The Husqvarna 154 SE is a 54 cc pro-level chainsaw that was the predecessor of the 254 XP.
It’s recommended for use with a 14, 16, or 18-inch bar, and is a lightweight 12.7 lbs (without bar and chain). It’s a really good small firewood chainsaw.
SE is the older Husqvarna designation used for professional saws before they labeled them XP. There is also a 154 SG which is the same as the SE but with heated handles. Here are 154 SE specs, reviews, and price details.
Images from eBay seller Sherman Saw Parts are used with permission. This Husqvarna 154 was for sale in October 2023 (listed for US $279.99).
Husqvarna 154 SE
The Husqvarna 154 SE came out in 1983.
The model pictured above has the silver tag serial number 5090453. This means it was made in 1985, in the 9th week, and it was the 453rd that week.
This example looks to be in decent condition.
The eBay listing says:
Husqvarna 154 SE chainsaw with a used bar and chain.
Runs, oils, and idles great. It likes to warm up a bit before a workout so it stumbles a little before warming up… Please note that the saw may need to be tuned to your specific elevation.
The saw will ship with no gas or oil in the tanks and bars and chains will be removed for shipping where applicable…
Husqvarna 154 SE Reviews
User reviews from the Husqvarna Vintage Chainsaw group:
- The 154 SE is one of my favorites for sure. I also picked up a nice 154 SG from a buddy of mine to go with it.
- The 154 is a fine saw and well worth putting some money into.
- Good saw but a pig to start when hot after refuelling.
- I have a running 154 but it needs a lot of TLC. Looking for another one as they’re excellent saws.
- If you pull stuffers it will increase crankcase volume it will also slow the throttle response down because of more volume.
Corey said:
Absolute worth rebuiling it, if cylinder/piston are good. New carb kit, spark plug and fuelline did the job for me. Great running little saw.
A common question is whether the 254 XP top cover will fit a 154 SE.
The answer is yes, it will.
There were some minor differences to the underside of the top covers on the partition but they will still interchange.
Dan said:
Have built a few 254/154 saws. Great limber and most parts are interchange between the two. Find a hda-120/144 carb and it will really bring it to life. Worth rebuilding.
A lot of guys now use them as light pruning, limbing, and firewood chainsaws.
Specifications
| Year Introduced: | 1983 – 1986 |
| Engine Displacement: | 54.2 cc (3.2 cu. in.) |
| Engine Power: | 3.7 hp (2.8 kW) |
| Cylinder Bore: | 45 mm (1.77 in.) |
| Piston Stroke: | 34 mm (1.34 in.) |
| Cylinder Type: | Aluminum with chrome plated bore |
| Intake Method: | Piston ported |
| Weight: | 6.2 kg (13.6 lbs.) with 13 in. (32 cm) bar & chain |
| Handlebar System: | Anti-vibration |
| Chain Brake: | Inertia activated |
| Clutch: | Centrifugal |
| Drive Type: | Direct |
| Construction: | Die cast magnesium, injection molded polymer |
| Magneto Type: | Electronic |
| Carburetor: | Walbro HDA-17A, 18A series |
| Major Repair Kit: | K20-HDA |
| Minor Repair Kit: | D10-HDA |
| Air Filter System: | Nylon mesh cartridge |
| Starter Type: | Automatic rewind |
| Oil Pump: | Automatic, worm gear driven |
| Maximum Engine RPM: | 9,000 |
| Ignition Timing: | Fixed |
| Breaker Point Setting: | None |
| Flywheel/Coil Air Gap: | 0.4 mm (0.016 in.) |
| Spark Plug Type: | Bosch WS7F, Champion RCJ7Y |
| Spark Plug Gap: | 0.5 mm (0.020 in.) |
| Crankshaft Main Bearings: | Ball |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: | 630 ml (20.1 fl. oz.) |
| Fuel Oil Ratio: | 50:1 |
| Recommended Fuel Octane: | Regular grade |
| Mix Oil Specification: | Husqvarna mix oil |
| Chain Pitch: | .325 in. |
| Bar Mount Pattern: | 01 link |
| Shortest Guide Bar Supplied: | 12 in. (32 cm) |
| Longest Guide Bar Supplied: | 18 in. (45 cm) |
Husqvarna 154 History
The 154 SE makes an appearance on Husqvarna’s history page (with the date of 1983).
They say:
The 154 completed Husqvarna’s professional chainsaw lineup. Launched at the company’s global sales conference in Sweden, it was displayed as a cross-section, allowing participants to inspect its technical details and innovations.
The halved chainsaw was a hit, and similar displays were used to drive sales around the world. Orders soared in countries like Canada, Russia, Czechoslovakia and the United Kingdom. That’s one way to double your money.
There is an army version on the 154 SE (as there is for the 281 XP) which is very rare.
With a bit of care, these chainsaws last for decades.
The 154 SE and SG did not have as long a run as many other Husqvarna chainsaws, but because it shares a lot of parts with the 254 XP, finding parts isn’t hard.
Husqvarna 154 Chainsaw
The Husqvarna 154 SE is a good chainsaw – it’s hard to find any negative comments or cons about it. Everyone who has used one sings its praises.
Obviously, at 54 ccs, it’s not an overly powerful chainsaw, but it’s a good mid-powered saw for light work. It’s well built with pro-features such as magnesium construction, making it heavy-duty.
Most folk agree that it’s worth the rebuild if that’s what’s needed, as it does run so well. Compared to newer 55 cc Husqvarna chainsaws, like the 455 Rancher or 55 Rancher, a well running 154 SE is the better saw.
