The Husqvarna 254 XP was produced 1986 to 2001.
It was released at the time when the company was transitioning from designating their professional chainsaw line SE (Special Edition) to XP (Extra Power). It shares many parts with the earlier 154 SE.
The 254 isn’t often tagged XP or SE, but it is a pro-level saw. You’ll see some examples from Husqvarna documentation stating “254 XP.”
Here’s a dump of 254 brochures, pictures, reviews, and spec details.
Husqvarna 254 brochure
See the rest of this 1986 238, 254, 266 XP brochure here.
Technical data – Husqvarna 254 SE / SG
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Cylinder capacity | 3.24 cu.in / 54 cc |
| Engine speed at max power | 9,000 rpm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 1.27 pint / 0.6 litres |
| Oil tank capacity | 0.6 pint / 0.3 litres |
| Guide bar standard | 13″ – 32 cm 15″ – 37 cm 18″ – 46 cm |
| Chain pitch | 0.325″ |
| Weight, power head dry incl. chain brake (SE) | 11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg |
| Weight, power head dry incl. chain brake (SG) | 12.2 lbs / 5.5 kg |
| Weight, empty incl. guide bar, chain and chain brake (SE)* | 13.7 lbs / 6.2 kg |
| Weight, empty incl. guide bar, chain and chain brake (SG)* | 13.9 lbs / 6.3 kg |
254
Familiar on the outside – all new on the inside
When our technicians set out to design a new saw in the 50 cc class they did not want to produce yet another “ten-a-penny” saw. The result was a 54 cc saw with characteristics that put it in a class apart.
The Husqvarna 254 has everything you could wish for — and more besides. High power, reliability, technological innovations, low noise and vibration levels … Everything is compactly assembled under the familiar Husqvarna housing.
Thanks must go in part to the Power-Flow piston, a Husqvarna speciality, for the excellent power output. The fuel-air mixture is moved by the piston for maximum cooling and service life while large transfer ports ensure a high power output.
In spite of its power, the Husqvarna 254 is an unusually light saw. High grade reinforced polymeric material keeps the weight down without sacrificing performance and durability.
A Husqvarna chain saw fells with ferocity and limbs with litheness. And just keeps on running and running. So the Husqvarna 254 is a clear favourite in the 50 cc class.
Reviews
Here are comments and reviews from various 254 XP posts we’ve made over the past year:
- RB said, “Absolutely one of the best softwood saws ever made. Ran the hell out of those in the 90s.”
- Charles said, “262 was still the best saw built on that platform.”
- Mike said, “Great saws for guys in Maine back in the day when they hand cut soft wood pulp and medium soft wood logs…”
- Traci said, “Was a great lil saw for trail cutting pulp wood.”
- Mike said, “Good old simple saws, and alot of em still going today!”
There are a number of versions of the saw, including the 300th anniversary version.
- Tina said, “One of the best saws ever.”
- Warren said, “That 254 was a good saw l run for 5 years.”
- Dylan said, “Excellent saws that go and go.”
Douglas said:
The 254XP is a hell of a saw, it pulls torque and does it a high speed. Perfectly balanced and with air injection, unstoppable.
And there is also an army/military version 254 XP…
Specifications
| Engine Specification | |
| Cylinder displacement | 54 cc (3.3 cu in) |
| Cylinder bore | 45 mm (1.77 in) |
| Stroke | 34 mm (1.34 in) |
| Power output | 3.0 kW @ 9,300 rpm (4.0 hp @ 9,300 rpm) |
| Idle speed | 2,700 rpm |
| Recommended max speed (unloaded) | 13,800 rpm |
| Ignition System | |
| Manufacturer | FHP |
| Type | ET (Electronic) |
| Spark plug | Champion RCJ7Y |
| Electrode gap | 0.5 mm (0.020 in) |
| Fuel & Lubrication System | |
| Carburetor manufacturer | Walbro |
| Carburetor type | HDA 35B |
| Fuel tank capacity | 0.60 L (1.2 US pt) |
| Oil pump capacity @ 8,500 rpm | 6.5–13.5 ml/min |
| Oil tank capacity | 0.30 L (0.6 US pt) |
| Oil pump type | Automatic |
| Chain / Bar | |
| Standard bar length | 38 cm (15 in) |
| Recommended bar lengths | 33–51 cm (13–20 in) |
| Usable cutting length | 30–49 cm (11–19 in) |
| Chain speed at max power | 17.9 m/s |
| Chain pitch options | 0.325 in (8.25 mm) / 3/8 in (9.52 mm) |
| Drive link thickness options | 1.3 mm (0.050 in) / 1.5 mm (0.058 in) |
| Number of teeth on drive sprocket | 7 |
| Noise & Vibration Data | |
| Sound pressure level (operator’s ear) | 100 dB(A) |
| Sound power level, measured | 111 dB(A) |
| Sound power level, guaranteed (LWA) | 112 dB(A) |
| Vibration level (front handle) | 4.0 m/s² |
| Vibration level (rear handle) | 8.2 m/s² |
| Weight | |
| Without bar & chain | 5.4 kg (11.9 lb) |
Download the Husqvarna 254 XP user manual here.
300th Anniversary Version
This is one of collector Tim Hunt’s chainsaws.
