Husqvarna 970601202 350i 42V 18 inch Chainsaw: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The Husqvarna 350i is a new cordless chainsaw from the Swedish outdoor power equipment company Husqvarna. It's part of their X-Cut series of battery-powered outdoor tools and is designed to deliver gas-like power and performance in a lightweight and low-maintenance cordless package.

The 350i runs on a powerful 42V Li-ion battery and brushless motor which enables a no-load speed of 13,000 rpm, rivaling many gas chainsaws. It utilizes an 18 inch bar and chain which can tackle medium to larger cutting tasks. Weighing just 12.8 lbs, the 350i offers great mobility and balances productivity with ease of use.

This chainsaw represents Husqvarna's push into commercial-grade cordless outdoor power equipment. It aims to provide landscapers, tree care professionals, and homeowners seeking a gas-free chainsaw an efficient and capable alternative. The 350i balances power, run time, safety features, and usability in a thoughtfully designed package.

This review will examine the key features and performance of the Husqvarna 350i cordless chainsaw. We'll look at the powerplant, battery performance, cutting features, ergonomics, and ease of use. We'll highlight the pros and cons to provide a complete overview of this new chainsaw model from Husqvarna.

Design

The Husqvarna 350i chainsaw features a compact yet robust design optimized for frequent use. Weighing just 12.8 lbs with the battery installed, it is considerably lighter than gas-powered equivalents. This makes the 350i easy to maneuver and comfortable to use for extended periods.

The physical dimensions are well-balanced, with an overall length of 39 inches and bar length options of 14, 16, or 18 inches. The trigger, front handle, and rear handle are ergonomically designed and positioned for optimal control and comfort. The chassis uses a combination of hardened plastics and magnesium to achieve a durable yet lightweight housing that can withstand job site abuse.

Despite its light weight, the 350i retains excellent stability thanks to its well-balanced center of gravity. It feels planted during cutting operation, with minimal blade wandering or torque twist. The compact dimensions paired with smart ergonomics result in a chainsaw that's both portable and easy to control when limbing, bucking, or felling.

Engine & Power

The Husqvarna 350i chainsaw is powered by a high-performance 42V brushless motor that delivers excellent torque and power for efficient cutting. The motor has a maximum power output of 5.2hp which allows it to reach a chain speed of 25m/s.

The brushless design provides several advantages over a standard brushed motor. It is more efficient so the battery life is extended, requires less maintenance as there are no brushes to wear out, and delivers smooth and consistent power across the RPM range.

The motor is optimized to produce high torque, which is key for tackling demanding cutting tasks. Even at lower RPMs where torque is highest, it can power through wood without bogging down. The torque curve stays fairly flat across the RPM range rather than dropping off at higher speeds like on some cheaper battery chainsaws.

With gas-like power packed into a cordless platform, the 350i can take on just about any cutting job on your property. You get the convenience of battery operation without sacrificing performance.

Battery & Run Time

The Husqvarna 350i comes equipped with a 42V Li-ion 2.6Ah maintenance-free battery that weighs just 1.4kg. This provides enough power for an impressive run time of up to 150 cuts per charge in ideal conditions. The battery uses smart cell technology which monitors usage in real time to optimize performance and provide maximum runtime.

When testing the saw under real world conditions, most users report getting 45-60 minutes of actual cutting time per charge. This is more than enough for trimming smaller trees, branches and doing general property maintenance. The battery recharges in under an hour with the included rapid charger.

Overall the 350i's battery life is very good for a cordless chainsaw in this class. The lightweight lithium-ion power delivers excellent mobility and reduces fatigue from carrying a heavier gas-powered saw. While the runtime is not as long as a gas model, it provides adequate cutting time for most homeowners and is easy to recharge.

Cutting Features

The Husqvarna 350i chainsaw comes equipped with an 18 inch guide bar which provides good reach for cutting medium to large logs and fallen trees. It utilizes a 3/8 inch chain pitch with .043 gauge for smooth and efficient cutting.

The 350i has an automatic chain speed function that adapts the chain speed based on the load for optimal performance. This helps extend chain life by not running it excessively fast when not needed. At maximum speed, the chain can reach up to 20 m/s for very quick and aggressive cutting when required.

The saw utilizes Husqvarna's X-Cut chain which has innovative chip deflectors to help reduce kickback risk. The semi-chisel cutter design provides a good balance of smooth cutting, chip ejection, and sharpness retention.

Overall the cutting features allow the 350i to power through both green and seasoned hardwoods while maintaining control and efficiency. The 18 inch bar reaches well through moderate sized logs while still keeping the saw lightweight and maneuverable.

Safety Features

The Husqvarna 350i chainsaw has excellent safety features to protect the user during operation. The most important safety feature is the chain brake. If the saw experiences significant kickback, the chain brake will automatically engage to stop the chain within milliseconds. This can prevent potential injuries.

The 350i also utilizes a low kickback chain design. The depth gauges ahead of each cutter are filed lower to reduce kickback forces if the tip contacts wood while cutting. Combined with the tip guard design on the tip of the bar, this prevents dangerous rotational kickbacks.

Additional safety features include a front hand guard to protect the left hand. The rear right hand grip has an integrated start/stop switch that must be depressed to run the saw. This prevents accidental starting. An inertia-activated chain brake will also stop the chain if the chainsaw is dropped while running. Overall, Husqvarna clearly prioritized user safety on this model.

Comfort Features

The Husqvarna 350i chainsaw excels when it comes to comfort features that reduce fatigue and strain during use.

Vibration is a common cause of fatigue when using chainsaws over extended periods. The 350i incorporates effective anti-vibration dampeners that significantly reduce vibration transmitted to the user's hands. Users report the 350i provides excellent vibration damping that minimizes numbness and discomfort even after long cutting sessions.

The saw's ergonomic front and rear handles are optimized for comfort and control. The sculpted grip fits naturally in the user's hands, allowing secure control of the saw without pinching or discomfort. The upper front handle has rubber overmolding to enhance grip security, especially when wearing gloves.

At just 12.8 lbs the 350i is also very well balanced. The saw's weight distribution means less arm and shoulder fatigue, since the user does not have to support excessive weight out front on the bar. The 350i's light weight and balanced design is comparable to smaller and less powerful saws, which is impressive for an 18 inch battery-powered model.

Maintenance

The Husqvarna 350i requires occasional maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Here are some key maintenance tasks:

Air Filtration

The 350i has an air filter that needs to be checked and cleaned regularly. Remove the air filter cover and inspect the filter. If it's dirty, wash it in warm soapy water, rinse, and allow to dry completely before reinstalling. Replace the filter if it becomes damaged. Keeping the air filter clean is crucial to engine performance and lifespan.

Chain Tensioning

Check the chain tension frequently. There should be only a slight sag in the middle of the bar. Use the side tensioner knob to adjust chain tension. Proper tension reduces chain derailment and delivers optimal cutting performance. Do not overtighten.

Lubrication

The 350i has an automatic chain lubrication system that applies bar and chain oil while the saw is running. Top up the chain oil tank as needed. Use only Husqvarna's recommended bar and chain oil. Check that the lubrication holes are clear of debris. Proper lubrication extends the life of the bar and chain.

Pros

• The Husqvarna 350i chainsaw is a very lightweight and maneuverable saw at just 11 lbs. This makes it easy to handle for extended cutting sessions.

• It's one of the quietest gas-free chainsaws available, producing just 94 dB of noise. This is significantly quieter than a gas chainsaw and makes it better suited to residential use.

• Vibration is minimized through the saw's SmartStart® technology and LowVib® anti-vibration system. Less vibration reduces fatigue when using the saw for long periods.

• With a powerful 42V Li-ion battery and brushless motor, the 350i delivers gas-like cutting performance. It has plenty of power to cut through logs up to 18 inches thick.

Cons

The Husqvarna 350i chainsaw does have a few downsides to consider.

• Battery life concerns: The 42V 2.5Ah battery only provides around 20-25 minutes of run time per charge when used at full power. This is on the lower side for cordless chainsaws. If you have a lot of cutting to do, you'll need to purchase extra batteries which adds to the cost. The charger is also on the slow side, taking around 80-100 minutes to fully recharge.

• Price: This chainsaw has a premium price point over $400 just for the tool alone without the battery or charger. While it does deliver excellent power and features, the price may be more than what some homeowners need for occasional use. Those looking for a more budget-friendly cordless chainsaw may want to consider other options.

Overall the 350i is a high performance cordless chainsaw but it comes with a premium price tag. For some users, the price and battery limitations could be Cons worth factoring into their decision.