Husqvarna 440 vs 440E which of these two chainsaws is right for your next cutting job ? 

​If you have been thinking of getting a new chainsaw for light to medium work around the garden the 440 series from Husqvarna is a pretty good bet.

Both models combine ample power, light weight, high maneuverability and one of the easiest saws to start all in one compact package. 

What exactly is the difference between Husqvarna 440 and 440E and which one should you choose ?

The main difference between the 440 and 440E is that the 440E has a tool-free chain tensioning system and the standard 440 model requires the use of a T-wrench(that comes included). 

At around 40cc and 2.4 hp these saws are not meant for heavy industrial or professional use. They fit firmly in the home user or for moderately light use on a farm or ranch. ​

If you are in a rush then the one to choose is the Husqvarna 440E it has the exact same performance as the 440 with the added convenience of an easy to use tool-free chain tensioner.

Top Pick

Husqvarna 440E

• Tool-free chain tensioner
• 41 cc X-Torq motor, 2.4 hp @ 9000 RPM
• Bar lengths 13 -18 inhces
• CARB compliant

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The tensioner is the only main feature by which each model differs. Given that the 440E is the direct replacement for the older model 440 there should be no reason to purchase a 440 unless of course you can find one at a significant discount.

Husqvarna 440E Review

​The Husqvarna 440E is a light weight chainsaw suitable for a home owner. It is power by a 41 cc 2.4 hp motor that has a max speed of 9,000 RPM.

The 440E motor uses Husqvarna's X-Torq technology. X-Torg helps to reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent and also helps reduce harmful emissions, it also achieves all of the requirements to be officially CARB compliant.

Bar wise you can use anything from 13 to 18 inch bars. The sweet spot however is probably a 16 inch bar. A 16 inch bar is perfect for pruning work and some light cutting. 

At ​an operating weight of about 11 pounds the 440E is still light enough for use overhead. It also has a fairly small form factor making it pretty easy to move about and around the base of branches if you are working in an awkward position.

Prolonged use is also helped by a LowVib system that helps increase vibration dampening, if you've ever use a chainsaw for a long time you'll know that vibration is one of the biggest causes of fatigue when cutting for long periods.​

The 440E is one of the easiest chainsaws to start thanks to the ​smart start system. Starter cord resistance reduction and a air purge meas you can still start it with ease even when it is already up to temperature.

The 440E is a perfect match for those who need a light weight saw that still has ample power when it is needed. It is also easy to maneuver which is a definite plus for those that need to do a lot of overhead pruning and cutting.

Difference Between Husqvarna 440 and 440E ?

A stated previously the major difference between the Husqvarna 440 and 440E is the inclusion of an on-board tool-less chain tensioner on the 440E. With the older model 440 you had to use a T-wrench that came supplied with the saw.

Apart from that they are practically identical chainsaws and are a pretty good all round go to saw for the average home owner.​

Husqvarna 440 vs 440E

Husqvarna 440 vs 440E which should you buy ? 

Given that the 440E is the direct replacement for the 440 then the 440E is the one to get!

Depending on where you purchase it from you may also find the newer model 440E at a slight discount to the older model so there really is no sense in buying the model that was replaced.

Husqvarna 150BT vs 350BT which leaf blower is right for your garden ?

If you are thinking of getting a new leaf blower or replacing one that doesn't pack the same punch as it used to then you will probably be considering a Husqvarna.

​When it comes to backpack blowers Husqvarna have a pretty decent line up and have built a solid reputation of performance and reliability. Lets take a look at their two most popular models the Husqvarna 150BT and 350BT.

If you are in a hurry and don't have the time to read the whole article which model should you choose?

Our top pick is the Husqvarna 350BT. The 150BT and 350Bt are incredibly similar blowers the only real difference is in the width of the blow tube. The 150 has a thinner tube and a higher top air speed but the 350 beats it on cfm at 494.

Top Pick

Husqvarna 350BT

Significantly higher output of 494 cfm versus the 150BT's 343.

50 cc X-Torq motor, lightweight and ergonomic design.

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Cfm(cubic feet per minute) is the measure of just how much air a blower is capable of blowing. Having a high top air speed is one thing but if it is coming out of a thinner diameter tube you may not be able to cover the same size area of leaves as you would with a blower that has a higher cfm.

Husqvarna 150BT Review

The Husqvarna 150BT is a 50 cc backpack blower. It is suitable for the average homeowner or a small scale gardening contractor. 

​The motor gives it a top air speed of 251 Mph and a cfm of 353. 

Like all modern Husqvarna blowers it features the X-Torq motor design that improve both emission output and fuel efficiency.​

The 150BT is a solid performer and with it's thinner diameter tube it has a higher top air speed than the 350BT.

A higher air speed may allow you to lift some more stubborn materials from the ground but you do so at the expense of speed and ground coverage.

Husqvarna 350BT Review

​The 350BT from Husqvarna is a lightweight backpack leaf blower that can handle whatever the average homeowner or landscape professional can throw at it.

That 50 cc engine pute out about 2.1 horse power and features Husqvarna X-Torq design that helps reduce emissions and helps to increase fuel efficiency.​ 

Husqvarna claim that the X-Torq series of engines ​consume 20% less fuel and give out almost 60% less emissions than a standard 2-stroke engine.

Starting the 350BT is a breeze due to an air purge system that removes unwanted air from the fuel system and the carburetor, so more struggling to get your blower started especially if it has not been used recently. 

For extended usage the 350BT really does make life a lot easier on the user. There are a few factors to consider when judging just how comfortable a leaf blower is to use and the 350BT ticks all the boxes with the following features:

• Weight - At just under 23 lbs the 350 falls firmly into the lightweight category.
• ​Strap design - Wide straps, a well ventilated back and hip belt that helps move some of the weight from the shoulders to the waist.
• Vibration dampening - Built in vibration dampening between the chassis and motor.
• Throttle control - cruise control so you can set the blower to a constant speed for those longer than average jobs which saves you pressing on the trigger constantly.

Performance wise the 350BT has a maximum airspeed of 180 Mph. However given that the 350BT has a larger blower tube it gives out a higher cfm than the 150BT above at 494 cfm.

Personally I'd prefer the higher cfm as you can target larger area's of leaves than with the higher speed.​

Husqvarna 150BT vs 350BT

Just what is the difference between the ​Husqvarna 150BT and 350BT ?

The main difference between the 150BT and 350BT is the performance and that performance is directly related to the diameter of the output pipe.

Given the same motor the thinner the pipe the higher the air speed but lower the amount of air that may come out per minute.

The 350BT has a larger diameter air pipe that allows it to blow more air out per minute than the 150BT. A higher volume of ​air is better for most users rather than a bigger max air speed.

Husqvarna 150BT vs 350BT​ which should you buy ?

​The 350BT is the one to buy you can cover more area with it quicker than you can with the 150BT. Getting through a large lawn or drive way is always going to be the main priority when trying to clear all those fall leaves.

Stihl MS 391 vs Husqvarna 460 Rancher which one should you spend your hard earned money on ?

The MS 391 and 460 Rancher are both pretty capable performers and are probably the top two chainsaws that you are likely to see on farms and ranches.

However at their size they are still suitable for heavy home garden or small landowner use.​ If you are looking for something a little smaller that still packs a punch take a look at the Stihl MS 291 or Husqvarna 455.

​Lets have a quick rundown of each saw and then choose a winner at the end.

Stihl MS 391

The Stihl MS 391 is powered by a 3.9 cu inch motor that puts out around 4.4 bhp. 

​It has Stihl's Intellicarb system that will automatically adjust the air to fuel ratio if the air filter ends up becoming partially clogged from sawdust and debris. As the air filter becomes more restricted the amount of fuel that is being used is also adjusted to help maintain engine power.

The air filtration system has the air cleaned of all heavy debris by centrifugal force before it is passed through the air filter, thus lessening the chances of the filter clogging and increasing the time between cleaning the filter.​

​The one gripe about the MS 391 is how complicated it can be to start especially when warm. It is also prone to flooding when cold which can require you to remove the plug and make sure it is dry.

Husqvarna 460 Rancher 20-Inch

The Husqvarna 460 Rancher is powered by a 3.62 hp 60.3 cc 2-stroke motor.​ That motor tops out at a maximum speed of 9,000 RPM.

The 460 is ​best run with either a 20 inch or a 24 inch bar and chain. Chainsaws of this size are suitable for heavy garden work and commercial work on a farm or ranch.  

The 460 ​like all the Ranchers has a Husqvarna X-Torq engine. The X-Torq line of motors cut emissions by almost seventy percent and reduce fuel consumption by twenty. They are also CARB compliant for emissions.

Starting wise you have a couple of helpful additions to help start the 460 especially when warm. There is "Smart Start" ​which reduces the resistance on the starter cord making starting a little easier on the arm. And when the engine is already warmed up there is a decompression valve and an air purge diaphragm. 

Bar wise the 460 can accept bar lengths from 13 to 24 inches​.

The 460 is the largest in the Husqvarna "Rancher" range. The two other options are the Husqvarna 450 and 455. 

The Ranchers are quite capable at clearing and wood management but not quite up to the power required for a commercial lumber enterprise. ​

As with most of the Husqvarna range if you purchase the 460 Rancher along with the either their oil or pre-mixed fuel you can extend the warranty in the following ways:

• Husqvarna 2-stroke oil - must purchase 6 bottles on the same receipt for the warranty to be extended from 2 years to 3.
• Pre-mixed fuel - must purchase at least 96 ounces on the same receipt Husqvarna will extend the warranty from 2 years out to 4 years.​

You must also register either online or via email for all warranties(the dealer may also do this for you).

Stihl MS 391 vs Husqvarna 460 Rancher​

​Stihl MS 391 vs Husqvarna 460 Rancher which should you buy ?

Both are aimed at the heavy home user to light commercial/farm work. And like in any Stihl/Husqvarna debate both will have their ardent followers who would swear blind that the other is a piece of junk.​

Although the Stihl is the more powerful saw it does suffer from a few issues. It is heavier and can be tricky to start.​ When warm it has a rather complicated starting procedure that really does take some time to get the hang of. 

​Stihl's are only available through their dealer network too which can be a bit of a pain if you are not within easy driving distance of one.

The Husqvarna is the top choice. It is simple to use and easy to maintain whilst still being an incredible performer from a 60 cc motor.​

Stihl Farm Boss vs Husqvarna Rancher which of these two highly popular chainsaws is best ?

Stihl and Husqvarna have dominated the chainsaw market for quite some time now. Both brands offer a big selection of individual models that cover a range of uses.

If you are looking for either a small lightweight chainsaw for your garden or a larger more powerful chainsaw for professional use then both manufacturers have you covered.​

The mid-range models are easily their most popular. Think light to medium farm/ranch ​use with motors from 50 cc to 70 cc and bar lengths between twenty and twenty four inches.

The most suitable model to match that category from Stihl is the MS 271 Farm Boss, more commonly referred to as just the "Farm Boss".

From Husqvarna the 450 Rancher is what you'll find on a lot of farms and even on some professional forestry sites.​

However the Rancher line from Husqvarna also includes the 455(55 cc) and the 460(60 cc) but given that they are more powerful than the Stihl 271 Farm Boss it would not be a fair comparison between the two.​

Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss

​The Stihl MS 271 is a powered by a 50.2 cc motor giving out roughly 3.5 bhp. 

The MS 271 can accept a sixteen inch or twenty inch bar. If you are doing some light overhead trimming of small branches then the sixteen incher is probably fine. However, the twenty inch bar is the most usable especially about a busy farm or ranch.

​With a 50 cc motor the Farm Boss is suitable for light professional use or for a fairly heavy home user. Ideally on a busy ranch or farm you would be looking at 60 cc motor and potentially a 24 inch bar. 

That being said the Farm Boss is still a very capable saw that can be used for heavy pruning overhead and light to medium felling work. ​

Husqvarna 450 Rancher

The Husqvarna 450 Rancher is powered by a 50cc 3.2 HP engine. That engine uses Hisqvarna's X-Torq design which means reduced emission levels and much greater fuel efficiency over comparable engines of the same size.

​The Smart Start feature makes starting the 450 Rancher a breeze. Smart Start helps to reduce starter chord resistance by up to 40% and there is also a combined choke/stop setting to reduce the chance of flooding.

A centrifugal air system eliminates as much heavy debris from the air intake system as possible before it has a chance to even make it to the air filter. ​

With the 450 Rancher you can either have a twenty or a twenty four inch bar. For overhead work that requires a little bit more accuracy the 20 inch is going to be the best option.

The Rancher is quite capable to work away all day on heavy pruning work and light to medium felling.​ It is exceptionally well balanced and weighs it at roughly 12 pounds.

That being said it is still quite capable of cutting large sections of lumber. However, you wouldn't want to run a 50 cc engine hard all day long cutting big oak sections for that you would want something with a little more power like the ​460 Rancher.

Stihl Farm Boss vs Husqvarna Rancher

​Stihl Farm Boss vs Husqvarna Rancher which is the better chainsaw?

Better is usually a matter of opinion when the two saws are so closely matched.​ The Husqvarna Rancher however is significantly easier to start compared to the Stihl Farm Boss.

For most people they generally pick a brand of saw and stick with it religiously.​ 

For us the Husqvarna beats the Stihl on performance, reliability and value.​

Stihl MS 291 vs Husqvarna 455 Rancher which chainsaw is going to give you the most bang for your buck?

Both Stihl and Husqvarna have firmly cemented themselves at the top of the chainsaw market dominating over some of the lesser well known brands like Echo and Remington.

The MS 291 and 455 Rancher are both suitable for light to medium uses. Perfect for at home or on a ranch/farm but are possibly a little under-powered to be used as a professional chainsaw on a busy forestry site cutting large diameter lumber.​

Lets take a brief look at each one and see what kind of specifications and features they have at the end we'll pick our preferred chainsaw between the two.​

Stihl MS 291

​The MS291 from Stihl is powered by 55.5 cu 3.76 hp gas motor. It's fuel tank has a 500 cc capacity. The 291 is advertised as one of Stihl's fuel efficient chainsaws and they claim that it will run 20% longer than the previous 290 model.

Available with sixteen to twenty inch bar length and weighing just over twelve pounds it is still light and small enough some head height use, whilst still having decent cutting power. ​

Note that you may want to remove the chain that comes out of the box with one of the better ones available from Stihl. Usually once you fit a higher end chain on a new saw the difference in cutting performance is like night and day.​

Husqvarna 455 Rancher

​The 455 Rancher from Husqvarna is powered by 55.5 cu 3.49 hp 2-stroke gas motor and has a top speed of 9,000 RPM. It's fuel tank is just under 15 ounces in size. 

​The Rancher features Husqvarna's X-Torq engine which cut fuel consumption by twenty percent and emissions by almost seventy five percent. It also meets the standard CARB compliant regulations for emissions.

Like most new two-strokes it is best to run in the engine when first purchased. Running at less than full continuous power for the first seven or eight hours is the best way to achieve this.​

On the bar front the Rancher can accept anything from thirteen inches up to twenty four inches. So for lighter work you can have the shorter bar making the saw easier to handle and on heavier work the longer bar means greater cutting capacity.​

Although with the larger fitted bar you can handle much bigger pieces of wood, ideally for lots of heavy duty work you should be looking at something with a larger 70-80cc motor over the 455's 55cc one.​

The 455 Rancher also has a handy easy to read fuel gauge so you'll know before you run the tank dry.​

Stihl MS 291 vs Husqvarna 455​ Rancher

​Stihl MS 291 vs Husqvarna 455 Rancher which one is the better value chainsaw?

Well both these saws can be considered to be at the higher end of the homeowner or retail market and at the lower to mid level of the professional chainsaw market.

Both brands have a very solid fan base and some are quite adamant that the other brand is basically a pile of junk! Which, is clearly untrue. Both models are two highly capable chainsaws and are suitable for most homeowners or light farm use.

Unfortunately the Stihl's are only available through the company's network of main dealers and if you are unfortunate enough to live far from one then they are a bit of a non-runner.​

We do have to pick one and for us the Husqvarna 455 Rancher is the winner​.