When designing their brand-new generation of 50cc professional-grade chainsaws, Husqvarna didn’t just make mild improvements to an existing platform. They made massive changes in its performance and maneuverability.
How Husqvarna Reinvented the Chainsaw
The Husqvarna 545 Mark II offers more than just a better spec sheet. The additional muscle lets it cut all types of wood faster, and it comes with a whole host of innovative features. For example, the LowVib suspension system uses shock absorbers to reduce vibration levels significantly.
Husqvarna chainsaws just keep getting better, and the Mark II is an impressive piece of kit even if you aren’t a professional. It’s not very heavy (especially when compared to other 50cc saws out there), so novices and expert arborists alike can wield it.
However, this is a professional’s chainsaw through and through, giving it a hefty $659.99 (at the time of writing) recommended price tag. But is it really worth this much? Our review will walk you through the Mark II’s main features, selling points, and more – we’ll also show you how it stacks up to some cheaper options.
REVIEW: Husqvarna 545 Mark II
Top ten selling points:
- Ideal for tasks such as professional tree work and land clearing
- Upgraded 3.6-HP X-Torq engine offers 2,800 RPM even when idle
- LowVib suspension system reduces operator vibration levels
- Side-mounted tension system allows for quick chain adjustments
- Smart Start system lets the chainsaw start with minimal effort
- Air injection releases debris particles, preventing potential clogs
- Inertia-activated chain brake reduces the chance of kickback
- AutoTune carburetor performs well in nearly any environment
- X-Cut chain and X-Force bar ensure precision cutting performance
- Two-year warranty can go up to five years with the right fuel
This chainsaw was made for heavy-duty users, but it’s still incredibly approachable. Starting it is a piece of cake, especially compared to other gas saws, and even in extreme climates. Whether you’re working on snow-topped mountains or in a tropical rainforest, the 545 Mark II won’t fail you.
But how did Husqvarna come up with this model? Why did they make a better version of an already-popular product? It can’t just be sales — everything they make already sells like hotcakes. They’re a big name for a reason, and even professional forestry crews use Husqvarna saws from 15-20 years ago.
They could have coasted along just fine with minor tweaks. So why take the risk designing something from scratch? Well, that’s because Husqvarna is all about innovation, not commercialism. They actually care about the products they make; you can see it in their build quality and top-notch service.
The Husqvarna 545 Mark II: Tech Specs
The above might already seem impressive, but here are the main specs you should know if you’d rather see the model’s raw numbers:
- Chain speed: Up to 62.7 ft/s (feet/second)
- Maximum torque: 2.95 Nm (newton-meters)
- Clutch engagement speed (±120): 3,900 RPM
- Weight (no cutting equipment): 11.7 lbs
- Idling speed: 2,800 RPM
- Maximum speed: 9,900 RPM
- Oil pump type: Adjustable flow
- Spark plug model: NGK CMR6H
- Recommended bar length, min: 13 inches
- Recommended bar length, max: 20 inches
- Bar length (inches): 16-20
- Sound and noise pressure level: 106 dB(A)
- Sound power level, guaranteed (LWA): 115 dB(A)
- Equivalent vibration level (ahv, eq) rear handle: 4.6 m/s²
- Equivalent vibration level (ahv, eq) front handle: 4 m/s²
- Oil tank volume: 0.68 US pint
- Exhaust emissions (CO₂ EU V): 844 g/kWh
Putting all the technicalities aside, here’s a closer look at this durable saw’s specific features and everything it has to offer.
A Saw Designed for Professional Forestry
Husqvarna made this saw from the ground up for the harvest and urban forestry sectors. It’s not a jack of all trades, master of none, and they didn’t give it a bunch of gimmicky features for the sake of it. The chainsaw specifically excels at felling, limbing, and bucking for both small and medium-sized trees.
The saw will handle pretty much anything with a trunk width up to 50 inches. Even if you’re just cutting up some 6×6 pine, this unit is better than most electric and cordless saws. It’s faster, you won’t have to recharge the batteries, and you won’t be limited by how long the cord reaches.
Unlike a cheaper gas chainsaw, 545 Mark II units can go on for a long time without overheating. This is due to the saw’s advanced cooling features, which I’ll talk about in more depth later. What this means in pure operational terms is that you can cut down trees for hours of continuous operation.
However, this durable saw is still accessible for newcomers. You don’t have to be a professional to work it, even with its 11.7 lbs frame. In fact, I’d even say it’s better for novices than a smaller 35cc model.
Unparalleled Efficiency and Handling
This saw runs longer than its competitors and predecessors before the engine overheats. There’s only one model I’ve seen work to a higher standard — and that’s the company’s own 550 XP Mark II. Even then, the performance gap between the two isn’t much.
Husqvarna moved a few bits and pieces around when making this saw, all to give users more leverage. For example, there’s more distance between the handlebars, letting your front hand act as a pivot point and allowing you to move the saw with less force.
The extra space between the cylinder cover and front handle also gives your hands more room, which is great if you’re working in the winter and wearing gloves.
In addition, Husqvarna has worked hard to give the unit a generally slimmed-down design. This includes by lightening the flywheel and matching the chain’s rotational force to the piston’s operational force. In practice, this means a balanced and harmonious saw.
A More Powerful X-Torq Engine
A chainsaw that’s easy to handle means nothing without a great engine to back it up. The company has upgraded its X-Torq engine, granting it an idle speed of 2,800 RPM — the chain speed at max power is a massive 9,900 RPM. This should be more than enough to tackle small and midsize trees.
The engine also boasts a higher low-end torque of up to 2.95 Nm, meaning more power even at lower speeds, so the saw can cut just as easily through wet/sappy wood. According to Husqvarna’s NA product manager Christian Johnsson, this gives the saw 8% more power than its predecessor.
On top of this, the Mark II’s 0.68 US pint tank lasts 14% longer than the Mark I, and that’s with an extra 25% cutting performance. It’s easy to boost performance by sacrificing runtime. But both? At the same time? That’s just good engineering. But that’s just what we should expect from Husqvarna.
Let’s be honest: gas chainsaws aren’t the best for the environment. However, the X-Torq is a LOT better than you might think, with emissions of 844 g/kWh. Its scavenging system also replaces burnt exhaust with a fresh air-fuel mixture, meaning lower fuel consumption and no need for a catalytic converter.
An Innovative Automatic Tuning System
The Mark II’s carburetor uses an AutoTune system to deliver optimum performance in any situation. No, this isn’t the pitch-altering device used by every modern pop star. Husqvarna’s AutoTune uses a mixture of microchips and sensors to alter the X-Torq engine’s air-fuel ratio on the fly.
Too little air coming into the carburetor due to a clogged filter? AutoTune stops the saw from stalling. Using a different fuel mix than usual? AutoTune will optimize the system depending on the fuel type.
AutoTune also saves you a lot of time when cutting. You won’t have to manually tune your chainsaw, nor do you even need to spend time figuring out what the best setting is. The system does all the hard work for you; it even accounts for altitude and air pressure changes.
You won’t find this feature in a 439 or 455 Rancher. Husqvarna saves this for its best models – and the company’s second-gen 545 definitely qualifies. However, this is a bit of a “chicken and egg” situation, since the AutoTune system is a big part of what makes this saw such a great choice.
Safer Low-Vibration Operation
Anti-vibration systems are essential with more powerful chainsaws. Without these, you could develop hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), which damages the nerves and blood vessels. If you’re a casual user, this is a lot less likely, but it’s still important that you take precautions by wearing gloves.
Any half-decent gas saw comes with a vibration-dampening system to help with this, even small 30cc saws. The Husqvarna 545 Mark II is no exception, and its LowVib system proves that not all vibration dampeners are created equal. In fact, it offers fewer vibrations than less-powerful chainsaws.
Harder wood usually gives you more vibrations, meaning more potential damage without the right saw or precautions. The only reason this saw can handle 50-inch trunks is because of its shock absorbers and magnesium crankcase. Without these, you’d get tired sooner — and damage your nerves.
The unit’s equivalent vibration level is 4.6 m/s² for the rear handle, 4 m/s² for the front. The company’s 439 model, meanwhile, has levels of 5.2 m/s² and 8 m/s² respectively. This is no contest; with the latter, you’ll feel twice as much vibration from the front handle, even with proper protection.
Advanced Cooling Systems
The 545 Mark II has an excellent air flow system that keeps the engine cool while you work. Heat is the enemy of power tools; for example, overheating could slow down your saw mid-cut or even permanently damage a unit’s key components.
The second generation chainsaw’s cooling system includes more airflow channels than its predecessor. It also comes with extra cooling fins in critical areas and a special shield to lower heat leakage. The unit even dissipates heat up to 13% faster than the first-gen model, letting you push it even harder.
These systems are especially useful in hot climates; you could carry out your work even in the middle of summer without worry. Also, chainsaws are usually quite hot when you empty the tank, giving them a “cooldown” period before you can safely refuel. This is much shorter with a 545 Mark II.
If you run a tree care or landscaping business, this gives you a much more efficient operation. You can shave off more minutes of downtime and get back to work faster. Every extra minute you can spend on a tree instead of waiting to refuel means more cash in your account.
Better (And More Accessible) Air Filtration
The chainsaw also has a large quick release air filter, allowing easier cleaning and replacement. Though the unit’s AutoTune features help it work even with a clogged filter, the saw’s air injection capabilities help make these clogs few and far between.
Whether you have fine particles or larger wood chips in your Husqvarna 545 Mark II, you won’t have to worry about it for long. The unit’s centrifugal air cleaning system picks up the debris and simply sends it to the flywheel, where it exits the saw through its outlet port.
It takes a lot of dirt to clog a new Husqvarna filter, but it’ll still eventually need replacing. Though cheap consumer saws lock their filters behind half a dozen screws, professional chainsaws make everything easy to access and usually have simple engine covers that require no tools.
I’m happy to report that this unit’s air filters are incredibly accessible. You can remove its top cover just by pulling back on the three plastic latches that hold it in place. The starter coil and bar nuts will also stay in place, letting you put the chainsaw back together in no time.
Extendable Warranty (Up to Five Years)
By default, your Mark II model has a two-year consumer warranty. This guarantees the repair (or even replacement) of defective parts, assuming the defects arise during normal use and maintenance. With the right oil purchase, you can extend this by another three years.
This is available for all Husqvarna 2-stroke gas-powered products. Here’s how to get more than double the usual warranty in two simple steps: Buy the chainsaw and at least 96 fluid oz (2,839 ml) of Husqvarna pre-mixed fuel at the same time + register your chainsaw online and attach (or mail in) a copy of your receipt.
Alternatively, you can boost the warranty from two to three years by buying six bottles of any size/type of Husqvarna oil. Either way, it’s an amazing upgrade, I just wish it wasn’t so specific.
You can check the full terms and conditions on the Husqvarna Extended Warranty page. Make sure you read carefully — certain purchases are exempt. For example, no matter how much oil you buy, you can’t claim the extra years if you plan to use the chainsaw as part of your business.
Alternatives to the Husqvarna 545 Mark II
I’m a genuine fan of Husqvarna’s chainsaws. They always make great products, and this one’s definitely no exception. However, there is the question of budget… Obviously, prices vary, but this model generally goes for around $659.99 (at the time of writing).
This is with a 20-inch bar; bringing this down to 16 inches lowers the price to $639.99 (at the time of writing). However, this might still be too much. There may even be chainsaws just as good (or even better for your specific needs) for less money.
Here are two recommendations for cheaper alternatives to the Husqvarna 545 Mark II. It’s good to know your options, but you ultimately need to decide what’s best for you.
Alternative 1: Echo CS-501P
ECHO chainsaws are underrated, but any true chainsaw connoisseur knows the value they provide. The CS-501P is another excellent value 50cc light-weight unit that’s ready to help you deal with heavy-duty logging, and may be more enjoyable to use than the Husqvarna 545 Mark II.
The ECHO doesn’t have a magnesium housing like the Husqvarna; it instead uses plastic. It also boasts an impressive anti-vibration system. However, its recommended price is only somewhat cheaper than the Husqvarna. This means it’s definitely good value. Check what Echo buyers have to say about this model.
Here’s what the CS-501P offers you:
- 50.2cc professional-grade, two-stroke engine
- Only weighs 10.6 lbs due to a lightweight powerhead
- G-Force engine air pre-cleaner removes debris
- 16-20″ bar length
- Side-access chain tensioner for easy adjustments
- Aluminum front handle is easy to use
- Decompression valve minimizes rope pulling effort
- Effective anti-vibration system
Alternative 2: Husqvarna 460 Rancher
I’ve also noticed a lot of people looking for comparisons between the Mark II and Husqvarna’s Rancher series (particularly the 460). However, these saws fit very different niches; for example, the Mark II is for professional forestry and tree care, while the 460 is more general.
The 460 Rancher boasts a 60cc engine in comparison to the Mark II’s 50cc. Despite this, the Mark II is more expensive than the Rancher because it still beats the 460 in real world cutting performance. That said, the lower price tag alone might make the 460 better for your needs.
Here’s what you can expect from a 460 Rancher:
- Husqvarna 2-stroke 60.3cc engine
- Staggering 24″ bar length
- Efficient X-Torq engine with reduced fuel consumption
- Inertia-activated chain brake lowers kickback
- Air filtration automatically removes dust and debris
- Oil pump offers adjustable flow
- Air purge removes air from carbutretor for easy starting
- Built-in anti-vibration system
You can’t argue with the facts. Have a look at these options (and any others that interest you), and see which saw will get the job done. Husqvarna (Mark II or 460) is a great option, but ECHO is underrated despite the similar quality — and all because they’re a less recognizable name.
The Husqvarna 545 Mark II: The Final Verdict
Taking everything into account, it’ll come as no surprise that I recommend the Mark II for anyone who works with small and midsize trees. Husqvarna isn’t content with adding a few new bells and whistles to an old saw. In fact, I’m wondering why they didn’t release it as its own separate model.
All things considered, the second generation of Husqvarna’s 545 saw is pretty foolproof. Even if you’re a novice arborist, you’ll get a ton of mileage out of this saw. It’s easy to use and handle (despite weighing 11.7 lbs), and its innovative features guarantee comfortable work; they aren’t just gimmicks.
That said, it’s tough to ignore the relatively-high price. If you have your eye on specific Mark II features, it’s still a great purchase. However, you might be able to get these from a 460 Rancher instead. This will always come down to your specific priorities; it isn’t always about which saw cuts the best.
