The 298 XP was a short-lived but highly capable large-displacement professional saw, sharing architecture with the legendary 2100 series, built for demanding forestry and long-bar applications.
Reviews
On Facebook, we asked why it had such a short production run (1986 – 1987).
Derek said:
My guess – Plastic recoil was a weak point, along with the lack of a decompressor. And no manual oiler would mean long bars would be run at your own risk. All of these were rectified with the introduction of the 2101 XP.
David said:
They were a poor man’s 2100 with more compression and plastic covers, and no compression release and no hand oilier, but good saw.
John said:
I had both the 298 and 2101.. The 298 had a bit more rpm, chain speed. Lighter flywheel.
The downside was they were only a bit less weight than the 2101 which was really tough. The 394 and later 395 replaced them both.
Other ideas:
- Jared said, “Ever started one? That joker needed a decompression in a major way. 😂”
- Vitek said, “Because the 3120 was released in 1988.”
- Edward said, “The 298 was made for bucking on landings, lighter than a2100 less fluid capacity.”
So, there are plenty of thoughts out there. Click through to the FB posts scattered throughout this post to read more reviews.
Vintage 298 XP advert
Here’s an old 298 XP German-language advertisement.
Translated it says:
HUSQVARNA 298XP – 99 cm³
A chainsaw in this class had previously been missing from the market. That is why Husqvarna developed the 298XP. With an especially powerful engine, yet still light and flexible in handling and robust enough to meet the demands of professional forestry workers. They immediately welcomed the 298XP with enthusiasm.
Reliable
The Husqvarna 298XP features a new-generation carburetor that combines fixed and variable injection. This prevents over-revving and helps the engine last longer. In addition, the carburetor is easier to adjust.
Versatile
At first glance, you might place the 298XP in a lower displacement class. This is due to its compact and slim design. It makes the 298XP so flexible in use. It helps save effort, and more can be accomplished in less time.
Vibration Damping
It is remarkable that such a powerful saw as the 298XP produces so little vibration. But vibration damping has always been a Husqvarna specialty. It is achieved through a double isolation system that has now been further improved. Engine vibrations are absorbed by specially designed components made of steel springs and rubber elements. At the handles, you hardly feel the engine’s vibrations. Professionals in particular place great importance on this.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 99 cm³ |
| Max. RPM at full power | 8,500 rpm |
| Fuel tank volume | 0.8 liters |
| Oil tank volume | 0.5 liters |
| Chain pitch | 3/8″ |
| Weight (engine unit, without fuel) | 8.6 kg |
Use only original Husqvarna spare parts!
Husqvarna – Sweden
The Chainsaw Experts
Printed in Sweden.
Specifications
| General Information | |
| Manufacturer | Husqvarna Vapenfabriks AB – Huskvarna, Sweden |
| Years produced | 1986–1987 |
| Operator configuration | One-man operation |
| Construction | Die-cast magnesium & injection-molded polymer |
| Engine Specification | |
| Cylinder displacement | 99 cc (6.0 cu in) |
| Number of cylinders | 1 |
| Cylinder bore | 56 mm (2.20 in) |
| Stroke | 40 mm (1.57 in) |
| Cylinder type | Aluminum with chrome-plated bore |
| Intake method | Piston ported |
| Idle speed | 2,500 rpm |
| Maximum engine speed (under load) | 8,500 rpm |
| Maximum engine speed (free) | 12,500 rpm |
| Ignition System | |
| Magneto type | Electronic |
| Ignition timing | Align stator plate mark with crankcase mark |
| Flywheel/coil air gap | 0.3 mm (0.012 in) |
| Spark plug | Bosch WS7F |
| Spark plug gap | 0.51 mm (0.020 in) |
| Fuel & Lubrication System | |
| Carburetor | Tillotson HS-136E |
| Fuel tank capacity | 0.70 L (1.48 US pt) |
| Fuel mix ratio | 50:1 |
| Recommended fuel | Regular grade gasoline |
| Oil specification | Husqvarna two-stroke mix oil |
| Oil pump | Automatic, gear-driven, adjustable |
| Drive & Clutch | |
| Clutch type | Centrifugal |
| Drive type | Direct |
| Chain brake | Mechanical |
| Handlebar system | Anti-vibration |
| Crankshaft main bearings | Ball bearings |
| Cutting Equipment | |
| Chain pitch | 3/8 in |
| Bar mount pattern | 17 |
| Shortest guide bar supplied | 46 cm (18 in) |
| Longest guide bar supplied | 91.4 cm (36 in) |
| Weight | |
| Powerhead only | 8.2 kg (18.1 lb) |
Add your thoughts and reviews about this vintage Husky down below!
