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Husqvarna 120i Review

A good degree of performance and an exceptional battery life at a reasonable price
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Husqvarna 120i Review
Price:  $530 List
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Manufacturer:   Husqvarna
By Ross Patton ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 23, 2019
65
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#7 of 13
  • Saw Performance - 35% 5.5
  • Ease of Use - 30% 6.0
  • Battery - 25% 8.0
  • Noise - 5% 7.0
  • Weight - 5% 7.8

Our Verdict

The Husqvarna 120i has an extraordinary battery life, which is increased even further when the saw is switched into “savE” mode. This tool is quiet, and best of all it is inexpensive when compared to its level of power and efficiency. However, the 120i is not the most astounding cordless chainsaw that we've tested. The electronic controls can increase the amount of time it takes to get a task to completion and it doesn't have a ton of power. Get the scoop on how it stands up to the competition in our review of battery chainsaws.
REASONS TO BUY
Spectacular battery life
Two chain speed settings
Barely consumes bar and chain oil
REASONS TO AVOID
Not the strongest cutting power
Plastic chain tensioning system
Electronic controls slow down sawing

Compare to Similar Products

 
husqvarna 120i
This Product
Husqvarna 120i
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Battery Chainsaw
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Top Pick Award
Best for Quick Battery Charging
Top Pick Award
Best for Battery Expandability
Price $530 List$600 List
$499.00 at Amazon
$399 List
$399.00 at Amazon
$400 List
$244.99 at Amazon
$600 List
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Bottom Line For a reasonable price, this model performs well although it does not quite contend with the top-ranked modelsThe champion of our dimensional wood-cutting time trialsIf you want an easy-to-use cordless electric chainsaw with a long-lasting battery and a long bar this is the oneIf you want a saw with a battery that charges in a matter of minutes, then this is the oneThe battery for this saw works for a long list of other tools made by the same brand, has terrific cutting power, and winds-up in an instant
Rating Categories Husqvarna 120i EGO Power+ CS2005 Ego Power+ CS1800 Greenworks Pro 80V Milwaukee M18 FUEL
Saw Performance (35%)
5.5
10.0
8.5
8.5
7.5
Ease of Use (30%)
6.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
7.0
Battery (25%)
8.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
Noise (5%)
7.0
5.0
6.6
6.9
6.9
Weight (5%)
7.8
4.4
6.2
6.0
6.3
Specs Husqvarna 120i EGO Power+ CS2005 Ego Power+ CS1800 Greenworks Pro 80V Milwaukee M18 FUEL
Model Number 120i CS2005 CS1800 GCS80420 2727-21HD
Bar Length 14 inches 20 inches 18 inches 18 inches 16 inches
Measured Average Cutting Time 13.486 seconds 3.45 seconds 5.876 seconds 5.32 seconds 8.316 seconds
Measured Battery Charge Time 2 hrs 1.25 hr 1.5 hr .5 hr 1.3 hr
Measured Weight 10 lbs, 11 oz 19 lbs, 1 oz 14 lbs, 11 oz 15 lbs, 2 oz 14 lbs, 4 oz
Measured Battery Weight 2 lbs, 12 oz 6lbs, 5 oz 4 lbs, 13 oz 3 lbs, 8 oz 3 lbs, 6 oz
Measured Body Dimesions 19x7x7 inches 18 x 8 x 7 inches 16x9x8 inches 14x9x7.5 inches 18.5x9x8 inches
Included Battery Size 4.2 Ah 6 Ah 5 Ah 2 Ah 12 Ah
Nominal Voltage 36V 56V 56V 80V 36V
Measured Runtime 40 minutes 35 minutes 60 minutes 27 minutes 33 minutes
Measured Run Time Eco Mode 54 mins 47 mins n/a n/a n/a
Measured Wind Up Time .5 seconds Instant 1.25 seconds 1.15 seconds Instant
Measured Decibel Reading at 48in 85.9 dBa 99.1 dBa 88.8 dBa 86.8 dBa 86.8 dBa
Control Type Electronic button, side safety and brake Side safety w/ chain brake Side safety w/ chain brake Electronic button, side safety, and brake Side safety w/ chain brake
Chain Replacement and Tensioning Type Tool free Included Tool Tool Free Tool free Included Tool
Metal Bucking Spikes No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Oil Conservation 8 10 8 6 6
Bar & Chain Tank Location and Type Side, flip-up Side Side, Screen Top Side

Our Analysis and Test Results

For those who aren't in a rush, this saw offers some awesome elements — it is one of the quieter saws that we've reviewed, and its battery score is great. When it comes to runtime it is one of the best, and this time is extended even longer when “savE” mode is turned on, which lowers the chain speed for lighter duty tasks. Falling near the middle of the group for the price, but closer to the top for overall score, the Husqvarna 120i is the right option for those who want a decent cordless chainsaw without emptying out their wallet. It is not the strongest when it comes to cutting power, but it most certainly gets the job done after a few extra seconds. It also has a control system that is not our favorite and can add even more time to getting your project completed.

Performance Comparison


husqvarna 120i - the husqvarna does a great job for its price.
The Husqvarna does a great job for its price.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Saw Performance


We placed a weight of 35% of our total score for the Husqvarna on saw performance. We paid specific attention to how the saw felt compared to others in the review while cutting through roughly 10" diameter wet pine logs. Because the 120i has two different settings — normal — and “savE” mode — we compared how it performed differently in each mode. We also timed some cuts using dry dimensional lumber to get an average to be compared with other models.


When it comes to performance, the Husqvarna is not quite leading the pack. With an average cutting time of 13.5 seconds during our time trials, it's just about in the middle of the road compared to other models. Although it doesn't make the quickest cuts, it does feel strong and solid when in use.

husqvarna 120i - the husqvarna offers tremendous value, yet still holds its own with...
The Husqvarna offers tremendous value, yet still holds its own with the best.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

In “savE” mode we didn't sense much of a difference between cuts using dry, small rounds of wood when compared to normal mode. However normal mode showed increased cutting power when we used the 120i on larger, heavier logs.

husqvarna 120i - the 120i isn't the fastest at cutting but it gets the job done.
The 120i isn't the fastest at cutting but it gets the job done.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Ease of Use


A huge benefit to using cordless tools rather than corded or gas-powered versions is their comparatively better ease of use, which is why it accounts for 30% of our total score. To set a score for this metric we measured the total dimensions of each saw and used a hanging scale to record a total weight, with the battery attached. Other variables in this metric were more based on subjective judgment and based on ergonomics. We also took a close look at each models' chain tensioning system to conclude which saws are the most painless to change or tighten the chain. Lastly, we attentively looked at what steps are taken to get the saw cutting from being completely turned off to evaluate which ones are quick and straightforward to operate.


The 120i is not the easiest to use. The saw comes equipped with a chain brake, a safety switch on the side of the handle, and a standard trigger. On top of the three switches just mentioned Husqvarna has opted to add an additional electronic switch that, in our opinion, is a bit of a useless feature. Because there are already three different steps to starting the saw we don't think this button is a necessary addition to the model. One small hiccup we found while using the 120i is if you lean on it hard enough to get it to stall, the electronic controls turn off so you have to repeat the startup process to get going again. Also, the tool-free chain tensioning system is not the most intuitive to use, and the lever is made out of plastic which is not ideal considering how much abuse chainsaws generally take.

husqvarna 120i - the husqvarna tool-free tensioning system doesn't perform quite as...
The Husqvarna tool-free tensioning system doesn't perform quite as well as others, but its functionality is satisfactory.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

It should be noted that the Husqvarna is lighter than many saws in our review, so if you want to give your arms a break from constant lifting while not trading off much in the way of other features, this model is a good bet.

husqvarna 120i - the 120i is light which helps with making awkward cuts
The 120i is light which helps with making awkward cuts
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Battery


Battery quality is clearly an important factor to consider when reviewing cordless tools, so we weighted this metric at 25% of our total score. Our battery scores are a combination of the results from two different tests — runtime and charge time. To measure runtime we mounted each saw to a custom-built table and used utility clips to engage each throttle. We timed each runtime under no load, other than the chain, and were careful to stop the throttle as well as the timer every time the saw needed bar and chain oil. To measure charge time we patiently sat next to the chargers with a stopwatch.


When it comes to battery life the Husqvarna 120i is one of the best. In its normal mode, the battery runs for a full 40 minutes at full throttle with no load. Once switched to “savE” mode it lasts 54 minutes giving it one of the longest-lasting batteries of any cordless chainsaw that we've ever tested.


It takes 2 hours to charge which is not the quickest time that we've seen, but it also is not the slowest. We think that a little extra time to charge is no problem when you consider the added runtime and optional settings.

husqvarna 120i - the difference between battery charge time for each model showed...
The difference between battery charge time for each model showed tremendous variance.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Noise


Noise is not the most important factor to consider when purchasing a cordless chainsaw because all chainsaws are noisy, regardless of whether it's electric or gas-powered due to the spinning of the chain and the tearing of wood. However, we understand that many folks are looking to purchase a cordless chainsaw for home use and may live in a suburban or urban area and are not looking to disturb their neighbors, so we dedicated the final 10% of our score to this metric.



To nail down numbers for noise we had a panel of judges stand at a distance of 50 feet from the running saw and decide whether or not any of the saws were especially harsh to listen to. We determined that this model was not especially annoying or whiny. Next, we measured the noise of each saw while running at full power using a sound meter.

During our noise testing, the Husqvarna scored very well. This model is far from annoying when compared to others, and it only registers 85.9 decibels on the sound meter.


Value


With a price tag as low as the 120i's, you might expect that this tool does not perform as well as the others — this is not the case. This model outperforms most of the competition and, in many cases, at a fraction of the cost. If you're looking for a great product that won't leave you penniless we suggest you go with the 120i.

husqvarna 120i - the husqvarna 120i does a decent job, especially when compared to...
The Husqvarna 120i does a decent job, especially when compared to its price.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Conclusion


This tool has a handful of features that set it apart from many other models. It's light, it's quiet, and the battery life is superb. Best of all it comes at a price that is affordable and reasonable. If you want a great cordless chainsaw and you don't want to empty out your wallet the Husqvarna 120i is the model for you.

Ross Patton


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