The Husqvarna 480 CD was produced from 1978 to 1981. It’s a professional 77 cc saw that was (and still is) very popular.
CD stands for Capacitor Discharge Ignition which was an early form of electronic ignition.
The saw pictured here was listed (and sold) on eBay by seller szabsa76 in March 2025.
The listing description:
Vintage Husqvarna 480 CD chainsaw, flawless operation, nice condition for sale
I offer for sale the original, barely used, Husqvarna 480 CD chainsaw shown in the pictures, in nice condition,
With 18-inch chain guide, 3/8 chain.
All functions of the saw work flawlessly THE BRAKE TOO! It starts easily, cold or hot. Strong compression, turns around. chain lubrication is abundant.
Check out the video of the saw running on YouTube.
The 480CD was well-liked for its tough design and modern (for the time) features.
Its magnesium construction was lighter yet very durable, and it had an adjustable automatic oiler for the bar chain.
Interestingly, some early 480CD units were built without a chain brake – chain brakes were optional on this model at first.
The handling was improved by the anti-vibration system, and controls were generally user-friendly. In practice, the 480CD delivers a thunderous bark and raw torque – one user described it as a “NASTY sounding saw” and a “winner” when running.
Specs:
- Engine: 77 cc (4.7 cu. in.) single-cylinder two-stroke; bore 52 mm, stroke 36 mm. Capacitor-discharge ignition (CD).
- Power: 4.6 hp (3.4 kW) advertised; max RPM ~8,500.
- Weight: 8.8 kg (19.4 lbs) with 45 cm (18 in) bar.
- Guide Bar: Standard 40 cm (16 in) guide bar; users sometimes fit much longer bars (up to 90 cm/36 in) for milling.
- Chain: 3/8 in. pitch (Oregon 73LG or JG). Centrifugal clutch and direct drive; mechanical chain brake.
- Fuel: 800 ml tank; 40:1 petrol/oil mix. Automatic, adjustable chain oiler.
- Construction: Die-cast magnesium body; nylon mesh air filter. Anti-vibration handlebar mounts for reduced vibration.
Today the 480CD is sought-after among vintage chainsaw collectors.
Its limited production span (1978–1981) makes intact examples relatively rare. This has made the 480CD a rare collector’s item for enthusiasts.
On the used market, well-preserved 480CDs often fetch several hundred dollars. This one, obviously in excellent condition, sold for US $550.00 in 2025.
User reviews from the Husqvarna Chainsaws FB group…
John said:
I have one that I used all the time with a 24 inch bar on it.
Loads of power but the down side is getting parts is a nightmare.
I have an issue just now where it will cut great till it heats up then it won’t rev properly.
Bob said:
I’ve got a 280S which is the same as the 480 CD but older and points ignition.
Really they’re not bad, besides being heavier, but it’s a 77cc torque monster, and all metal.
Some pieces are hard to find, but it depends on what you need.
Shorter reviews:
- Grant said, “They are a beast, I’d put my friend’s one against my 661.”
- Craig said, “I had one for 32 years, never let me down, then some congress stole it. Probably still going.”
- Andy said, “Nice saw, I cut a lot of softwood pulp with them!!”
- TJ said, “One of my favorite saws to run.”
- Jason said, “I’ve got 2 of them. Wouldn’t trade them for anything. Very good saws.”
The serial number on the 480 CD, as shown in the following picture, does not show the year made.
Check out these other chainsaws from eBay seller szabsa76:
