worth considering.
The important question is how much firewood you cut.
If you cut a small amount of firewood occasionally, you don't necessarily need a large professional chainsaw.
If you process several loads of logs every year, a more powerful saw can make the work considerably easier.
The Husqvarna 120 Mark II is a compact petrol chainsaw with a 14-inch bar.
Willis & Grabham lists it as a homeowner chainsaw for light cutting tasks.
It has a 38.2 cm³ engine, 1.4 kW power output and a recommended 14-inch bar.
This makes it much more appropriate for smaller-scale cutting than heavy forestry work.
It can be a sensible option if your firewood cutting consists mainly of smaller logs and you aren't processing large quantities every week.
The Husqvarna 135 Mark II is another homeowner-oriented option available from Willis & Grabham.
With its 14-inch bar, it sits in the compact chainsaw category while offering more capability for general garden and landowner work.
It's worth considering if your requirements include:
Firewood.
Small trees.
Branches.
General garden maintenance.
Occasional cutting.
For a homeowner who wants one chainsaw for a range of jobs, a compact 14-inch model can often be easier to live with than a much larger professional machine.
The Husqvarna 435 Mark II moves into a more capable category.
Willis & Grabham currently lists the 435 Mark II with a 15-inch bar.
It's designed as a lightweight, manoeuvrable chainsaw for a wide range of cutting tasks.
This makes it interesting for landowners who want something more capable than a small homeowner saw without immediately moving into a professional forestry chainsaw.
If you cut firewood regularly, deal with larger branches or maintain a larger property, this is a model worth comparing with the 450S Mark II.
The Husqvarna 450S Mark II is one of the most interesting models in the Willis & Grabham range for landowners.
Willis & Grabham describes it as a versatile landowner chainsaw designed to handle a wide range of tasks, including forestry work.
With an 18-inch bar, it provides significantly more cutting capacity than the smaller 120 Mark II and 135 Mark II.
It's worth considering for:
Regular firewood cutting.
Larger logs.
Land management.
Tree maintenance.
General forestry-style work around a property.
If your main search is "best Husqvarna chainsaw for firewood", this is the type of model to investigate if you're regularly processing larger timber.
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is another larger petrol chainsaw available from Willis & Grabham.
It is listed with an 18-inch bar and is designed around higher cutting capacity than the smaller homeowner models.
For someone maintaining a larger rural property or processing larger volumes of firewood, the 455 Rancher provides another option between a smaller landowner saw and more specialist professional forestry machines.
If you're moving into professional or much more demanding cutting, the Husqvarna 545 Mark II is a substantial step up.
Willis & Grabham lists the 545 Mark II with a 15-inch bar and describes it as a 50cc chainsaw for felling, limbing and other demanding cutting tasks.
This is an important distinction.
The right chainsaw isn't simply about bar length.
A professional 15-inch saw can be a much more capable machine than a larger-bar homeowner saw because engine performance, construction, ergonomics and intended application all matter.
The 545 Mark II is therefore aimed at a very different user from the 120 Mark II.
The Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II is another professional chainsaw in the Willis & Grabham range.
It's a 50cc professional saw designed for felling, limbing and bucking small to medium-sized trees.
This is the type of machine to consider when chainsaw use is no longer simply occasional garden maintenance.
For professional forestry users, reliability, performance, ergonomics and productivity become much more important than simply finding the cheapest chainsaw.
At the larger end of the range, Willis & Grabham currently lists both the Husqvarna 564 XP and Husqvarna 564 XPG.
These are 60cc-class professional chainsaws using fuel-injection technology.
Willis & Grabham describes the 564 XP as a professional forestry and tree-care chainsaw designed around high performance and fast acceleration.
The 564 XPG adds heated handles for demanding conditions.
These are not chainsaws most homeowners need.
They are aimed at professional forestry and tree-care users who require a high level of performance.
Petrol isn't your only option.
Husqvarna's battery chainsaw range has become extensive enough that many homeowners and professionals can now consider cordless power instead.
Willis & Grabham currently lists battery models including:
Husqvarna 225i.
Husqvarna 230i.
Husqvarna 240i.
Husqvarna 435i.
Husqvarna 535i XP.
Husqvarna 540i XP.
Husqvarna 542i XP.
Husqvarna T540i XP.
The right choice depends on your workload.
The Husqvarna 230i is designed for demanding garden tasks while avoiding the need for petrol.
Willis & Grabham currently sells a 14-inch version supplied with a battery and charger.
This makes it particularly interesting for homeowners who want a complete cordless setup.
It can be used for jobs such as:
Firewood.
Garden cutting.
Branch removal.
Small tree work.
General property maintenance.
It's also a useful starting point if you want to build a wider Husqvarna battery-tool collection.
The Husqvarna 435i is a more powerful battery-driven option.
Willis & Grabham lists it as a unit-only machine, which makes it particularly relevant to someone who already owns compatible Husqvarna batteries.
This is one of the major advantages of Husqvarna's battery system.
If you already have compatible batteries for another Husqvarna machine, you don't necessarily need to buy another complete kit.
The Husqvarna 535i XP takes battery chainsaw technology into the professional category.
Willis & Grabham lists it with a 14-inch bar and describes it as a professional 36V battery chainsaw for tree care.
This is an important model if you're comparing petrol and battery chainsaws for professional use.
Battery power isn't limited to small domestic chainsaws.
Husqvarna's professional battery range is designed to provide cordless alternatives for demanding applications.
The Husqvarna 542i XP is another professional battery chainsaw available from Willis & Grabham.
It's listed with a 15-inch bar and is supplied as a bare unit.
The 542i XP is particularly interesting for professional users who want the operating characteristics of a professional chainsaw combined with battery power.
If you're already invested in compatible Husqvarna 36V batteries, a bare-unit machine can also be an efficient way to expand your equipment collection.
The Husqvarna T540i XP is different from the standard rear-handle chainsaws discussed above.
It's a professional top-handle battery chainsaw intended for tree care.
Willis & Grabham currently lists the T540i XP both as a unit-only machine and in a kit with battery and charger.
Top-handle chainsaws are specialist tools.
They are not simply "smaller chainsaws" and should only be used by appropriately trained professionals in the applications for which they are designed.
There isn't one universal answer because "cutting trees" covers several very different jobs.
A Husqvarna 120 Mark II, 135 Mark II or 230i may be appropriate depending on the tree and cutting requirements.
A Husqvarna 435 Mark II, 450S Mark II or 455 Rancher may be more suitable.
Consider professional models such as the Husqvarna 545 Mark II or 550 XP Mark II, depending on the application.
A specialist saw such as the Husqvarna T540i XP may be appropriate for trained arborists where a top-handle saw is required.
The important point is that the chainsaw must be matched to the tree diameter, type of work and user's training.
Log diameter is another useful starting point.
If most of your logs are small enough to comfortably cut with a 12–14 inch bar, buying a much larger saw may add unnecessary weight.
If you're regularly cutting logs approaching or exceeding the practical capacity of a small saw, moving to a larger machine can make sense.
For example:
Consider the Husqvarna 120 Mark II, 135 Mark II or 230i.
Look at the Husqvarna 435 Mark II, 450S Mark II or 455 Rancher.
Look towards professional models such as the Husqvarna 545 Mark II, 550 XP Mark II or 564 XP.
Never force a chainsaw through timber that is beyond the machine's intended capacity.
No.
Bar length and engine power are related to the overall application, but they aren't the same thing.
A longer bar gives you greater potential cutting reach.
However, a longer bar also adds weight and can require more power to operate effectively.
This is why the manufacturer's recommended bar range matters.
For general-purpose users, a bar that is appropriately matched to the chainsaw is usually preferable to simply choosing the longest available option.
This is a common buying decision.
A 14-inch saw is compact and manoeuvrable.
Examples include:
Husqvarna 120 Mark II.
Husqvarna 135 Mark II.
Husqvarna 230i.
Husqvarna 535i XP.
It can be a good choice for:
Garden maintenance.
Smaller trees.
Branches.
Firewood.
General domestic work.
A mid-sized bar gives you more cutting capacity while keeping the chainsaw relatively manageable.
Examples include:
Husqvarna 435 Mark II.
Husqvarna 545 Mark II.
Husqvarna 542i XP.
An 18-inch bar is more appropriate when you're regularly dealing with larger timber.
Examples include:
Husqvarna 450S Mark II.
Husqvarna 455 Rancher.
Remember that bar length alone shouldn't determine your purchase.
You cut for long periods.
You're working away from electrical charging facilities.
You need high sustained performance.
You're doing professional forestry work.
You're processing significant quantities of timber.
You don't want to manage battery charging.
Petrol chainsaws also remain extremely capable for demanding forestry applications.
You mainly work around the home.
You want quieter operation.
You don't want to store petrol.
You prefer push-button starting.
You already own compatible Husqvarna batteries.
You want to share batteries across garden tools.
You value low day-to-day maintenance.
Battery chainsaws can be particularly convenient for short jobs where getting a petrol saw started would be unnecessary hassle.
For occasional firewood cutting, a battery chainsaw can make a lot of sense.
You can take it out, install the battery and start cutting.
There's no fuel to mix and no petrol engine to start.
A model such as the Husqvarna 230i is therefore worth considering for domestic firewood cutting.
If you're processing several cubic metres of timber regularly, however, a petrol saw such as the Husqvarna 450S Mark II or a professional model may be more appropriate.
The correct answer depends on volume.
Engine size is useful, but it's not the only specification that matters.
When comparing Husqvarna chainsaws, look at:
Engine displacement.
Power output.
Bar length.
Chain speed.
Weight.
Anti-vibration system.
Fuel capacity.
Intended application.
Battery capacity for cordless models.
For example, the 120 Mark II is a 38.2 cm³ homeowner saw producing 1.4 kW.
A 50cc professional machine such as the 545 Mark II or 550 XP Mark II is designed for a very different workload.
This is why comparing chainsaws purely by engine size can be misleading.
You'll see X-Torq mentioned on many Husqvarna petrol chainsaws.
It's Husqvarna's engine technology designed to provide efficient combustion while reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions compared with older engine designs.
The Husqvarna 120 Mark II, for example, uses X-Torq technology.
For someone who regularly uses a petrol chainsaw, engine efficiency can have a noticeable effect on fuel consumption over time.
LowVib is Husqvarna's anti-vibration technology.
Chainsaw vibration can contribute to fatigue, particularly during longer cutting sessions.
The system uses vibration-damping elements between the engine and handles to reduce the amount of vibration transferred to the operator.
The 120 Mark II, for example, includes LowVib.
For professional users spending many hours operating a chainsaw, ergonomics and vibration control are important considerations rather than optional extras.
Air Injection is Husqvarna's centrifugal air-cleaning system.
The system is designed to remove larger dust and debris particles before they reach the air filter.
This can help reduce filter cleaning requirements and extend the time between maintenance.
It's another example of why two chainsaws with similar engine sizes can provide very different ownership experiences.
When you're comparing chainsaws, don't focus entirely on power.
Weight matters.
A chainsaw that feels manageable for five minutes may feel considerably heavier after an hour of cutting.
This is particularly important when:
Delimbing.
Cutting branches.
Working at different angles.
Carrying the chainsaw around a property.
Processing large amounts of firewood.
A smaller chainsaw can actually be the more productive choice if it allows you to work comfortably and safely.
A chainsaw is a powerful cutting machine and should be treated accordingly.
Before using any chainsaw, make sure you understand:
The controls.
Chain brake operation.
Correct starting procedure.
Chain tensioning.
Chain sharpening.
Kickback risks.
Safe cutting techniques.
Correct fuelling or battery handling.
Personal protective equipment.
For tree felling, climbing and professional arboricultural work, appropriate training and specialist equipment are essential.
A chainsaw should never be treated like an ordinary garden power tool.
Depending on the work, appropriate PPE can include:
Chainsaw helmet.
Eye and face protection.
Hearing protection.
Chainsaw gloves.
Chainsaw trousers or chainsaw protective leggings.
Chainsaw boots.
High-visibility clothing where appropriate.
Willis & Grabham stocks Husqvarna chainsaw protective equipment, including helmets, gloves, chainsaw trousers, boots and jackets.
Buying the chainsaw is only part of preparing for safe chainsaw work.
Your chainsaw is only as good as the cutting equipment attached to it.
The chain needs to be:
Correctly tensioned.
Properly sharpened.
Appropriate for the saw.
In good condition.
Willis & Grabham also stocks Husqvarna chainsaw chains, guide bars and sharpening equipment.
This is particularly important for regular firewood cutters and professional users.
Keeping a spare chain available can also reduce downtime if the cutting chain becomes damaged.
A simple rule of thumb is:
Buy the smallest bar that comfortably handles the work you regularly do.
If most of your cutting involves branches and small logs, a 14-inch saw may be ideal.
If you're regularly cutting medium-sized logs, 15–16 inches may provide a better balance.
If you're working with larger timber, an 18-inch setup may be more appropriate.
However, always follow the manufacturer's approved bar and chain specifications.
For many homeowners, there's no reason to jump straight to a professional saw.
A compact model such as the Husqvarna 120 Mark II can be enough for occasional light cutting.
The Husqvarna 135 Mark II provides another homeowner option.
If your property is larger and your cutting requirements are more demanding, the Husqvarna 435 Mark II or 450S Mark II may make more sense.
For homeowners who prefer cordless equipment, the Husqvarna 230i is an alternative.
Landowners often need a chainsaw for a mixture of jobs.
You might be:
Cutting firewood.
Clearing fallen branches.
Maintaining hedges and woodland.
Felling smaller trees.
Processing logs.
Maintaining tracks.
This is where a versatile saw such as the Husqvarna 450S Mark II can be particularly relevant.
The 455 Rancher is another option if you need an 18-inch saw.
If the work becomes genuinely professional or high-volume, the 545 Mark II, 550 XP Mark II and larger professional models should be considered instead.
Professional users need to start with the job rather than the price.
For professional forestry, models such as the Husqvarna 545 Mark II and 550 XP Mark II are designed for demanding felling, limbing and bucking work.
For higher-capacity forestry and tree-care applications, the Husqvarna 564 XP and 564 XPG provide a larger professional option.
For professional arborists who specifically need a top-handle battery saw, the Husqvarna T540i XP is another option.
Before buying, answer these questions:
Branches, firewood, logs, standing trees and professional forestry work all require different capabilities.
Don't buy based on the biggest piece of wood you might encounter once a year.
Buy around the work you regularly perform.
Occasional use doesn't necessarily justify a professional machine.
Daily professional use is a completely different proposition.
Petrol remains extremely capable.
Battery offers convenience, lower noise and easy starting.
Longer isn't automatically better.
If so, a compatible battery chainsaw may be particularly attractive.
Budget for proper protective equipment.
You'll need to keep the chain sharp, maintain correct tension and follow the manufacturer's servicing requirements.
| Model | Power type | Bar shown by Willis & Grabham | Typical user |
|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 120 Mark II | Petrol | 14" | Homeowner |
| Husqvarna 135 Mark II | Petrol | 14" | Homeowner |
| Husqvarna 435 Mark II | Petrol | 15" | Homeowner / landowner |
| Husqvarna 450S Mark II | Petrol | 18" | Landowner / demanding domestic work |
| Husqvarna 455 Rancher | Petrol | 18" | Landowner / larger logs |
| Husqvarna 545 Mark II | Petrol | 15" | Professional |
| Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II | Petrol | — | Professional forestry |
| Husqvarna 564 XP | Petrol | 20" listed configuration | Professional forestry |
| Husqvarna 230i | Battery | 14" | Homeowner |
| Husqvarna 435i | Battery | — | Homeowner / demanding garden work |
| Husqvarna 535i XP | Battery | 14" | Professional tree care |
| Husqvarna 542i XP | Battery | 15" | Professional |
| Husqvarna T540i XP | Battery | 14" listed configuration | Professional arborist |
The exact bar configuration available can vary by product version, so check the individual Willis & Grabham listing before ordering.
Start with the Husqvarna 120 Mark II or 135 Mark II.
Consider the Husqvarna 135 Mark II or 230i.
Look at the Husqvarna 435 Mark II or 450S Mark II.
Consider the Husqvarna 450S Mark II or 455 Rancher.
Look at the Husqvarna 545 Mark II or 550 XP Mark II.
The Husqvarna 564 XP or 564 XPG may be more appropriate.
Look at the Husqvarna 535i XP or 542i XP.
Look at the Husqvarna T540i XP.
Willis & Grabham stocks a wide range of Husqvarna chainsaws for homeowners, landowners, professional forestry users and arborists.
The range includes petrol chainsaws, battery chainsaws, top-handle chainsaws, chainsaw bars, chains, sharpening equipment and chainsaw PPE.
If you're unsure which chainsaw you need, start with the job rather than the machine.
Think about:
What am I cutting?
How large is it?
How often will I cut it?
How much power do I need?
Do I want petrol or battery?
What bar length is appropriate?
Once you've answered those questions, choosing the right Husqvarna chainsaw becomes much easier.
For occasional domestic firewood cutting, compact models such as the Husqvarna 120 Mark II, 135 Mark II or 230i can be appropriate depending on log size. For regular cutting of larger timber, the Husqvarna 450S Mark II, 455 Rancher or a professional model may be more suitable.
It depends on the diameter of the wood and the type of work. Smaller 12–14 inch saws are generally more manoeuvrable for branches, small logs and garden work, while 15–18 inch saws provide more capacity for larger timber.
It can be, particularly if you're cutting smaller logs. A 14-inch saw such as the Husqvarna 120 Mark II, 135 Mark II or 230i can be suitable for domestic firewood work where the timber is within the machine's intended capacity.
There isn't one model for every tree. Small garden trees may be suitable for a homeowner saw, while larger trees require more powerful professional equipment. Models such as the Husqvarna 450S Mark II, 545 Mark II and 550 XP Mark II cover progressively more demanding applications.
The 450S Mark II is a versatile landowner chainsaw with an 18-inch bar configuration listed by Willis & Grabham. Its size and capability make it relevant to regular firewood cutting and wider property-maintenance work.
For many domestic users, yes. Battery models such as the Husqvarna 230i can be convenient for firewood because they avoid petrol, engine starting and fuel storage. The appropriate model depends on the amount and diameter of timber being processed.
Neither is automatically better. Petrol remains useful for sustained and demanding work, while battery provides quiet operation, easy starting and lower day-to-day engine maintenance. Your workload should determine the choice.
Professional models are designed for more demanding workloads and professional applications. They typically prioritise performance, durability, ergonomics and productivity. Homeowner models are designed around lighter, less frequent use.
For a landowner, models such as the Husqvarna 450S Mark II or 455 Rancher can provide a useful balance of cutting capacity and manoeuvrability. If the work is professional or involves substantial forestry, consider the 545 Mark II, 550 XP Mark II or larger professional models.
Some Husqvarna chainsaws are designed for felling, but tree felling is a specialist and potentially dangerous activity. The correct equipment, training, site assessment and safety procedures are essential.
Choose a bar appropriate to the chainsaw and the timber you regularly cut. A shorter bar is often easier to handle, while a longer bar provides greater cutting capacity. Always follow Husqvarna's recommended bar range for the particular chainsaw.
Yes. Chainsaw work requires appropriate protective equipment, which can include a chainsaw helmet, eye and hearing protection, chainsaw gloves, protective trousers and chainsaw boots. The exact PPE requirements depend on the work.
There is no fixed interval because it depends on how much you cut and the material being cut. If the chain is producing fine dust rather than clean chips, cutting slowly or requiring more pressure, it may need sharpening.
Yes. Willis & Grabham stocks Husqvarna chains, guide bars, sharpening equipment, protective clothing and chainsaw PPE alongside its chainsaw range.
The best Husqvarna chainsaw isn't necessarily the biggest, most powerful or most expensive model.
It's the one that matches the work you actually need to do.
For occasional garden cutting, start small with something like the Husqvarna 120 Mark II or 135 Mark II.
For regular firewood and landowner work, consider the Husqvarna 435 Mark II, 450S Mark II or 455 Rancher.
For professional forestry, move into models such as the Husqvarna 545 Mark II, 550 XP Mark II or 564 XP.
And if you'd rather avoid petrol, Husqvarna's battery range gives you options ranging from the domestic 230i through to professional machines such as the 535i XP, 542i XP and T540i XP.
Before buying, think about the wood diameter, frequency of use, required bar length, power source and your experience level.
Get those decisions right, and choosing the right Husqvarna chainsaw becomes much easier.
Choosing the right Husqvarna chainsaw depends on what you actually need to cut. A small homeowner chainsaw such as the Husqvarna 120 Mark II is suitable for light garden work, while larger models such as the Husqvarna 450S Mark II, Husqvarna 545 Mark II and Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II are designed for more demanding cutting, felling and forestry work. Husqvarna also offers battery chainsaws such as the 230i, 435i, 535i XP and 542i XP for users who want cordless cutting without petrol.
The most important factors are what you are cutting, the diameter of the wood, how often you will use the chainsaw, the size of the bar you need and whether petrol or battery power is more appropriate.
Here's a quick starting point:
| What you need to do | Husqvarna chainsaw to consider |
|---|---|
| Light garden cutting | Husqvarna 120 Mark II |
| General domestic cutting | Husqvarna 135 Mark II |
| More demanding garden and landowner work | Husqvarna 435 Mark II |
| Firewood and general land management | Husqvarna 450S Mark II |
| Larger firewood and demanding cutting | Husqvarna 455 Rancher |
| Professional felling and processing | Husqvarna 545 Mark II |
| Professional forestry work | Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II |
| High-performance professional forestry | Husqvarna 564 XP / 564 XPG |
| Battery-powered domestic cutting | Husqvarna 230i |
| More demanding battery cutting | Husqvarna 435i |
| Professional battery chainsaw | Husqvarna 535i XP / 542i XP |
| Professional arborist work | Husqvarna T540i XP |
These aren't rigid categories. The correct saw depends on the job, the material being cut and the experience of the operator.
This is one of the most common questions people ask when buying a chainsaw.
The answer isn't simply:
"Buy the chainsaw with the longest bar."
A longer bar can be useful when cutting larger timber, but a larger chainsaw also tends to be heavier and more demanding to handle.
For many homeowners, a compact chainsaw is easier to control and more appropriate for the work they actually need to do.
Think about the typical diameter of the timber you will be cutting.
A compact saw with a shorter bar is usually sufficient.
A more powerful saw with a 14–18 inch bar can provide a useful balance of cutting capacity and manoeuvrability.
A larger professional saw and appropriately sized bar may be required.
The key is to match the saw to the job rather than automatically buying the biggest model available.
A useful way to think about chainsaw sizes is:
Generally suited to:
Small branches.
Pruning.
Garden maintenance.
Small logs.
Occasional firewood cutting.
Smaller trees.
Examples include the Husqvarna 120 Mark II, Husqvarna 135 Mark II and Husqvarna 230i.
More appropriate for:
Larger firewood.
Medium-sized logs.
Land management.
Larger garden jobs.
General tree work.
Examples include the Husqvarna 435 Mark II, Husqvarna 450S Mark II, Husqvarna 455 Rancher and Husqvarna 545 Mark II.
Designed for:
Forestry.
Professional felling.
Larger timber.
High-volume cutting.
Demanding professional applications.
Examples include the Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II and Husqvarna 564 XP.
Remember that bar compatibility varies by model, so always check the manufacturer's recommended bar and chain combinations.
If you're specifically searching for the best Husqvarna chainsaw for firewood, there are several models worth considering.
The important question is how much firewood you cut.
If you cut a small amount of firewood occasionally, you don't necessarily need a large professional chainsaw.
If you process several loads of logs every year, a more powerful saw can make the work considerably easier.
The Husqvarna 120 Mark II is a compact petrol chainsaw with a 14-inch bar.
Willis & Grabham lists it as a homeowner chainsaw for light cutting tasks.
It has a 38.2 cm³ engine, 1.4 kW power output and a recommended 14-inch bar.
This makes it much more appropriate for smaller-scale cutting than heavy forestry work.
It can be a sensible option if your firewood cutting consists mainly of smaller logs and you aren't processing large quantities every week.
The Husqvarna 135 Mark II is another homeowner-oriented option available from Willis & Grabham.
With its 14-inch bar, it sits in the compact chainsaw category while offering more capability for general garden and landowner work.
It's worth considering if your requirements include:
Firewood.
Small trees.
Branches.
General garden maintenance.
Occasional cutting.
For a homeowner who wants one chainsaw for a range of jobs, a compact 14-inch model can often be easier to live with than a much larger professional machine.
The Husqvarna 435 Mark II moves into a more capable category.
Willis & Grabham currently lists the 435 Mark II with a 15-inch bar.
It's designed as a lightweight, manoeuvrable chainsaw for a wide range of cutting tasks.
This makes it interesting for landowners who want something more capable than a small homeowner saw without immediately moving into a professional forestry chainsaw.
If you cut firewood regularly, deal with larger branches or maintain a larger property, this is a model worth comparing with the 450S Mark II.
The Husqvarna 450S Mark II is one of the most interesting models in the Willis & Grabham range for landowners.
Willis & Grabham describes it as a versatile landowner chainsaw designed to handle a wide range of tasks, including forestry work.
With an 18-inch bar, it provides significantly more cutting capacity than the smaller 120 Mark II and 135 Mark II.
It's worth considering for:
Regular firewood cutting.
Larger logs.
Land management.
Tree maintenance.
General forestry-style work around a property.
If your main search is "best Husqvarna chainsaw for firewood", this is the type of model to investigate if you're regularly processing larger timber.
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is another larger petrol chainsaw available from Willis & Grabham.
It is listed with an 18-inch bar and is designed around higher cutting capacity than the smaller homeowner models.
For someone maintaining a larger rural property or processing larger volumes of firewood, the 455 Rancher provides another option between a smaller landowner saw and more specialist professional forestry machines.
If you're moving into professional or much more demanding cutting, the Husqvarna 545 Mark II is a substantial step up.
Willis & Grabham lists the 545 Mark II with a 15-inch bar and describes it as a 50cc chainsaw for felling, limbing and other demanding cutting tasks.
This is an important distinction.
The right chainsaw isn't simply about bar length.
A professional 15-inch saw can be a much more capable machine than a larger-bar homeowner saw because engine performance, construction, ergonomics and intended application all matter.
The 545 Mark II is therefore aimed at a very different user from the 120 Mark II.
The Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II is another professional chainsaw in the Willis & Grabham range.
It's a 50cc professional saw designed for felling, limbing and bucking small to medium-sized trees.
This is the type of machine to consider when chainsaw use is no longer simply occasional garden maintenance.
For professional forestry users, reliability, performance, ergonomics and productivity become much more important than simply finding the cheapest chainsaw.
At the larger end of the range, Willis & Grabham currently lists both the Husqvarna 564 XP and Husqvarna 564 XPG.
These are 60cc-class professional chainsaws using fuel-injection technology.
Willis & Grabham describes the 564 XP as a professional forestry and tree-care chainsaw designed around high performance and fast acceleration.
The 564 XPG adds heated handles for demanding conditions.
These are not chainsaws most homeowners need.
They are aimed at professional forestry and tree-care users who require a high level of performance.
Petrol isn't your only option.
Husqvarna's battery chainsaw range has become extensive enough that many homeowners and professionals can now consider cordless power instead.
Willis & Grabham currently lists battery models including:
Husqvarna 225i.
Husqvarna 230i.
Husqvarna 240i.
Husqvarna 435i.
Husqvarna 535i XP.
Husqvarna 540i XP.
Husqvarna 542i XP.
Husqvarna T540i XP.
The right choice depends on your workload.
The Husqvarna 230i is designed for demanding garden tasks while avoiding the need for petrol.
Willis & Grabham currently sells a 14-inch version supplied with a battery and charger.
This makes it particularly interesting for homeowners who want a complete cordless setup.
It can be used for jobs such as:
Firewood.
Garden cutting.
Branch removal.
Small tree work.
General property maintenance.
It's also a useful starting point if you want to build a wider Husqvarna battery-tool collection.
The Husqvarna 435i is a more powerful battery-driven option.
Willis & Grabham lists it as a unit-only machine, which makes it particularly relevant to someone who already owns compatible Husqvarna batteries.
This is one of the major advantages of Husqvarna's battery system.
If you already have compatible batteries for another Husqvarna machine, you don't necessarily need to buy another complete kit.
The Husqvarna 535i XP takes battery chainsaw technology into the professional category.
Willis & Grabham lists it with a 14-inch bar and describes it as a professional 36V battery chainsaw for tree care.
This is an important model if you're comparing petrol and battery chainsaws for professional use.
Battery power isn't limited to small domestic chainsaws.
Husqvarna's professional battery range is designed to provide cordless alternatives for demanding applications.
The Husqvarna 542i XP is another professional battery chainsaw available from Willis & Grabham.
It's listed with a 15-inch bar and is supplied as a bare unit.
The 542i XP is particularly interesting for professional users who want the operating characteristics of a professional chainsaw combined with battery power.
If you're already invested in compatible Husqvarna 36V batteries, a bare-unit machine can also be an efficient way to expand your equipment collection.
The Husqvarna T540i XP is different from the standard rear-handle chainsaws discussed above.
It's a professional top-handle battery chainsaw intended for tree care.
Willis & Grabham currently lists the T540i XP both as a unit-only machine and in a kit with battery and charger.
Top-handle chainsaws are specialist tools.
They are not simply "smaller chainsaws" and should only be used by appropriately trained professionals in the applications for which they are designed.
There isn't one universal answer because "cutting trees" covers several very different jobs.
A Husqvarna 120 Mark II, 135 Mark II or 230i may be appropriate depending on the tree and cutting requirements.
A Husqvarna 435 Mark II, 450S Mark II or 455 Rancher may be more suitable.
Consider professional models such as the Husqvarna 545 Mark II or 550 XP Mark II, depending on the application.
A specialist saw such as the Husqvarna T540i XP may be appropriate for trained arborists where a top-handle saw is required.
The important point is that the chainsaw must be matched to the tree diameter, type of work and user's training.
Log diameter is another useful starting point.
If most of your logs are small enough to comfortably cut with a 12–14 inch bar, buying a much larger saw may add unnecessary weight.
If you're regularly cutting logs approaching or exceeding the practical capacity of a small saw, moving to a larger machine can make sense.
For example:
Consider the Husqvarna 120 Mark II, 135 Mark II or 230i.
Look at the Husqvarna 435 Mark II, 450S Mark II or 455 Rancher.
Look towards professional models such as the Husqvarna 545 Mark II, 550 XP Mark II or 564 XP.
Never force a chainsaw through timber that is beyond the machine's intended capacity.
No.
Bar length and engine power are related to the overall application, but they aren't the same thing.
A longer bar gives you greater potential cutting reach.
However, a longer bar also adds weight and can require more power to operate effectively.
This is why the manufacturer's recommended bar range matters.
For general-purpose users, a bar that is appropriately matched to the chainsaw is usually preferable to simply choosing the longest available option.
This is a common buying decision.
A 14-inch saw is compact and manoeuvrable.
Examples include:
Husqvarna 120 Mark II.
Husqvarna 135 Mark II.
Husqvarna 230i.
Husqvarna 535i XP.
It can be a good choice for:
Garden maintenance.
Smaller trees.
Branches.
Firewood.
General domestic work.
A mid-sized bar gives you more cutting capacity while keeping the chainsaw relatively manageable.
Examples include:
Husqvarna 435 Mark II.
Husqvarna 545 Mark II.
Husqvarna 542i XP.
An 18-inch bar is more appropriate when you're regularly dealing with larger timber.
Examples include:
Husqvarna 450S Mark II.
Husqvarna 455 Rancher.
Remember that bar length alone shouldn't determine your purchase.
You cut for long periods.
You're working away from electrical charging facilities.
You need high sustained performance.
You're doing professional forestry work.
You're processing significant quantities of timber.
You don't want to manage battery charging.
Petrol chainsaws also remain extremely capable for demanding forestry applications.
You mainly work around the home.
You want quieter operation.
You don't want to store petrol.
You prefer push-button starting.
You already own compatible Husqvarna batteries.
You want to share batteries across garden tools.
You value low day-to-day maintenance.
Battery chainsaws can be particularly convenient for short jobs where getting a petrol saw started would be unnecessary hassle.
For occasional firewood cutting, a battery chainsaw can make a lot of sense.
You can take it out, install the battery and start cutting.
There's no fuel to mix and no petrol engine to start.
A model such as the Husqvarna 230i is therefore worth considering for domestic firewood cutting.
If you're processing several cubic metres of timber regularly, however, a petrol saw such as the Husqvarna 450S Mark II or a professional model may be more appropriate.
The correct answer depends on volume.
Engine size is useful, but it's not the only specification that matters.
When comparing Husqvarna chainsaws, look at:
Engine displacement.
Power output.
Bar length.
Chain speed.
Weight.
Anti-vibration system.
Fuel capacity.
Intended application.
Battery capacity for cordless models.
For example, the 120 Mark II is a 38.2 cm³ homeowner saw producing 1.4 kW.
A 50cc professional machine such as the 545 Mark II or 550 XP Mark II is designed for a very different workload.
This is why comparing chainsaws purely by engine size can be misleading.
You'll see X-Torq mentioned on many Husqvarna petrol chainsaws.
It's Husqvarna's engine technology designed to provide efficient combustion while reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions compared with older engine designs.
The Husqvarna 120 Mark II, for example, uses X-Torq technology.
For someone who regularly uses a petrol chainsaw, engine efficiency can have a noticeable effect on fuel consumption over time.
LowVib is Husqvarna's anti-vibration technology.
Chainsaw vibration can contribute to fatigue, particularly during longer cutting sessions.
The system uses vibration-damping elements between the engine and handles to reduce the amount of vibration transferred to the operator.
The 120 Mark II, for example, includes LowVib.
For professional users spending many hours operating a chainsaw, ergonomics and vibration control are important considerations rather than optional extras.
Air Injection is Husqvarna's centrifugal air-cleaning system.
The system is designed to remove larger dust and debris particles before they reach the air filter.
This can help reduce filter cleaning requirements and extend the time between maintenance.
It's another example of why two chainsaws with similar engine sizes can provide very different ownership experiences.
When you're comparing chainsaws, don't focus entirely on power.
Weight matters.
A chainsaw that feels manageable for five minutes may feel considerably heavier after an hour of cutting.
This is particularly important when:
Delimbing.
Cutting branches.
Working at different angles.
Carrying the chainsaw around a property.
Processing large amounts of firewood.
A smaller chainsaw can actually be the more productive choice if it allows you to work comfortably and safely.
A chainsaw is a powerful cutting machine and should be treated accordingly.
Before using any chainsaw, make sure you understand:
The controls.
Chain brake operation.
Correct starting procedure.
Chain tensioning.
Chain sharpening.
Kickback risks.
Safe cutting techniques.
Correct fuelling or battery handling.
Personal protective equipment.
For tree felling, climbing and professional arboricultural work, appropriate training and specialist equipment are essential.
A chainsaw should never be treated like an ordinary garden power tool.
Depending on the work, appropriate PPE can include:
Chainsaw helmet.
Eye and face protection.
Hearing protection.
Chainsaw gloves.
Chainsaw trousers or chainsaw protective leggings.
Chainsaw boots.
High-visibility clothing where appropriate.
Willis & Grabham stocks Husqvarna chainsaw protective equipment, including helmets, gloves, chainsaw trousers, boots and jackets.
Buying the chainsaw is only part of preparing for safe chainsaw work.
Your chainsaw is only as good as the cutting equipment attached to it.
The chain needs to be:
Correctly tensioned.
Properly sharpened.
Appropriate for the saw.
In good condition.
Willis & Grabham also stocks Husqvarna chainsaw chains, guide bars and sharpening equipment.
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