Husqvarna 135 Mark II Chainsaw Review, Specs, Features, And Price

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The question I get asked the most about the Husqvarna 135 is what is the ‘Mark II’ all about?

Let’s get that question out of the way right at the beginning!

The Husqvarna 135 Mark II is the second generation of the 135 – and there were quite several changes made.

You can’t buy the original Husky 135 anymore; you will only find the 135 Mark II for sale. When you come across the original listed online, you will see that it is out of stock or no longer available.

I’ll include a section down below on what the differences are between the 135 and the 135 Mark II, but the quick answer is that the latter is simply the updated and improved chainsaw.

Husqvarna 135 Mark II Chainsaw

is the husqvarna 135 mark ii good
Image: @gstauda

The 135 Mark II is one of Husqvarna’s entry-level gas chainsaws.

It’s a low-powered and low-spec chainsaw that is suited for light tasks around the home or on the job.

People commonly use it for trimming and limbing trees, and for cleaning up around the property.

It’s not technically a chainsaw designed for bucking firewood, but it will do alright with processing a bit of smaller stuff here and there.

It is usually sold with a 16-inch bar and has a 40.9cc 2.01hp engine.

Use the 135 for:

  • Pruning and limbing trees
  • Use on the construction site
  • Good for orchards and other small tree biz
  • Processing small logs for firewood

All in all, the 135 is a chainsaw that is best for light clean-up.

It’s not Husqvarna’s best saw but is at the lower end of their homeowner range. It’s a reasonably cheap chainsaw to buy brand new, so don’t pay too much if you’ve seen one for sale on an online marketplace.

This chainsaw is also often compared with the 130 – you can find out more about that in our Husqvarna 130 Vs 135 Mark II post, but the conclusion is that the 135 is the better chainsaw to go with.

You can see where the 135 falls compared to other Husqvarna chainsaws in the following chart.

husqvarna 135 vs 240
Click to expand and zoom

It’s very similar to the Husqvarna 240 gas chainsaw or the 120i battery-powered chainsaw.

A lot of people ask about the Husqvarna 135 vs 240, and generally speaking, people prefer the 135.

This chart doesn’t show the Husqvarna XP series chainsaws, but compared to them, the 135 is extremely low-powered and not all that versatile.

However, it’s really important to state that not everyone needs an XP. The homeowner or Rancher range has been perfectly fine for hundreds of thousands of people over the years.

While the 135 has been referred to as an ‘old lady’s chainsaw,’ that’s all many people need and want.

Don’t waste your money buying more chainsaws than you need – if the Husky 135 sounds like you, then go for it.

Husqvarna 135 And 135 Mark II Specs

testing out the husqvarna 135
Image: @gstauda

The original 135 and the new Mark II are similar but different chainsaws.

We’re focusing on the Mark II here because it’s the one that’s still for sale. If you’ve come across a good condition 135 original, however, you can rest assured that most Husqvarna chainsaw connoisseurs believe that to be the better version.

Here are the Husqvarna 135 Mark II Specs:

  • 2.1 hp, 38 cc engine (original 135 chainsaw is 2.01 hp, 40.9 cc)
  • Max speed 9,000 RPM
  • Idling speed 3,000 RPM
  • NGK BPMR7A spark plug (original takes Champion RCJ7Y, Husqvarna HQT-1, NGK BPMR7A)
  • Auto oil pump
  • 14 – 16 inch bar (usually sold with 16″)
  • .050″ chain gauge
  • 3/8″ chain pitch
  • 50:1 fuel oil mix

Features of the Mark II 135 Husqvarna:

  • Easy to access and clean air filter
  • Combined choke/stop control
  • Lightweight, compact, and maneuverable
  • Husky anti-vibration system
  • Easy access side chain tensioner
  • Husky X-Torq engine for efficient fuel use/low emissions
  • Fuel pump/primer bulb
  • Chain brake for extra protection

The features of the Husqvarna 135 chainsaw are basically the same across the entire homeowner series. The main difference between them is the engine power, cutting capabilities, and bar size they are sold with or can handle.

Husqvarna 135 Chainsaw Review

You can see the Husqvarna 135 Mark II being unboxed and set up in the video above.

The Husqvarna 135 is a good all-around entry-level chainsaw for light use around the home. It’s not designed to be run all day through thick logs, but when used appropriately it makes a nice addition to any chainsaw line-up.

It’s not for those who are going to be cutting a lot of hardwood. For example, I wouldn’t want to be using it to process gum for firewood – the 135 will be sluggish through those types of woods.

husqvarna chainsaw 135 review

It’s excellent at cutting through green wood branches and limbs, and for sectioning up thin or softwood.

Husqvarna also owns the Poulan Pro chainsaw brand, and so the 135 is often referred to as an orange Poulan. There is some truth to that, though personally, I’d still prefer the 135 over a Poulan!

husqvarna 135 price

Husqvarna 135 reviews are mostly positive, with the only real negative comments being that ‘it’s not powerful enough for what I want it to do.’

If you’re just starting with chainsaws but think you might really like them and use them frequently, you should check out the 455 Rancher and the 460 Rancher – these are more serious firewood chainsaws before getting into the Pro (XP) range.

However, if it is just for use as a pruning chainsaw you should be good to go!

Husqvarna 135 Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • One of the cheapest Husky saws
  • Good for light work
  • Will last for decades with the proper care
  • Easy to find parts and service
  • Part of the Husky community

Husqvarna 135 Cons:

  • Entry-level chainsaw
  • Not great on hardwoods
  • Not for extended run times

Husqvarna 135 Price

husqvarna 135 chainsaws
Image: @glagartenthoma

The 135 is usually listed for around the same price at all retailers.

Compare prices between the following online stores to get the best deal on the day:

Husqvarna discounts are generally non-existent – every now and again there might be a slight sale, but they don’t drop 50% for a Black Friday chainsaw sale or anything like that.

Chainsaws can also be hard to come by right now and there have been shortages of certain Husky models. If you see one that is going to suit your purposes, best to grab it ASAP.

Thanks for stopping by – let us know if you have any questions down below.

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3 thoughts on “Husqvarna 135 Mark II Chainsaw Review, Specs, Features, And Price”

  1. I came across a verified (online) dealer where both types are being sold at exactly the same price. Would it be your suggestion to go for the original 135, or the ‘improved’ 135 mark ii?

    Reply

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