What does XP mean on Husqvarna Chainsaws?
The XP designation on Husky chainsaws is a way to distinguish the Pro chainsaws from the homeowner or farm and ranch series chainsaws.
XP stands for Extra Power and an improved power-to-weight ratio.
Husqvarna XP chainsaws are usually bigger and better than their non-XP equivalent.
For example, there is the 60cc 460 Rancher and the 60cc 560 XP – the XP is by far the better saw in terms of power, performance, quality of build, and ease of use.
These are some of the differences between XP and non-XP chainsaws.
Husqvarna XP Chainsaw Differences
This video, which was shared on the Husqvarna FB page, shares the differences between their two main ranges of chainsaws.
They said:
What does XP® mean? Improved Power-to-Weight
Our XP® chainsaws set the industry standard for peak performance. With extra power, you can finish the job faster and move on to the next one.
And the video adds that:
XP is Xtra Performance,
To make you more productive,
Including a better power-to-weight ratio,
Letting you handle tougher jobs,
With less fatigue and without switching saws,
So you can work faster, longer, better.
While there were a few joke comments on the post – “Xtra Problems…”, “XPensive…”, “Xtra Plastic…”, “Most times Xtra Patience trying to keep it away from the shop.” – most knew it meant something along the lines of “Best power-to-weight ratio plus a slim easy to handle platform.”
In another post, Husqvarna shared:
XP® chainsaws have larger transfer ports, which carry more fuel and air mixture, creating more acceleration and torque where you need it.
Ultimately, XP chainsaws are professional-grade saws perfect for commercial or demanding work. However, you don’t need to be an arborist or logger to use one. Many homeowners and farmers prefer XP saws for their better build, power, and performance.
XP is not the same as/should not be confused with the X-Torq label.
Husqvarna XP Chainsaw Lineup
These are all of Husqvarna’s XP chainsaws – those listed in bold are in production (not always in the US though) while non-bold are no longer in production.
The earliest or first-ever Husqvarna chainsaw with an XP listing is the 2100 XP which entered production in 1975. You can discover when each Husqvarna saw was made here (and help us to fill in the blanks).
Husqvarna 242 XP – 16 – 18″ bar, 42 cc, 10.3 lbs
Husqvarna 246 XP – 13 – 18″ bar, 46 cc, 10.36 lbs
Husqvarna 254 XP – 13 – 20″ bar, 54 cc, 11.9 lbs
Husqvarna 262 XP – 13 – 20″ bar, 62 cc, 12.8 lbs
Husqvarna 266XP – 16 – 32″ bar, 67 cc, 15.6 lbs
Husqvarna 268 XP – 15 – 20″ bar, 67 cc, 13.7 lbs
Husqvarna 272 XP – 15 – 32″ bar, 72 cc, 13.7 lbs
Husqvarna 281 XP – 16 – 36″ bar, 81 cc, 15 lbs
Husqvarna 288 XP – 16 – 36″ bar, 87 cc, 16.3 lbs
Husqvarna 298 XP – 18 – 36″ bar, 99 cc, 18.1 lbs
Husqvarna 2100 XP – 21 – 36″ bar, 99 cc, 19.3 lbs
Husqvarna 2101 XP – 16 – 60″ bar, 99 cc, 20.3 lbs
Husqvarna 335 XP – 12 – 18″ bar, 35cc, 7.4 lbs
Husqvarna 338 XP – 12 – 18″ bar, 38 cc, 7.5 lbs
Husqvarna 339 XP – 12 – 18″ bar, 39 cc, 8.4 lbs
Husqvarna 346 XP – 13 – 20″ bar, 45 cc, 10.6 lbs
Husqvarna 357 XP – 18 – 24″ bar, 57 cc, 12.1 lbs
Husqvarna 362 XP – 20 – 28″ bar, 62 cc, 13.2 lbs
Husqvarna 371 XP – 20 – 32″ bar, 71 cc, 13.4 lbs
Husqvarna 385 XP – 25 – 36″ bar, 84.7 cc, 15.4 lbs
Husqvarna 394 XP – 20 – 48″ bar, 94 cc, 17.4 lbs
Husqvarna 543 XP – 16″ bar, 43cc, 9.9 lbs
Husqvarna 550 XP – 16″ bar, 50cc, 11.2 lbs
Husqvarna 560 XP – 18″ bar, 60 cc, 13 lbs
Husqvarna 562 XP – 28″ bar, 60cc, 13.4 lbs
Husqvarna 572 XP – 28″ bar, 70cc, 14.6 lbs
Husqvarna 576 XP – 28″ bar, 74cc, 15.2 lbs
Husqvarna 372 XP – 28″ bar, 70cc, 14.6 lbs
Husqvarna 390 XP – 28″ bar, 88cc, 16.1 lbs
Husqvarna 592 XP – 30″ bar, 90cc, 16.7 lbs
Husqvarna 395 XP – 28″ bar, 94cc, 17.4 lbs
Husqvarna 3120 XP – 42″ bar, 118cc, 23 lbs
Husqvarna T540 XP – 14″ bar, 37cc, 8.6 lbs
Husqvarna T536Li XP – 12″ bar, 40v battery 5.3 lbs
Husqvarna 535i XP/T535i – 14″ bar, 40v battery, 5.29 lbs
Husqvarna 540i XP – 14″ bar, 40v battery, 6.39 lbs
Running through this list it’s not hard to see how Husqvarna model numbers are generated (generation number + engine cc), and reading Husqvarna serial numbers can be just as easy!
Husqvarna Professional Chainsaws
Professional Husqvarna chainsaws are for those who are using them to make a living or for those who want to get a job done faster with fewer interruptions.
These saws are stronger and better designed to withstand all-day use in demanding settings. Compared to their homeowner-level counterparts they are much lighter and more powerful.
Ultimately, XP chainsaws from Husqvarna are better. They’re better than the Ranchers and the other non-XP saws. However, there are early pro-level saws that don’t have the XP designation, like the Husqvarna 285 CD. However, there are less of these out there now.
Let us know your thoughts on the Husqvarna XP saws below!