Husqvarna 395 XP Vs Husqvarna 3120 XP Chainsaw – What’s the Better Option?
Husqvarna is known the world over as manufacturers of some of the most rugged chainsaws on the market. Their saws are sold in hardware stores around the globe for a reason: they meet the needs of serious tree care experts.
The Husqvarna 395 XP and the 3120 XP are no exceptions. Right off the bat, you should know that both of these chainsaws are big, heavy and built for the tough cutting jobs. They can both handle large tree bucking and felling so they should be on your radar if you need a saw for commercial, municipal or forestry work.
But why should you buy either of them? What are their strengths and weaknesses? We will help you decide which model is best for your needs in the following comparison review.
Overview of the Husqvarna 395 XP Vs the Husqvarna 3120 XP
You should know that there is a significant difference in engine power between these two chainsaws. The Husqvarna 395 XP has a 6.6 HP engine while the 3120 XP pumps out 8.31 horses.
However, the odd thing is that the Husqvarna 395 XP actually has a higher chain speed at 9600 RPMs compared to a max speed of 9000 RPMs that the 3120 XP produces.
Still, you can use these chainsaws for pretty much the same types of work: felling large diameter trees, cutting hardwood rounds, milling, clearing and other forestry work.
Husqvarna 395 XP Key Features
- Adjustable Oil Pump – With the Husqvarna 395 XP you can adjust the flow of chain oil depending on the cutting conditions.
- Quick-Release Air Filter – The Husqvarna 395 XP is also built to allow easy access to the air filter without the use of specialized tools.
- Chain Break – When enough inertia is generated by kickback, the Husqvarna 395 XP will stop itself.
Husqvarna 395 XP Common Issues
If you go long periods without running the Husqvarna 395 XP, there could be issues with residue buildup in the fuel tank.
Husqvarna 395 XP Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Built with a forged, three-piece crankshaft
- Very easy to change the air filter
- Higher RPMs than the 3120 XP
- Consistent torque
Cons:
- Smaller fuel tank than the 3120 XP
- Just as loud as the 3120 XP
Husqvarna 3120 XP Key Features
- Magnesium Crankcase – While it does add to the overall powerhead weight, a magnesium crankcase is ideal for handling the high RPMs of a professional-grade chainsaw.
- SmartStart – A trademark feature for Husqvarna, this system allows for easier cold starting.
- LowVib – The construction of the Husqvarna 3120 XP is intended to lower harsh vibration and reduce operator fatigue.
Husqvarna 3120 XP Common Issues
Some consumers have had trouble controlling the speed of the 3120 XP which could be indicative of a damaged throttle cable.
Husqvarna 3120 Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Extremely powerful
- Should last a very long time
- Appropriate for forestry work
- Works great with full and semi chisel chains
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Heavy
Who Should Buy Each?
The Husqvarna 3120 will certainly be a better fit for professional forestry workers, tree care experts and the like. We can even see it being used by professional wood carvers.
The Husqvarna 395 XP is appropriate for the same types of work; but it’s lighter and less expensive. So if you want to reduce fatigue or have a limited budget, the Husqvarna 395 XP may be better for you.
Price Comparison
You can buy the Husqvarna 395 XP and the 3120 XP straight from the manufacturer. The company sells the Husqvarna 395 XP for about $1500 and the 3120 XP for nearly $2000.
Weight & Handling Comparison
The powerhead of the Husqvarna 395 XP weighs 17.4 pounds while the powerhead of the 3120 XP weighs just over 22 pounds. As you can imagine, the extra weight wears on you if you are out in the field for long periods of time.
Therefore, if you need a more manageable saw that’s a bit easier on the body, the Husqvarna 395 XP may be the better choice.
Chain & Blade Comparison
The Husqvarna 395 XP comes with a .058” gauge chain with a ⅜” pitch. The 3120 XP comes with a .063 gauge chain with a .404” pitch. The Husqvarna 395 XP can be fitted with a 32” bar while the max recommended bar length for the 3120 XP is 42”.
Power Comparison
The 3120 XP pumps out almost two whole HP more than the Husqvarna 395 XP. However, you can’t notice the difference very much in the field. Both of these saws are powerful enough to handle cords of hardwood.
Efficiency Comparison
Overall, the Husqvarna 395 XP is more fuel-efficient, which is to be expected with the smaller engine size.
Durability Comparison
Both the Husqvarna 395 XP and the 3120 XP can take a beating. With regular maintenance and proper storage, they will both last for 10+ years.
Other Chainsaws to Consider
Husqvarna 450
The Husqvarna 450 is also built with premium features like a three-piece crankcase and chain break system. However, it is a smaller, lighter chainsaw with a 3.2 HP engine.
Overall Score: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Husqvarna 550 XP
The 550 XP can be fitted with a 20” bar. It has a 4 HP engine with a max rev speed of 10,200 RPMs.
Overall Score: 97/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Stihl 461
The Stihl 461 features a powerful 6 HP engine. It can tackle commercial-size jobs and is very user-friendly.
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Final Assessment
When choosing between the Husqvarna 395 XP and the Husqvarna 3120 XP, it’s important to know your limits.
The Husqvarna 3120 XP can take a much larger bar and weighs significantly more than the Husqvarna 395 XP. So it will naturally be more taxing on the body.
The Husqvarna 395 XP gives you the same type of cutting ability and should be more than enough for forestry work and tree-felling; but in a lighter and more affordable package. That’s why the Husqvarna 395 XP earns our endorsement as the better chainsaw option.
