Husqvarna 445 Review – How Good is it for Homeowners?

Husqvarna is an industry leader that makes chainsaws for all kinds of users — large parcel landowners, who often need to cut down live and dead timber. Professionals, who use their tools on a daily basis. And also, the occasional user, who may have to remove or trim a tree a couple of times every year.

Most homeowners fall into the category of occasional users. Whether it’s due to overgrowth or inclement weather, at one time or another you will likely need to trim or completely remove a tree from your yard.

I do backyard cleanup every 3-5 months because I don’t want to be overwhelmed by bushes. Every time I declare war against overgrowing backyard bushes, the Husqvarna 445 is my trusted compadre.

husqvarna 445 review

However, you can try other chainsaws from Husqvarna to take care of backyard trouble. Most of them provide solid performance even if you’re a beginner.

So, in this Husqvarna 445 review, I’ve decided to highlight my long-time work buddy, the Husqvarna 445. I’ll address the important questions like what this chainsaw brings to the plate? who is it suited for? and why should you consider it?

Without further ado, let’s check out the Husqvarna 445.

Husqvarna 445 Short Review

SPECIFICATIONS:

BRAND:HUSQVARNA
MODEL NO:445
DIMENSIONS (INCHES):38.2 X 10 X 12.4
WEIGHT:10.3 POUNDS
ENGINE POWER:45.7 CC
POWER OUTPUT:2.8 HP
SNAP-LOCK:CYLINDER COVER
MAX. LENGTH:20 IN
MAX. POWER SPEED:9000 RPM
FUEL CAPACITY:8.8 FL.OZ
SOUND LEVEL:103.3 DB
Pros
  • Comes with a user-friendly
  • easy-to-learn design
  • Lightweight and comfortable handling
  • Easy to start
  • Low vibration
  • Chain tightening system is simple
  • Solid construction and great design
  • Fuelt efficient engine
  • Quality cut and good performance for medium to light jobs
Cons
  • Underpowered particularly for hard woods
  • Oil release system is not adjustable

Features of Husqvarna 445 Chainsaw

I’ll categorize all the different features and provide clear insights on what you can expect from this medium-tier chainsaw.

Husqvarna 445 Chainsaw

Easy to Start and Get into Action

If you are new to the chainsaw game, you probably are unaware of the difficulty related to “starting” a chainsaw. The 445 model comes with features that make it easier to handle and easier to get started.

Husqvarna’s Smart Start system gets the chainsaw started in a jiffy. So, beginners who are learning the ropes have a better time operating the chainsaw. Plus, the switch for turning the saw on and off is the same. So, there is no room for confusion or accidents.

In addition, priming removes air from the fuel system and the carburettor and makes starting easier by lessening the number of pulls you need to do in order to start your chainsaw.

The risk of engine flooding is reduced by a combined choke and stop control and it simplifies starting and stopping the saw as well.

Overall, the engine, the patented tech of Husqvarna, the combined switch, and the fuel distribution make it a beginner-friendly chainsaw. The design itself is simple and easy to understand.

Cutting Prowess

The Husqvarna comes with an 18-inch guide bar with a nose sprocket. The nose sprocket should be greased regularly to prevent the wheel from seizing or failing to operate properly. The chain has a 0.325″ pitch, a 0.05″ gauge, and 72 drive links.

Compared to some other saws, this saw runs a slightly narrower chain and this is what professionals might call a ‘high speed’ chain. The chain speed at full power is 17.3 meters per second which is quite great for a saw of this size.

The 445 is compatible with different-sized guide bars and the recommended lengths range from 13″ to 20″. So, you have the option to pick the desired length depending on the project at hand. Despite the options, I believe the 445 functions at its prime with 16″ and 18″ bars.

X-Torq Fuel-Saving System

A customary feature that you can find in the newer models of Husqvarna is the X-Torq engine. And this one is no exception. Similar to the Husqvarna 440e, the 445 also has an X-torq engine.

This chainsaw has a 45.7cc 2 stroke X-Torque engine capable of generating 2.8hp. The proprietary X-Torq technology implemented by Husqvarna makes this chainsaw eco-friendly.

The X-Torq engine has been designed to reduce emission levels to adjust with even the strictest environmental regulations. Plus, there is the added benefit of increased fuel efficiency as well.

The increased fuel efficiency means more cutting and lesser refuel breaks. The reduced exhaust is good for your health too. In operation, the maximum speed of the saw is 9,000 RPM. It is fair to say that the power this saw can deliver is more than enough for the casual weekend warrior.

If you want more professional oomph from your chainsaw, the 455 Rancher should be on your radar.

3-Piece Crankshaft

If durability is your concern, you are more than secure with the Husqvarna 445. The crankshaft is built with three separate parts for maximum durability. This helps the crankshaft to keep going for hours on end and withstand tough jobs.


Air Injection

Here’s how it is- cut wood, tons of dust produced, overwhelmed, choking on dust, productivity affected, air filter clogged, saw gets damaged, get my drift?

A natural consequence of woodcutting is heaps of dust flying your and the air filter’s way. With all the sawdust and wood chips flying around, it’s not easy to keep the debris from clogging the air filter on a saw.

While you can use protective equipment to keep yourself covered, what happens to the filter?

Well, the Husqvarna 445 has a centrifugal air cleaning system that blocks larger debris particles even before it reaches the air filter.

This increases the life of the engine and reduces the need for you to clean the air filter every other month.

The filtration system is better than an older Husqvarna model, the 440.

Automatic Oil Release System

The 445 comes with an automatic oil release system. So, the days of you labouring behind the constant oil flow are gone as you don’t have to do it manually.

However, it is a fixed flow system. If you want to adjust the oil flow perhaps according to a specific cutting needs you have, you’re out of luck. The oil release system giveth and the oil flow system taketh away!

Safety Features

The Husqvarna 445 incorporates a lot of safety features that keep the user and the machine safe from harm. The included safety features are:

  • There is a chain brake which you can manually activate by pushing the front handguard forward with the left hand. Also, it can be automatically activated by an inertia release mechanism. This will be activated in the event of a violent and serious kickback.
  • The throttle lock-out switch must be activated before you use the throttle trigger, in doing so you are preventing accidental start-up.
  • There is a chain catcher located at the bottom of the saw, which will help to catch the chain if it jumps or snaps off, providing protection to the hands.
  • Rear and front handguards will help protect the hands and stop foliage and twigs interfering with grip. In addition, further protection is provided by the right-hand guard against problems with the chain.
  • The anti-vibration feature takes care of all the annoying shakes and the physical challenges that come along with it. The possibility of developing vibrating hand conditions associated with the use of power tools is reduced by this feature.
  • The 445 is designed with dampening springs, helping to keep much of the vibration isolated in the powerhead instead of transferring it to the handles.
  • It comes with a kill switch. The on/off button can be pressed to immediately cut the power.

The safety features I have mentioned in this Husqvarna 445 chainsaw review, as always, help to minimize but not eliminate risk entirely. To ensure your safety, you need to wear protective clothing and use the chainsaw in the correct manner.

Husqvarna 445 Review [FAQ’s]

I’ve decided to address the most common questions people ask(ed) me about the Husqvarna 445.

1. Does this chainsaw come with a chain?

Yes, depending on the model you purchase this chainsaw comes with either an 18″ or a 16″, .325 pitch chain. Also, it comes with the proper tool to tighten the chain. Since chain sharpening could take several days, consider getting a second chain as a backup.

If you can manage the time, sharpening the chain by yourself can save you a lot of money in the long run. However, there are services you can look into if you’re not sure about it.

2. Is this a good chainsaw for a beginner?

The Husqvarna 445 comes with many safety features to reduce rookie mishaps. Plus, it has an easy kickstart. So, yes- it is a good chainsaw for a beginner. It is reliable enough that an owner can get the hang of using a chainsaw before moving up the ladder to more technical saws like the circular saw.

3. What does the centrifugal air cleaning system do?

A centrifugal air cleaning system makes all the air going for the carburettor ingestion pass through the starter. This helps to push out the large debris and dust even before it reaches the air filter.

Conclusion

As you can see from this Husqvarna 445 review, this chainsaw is perfect for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. It shines with small to medium-tier jobs.

While it can handle some degree of heavy-duty tasks, the time it takes should be indicator enough that it isn’t meant for it.

Besides, the weight is manageable for most adults. I’ve carried it around for hours without any noticeable discomfort. Although, its 47.5 cc engine is sort of underwhelming for professional use.

That’s why it has limited utility while cutting down hardwood trees. However, amateurs who only deal with light to medium work will find this to be an excellent chainsaw for them once they get it going.

The efficient engine means it will run for a long time before you need to refuel the tool. The comfort and safety features mean you can also keep going for a long time before you need to rest.

If you ever feel like getting into some serious woodworking, you should look into some beginner-friendly track saws. Otherwise, for backyard cleaning duty, the 445 has got you covered.


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