Husqvarna 450

Bottom line

Reviewers say the Husqvarna 450 offers plenty of muscle without being too heavy to maneuver. It's not perfect, however; a few owners complain that it can throw its chain, and the tensioner requires a wrench to adjust. Still, this saw is fast, durable, easy to start and powerful enough for a 20-inch bar.

Performance

The best cutter. The Husqvarna 450's brawn can cut through a 29-inch red oak "like a knife through butter," says one Amazon.com user. Its 50.2 cc motor powers up to a 20-inch bar but the saw remains reasonably light and easy to maneuver. "Light but powerful. Starts easily and runs thru logs rapidly," posts an owner at Northern Tool + Equipment.

Several reviewers at ChainsawsDirect.com report that the 450 is lighter and easier to start than a comparable Stihl model. Noise levels top 100 decibels at the operator's ear, so hearing protection is recommended.

Safety

Not too much saw. The Husqvarna 450 comes with an inertia-activated chain brake, and an anti-vibration handle that helps you keep it under control. Most reviewers seem to feel reasonably comfortable handling it: "The 50cc engine is perfect size for plenty of power but is not too much to scare you," says one at Amazon.com.

The only user who comments on the 450's durability says it can take a lot of abuse: "Had a 10" log fall on it. No damage," he posts at Northern Tool + Equipment. On the downside, a few owners say the safety lock on the chain sometimes works a little too well and is very difficult to disengage.

Ease of use

Starts easily. The Husqvarna 450 draws lots of praise for its easy start. "Easy start up, every time. And by easy I mean instant," says one owner at ChainsawsDirect.com. Several users at Northern Tool + Equipment comment favorably on its low-vibration handle, and a translucent panel allows you to check the chainsaw's fuel level. The chain tensioner isn't tool-less, but reviewers say access is reasonably easy with a wrench.

That said, the 450 does have a few quirks. A few longtime users say it sometimes throws its chain, and can plug up when sawdust mixes with oil from the automatic chain oiler.