The Husqvarna 51 was originally released in 1990 and manufactured throughout the early 90s.
It was discontinued long ago, however, you can still find them for sale second-hand. They pop up frequently on online marketplaces, sometimes advertised as just for parts, but often as working chainsaws.
Whether you are looking to buy a Husqvarna 51 or just want to know a little more about it, here’s what we’ve been able to uncover.
Husqvarna Chainsaw 51
You can see and hear a modified Husqvarna 51 in action in this video.
It has a 2-Stroke 51cc engine, making it an efficient firewood processor, happily chewing through these logs of wood.
The Husqvarna 51 is ideal for this type of work:
- firewood processing
- limbing
- felling small trees
- pruning branches
The 51 is a good saw that shares many parts with the Husqvarna 50 and 55. Often you can use parts from these 3 machines interchangeably.
It has all of the features that were common to Husky chainsaws back when it was manufactured.
These include:
- Chain brake for stopping blade rotation when triggered
- Throttle lock to reduce chainsaw injuries and accidents
- Automatic chain oiler
- Anti-vibration handle
- Good power to weight ratio
- Air injection filtration system
- Smart Start decompression valve for easier starting
Of course, these features are much improved in today’s Husqvarna models, but it’s good to know it has them to some extent.
Husqvarna 51 Price
You will see this saw listed for anywhere from $20 to $220.
On eBay at the time of writing, for example, there is one listed as just for parts for $31, one working model that looks a bit rough for $100, and a really tidy-looking unit for $210.
I was just reading one account of a guy who recently picked up 2 running models for $40!
Anywhere around that high end is very steep unless it’s pristine and like new, which most of them by now are not.
If it was in near mint condition with a new bar and good chain, you would be tempted to pay a good price.
Before buying, if you are able, check the compression and have a look at the piston through the muffler.
Start it up and slowly tilt the powerhead 90° left and right while idling. If it stalls or picks up in RPM, there is likely an air leak somewhere.
Husqvarna 51 Chainsaw Parts
In this video, you can see the lengths some people go to in order to salvage a good Husqvarna saw.
Whatever Husqvarna 51 parts you need, we recommend visiting HL Supply first.
They have one of the best ranges of Husky parts, including:
- Piston kits
- Muffler bolt and brackets
- Carburetors
- Cylinder kits
- Crankcases
Plus a whole lot more.
HL Supply is known as being one of the best parts suppliers, as well as being fairly priced.
Alternatively, you will always find parts on eBay!
Another good place to find Husqvarna 51 chainsaw parts is Facebook groups. Just search for Husqvarna groups and join a few. There will be guys in there that have parts looking for a new home.
Husqvarna 51 Year Of Manufacture
As mentioned at the start of this post, the 51 was first released in 1990.
There were some changes made to the saw during the years it was manufactured, and so sometimes you need to know the exact year in order to order the correct parts.
If you wanted to know what year your specific saw was made, you can find out by looking at the serial number.
The first number in the year in the 90s that it was assembled and the second number is the week.
The Husky 51 in the image above has the serial number starting 240. Therefore, this saw was manufactured in the 40th week of 1992.
Husqvarna 51 Specifications
The Husqvarna 51 specs are as follows:
- 3.1 horsepower
- 11.4 lbs (powerhead only)
- Anti-vibration handle
- 12,500 max free RPM
- 600ml (20.2 fl. oz.) fuel tank capacity
- 50:1 fuel oil ratio
- .325 in. chain pitch
Most suited with a 13-inch – 20-inch bar.
For more information, including maintenance, safety, and service details, download the Husqvarna 51 Manual.
Husky 51 Review
The Husqvarna 51 is much loved by all who have owned one.
This is not true of all Husky saws, but the 51 does seem to have been one of the special models.
As in the comment above, it’s a fantastic saw for firewood and use around the home and farm.
If you’ve found one that can be fixed up easily and cheaply enough, it’s worth giving it a go.
Each year there are fewer and fewer of these machines around, so saving one is doing the Husky community a world of good!
Great thanks for putting this together. I picked one up for$60 at a garage sale. Seems to be in decent condition.
Sounds like a great price for a working model. Look after her and she’ll serve you well for years!
Owned my Husqvarna 51 since i was 18 im now 27. Best chainsaw by far, i have a 26 blade on it and chops down trees with no problems. I rebuilt the engine recently, my nephew over revd it and blow the piston up. 180$ had it going again. There worth around 500-600$ in newzealand. I got mine free from my mate. It was in a box of parts said not going so i put it together and it went straight away ?
Awesome, thanks for sharing. I often hear from people who score a good chainsaw for next to nothing or even free – still waiting for my turn!
Where did you pick up the 26″ bar for this saw? I’m looking to get one.
My husky was born in 1983 and I still have it !
The 51 is my go-to saw for most jobs around the home. None of my others compare and it’s just comfortable and like an old friend now.
I have one and it cost me $20.00 runs like a top. Used to have old Husky 181 gave it to a buddy as Im to old to handle the power. Im 80. the 51 is just right for us seniors. just having difficulty finding the right chain, I live in the city now, not sure which chain I should pick.
Sounds like you got a great deal! Check out this post on chain types and see if that helps you to identify what your saw is set up with. You generally just need to know the gauge, pitch, and bar length. This chain on Amazon is one option. If all else fails, take it to a local dealer.
I bought my 51 now i know in april 95 it has been an awesome saw ive cut lots of firewood with it.
i even have the original bar. thx for the info. i am currently looking for a new bar and chain for it if you have any insight ? thx !
Hey Jeff, good to hear! You can see the original bar and chain specs for the Husky 51 here. You can find bars and chains for the 51 and 55 here on HL Supply – though you might be able to pick something up a bit cheaper locally.
I have a Husqvarna 51 that I purchased new in 1996, 26yrs ago!
I ran a 20” bar with 325/.058 chain, rakers low, while I did tree work/land management as a side business and worked this saw hard for 6yrs. Then it became my firewood saw and occasional tree job saw. Today it still looks almost mint, runs perfect and strong as ever. Sharp chains, good maintenance and keep it clean and ready when stored, worth every minute and dollar invested. “Treemendous” saw!
Hey I like reading the comments about the big 51 saw. Wish I knew wear tree job was so I can help. Maybe the tree job will find me and we could take the saw and work it for the best
Thank you for all the good info here on the “51”. I recently bought one, starts and runs but seems a bit tired. I pulled off the cylinder to find out it’s 44 mm, was that original? The piston and cylinder don’t look too bad but the compression is only 80 lbs. Nearly all replacement cylinders seem to come as 46 mm. I am looking for a good place to buy a piston and cylinder and perhaps which ones not to buy, thanks. Most seem to come with the hole for a de-compression valve, mine does not have that. thanks for any input.
I’ve owned a Husqvarna 51 chainsaw I replace the head twice the flanges that hold the muffler bolts square headed break off the head flanges other than that I love the saw seems like a poor design to me where a lot of your head bolts screw into the head this has these funky little aluminum flanges on each side that retain the muffler bolts they crack and break off therefore making the saw useless unless you replace the head
My husband bought one he used regularly. He bought a brand new one that has never been used, just in case. What would it be worth?
Hard to say but at least a few hundred I imagine – personally I’d just hang onto both of them.
Bought mine new in 92. I cut about 4 cord a year and clean up downed trees on the property. Everything is original except expendables. It is 30 yrs old and looks every bit of it. Fantastic machine.
I just got one from a friend who was told it would cost more to fix it than the saw is worth. But being a Husqvarna fan, I have a Rancher 454 and love it, I could not just let it go for junk. Will be checking it out soon.
Great saw. I bought mine new in 1995 and it is still my primary firewood saw. When I first bought it I was clearing my property, I dropped a 44” diameter Black Oak, although I don’t recommend this, not because it didn’t work well but because it wasn’t designed for felling trees that large and required multiple cuts, which is dangerous…….ahh to be young again.
A couple of tips, clean the bar oiling and general clutch areas often or you will have messy oil leaks and may damage the oil pump system. When removing the clutch remember it is reverse threaded. Also when removing the clutch, after removing the spark plug to stabilize the piston, rather than using a metal plug I prefer to use a hank of nylon cord pushed into the cylinder through the spark plug hole to avoid damage to the piston head.
I bought this saw and except for tune up and sharpening, it has worked flawlessly. A product that long ago paid for itself.
I purchased my 51 new in 1995 and it works flawlessly. Have cut down trees in multiple sizes and makes quick work of cutting 18# diameter trees with ease. Just need to store it with ethanol-free fuel when not using it, full of bar/chain oil and keep your chains sharp. I usually rotate three chains – one newly sharpened spare in the case and one at the shop getting sharpened. Went from a 16″ to an 20″ bar and that gives me more utility. As others point out, it’s light and so easy to handle, so perfect for a 60-year old looking for free firewood. Never even considered upgrading it.