Husqvarna 120 Vs Husqvarna 135 Chainsaw – What’s the Better Option?
Chainsaws aren’t just for loggers and mill workers. The Husqvarna 135 and 120 are proof that the average homeowner can get just as much use out of these machines as professional forestry workers.
In fact, chainsaws can be vital tools to have in your property maintenance arsenal. We’ve spent a lot of time on big chainsaws that can cut down mighty oaks; but what about the everyday user?
Today we will be taking a look at a couple of light-duty chainsaws that are easy to wield and perfect for around the house chores: the Husqvarna 135 and Husqvarna 120.
Overview of the Husqvarna 135 Vs the Husqvarna 120
At 10.3 and 10.7 pounds, these two chainsaws are similarly matched when it comes to handling. Even if you have never used a chainsaw before, any novice should be able to get the hang of these saws pretty quickly.
They are both gas-powered chainsaws and they have most of the same features. To be quite honest, there is more that these chainsaws have in common than separates them. However, after we tested them, we noticed a couple of key differences: power and ease of startup. We’ll show you what we mean in just a minute…
Husqvarna 135 Key Features
- Smart Start – A feature that the Husqvarna 120 doesn;t have, Smart Start makes the choke much easier to manage and starts the engine up in just a few pulls.
- Choke and Stop Control – Another feature that makes startup easier and it also prevents engine flooding.
- Centrifugal Air Filter – Centrifugal force actually ejects larger particles from the filter so it never settles on the surface.
Husqvarna 135 Common Issues
A few of the issues that have been reported with this chainsaw are clogged oil inlet holes and sprocket nose issues.
Husqvarna 135 Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Very easy to start
- Very hard to flood
- Good for felling small trees
- Great for cutting firewood
Cons:
- More expensive than the 120
- It can be tricky to tune the carb
Overall Score: 97/100
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Husqvarna 120 Key Features
- Chain Brake – The chain brake is activated by inertia so the chain stops during strong kickbacks.
- Air Purge – A simple bulb releases excess gas from the fuel line for easier startups.
- Air Injection Filter – The 120 also features an advanced air filter that uses centrifugal force to prevent large particles from making it to the filter surface.
Husqvarna 120 Common Issues
The main issues that consumers seem to have had with the Husqvarna 120 was that it was difficult to start and that it floods easily.
Husqvarna 120 Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Less expensive than the Husqvarna 135
- Easy to handle once it gets going
- Maintains RPMs very well
- Runs quieter than the Husqvarna 135
Cons:
- Harder to start
- A bit less powerful
Overall Score: 95/100
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Who Should Buy Each?
While the difference in power doesn’t look like much on paper (2.1 HP for the Husqvarna 135 and 1.8 HP for the Husqvarna 120), it can be felt in the field.
The Husqvarna 135 is more capable of felling trees of about 8-10 inches while the Husqvarna 120 struggles a bit with the same size trees. The Husqvarna 135 is also easier to start overall.
So if you need that extra power – maybe you have oak or cherry trees on your property – then we would recommend the Husqvarna 135. The Husqvarna 120 is a bit more budget-friendly and is still very easy to operate (once you get it started) so it would be a good choice for anyone looking to save money on an easy to use saw.
Price Comparison
The Husqvarna 135 costs $300 while the Husqvarna 120 sells for $240.
Weight & Handling Comparison
Surprisingly, the Husqvarna 135 (10.3lbs) is slightly lighter than the Husqvarna 120 (10.7lbs). However, you can’t really tell the difference when you’re cutting. Overall both of these saws are easy on the body and wieldy even if you are new to chainsaws.
Chain & Blade Comparison
The Husqvarna 120 can be paired with an 18” bar and comes with a .050” chain. The Husqvarna 135 comes with a 16” bar but uses the same .050” gauge chain.
Power Comparison
The Husqvarna 135 has a 2.1 HP engine while the Husqvarna 120 has a 1.8 HP engine.
Efficiency Comparison
Considering the difference in power, it was surprising to note that these chainsaws were equally efficient with fuel.
Durability Comparison
Durability is something you rarely have to be concerned about with Husqvarna chainsaws. Both the Husqvarna 135 and 120 are built to last.
They have rugged chassis and the internal parts are well-protected. So long as you keep them in a cool dry place and maintain them properly, they should both last a very long time.
Other Chainsaws to Consider
Husqvarna 130
The Husqvarna 130 has a 2 HP engine so it occupies a nice middle ground between the Husqvarna 135 and the Husqvarna 120. It comes with a 16” bar and is also well-suited to home use.
Overall Score: 95/100
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Stihl MS 250
This is the chainsaw you’ll want for commercial and forestry work. The MS 250 boasts a 45.4cc engine and pumps out 3 HP. It can easily take a 20” bar and has a 15.9 ounce fuel tank.
Overall Score: 95/100
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Stihl MS 170
The MS 170 is also a great saw for homeowners. It’s light, easy to manage and has a controllable 30.1cc engine and 16” bar.
Overall Score: 93/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Final Assessment
At the end of the day, the only thing the Husqvarna 120 has on the Husqvarna 135 is quieter operation. So unless you have neighbors with really sensitive hearing, the best buy will be the Husqvarna 135.
It has a bit more power and it’s easier to start. It costs a bit more but it’s a small price to pay for a light-duty chainsaw that can handle a myriad of cutting jobs.
