Husqvarna 450 vs 455 vs 460 vs 450e vs 450 Rancher vs 465

Husqvarna is a great brand to buy. But then, you don’t know what to buy because there are several Husqvarna models on the market. That said, settling for a particular model can be quite a hassle especially for first-time buyers.

Today, we want to compare the popular Husqvarna models that should be on your wishlist.

So, without further ado, here is a Husqvarna 450 vs 450e vs. 450 Rancher vs. 460 Rancher vs 465 Rancher comparison review.
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Why this comparison review?

To be honest, the Husqvarna website is like an ocean, very hard to navigate. It has the best product images but the worst product descriptions lay out. It is even hard for a lumberjack to buy a Husqvarna chainsaw because the information regarding their range of chainsaws is scarce.

Unlike Stihl or Makita, you can end up with the wrong Husqvarna chainsaw if you don’t take great caution when choosing between the different models. For that reason, we really feel Husqvarna should do a little better as far as their content marketing is concerned.

But fortunately, we have got your back covered so you can take advantage of the research we did to help you choose the best Husqvarna chainsaw.

Husqvarna Brand Overview

Even though their history with chainsaws can be traced to 1959, Husqvarna had already been in business for over 50 years. They have carved a reputation for excellence, and that’s why today, it is the best chainsaw brand.

Apart from chainsaws, Husqvarna has a range of tools including lawnmowers, garden tractors, brush cutters, among other landscaping equipment.

Regarding the budget, I’m afraid Husqvarna isn’t your ordinary cheap model. But there’s one thing that has always reigned, especially with power tools, cheap is expensive. That said, you don’t want to buy a cheap brand that will not give you long-lasting use.

From the few models we have compared, you should be able to get a chainsaw that will solve all your cutting needs regardless of whether you are an amateur, or a seasonal lumberjack.

If you look at our selection of the best Husqvarna chainsaws, you realize that we sampled the medium to heavy-duty chainsaws. These are ideal for the average home where most of the tasks are around cutting firewood, felling trees among many medium-duty to heavy-duty cutting tasks.

Comparison Table

1. Husqvarna 450 Best Affordable Chainsaw

If you want the best affordable chainsaw for cutting firewood, Husqvarna 450 is the best choice for you.

It packs enough power to do the medium-duty seasonal cutting jobs courtesy of a 3.2hp engine and an 18-inch cutting bar.

It is more potent than the heavy duty electric chainsaws and is quite easy to handle. It weighs 10.8lbs and is available in two variations; the 1st Gen model and the 2nd Generation.

So, what’s the difference?

But here are a few things I didn’t like about the Husqvarna 450.

2. Husqvarna 450e Bears a Few Differences

This is a close sibling of the Husqvarna 450 original, but it bears a few differences.

It also has two variations with the new model adding a few robust features.

I like the fact that the newer model has a tool-less chain tensioner that makes chain tension adjustment a buzz.

Another of the Husqvarna 450’s features is the flip-up tank cap which makes refueling much easier. If you often misplace the tank cap, it’s also a great feature because you don’t have to remove the cap wholly.

Regarding performance, this is a 3.2hp chainsaw with an 18-in chain bar. It is perfect for light to medium cutting needs, for example, firewood cutting.

But then, there is a lot to be desired from the Husqvarna 450e.

3. Husqvarna 450 Rancher Better Choice

The 450 Rancher is an upgrade of the 450 model, and one of the things it brings on board is a larger bar. So, if you are comfortable with the power performance of the Husqvarna 450 but you want a larger bar, get the 450 Rancher.

What I like most about the Husqvarna Rancher is its usability.

It still maintains the weight of the original 450 but has a longer bar meaning the ergonomics are not the same.

This time, the weight shifts to the bar side, and that’s the reason it comes with an ergonomic front handle while the other higher Rancher models shift to an ergonomic rear handle.

Even with the larger bar, vibrations are minimal and has been rated 3.1, and 4.9m/s2 for the front and rear handles which is just the same as the 450 which has a smaller bar.

But there are a few flaws I want to point out.

4. Husqvarna 455 Rancher Budget Choice

I find the Husqvarna 455 Rancher a saturated model with just the kind of features you’d expect.

I recommend the Husqvarna 455 Rancher is you are on a really tight budget, and you wouldn’t consider the cheaper 450 Rancher.

This is because it has the usual features, so there is no need to spend so much on it when you can have the 450 Rancher instead. So, in terms of price, the first model is the winner of the Husqvarna 450 vs 455 comparison. Personally, I feel that the 455 product it denies us a lot of the premium features for its price.

To some extent, the Husqvarna 455 Rancher is a worthy chainsaw after all because it is more powerful than the 450 Rancher. But they have the same bar length even though the 455 Rancher can extend to a 24-inch bar.

I would rather sacrifice a few more bucks and get the 460 Rancher that has a side-mounted chain tensioner. This is especially if you are the daily cutter because chain tension adjustments are very frequent.

5. Husqvarna 460 Rancher Power and Affordability

This is the perfect balance between power and affordability. Though the model requires a greater budget, it’s one of the best options to choose and definitely beats the previous chainsaw in the Husqvarna 455 vs 460 battle. The 460 Rancher is for any lumberjack who wants a high-performance chainsaw, but definitely not the super-powerful Husqvarna 465.

Isn’t this just amazing?

To put it into perspective, the Husqvarna 460 is a 3.62hp chainsaw with a consumption of 437 g/kWh whereas a chainsaw with a smaller engine, like the 3.2hp Husqvarna 450 consumes 504 g/kWh.

This chainsaw can handle most of the heavy duty cutting needs that the bigger 465 Rancher handles.

That said, you shouldn’t strain your wallet much for the 465 Rancher, the 460 Rancher is just as powerful, but definitely, you have the edge when using the 465 Rancher. This chainsaw comes with a 20-inch bar but can work with anything from 13-inches to 24-inches.

However, there is a side-mounted chain tensioner, so adjusting is still easy even though there’s the hassle of carrying a toolbox everywhere.

6. Husqvarna 465 Rancher the Ultimate Beast

While the 455 Rancher and 460 Rancher may be very powerful, Husqvarna 455 and 450 are affordable, the 465 Rancher is the ultimate beast.

The 465 Rancher packs quite some excellent power, a 4.29hp X-Torq engine that has been built with new technology, AuToTune.

That’s why the Husqvarna 465 Rancher is recommended for the seasonal cutter.

This technology helps to balance the inflow of fuel to the combustion chamber and is the equivalent of intelligent automotive systems like EFI and vvti.

The oil pump is also adjustable enabling you to control oil flow depending on the conditions. It also comes with a bigger bar, in fact, a 28-inch meaning it can comfortably handle the heavy-duty cutting tasks.

If you want efficiency, I recommend the Husqvarna 465 because it has lower consumption yet the output is very powerful.

Husqvarna 450 vs 450e vs 450 vs 455 vs 460 vs 465 Rancher Features Comparison

Now, we have come to the most important segment of today’s article. We want to put the Husqvarna chainsaw models in our discussion today to a contest.

Our basis will be the top Husqvarna technologies so we will be looking at what Husqvarna models have what features.

But then, we don’t want to get as boring as Husqvarna’s website. We are out here to help you buy the best Husqvarna chainsaw without beating around the bush. Our approach is to look at how these chainsaws compare in light of the crucial factors you will consider when buying a chainsaw, let alone Husqvarna power saws.

Engine

That is to say, the engine determines whether you will use the chainsaw for light pruning or felling large oak trees. Though other factors determine the selection of a chainsaw, the engine is primary because it gives the machine power.

Husqvarna, being among the top chainsaw brands, is known for its innovative engines. This is from their lawnmowers and tractors to gas chainsaws. The brand has an enviable reputation of excellence because of the durability and efficiency of their engines.

When it comes to Husqvarna gas saws, there are a variety of engine types classified based on their power.

Besides the power of the engine, there are several other aspects to be considered, including the efficiency features that come with each model. With the global warming debate heating up, brands like Husqvarna have geared up to innovate eco-friendly engines.

Let us see how Husqvarna chainsaws compare as far as the engine performance is concerned.

Model	Engine	X-Torq	AutoTune	Consumption	Idling speed	Check Price
Husqvarna 450	50.22cc / 3.2hp			504 g/kWh	2700rpm	Check Price
Husqvarna 450e	50.22cc / 3.2hp			504 g/kWh	2700rpm	Check Price
Husqvarna 450 Rancher	50.22cc / 3.2hp			504 g/kWh	2700rpm	Check Price
Husqvarna 455 Rancher	55.5cc / 3.49hp			470 g/kWh	2700rpm	Check Price
Husqvarna 460 Rancher	60.3cc / 3.62hp			437 g/kWh	2700rpm	Check Price
Husqvarna 465 Rancher	64.1cc/4.29hp			440 g/kWh	2700rpm	Check Price

1. Engine power

You will choose your Husqvarna chainsaw depending on its power with the high power machines reserved for the tough cutting jobs.

The Husqvarna 450, 450 Rancher and 450e come with 50.2cc engines that deliver 3.2hp. The 455 Rancher has a more powerful engine with 55.5cc and 3.49hp whereas the 460 Rancher has a 60.3cc engine and 3.62hp.

2. AutoTune

If you are a seasonal lumberjack, you understand the problem of fuel imbalance and carburetor adjustments. If the maintenance takes much of your time, here’s an excellent technology that is intelligent enough to balance all the dynamics automatically.

3. Consumption

What’s the best Husqvarna chainsaw as far as fuel consumption is concerned? Well, Husqvarna has very efficient engines and strange enough, the bigger engines have lower consumption compared to the older smaller engines.

While the Husqvarna 450, 450 Rancher and 450e have a 504 g/kWh, the newer models have lower consumption and bigger engines.

Equipment

The chainsaw is basically the main component of the power tool that houses the engine. It is then attached to a piece of equipment that is the bar. I say this because a chainsaw can be used with a 14-inch bar and also a 24-inch bar. That tells you that the blade is just a piece of equipment.

Here, we are going to see how the Husqvarna chainsaws compare. I really emphasize that you pay attention here but still, there is a chainsaw bar buying guide ahead. There are also several other aspects that we are going to look at regarding the chainsaw equipment.

1. Bar length

The length of the bar is the first important aspect to look at here. I’m sure you understand that a chainsaw’s use depends on the bar size.

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But the most critical aspect to look out for is the versatility. A good chainsaw should be compatible with a range of bar sizes.

So, what does Husqvarna offer regarding bar lengths and how do their models compare?

The Husqvarna 450, and 450e come with an 18-inch bar but can work with bars from 13-inch to 20-inches. The 450 Rancher, 455 Rancher, and 460 Rancher, on the other hand, come with a 20-inch bar and can work with bars from 13-inches to 24-inches.

2. Speed

This refers to the speed at which the chain is moving at and as you understand, the faster the chain, the quicker the cut. So, if your work involves felling large oak trees, then you need to be very vigilant here.

So, what Husqvarna model has the best cutting speed?

Well, you don’t have so many options here because the motor revolutions are almost the same across all the board.

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Remember, the rpm determines the speed of the chain, and typically, The 465 Rancher leads the pack with 70.2fts followed by 455 Rancher and 460 Rancher with 65.6fts. The rest of the chainsaws have a maximum chain speed of 56.76fts.

Usability

While the performance of a chainsaw is the most critical factor when buying a chainsaw, usability should also be considered. This is in relation to whether you can handle the chainsaw or not. When it comes to usability, there are a lot of factors that you need to consider.

In this section, we now want to see how easy or hard it is to operate Husqvarna chainsaws.

Here is a table that summarizes the essential features we are going to discuss.

Model	Weight	Ergonomic front handle	Ergonomic rear handle	LowVib	Felling marks	Vibration front / rear	SmartStart	Choke control
Husqvarna 450	10.8lbs.					3.1/4.9m/s2
Husqvarna 450e	11.2lbs.					3.1/4.9m/s2
Husqvarna 450 Rancher	11.2lbs.					3.1/4.9m/s2
Husqvarna 455 Rancher	12.8lbs.					3.8/6.8m/s2
Husqvarna 460 Rancher	12.8lbs.					3.8/6.8m/s2
Husqvarna 465 Rancher	12.8lbs.					4.7/8.5m/s2

1. Weight

You have to choose a chainsaw that will be comfortable to use when it comes to the weight. These chainsaws in our comparison review are almost similar, so this shouldn’t be a concern.

However, you will find that the light models have smaller engines and that means lesser power output.

Husqvarna 450 is the lightest at 10.8 lbs. followed by 450e and 450 Rancher at 11.2lbs. The other three models, 455 Rancher, 460 Rancher and 465 Rancher are 12.8lbs.

2. LowVib

If you have held any power tool, you understand how intense the vibrations are. For power saws, the vibrations are much more powerful and may leave the operator with conditions like Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome, a neurological disorder.

3. Vibration

Though Husqvarna chainsaws have LowVib, it doesn’t mean that vibrations are 100% eliminated, they are just reduced for lesser arm fatigue.

That said, it’s still important to compare the vibrations of each model. The Husqvarna 450 and 450 Rancher have been rated 3.1m/s2 for the front handle and 4.9m/s2 for the rear. The 455 Rancher and 460 Rancher have been rated 3.8m/s2 and 6.8m/s2.

The worst chainsaw you can pick as far as vibration is concerned is the Husqvarna 450e series that has been rated 6.1m/s2 and 5.5m/s2 while the 465 Rancher has more vibrations at 4.7m/s2 and 4.5m/s2 but then, this is a bigger saw.

4. Ergonomics

For the light models, the rear handle helps balance the chainsaw while in heavy models, the front handle helps to hold the saw in a more comfortable posture as it’s much heavier at the front. But then, a few models come with this features.

For the ergonomic front handle, only the Husqvarna 450, 450 Rancher and 450e have an ergonomic rear handle. On the other hand, the 455 Rancher, 460 Rancher, and 465 Rancher

5. Felling marks

The Husqvarna 450, and 450 Rancher produce an average of 115dB. The 455 Rancher and 460 Rancher are a little bit quieter at 112dB while the 460 Rancher is quite noisy at 115dB.

6. SmartStart

You understand that starting a gas chainsaw can sometimes be a headache.

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All the models in our discussion have been built with SmartStart, and that’s why Husqvarna is voted an operator-friendly chainsaw brand!

7. Choke control

Many are times your chainsaw will have a slow start. The problem with slow starts is that fuel is pumped into the carburetor with every kick. In the long run, you end up choking your carburetor with flooded fuel.

If you use your chainsaw in the cold weather, you understand what I’m saying.

Maintenance

So, what’s the point of discussing maintenance when all gas chainsaws require intensive maintenance?

Here’s the catch, Husqvarna has designed their chainsaws with a range of features that will make maintenance easier. What they do is simplify the maintenance chain by adding some really cool features to help you out.

So, when buying a Husqvarna chainsaw, it’s essential you understand what features come with what models.

That said, let’s see which Husqvarna is easier to maintain.

Model	Side mounted chain tensioner	Tool less chain tensioning	Flip up tank cap	Quick release air filter	Check Price
Husqvarna 450					Check Price
Husqvarna 450e		/			Check Price
Husqvarna 450 Rancher					Check Price
Husqvarna 455 Rancher					Check Price
Husqvarna 460 Rancher					Check Price
Husqvarna 465 Rancher					Check Price

1. Side mounted chain tensioner

Among the daily maintenance you will be required to perform is adjusting the chain tension. This refers to how tight or loose the chain is.

For many chain tools, you have to remove the cover to adjust the chain tension, but fortunately, for Husqvarna, there is a side-mounted chain tensioner for easy chain tension adjustment.

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Unfortunately, not all Husqvarna chainsaws have this feature. You will find it in the 455 Rancher, 460 Rancher, and 465 Rancher.

2. Tool-less chain tensioning

Still on chain tension, Husqvarna offers tool-less chain tensioning in some models.

3. Quick release air filter

As with all other gas engines, a chainsaw has an air filter that requires frequent maintenance. You should be replacing the filter from time to time, and that’s where the headache is.

This is a standard feature that you will find in the 450, 450e, 450 Rancher, 455 Rancher, 460 Rancher and 465 Rancher.

4. Air injection

This is another feature that works to lower the wear of the air filter meaning it will give your filter and chainsaw longer life.

So, what models come with Air Injection?

verdict

Air Injection is a standard feature in Husqvarna chainsaws, and you will find it in all the models in our comparison review.

5. Flip up tank cap

You will be refueling your chainsaw frequently, and Husqvarna has made it easy by designing a very convenient flip-up tank cap that makes opening and closing an easy task.

If you want a flip-up tank cap, get the Husqvarna 450 Rancher or the old generation Husqvarna 450 e series.

Safety

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If you do your research, you will agree with me that chainsaw safety is a serious concern for lumberjacks, leave alone amateurs. That is why we really insist on wearing appropriate PPE when using a chainsaw. Also, it is essential to use the chainsaw safely.

For now, I want us to talk about Husqvarna and how they have made sure that their chainsaws are safe. Chainsaw injuries can be very tragic; I don’t need to reiterate.

That said, you need to buy a chainsaw with the best safety feature because prevention is the best!

So, how does Husqvarna 450, 450e, 450 Rancher, 455 Rancher, 460 Rancher and 465 Rancher compare as far as chainsaw safety is concerned?

Model	Easy stop control	Chain brake	Chain catcher	Right hand guard	Check Price
Husqvarna 450					Check Price
Husqvarna 450e					Check Price
Husqvarna 450 Rancher					Check Price
Husqvarna 455 Rancher					Check Price
Husqvarna 460 Rancher					Check Price
Husqvarna 465 Rancher					Check Price

1. Inertia activated chain brake

You understand how severe chainsaw cuts can be and that’s why Husqvarna has designed their chainsaws with the inertia activated chain brake.

2. Easy stop control

In case of an emergency, you want to stop the chainsaw immediately, and that’s why Husqvarna has fitted an easy stop control to enable you to stop the chainsaw as fast as possible.

The Husqvarna 450, 450e, 455 Rancher, 460 Rancher, and 465 Rancher have this feature.

3. Chain catcher

This is another safety feature that springs into action when the chain breaks. It breaks with a tremendous force that can end up injuring the operation or those nearby. This feature will catch the chain in case it breaks preventing any possibility of injury.

4. Right-hand guard

This feature protects your right hand from injuries when the chain breaks. It is also a standard feature that cuts across all boards.

There you have it ladies and gentlemen, a comparison review of the popular Husqvarna chainsaws for home use.

Now, it’s time we tell you what the best Husqvarna chainsaw is from the models we are dealing with.

Husqvarna gas vs. corded vs. battery-powered chainsaws

For those who are keen, you realize that the Husqvarna 450 450e, and the Rancher Series are all gas powered chainsaws. We have also said that they can handle almost all the domestic cutting needs as well as a seasonal cutters light duties.

But why have we zoned out Husqvarna gas chainsaws whereas there are electric/corded chainsaws as well as the battery powered?

How do these gas chainsaws compare to the corded and battery-powered chainsaws?

Gas chainsaws

You will agree with me that most of the chainsaws you see around are gas powered. These are chainsaws that have engines that run on gasoline. The advantage of gas-powered chainsaws is that they have a lot of power. Most of the heavy duty chainsaws from Husqvarna, as well as Stihl and Makita, are gas powered.

But on the downside, gas chainsaws are not eco-friendly.

Corded chainsaws

Also known as electric chainsaws, these run on a motor that is powered from a direct electricity source and hence the name, corded.

Battery-powered chainsaws

The battery-powered chainsaw fixes the problem of corded chainsaws in that you are not limited to electricity sources.

These chainsaws come with rechargeable batteries meaning you can use them without necessarily having a nearby electricity source. The maintenance is also hassle-free, save for battery replacement costs.

verdict

Husqvarna, being a top brand with a vast product portfolio, you will find a dozen models of each chainsaw category. But from a power output perspective, you understand why we settled on the gas-powered Husqvarna chainsaws.

Where to buy Husqvarna Chainsaws

The advantage of online shopping is that you get to choose from a variety of models. The prices are very competitive now that there are many sellers and each wants to close a deal. The convenience of delivery and also cash on delivery payment options is the icing on the cake.

Husqvarna 450 vs. 450e vs. 450 Rancher vs. 455 Rancher vs. 460 Rancher vs. 465 Rancher

You might have read through the entire article, but you still don’t know what model to choose. So here, we want to give our recommendations for the best Husqvarna chainsaw.

Wrapping Up

There you have it folks, a detailed Husqvarna 450 vs. 450 Rancher vs. 460 Rancher vs. 450e vs. 455 comparison review. I’m pretty sure you now have a picture of what each Husqvarna model offers.

So, if you were planning to buy a Husqvarna chainsaw but you just couldn’t figure out what’s best, you can now make a choice that will give you value for money.

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Remember, while the price is a significant factor, your cutting needs and skills are also paramount. Make sure you buy a chainsaw that you are comfortable with and above all, use it for the right job and stay safe!

Further reading and references: