What does Husqvarna X-Torq mean?
In the Husqvarna glossary, they state:
X-TORQ®
Husqvarna’s latest technology for two-stroke engines, which reduces fuel consumption by up to 20% and emissions by up to 60%. The engine technology increases torque over a wider rpm range, providing maximum cutting power.
X-TORQ® is used in E-TECH II engines for chainsaws, clearing saws, trimmers and leaf blowers.
But does that really explain it?
I don’t think so!
Let’s try and work out what it really means…
Husqvarna X-Torq Engine
Husqvarna also put together this short animation titled “See how Husqvarna X-Torq works.”
The only problem is that it doesn’t give too much away!
This comment shared my thoughts: “Didn’t explain [anything]. Been searching the website looking for an explanation of x torque. Guess I’ll just go to the store and read a box.”
But another comment helped to explain things a bit better:
Another video suggests that the basics of x torq is that while the fuel/air mixture is pulled to the crankcase, pure air is pulled to the transfer port.
The pure air supposedly pushes exhaust gases to the muffler so that there won’t be any fuel in the muffler and no exhaust gases in the new fuel/air mixture. Like an air barrier of sorts.
Time will tell if the tech gets better in time. The first generation caused all sorts of hell.
This could be the other video explaining what X Torq means on Husqvarna chainsaws…
It’s a good illustration of how a chainsaw works.
In it they state:
Fresh air purges exhaust: reduces emissions and maximizes power.
And that, I believe is the novel idea behind X Torq.
Elsewhere they share:
The secret behind [X-Torq’s fuel efficiency] is that our technology uses pure air, instead of air mixed with fuel, to flush out exhaust fumes.
All this makes X-Torq® more than just an ordinary, powerful petrol engine, but a technical solution that’s beneficial for your work efficiency, your finances and, last but not least, our environment.
So hopefully, as long as you already know a little bit about 2-stroke engines, things are getting a bit clearer.
Husqvarna X-Torq Meaning
Lastly, this thread on Arborist Site has some helpful comments explaining an X-Torq engine.
One user, butters_mcfeely, shares:
As I understand it super basically, X-torq uses fresh air to blow out the burned exhaust gases before the atomized fuel from the crank is forced in through the transfers. Thus saving emissions supposedly as un-burned fuel is not coming out the exhaust.
And, it’s important to note, X-Torq is something completely different from Auto-Tune which saws like the Husqvarna 560 XP and 562 XP have.
Someone else in the same thread said X-Torq is “Husqvarna speak for stratified charged 2 cycle engine.”
Are X-Torq Engines Good?
The most important question is ‘Are Husqvarna X-Torq chainsaws good?’
Because there are many Husky saw models that have both X-Torq and non-X-Torq versions. For example, older versions of the 372 XP do not have the new engine, whereas the new versions do.
I recommend joining the 35K member Husqvarna Chainsaw FB Group and searching ‘x torq chainsaw.’ It brings up a ton of helpful threads that give light on people’s experiences with both versions of a saw.
For example, a recent question that was posted says [edited slightly for clarity]:
What is the main reason people don’t like the 372 XP X-Torq for cutting up downed trees for firewood?
I keep reading they have problems the 372 XP did not have. Are the non x torq 372xp’s available?
I already have a 372 XP I bought 10 years ago and am looking at getting a new one – local shop has a 372 X-Torq.
It’s well worth reading all the replies, but they include things like this:
- They are good saws, I have never had any problems with any of mine.
- I have both and run both every day. I do prefer non-X-Torq but would grab either saw for any situation. 372s are one of the best.
- No problems yet with my 372 X-Torq handles the 28″ quite nicely and she rips it up.
- I have two 372s… 1 is an X torque and the other is an older OE. For some reason, the x torque doesn’t seem to have as much “get up and go” power as my older OE, but nonetheless still a very good saw.
X-Torq Vs Non-X-Torq
And for those who like to in-depth, there is this essay-length answer from David:
The biggest issue is that in the Xtorq version that piston’s about 1/3rd taller and heavier and it’s on the exact same crank and counterweight! So it’s not balanced enough to last as long as the older version… it’s just not going to last as long as it’s older version.
The other issue is the PTO side bearings in the plastic bearing race design… it’s just not going to match the older design’s longevity… they are very good saws but they just don’t last as long as their older brothers…
It’s that same thing with the 371xp… it had a larger single ring that allows more oil molecules around the piston and onto the cylinder walls so it runs cooler and lasts longer than the double-ringed higher compression 372xp… the absolute best version for a firewood saw is the 365 special… in the 48mm bore on the same chassis, bearings and crank… it’s less power is easier on those bearings and that crank and they will last the longest if properly maintained.
The Xtorq design dumps straight air into your cylinder right on the face of your hot piston… so if you don’t run a heavier mixture (32:1) when really working them they will be running very lean… lean is mean and they will rip but they just won’t last as long as the non-Xtorq design.
When I’m rebuilding one that went lean and then the piston skirt transferred onto the cylinder walls I cut the intake out and make a little pocket so the fuel/oil mixture coming from the carburetor can mix with the straight air in the intake so it’s got some oil molecules in it before it’s being injected into the engine…
If they are ran rich or closer to 12k instead of 13k they will stay together a little longer… running a little more oil in your Xtorq like 32:1 will greatly improve their longevity… the Xtorq design is a hotter more aggressive engine design but their larger piston’s need to be properly counterweighted…
In the 372’s they used the exact same crank so lot’s of folks choose to take them back to the regular older version when they rebuild them as the piston’s lighter and they will run longer between rebuilding… ??
You can see all the answers regarding X-Torq Vs Non-X-Torq in the thread here, though it’s only accessible once you’ve joined the Husky Chainsaw group.
What Is Husqvarna X-Torq?
Hopefully, that explains what Husqvarna X-Torq means.
The feature is now standard on most, if not all, new Husqvarna Chainsaws. And while the early X-Torq saws were known to have a few problems, most of those initial kinks have been worked out.
X-Torq engines are here to stay for the meantime. And, despite the confusion of some who are new to Husky saws, it’s different from the meaning of XP.
You can still pick up old Husky saws like the 285 CD or the 262 XP which have the old engines if you like… there are those who just prefer them and that’s OK.
I just wonder: does the x-torq design save fuel (in everyday use) as advertised (20%)?
The claim of a 20% reduction in fuel consumption is typically based on laboratory testing under controlled conditions. I think it would be less than that in everyday conditions. I imagine things like the type of wood you’re cutting, the age of the saw, how well maintained it is, and general user habits would all play into it.