Husqvarna 135 Mark II 38-cc 16 Inch Chainsaw: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The Husqvarna 135 Mark II is a powerful yet lightweight gas-powered chainsaw designed for occasional use around the home. This mid-range model from the trusted Husqvarna brand packs impressive cutting muscle into a compact 16-inch bar size, making the saw easy to maneuver while still able to handle moderate cutting tasks.

Weighing just 9.9 pounds without the bar and chain, the Husqvarna 135 Mark II combines a sturdy chassis and ergonomic design with a 38cc X-Torq engine that delivers up to 2.6 horsepower. This combination of portability and cutting capacity makes the 135 Mark II a versatile choice for homeowners looking for a chainsaw that can handle occasional tree cutting or storm cleanup around the yard.

While not built for heavy-duty logging use, the 135 Mark II has enough power and torque for trucking through hardwoods up to 16 inches thick. It can also easily zip through handsaw work like cutting firewood or pruning branches. For homeowners who only need a chainsaw a few times a year, the 135 Mark II is a great value that provides professional-grade power without the extra cost and maintenance of pro chainsaw models.

Design & Build Quality

The Husqvarna 135 Mark II chainsaw features a robust build quality you'd expect from this leading manufacturer. The saw utilizes a combination of quality materials like hardened steel and lightweight magnesium that result in a well-balanced feel.

Despite being a relatively small chainsaw, the 135 Mark II has some heft to it at 12.8 lbs. However this weight provides stability when making cuts and doesn't feel overly cumbersome. The grip area is ergonomically designed for comfort.

Husqvarna has a reputation for making professional-grade outdoor power tools. The 135 Mark II lives up to this with its durable chassis that can withstand heavy use. Owners report the saw holding up well over time with proper maintenance.

The throttle trigger and starter cord are also notable for their smooth operation even after extended use. Overall the 135 Mark II inspires confidence in its reliability thanks to the solid build and materials used in its construction.

Engine Power

The Husqvarna 135 Mark II chainsaw is powered by a 38cc X-Torq engine, which provides ample power for most residential cutting tasks. The engine has a displacement of 38cc or 2.3 cubic inches, which is a common size for mid-range consumer chainsaws.

Despite the modest displacement, the engine produces 2.2 horsepower at maximum output. This level of power is more than enough for cutting small logs, tree limbs, and firewood. The engine delivers strong torque for quick limbing and bucking cuts. Fuel efficiency is also good, providing around 30-40 minutes of runtime per tank of gas.

The X-Torq engine uses a special combustion design that boosts torque while reducing harmful exhaust emissions. This makes the 135 Mark II more environmentally friendly than older 2-stroke engines. An air injection system also helps keep the air filter cleaner for longer periods.

Overall, the 38cc powerplant gives the 135 Mark II very capable cutting performance for a chainsaw of this size and price class. Homeowners should find it has all the engine power they need for most residential yard work.

Cutting Features

The Husqvarna 135 Mark II comes equipped with a 16-inch bar which provides good reach for cutting small to medium sized logs and branches up to 16 inches thick. It utilizes Husqvarna's H30 saw chain which is designed to stay sharp longer while minimizing vibration.

The chain tensioning system uses a quick-release mechanism that allows tool-less adjustment of the chain tension. This makes it easy to achieve optimal tension for safe and efficient cutting. A front hand guard activates the built-in chain brake to stop the chain instantly if kickback occurs. This provides an important safety feature to protect the operator.

Overall, the 16-inch bar paired with Husqvarna's low-vibration H30 chain provides smooth and efficient cutting performance. The tool-less chain tensioner simplifies adjustments to maintain optimal chain tension. And the chain brake gives peace of mind that the chain will stop immediately if kickback happens during use.

Ease of Use

The Husqvarna 135 Mark II chainsaw is designed for easy and comfortable operation during extended use. Its ergonomic rear handle and front handlebar minimize vibration and fatigue. The rear handle is angled for better control and balance.

Starting up the chainsaw is straightforward - it has an air purge bulb and choke control next to the rear handle, and pulls start easily with the front handle. There's no need to exert much effort during starting.

Once running, the chainsaw produces minimal vibration thanks to the effective anti-vibration system. This makes it comfortable to hold and reduces strain during long cutting sessions. Users mention experiencing very little fatigue even after hours of use.

Overall, the thoughtful design focused on ergonomics and vibration reduction makes the Husqvarna easy and comfortable to operate over extended periods. Easy start-up coupled with low vibration results in an effortless user experience.

Safety Features

The Husqvarna 135 Mark II chainsaw has some excellent safety features to help protect the operator.

• Inertia Chain Brake: This chainsaw incorporates an inertia activated chain brake that stops the chain in the event of a kickback. The brake activates automatically by inertia in the event of a kickback, greatly reducing the risk of injury.

• Front Hand Guard: There is a front hand guard just above the front handle that provides protection against branches or debris that could hit the operator's hand. This is an important safety feature when working in dense brush.

• Stop Switch: The rear stop switch enables the operator to quickly shut off the engine. This is located in an easy to access location right behind the rear handle. The ability to quickly stop the chainsaw greatly improves safety.

Overall, the 135 Mark II has a robust set of safety features including an inertia chain brake, front hand guard, and rear stop switch. These features help minimize the risk of injury when operating this powerful gas chainsaw. Husqvarna clearly designed this model with safety in mind.

Maintenance

The Husqvarna 135 Mark II is designed for easy maintenance to keep it running optimally.

Air Filter Access - The air filter is readily accessible under the snap-off filter cover, allowing you to easily check and replace it as needed. Husqvarna air filters are high quality to provide proper airflow while filtering dust and debris.

Chain Replacement - Replacing the chain on the 135 Mark II is straightforward thanks to the side-mounted chain tensioner. Simply loosen the side cover nuts and turn the tensioner screw to loosen chain tension. The chain can then be removed and a new one installed. There's no need to disturb the bar or sprocket. The side-cover chain adjustment makes chain swaps much simpler than saws with rear adjustment.

Overall, Husqvarna did an excellent job designing the 135 Mark II for simplified maintenance procedures. This ensures you can keep the saw maintained with minimal downtime so it's always ready for your next job.

Pros

The Husqvarna 135 Mark II chainsaw has several excellent features that make it a great choice for homeowners and casual users.

Lightweight and Easy to Handle

Weighing just 12.3 pounds (5.6 kg) without the bar and chain, the 135 Mark II is very lightweight for a gas chainsaw. This makes it easy to control and reduces fatigue from extended use. The compact size and relatively slim body also contribute to the saw's excellent handling and ease of operation. Whether you're pruning trees or cutting firewood, you'll appreciate how effortlessly the 135 Mark II maneuvers.

Starts Easily

This Husqvarna model starts reliably with very little effort thanks to the air purge bulb and choke/stop controls. Once you get the hang of the starting procedure, you can expect the chainsaw to fire up consistently on the first or second pull of the starter cord. Easy starts are always appreciated, especially if you need to pause frequently between cuts.

Good Power

Don't let the 135 Mark II's small stature fool you. It packs impressive cutting power from its 38cc X-Torq engine. This is sufficient muscle for tasks like storm cleanup, tree trimming, and moderate firewood cutting. The power couples with the 16 inch bar for fast work through limbs up to 14 inches thick. Homeowners will find this level of performance more than adequate for typical weekend warrior uses.

Cons

The Husqvarna 135 Mark II chainsaw does have some drawbacks to consider.

• Price Point - This saw retails for around $200, putting it at the higher end for homeowner-grade saws. While it does offer pro-level power and performance, the price tag makes it less accessible for homeowners on a tight budget.

• Vibration Issues - Some users report significant vibration, especially during extended use. This can lead to numbness and fatigue. The vibration dampening system doesn't seem as effective as on other models. Those highly sensitive to vibration may want to consider other options.

• Bar Oil Capacity - The bar oil tank holds just 0.2 liters of chain lubricant. During long cutting sessions, you may need to refill it more frequently than larger-capacity tanks. This can interrupt workflow. Some users install larger aftermarket tanks to increase runtime between refills.

Verdict

The Husqvarna 135 Mark II chainsaw offers a nice balance of power, features and ease of use for the homeowner looking to fell small-to-medium sized trees and cut firewood.

Key pros include the X-Torq engine which provides lower emissions and good fuel economy along with sufficient power from the 38cc displacement. The 16 inch bar and chain can handle logs up to 15 inches thick. It's lightweight at just 10 pounds yet has good ergonomics like the rubberized grip handles.

On the downside, it doesn't come with a carrying case. The chain tensioning system could be easier to use. It also lacks some of the advanced features of higher end models like tool-less chain adjustments or auto-oiling.

Overall, the Husqvarna 135 Mark II hits a sweet spot for weekend warriors who need a quality gas chainsaw with professional grade components, without all the extras that drive up the cost. It has the reliability and safety features expected from the Husqvarna brand. For typical homeowners looking to cut firewood or trim trees occasionally, the 135 Mark II is an excellent choice.