Husqvarna Chainsaw Model Numbers and Designations Explained

Husqvarna model numbers, like “450,” “281,” or “572,” can initially seem confusing, but they’re not entirely meaningless.

For example, whether the model number starts with a 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 refers to the generation or series of saw.

Let’s take a deep dive into why Husqvarna Chainsaws are numbered the way they are…

Husqvarna Chainsaw Models

What do Husqvarna model numbers mean?

The first digit in a Husqvarna chainsaw model number refers to the generation or series.

There are five generations of Husqvarna saws: 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.  For example, the 4 in the Husqvarna 450 means it’s a 4th generation Husky chainsaw.

This first number does not necessarily designate whether or not the saw is a home-owner or pro saw, as is sometimes thought. That is designated by SP (Special Edition) or XP (Extra Performance) after the model number.

Following the series number, the second and third digits refer to the engine CCs. So, the 281 XP pictured above is a second-generation 81cc chainsaw.

This is more the case in theory, but it doesn’t always work out exactly as you’ll see when you look at the different models below.

That’s because many saws share the same cylinder displacement (CCs), but there are only 5 generations.

Further designations:

SE: Special Edition was the designation for professional saws before switching to XP.

XP: Extra power and better power-to-weight ratio (Husqvarna pro saws)

XT: X-torq (Strato engine design)

e-series: this first meant the saw had tool-less chain tensioning, but the e-series meaning came to mean nothing

W: Wrap handle (only on pro saws)

G: Heated handles and/or carb

OE: Original edition

NE: New edition (primarily for marketing purposes)

EL: Electric chainsaw

T: Top handle chainsaw

CD: Capacitor Discharge (ignition system)

MI: Some Husqvarna military saws are designated MI, such as the green 281 XP Army edition chainsaw

Next, we’ve got a list of all the Husqvarna chainsaw models currently for sale.

Homeowner Models

The following Husqvarna saws are considered home-owner models.

They are best for anything from light clean-up to processing decent-sized logs for firewood.

The 400 series models are considered good all-rounders.

The bar size we list here is the size the saw is usually sold in, but other-size bars can also be used when appropriate.

414EL – 16 inch bar, electric, 11.99 pounds

120i – 14 inch bar, 40v, 6.5 pounds – 120i review

240 – 14 inch bar, 38cc, 10.3 pounds – 240 review

130 – 16 inch bar, 38cc, 9.7 pounds – 130 review

135 – 16 inch bar, 40cc, 9.7 pounds – 135 review

136 – 15 inch bar, 36cc, 10.1 pounds – 136 review

141 – 15 inch bar, 41cc, 10.1 pounds – 141 review

435 – 18 inch bar, 40cc, 9.7 pounds – 435 review

440 – 18 inch bar, 40cc, 9.7 pounds – 440 review

445 – 20 inch bar, 60cc, 13.2 pounds – 445 review

Farm And Ranch Models

The Farm and Rancher Series contains higher-powered, higher-spec chainsaws compared to the homeowner range.

They range from 50cc to 60cc, and there are only 3 options. These are excellent chainsaws for those who will be processing a larger amount of firewood or want to clear land.

450 – 20 inch bar, 50cc, 11.2 pounds – 450 Rancher review

455 – 20 inch bar, 55cc, 13.2 pounds – 455 Rancher review

460 – 20 inch bar, 60cc, 13.2 pounds – 460 Rancher review

The 465 Rancher with AutoTune was produced between 2016 and 2018 and is no longer for sale. It’s a rare Husqvarna chainsaw, as few of them were made.

Semi-Professional Models

The semi-professional models can be used for felling trees, clearing land, and working with firewood.

439 – 14 inch bar, 35cc, 8.6 pounds

545 – 20 inch bar, 50cc, 10.8 pounds

555 – 24 inch bar, 60cc, 13 pounds

365 – 20 inch bar, 70cc, 14 pounds

Professional Husqvarna Saws

The XP range is Husqvarna’s top-of-the-line range—chainsaws designed for loggers and other professional tree workers.

These high-spec chainsaws have the best componentry and features, and they are designed to be used every day (with the proper care and maintenance).

You don’t need to be a professional to get an XP. Property owners, farmers, and those processing plenty of firewood all have and use these saws.

536Li XP – 14 inch bar, 40v electric, 5.29 pounds

543 XP – 16 inch bar, 43cc, 9.9 pounds

550 XP – 16 inch bar, 50cc, 11.2 pounds – 550XP review

562 XP – 28 inch bar, 60cc, 13.4 pounds – 562XP review

372 XP – 28 inch bar, 70cc, 14.6 pounds – 72XP review

572 XP – 28 inch bar, 70cc, 14.6 pounds

576 XP – 28 inch bar, 74cc, 15.2 pounds

390 XP – 28 inch bar, 88cc, 16.1 pounds

585 – 30 inch bar, 90cc,  16.5 pounds – 585 review

592 XP – 30 inch bar, 90cc, 16.7 pounds – 592XP review

395 XP – 28 inch bar, 94cc, 17.4 pounds – 395XP review

3120 XP – 42 inch bar, 118cc, 23 pounds

Husqvarna Top Handle Saws

Top handle chainsaws are designed for arborists and other tree workers but can be used by anyone for light tasks.

They tend to be very lightweight and low-powered, only made for pruning and limbing branches. They aren’t for felling trees or processing firewood. They are often referred to as ‘climbing’ or ‘arborist’ chainsaws.

T536Li XP – 12 inch bar, 40v electric, 5.3 pounds – 536Li XP review

T435 – 12 inch bar, 35cc, 7.5 pounds – T435 review

T540 XP – 14 inch bar, 37cc, 8.6 pounds – T540 review

Husqvarna Chainsaw Lineup

That’s the Husqvarna chainsaw lineup.

As a general rule, the model number = series + cylinder displacement.

We also have an article on how to read Husqvarna serial numbers to determine WHEN your saw was made, along with this list of Husqvarna production years.