Husqvarna Chainsaw Review 2026: 460 Rancher vs 455 Rancher vs 450S vs 120

Husqvarna sells its homeowner gas saws through retailers including Amazon, so you can order one without a dealer visit. This page compares four of them using Husqvarna's own spec pages. The lighter 435, 440 and 445S are covered further down. For other brands, see our best chainsaw guide.

The Four Saws at a Glance

All figures per Husqvarna. Weights are Husqvarna's listed figures.

Husqvarna 450S Rancher - Our Pick

Per Husqvarna, the 450S has a 50.2cc X-Torq engine rated at 3.2 hp and comes with a 20-inch bar (recommended range 13 to 20 inches). Husqvarna lists Smart Start, a quick-release air filter, captured bar nuts, felling marks, a flip-up fuel cap, LowVib, an inertia-activated chain brake, and side-mounted chain tensioning. Husqvarna says it shares its powerhead design with the 445S but has more power (3.2 hp versus 3.0 hp).

The original 450 Rancher is listed as discontinued on Husqvarna's site, with the 450S as its replacement. Amazon still has 450 Rancher listings, so check the model number before you buy. There's also the 450X Rancher, which Husqvarna rates at 3.4 hp with AutoTune. Our 450 vs 450S vs 450X comparison covers what changed.

Husqvarna 460 Rancher - For Bigger Wood

Per Husqvarna, the 460 Rancher has a 60.3cc engine rated at 3.62 hp and is designed to pull a 24-inch bar. Husqvarna lists Smart Start, a decompression valve, Air Injection, a side-mounted chain tensioner, and felling marks. At 13.2 pounds it is about 2 pounds heavier than the 450S by Husqvarna's figures, so it makes the most sense if you regularly cut wood that calls for a longer bar.

Husqvarna 455 Rancher - The Step Up

Per Husqvarna, the 455 Rancher has a 55.5cc X-Torq engine rated at 3.5 hp and comes with a 20-inch bar, with a recommended bar range of 18 to 24 inches. Husqvarna lists Smart Start with a decompression valve, Air Injection, a side-mounted chain tensioner, and felling marks. It weighs the same as the 460 by Husqvarna's figures.

Husqvarna 120 - Entry-Level

Per Husqvarna, the 120 has a 38cc X-Torq engine rated at 1.88 hp, weighs 10.7 pounds, and comes with a 16-inch bar. Husqvarna describes it as its most affordable, entry-level saw for light tasks such as pruning and firewood. Amazon sells the current version as the 120 Mark III.

The Lighter Saws: 435, 440 and 445S

The 435 and 440 share a 40.9cc X-Torq engine and are the lightest gas saws in this lineup, with Husqvarna's Smart Start and air purge for easier starting. The 440 is rated at 2.4 hp and ships with an 18-inch bar; the 435 makes 2.2 hp with a 16-inch bar, per Husqvarna and the listings. For storm cleanup, limbing and occasional firewood, they are the sweet spot on weight. The 445S steps up to a 50cc, 3 hp engine with an 18-inch bar; Husqvarna says it shares its powerhead design with the 450S, which has a little more power (3.2 hp).

How to Choose

• Light limbing and pruning: the 120, with its 16-inch bar.
• Firewood and general property work: the 450S, our pick, or the 450X if you want AutoTune.
• Larger wood: the 455 or 460. The 460 is the one designed to run a 24-inch bar.
• Weight: by Husqvarna's figures, the 455 and 460 weigh 13.2 pounds versus 11 for the 450S. You'll feel that when limbing.

Cross-shopping with Stihl? STIHL says its products are sold through authorized dealers. Our Stihl vs Husqvarna comparison covers the trade-offs.

Maintenance Basics

• Fuel: Husqvarna specifies a 50:1 mix for the 120: 2.6 ounces of 2-stroke oil per gallon of fresh unleaded gas, minimum 89 octane. Check your saw's manual.
• Sharpening: Oregon says to sharpen every time you refuel, and that a chain making dust instead of chips, or one you have to force, is dull.
• Daily checks: Husqvarna's maintenance checklist includes checking the chain brake, chain tension, and drive sprocket, cleaning the bar groove and oil hole, and turning the bar for more even wear. Air filter cleaning is on its weekly list.

Our chainsaw maintenance guide has the full schedule, and our sharpening guide and chainsaw sharpener picks cover the chain.

Common Questions

What's the difference between the 450 Rancher and 450S Rancher?

Husqvarna lists the 450 Rancher as discontinued and the 450S as its replacement. Both are 50.2cc and 3.2 hp per Husqvarna. The 450S has a redesigned crankcase and a different chain. See our 450 comparison.

Can I buy a Husqvarna chainsaw on Amazon?

Yes. All four saws on this page were sold by Amazon.com when we checked. Check the seller and warranty terms at checkout.

460 Rancher or 450S?

The 460 has more displacement and power (60.3cc, 3.62 hp) and is designed for a 24-inch bar; the 450S is about 2 pounds lighter and runs a 20-inch bar, per Husqvarna. Choose by the size of wood you usually cut.

Bottom Line

The 450S Rancher is our pick for most homeowners. Go to the 455 or 460 for bigger wood, or the 120 for light pruning. Skip the discontinued 450 unless you've confirmed what you're getting.

Cutting firewood this winter? Our log splitter, splitting maul and ash vacuum guides cover what happens after the saw.