Is the Husqvarna 345 a good chainsaw?
The saw has been discontinued, but it is a decent, small homeowner’s saw. They can often be found on eBay for cheap.
It’s a reasonably lightweight 45cc chainsaw that can be run with up to an 18-inch bar. It was manufactured from 2002 – 2008 and receives reasonably good reviews.
Here are the pros and cons!
The Husqvarna 345 Chainsaw
Who is the Husky 345 best for? And what kind of work can be done with it?
While this saw can be run with up to an 18-inch bar (and it was often sold with one), it tends to do better with a 14 or 16-inch on it. Because it’s only a 45cc saw, anything longer means you’re losing power.
Chainsaws with smaller bars are good for limbing and pruning, tidying up around the yard or farm, felling small trees, and processing smaller lengths/widths of wood for the fire. And, if you’re into chainsaw carving, it’s OK for that as well.
The 345 is from Husqvarnas ‘home-owner’ range of chainsaws, so it’s not as good as their Rancher series (such as the Husqvarna 455 Rancher) or Pro (XP) series chainsaws. However, it’s suitable for light and occsaional work.
If you can pick up a 345 in good condition and at a good price, they make for an excellent little backup chainsaw, or one to have on hand for small jobs. Everyone needs at least two chainsaws: one powerful saw with a decent-sized bar on it (20+ inches), and a smaller one for light work.
Husqvarna 345 Reviews
The 345 is a fine little saw that is well worth picking up.
It’s a reliable chainsaw that can be expected to last many years if it’s looked after and treated well.
Here’s what users of the saw say:
- Jason said, “For what it is, that 345 is a good little saw!”
- Randy said, “I have about 30 saws (bigger and smaller) and that 345 is probably my favorite.”
- Jan said, ” I have a 345 and I absolutely love that saw 😁. It never stops no matter what 😎.”
- Jerry said, “I built my entire business with it from the ground up without a loan or incubator.”
- Grant said, “Love mine not as snappy as my 346 XP but a good light saw.”
- Dan said, “Cheap, reliable, can be rebuilt with 45mm bigger bore top end.”
- Jeremy said, “Good saws if built right. That’s a fun chassis to play around with.”
- Gary said, “One of the best clammers to work with.”
- Garry said, “I like mine, good power and lightweight.”
- Zack said, “Great saw just mod the muffler and port it.”
- Peter said, “I prefer the 345 to my 50 Rancher. Runs better for some reason.”
Andrew said:
Great saw for a homeowner around the property.
I have one I bought new about 10 years ago and still use it.
Jack said:
I love my 345, been running it for a lot of years.
Even ran a 20 inch bar on it for a while. It pulled it, but it is happier with a shorter bar these days.
Brad said:
Not a bad little saw for sure.
Order up one of the 346 muffler brackets and cut one ear off so you can mount it to the case.
Those 340/345/350s are known to get loose muffler bolts and people melt the cases
Mike said:
Yeah mine rips pretty good with a 20-in bar.
I put a 24 on it and it did okay but it really likes the 20-in bar.
We wouldn’t recommend a 24″ bar!
Most feedback from users of the Husqvarna 345 is positive. While some would prefer higher-powered chainsaws, for what it is, the 345 is good.
Specs and Features
See how the Husky 345 runs in this video ☝️
Husqvarna 345 Specs:
- Displacement: 45 cc / 2.74 cu in
- Power: 2.2 kW / 3 hp
- Bore: 42 mm / 1.65″
- Stroke 32 mm / 1.25″
- Weight: 10 pounds / 4.5 kgs
- Bar length: 14 – 18 inch bar
- Plug: Champion RCJ7Y
The 345 has an automatic oil pump for chain and bar lubrication, a chain brake, and Smart Start for easier starting.
Download the Husqvarna 345 manual for more info here. Compare the 345 with the larger 350 here.
Price and Parts
Parts for the Husqvarna 345 can be picked up fairly easily.
If you can’t find originals at a price you like, there are many aftermarket options.
For the best range of Husqvarna 345 chainsaw parts, visit HLS Pro Parts for:
- Vibration absorbers
- Muffler gaskets
- Each specific screw, nut, and washer
- Carb kits
- and a whole lot more
If they don’t have it, here are the 345 spares available on eBay.
Aftermarket parts can also be found on Amazon. At the time of writing there are replacement handguards, clutch covers, clutch parts, carb kits, and more.
You can upgrade the 345 with a cylinder kit for the following saws: 346 XP, 350, 351 XP, and 353 XP.
What can you expect to pay for the Husky 345?
Most are sold from $100 to $250 – it all depends on the condition of the saw.
In tip-top condition, you shouldn’t expect to pay much more than $250 for one. New 45 cc chainsaws, such as the Husqvarna 445, can be bought new for not much more than that.
Is the husqvarna 345 better than their 240 chainsaw? I have the opportunity to buy both and am trying to compare them. They are both listed for a similar price though the 345 is a little more expensive. Both appear to be in good condition. Any advice on which way to go would be appreciated thanks.
Great little saw, really seems to rip!
I picked up a 345 off marketplace but it’s shot. Guy said it runs well but I’ll be buggered if I can even get it going. Drove an hour for it as well. Pi$$ed off! Barry
That sucks – I’d try to return it if it’s worth the drive. You could find someone who is good with small engines and that might be able to get it going again. Sometimes it can just be a little thing. Did you get it going before handing the money over?
My name is Mike I’m certified small engine technician. I’d be glad to take a look at it.
Info: michaelfortune2019 [@] gmail.com
You can pick up a carburetor off Amazon for around $20 and is easy to change!
I have had my 345 for the last 10 years and it’s only be in the shop one time to replace the carb. It has a 20 inch bar and chain.. we use it every year for cutting fire wood 11 rick each year here in Missouri..
I’ve had one for 15 years. It’s been a great saw. Still cutting. You gotta take care of small engines and equipment!
I have this saw well over 15 years – probably closer to 20. It underwent no maintenance since. The only thing needing replacement was the aged cracked gas line. Even the bar and chain are still original – just about thinking to get both new. It’s being used in the garden, the forest and also the firewood. Powerfull enough, absolutely reliable, vibration free and the handling and behaviour readable and predictable. Just loving it.
I recently got a 345 for free from a friend, it didnt run good so he put it away for years before he gave it to me. After a card kit, air filter and tuning jod it works great, since then it has always fired up right and never given me a single problem
I found my 345 in the trash, started on 2nd pull runs great. Should be a great addition to my 372 and 395.
I’ve had my 345 for 17 years. Bought it new in 2005. Now it leaks oil while sitting and doesn’t appear to oil the chain very much when running. Do the oil pumps go bad and are they replaceable.
It’s a great saw, I’ve been using it for years. This model leads all other models.
I have had my 345 for 20+ years. It always starts with 3 pulls with the choke on then the 2nd pull with the choke off. Went to start it today and nothing. Replaced the spark plug still nothing. Checked for spark and could not see any with either spark plug. Anybody have any ideas?
For me it alway seems to be the gas. Only twice in last 15 years did my 345 start within 3-4 pulls. Both times I dumped the gas, put new in and within minutes it was up and running.