Husqvarna 445 50-cc 18 Inch Chainsaw: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

Husqvarna is one of the world's leading manufacturers of outdoor power tools including chainsaws. Founded in 1689 in Sweden, Husqvarna has over 300 years of expertise in engineering high-performing equipment.

The Husqvarna 445 is a 50cc chainsaw designed for occasional use by homeowners and landowners. This mid-range model combines power and usability in a lightweight saw weighing just 12.8 lbs. Key specs of the 445 chainsaw include a 50.2cc X-Torq engine, 18 inch bar and chain, and Air Injection air filtration system. With 2.5HP of power, it can handle tasks like storm cleanup, tree felling, and firewood processing while remaining easy to maneuver. The 445 strikes a balance between robust construction and convenience features for the casual chainsaw user.

Power and Cutting Ability

The Husqvarna 445 chainsaw is equipped with a powerful 50cc X-Torq engine that delivers ample cutting force for most medium to large diameter logs. The engine displacement provides a good balance between power and portability, making the 445 a versatile saw for property maintenance and firewood cutting applications.

Complementing the engine is an 18 inch bar and chain, which gives the 445 the reach to cut logs up to 36 inches in diameter. The bar length is optimized for the 50cc engine size, enabling efficient and fast limbing, bucking, and felling of small to medium sized trees. The saw comes standard with Husqvarna's H30 pixel-coated chain that stays sharper longer while minimizing vibration.

Overall, the engine and bar length combination enable the 445 chainsaw to power through cuts in hardwoods like oak and maple with ease. The power and cutting capacity make the saw suitable for everything from storm cleanup to harvesting firewood.

Weight and Handling

The Husqvarna 445 chainsaw weighs a light 10.8 lbs (without the bar and chain), making it easy to maneuver and control during use. The saw's relatively compact size paired with the lightweight design strikes an ideal balance for most homeowner use. You can operate the saw comfortably for reasonable periods before fatigue sets in.

The smart start technology and combined choke/stop control help improve the overall handling as well. The choke automatically resets to the operating position after starting, so you don't have to fuss with it once the saw starts. And the choke and stop switch are conveniently combined into a single control, reducing clutter on the rear handle. Overall, the thoughtful design and lightweight body make the 445 easy and comfortable to handle for extended trimming and cutting tasks.

Safety Features

The Husqvarna 445 chainsaw comes equipped with several key safety features to protect the operator.

Inertia Chain Brake

This chainsaw has an inertia activated chain brake that stops the chain instantly if a kickback occurs. The brake activates automatically by inertia if the front hand guard is pushed forward, such as during a kickback. This helps prevent potential injuries from the moving chain.

Chain Catcher

There is a chain catcher located behind the saw blade which is designed to catch the chain if it breaks or derails. This helps prevent loose chain links from flying back towards the operator.

Right Hand Guard

A large plastic hand guard covers the right hand area on the rear handle. This helps protect the operator's hand if the chain derails or breaks near the rear handle. The hand guard is an important safety barrier between the operator's hand and the moving chain.

Comfort Features

The Husqvarna 445 chainsaw has several features designed to make operation more comfortable for the user.

• LowVib anti-vibration system - This chainsaw utilizes a patented anti-vibration system called LowVib that significantly reduces vibration levels during cutting. Vibration damping springs and rubber mounts are used to absorb vibrations before they reach the user's hands. This helps reduce fatigue during extended use.

• Smart Start recoil - Starting the chainsaw is made easier with the Smart Start recoil system. This uses a simplified start-up sequence with 40% less effort required to pull the starter cord. The recoil also automatically resets the damper to reduce kickback when starting.

• Large starter handle - A generously sized starter handle makes pulling the cord simpler. The larger diameter and ergonomic design give users plenty of grip and leverage for easy starting. Even users with gloves on or those with reduced hand strength can start the saw without difficulty.

So comfort highlights are the effective anti-vibration, easier start system, and large starter handle which together help reduce fatigue and make the saw more pleasant and less taxing to operate.

Maintenance

The Husqvarna 445 chainsaw is designed for easy maintenance and minimal downtime between jobs.

• The air injection system removes debris before it can enter the filter, keeping the air filter cleaner. This means less frequent cleaning is required.

• The saw has an automatic chain lubrication system to provide proper bar and chain oiling. This ensures smooth cutting and extends the life of the bar and chain.

• Accessing the air filter is simple and tool-free. Just flip two easy opening clamps on the side of the saw and the air filter cover comes off. This allows you to quickly inspect or replace the air filter as needed.

Overall, the 445 is built to require minimal maintenance while still delivering reliable performance. Key features like the air injection system, automatic lubrication, and easy access filter make this saw convenient to own and maintain.

Fuel Efficiency

The Husqvarna 445 chainsaw is designed with fuel efficiency in mind, featuring the X-Torq engine that increases airflow and enables more complete combustion. This innovative technology allows the 445 to deliver lower fuel consumption and reduced exhaust emission levels compared to conventional 2-stroke engines.

Tests show the 445 offers up to 20% lower fuel consumption than competitor models with equivalent power output. The efficient combustion produces less unburned fuel in the exhaust, maximizing the power and runtime you can achieve per tank of gas. With gas prices fluctuating, the 445's fuel economy will keep your operating costs down without sacrificing cutting performance.

The X-Torq engine gives the Husqvarna 445 excellent mileage whether you're limbing trees, bucking logs, or doing storm cleanup. The fuel tank capacity is 0.95 liters or 0.25 gallons, providing reasonable run times between refueling stops. Overall the 445 strikes an optimal balance of power, fuel efficiency, and range that makes it a great value for regular use.

Price

The Husqvarna 445 is priced at around $280, making this chainsaw affordable for most in the 50cc class. This puts it in the lower end of pricing for comparably-powered saws of this size.

Models like the Stihl MS 251 C-BE and Echo CS-490 are very similar 50cc saws priced right around $300. So the Husqvarna 445 represents a good value option, costing $20-30 less than the leading competitors.

For those on a tight budget, the Poulan Pro PR5020 and Remington RM4618 offer 50cc power for under $200. However the build quality and features of the 445 make it a better option for a little extra money.

Overall the 445 hits a nice sweet spot of power, performance and price in the 50cc segment. While not the absolute cheapest, it provides professional-grade cutting power and handling without breaking the bank. For homeowners or landowners looking for a rugged, mid-size saw that won't cost a fortune, the Husqvarna 445 is an excellent choice.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful 50cc 2-stroke engine provides excellent cutting power through limbs up to 18 inches thick
• Automatic chain oiler and lubrication system requires less maintenance
• Inertia chain brake stops the chain quickly in kickback situations for added safety
• Anti-vibration mounts on engine and handles reduce fatigue during extended use
• Tool-less chain tensioning makes it easy to adjust and maintain proper chain tension

Cons

• Heavier than some comparable gas-powered chainsaws at 12 lbs powerhead weight
• Not as fuel efficient as newer 4-stroke engine models
• Only has a basic choke lever and no decompression valve for easier starts
• Air filtration could be better for reduced maintenance in dusty conditions
• Some users report reliability issues with the starter cord after heavy use

Conclusion

The Husqvarna 445 chainsaw packs quite a punch for a 50cc, 18-inch saw. With an impressive 2.1 HP and recommended bar length of 13-20 inches, it has enough power and cutting ability to handle most medium-sized jobs like limbing, bucking, and felling small-to-medium trees.

Despite the power, the 445 remains lightweight at just 12 lbs, making it easy for most users to handle and maneuver. This, combined with the smart ergonomic design features like the low vibration and padded grip handles, make the saw comfortable to operate even during longer cutting sessions.

Safety features like the chain brake and inertia-activated chain catch help prevent kickback injuries. The 445 also has easy-start ignition and automatic tuning to make starting straightforward.

While not the cheapest model, the 445 offers professional-grade power and reliability at a very reasonable price point for homeowners and ranchers who need an occasional-use saw. The brand reputation provides peace of mind on durability.

Overall, the Husqvarna 445 is an excellent value chainsaw well-suited for property owners, DIYers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a powerful and safe gas chainsaw in the 50cc range. Its cutting capability, safety features, reliability, and smart ergonomics make it a great choice for tackling medium-duty cutting tasks.