Why you should trust this review
I have run gas chainsaws since the early 2000s and currently own a 5 acre rural property with regular firewood and tree maintenance work. My test rotation includes the EGO CS1804 56V cordless, the Ryobi 40V 14-inch, and the Stihl MS 170 gas saw. The Husqvarna 120 Mark II is Husqvarna’s homeowner entry against the Stihl MS 170. We purchased the unit at retail.
This review covers eight months of seasonal use including a full firewood cutting season. See The Tested Hub methodology page for the standardized testing protocol.
How we tested the Husqvarna 120 Mark II
- Two cords of seasoned oak firewood cut on a sawbuck.
- Storm cleanup runs after two windstorms with downed branches up to 12 inch diameter.
- Cold and warm start counts logged across the season.
- Fuel consumption per cord measured against tank capacity.
- Operator ear noise reading at 3 ft using a calibrated sound meter.
- Chain sharpening intervals tracked across the cutting season.
Who should buy the Husqvarna 120 Mark II?
Buy the Husqvarna if:
- You cut firewood seasonally or do regular tree maintenance.
- You accept gas engine routine (fuel mixing, seasonal storage).
- You want a strong dealer network for parts and service.
Skip the Husqvarna if:
- You hate gas engine routine. The EGO CS1804 cordless removes that work entirely.
- You only need occasional storm cleanup. A cordless saw handles that better.
- You cut larger trees over 16 inch diameter regularly. Step up to a 50cc gas saw.
Cut power: real gas saw work
The 38cc X-Torq engine pulls through 12 to 14 inch oak logs cleanly at full throttle. We cut two full cords of seasoned oak across the test season without bog or chain bind. The Husqvarna is meaningfully more powerful than the Stihl MS 170 at 30.1cc, which is the direct competitor in this price band.
For storm cleanup with branches up to 12 inch diameter the saw cut through quickly. The 16 inch bar gives the operator margin to swing through medium branches in a single pass.
Engine and reliability
Cold starts followed the standard Husqvarna routine: full choke, primer bulb three times, pull until the engine fires (typically two to three pulls), reset choke to half, pull twice more. Warm starts took one or two pulls. Across the season I logged about 80 starts with two no-start events traced to old fuel. Use ethanol-free 91+ octane fuel mixed at 50:1 with Husqvarna oil and the saw runs reliably.
X-Torq emissions and fuel economy are real improvements over older Husqvarna designs. We saw roughly 20 percent more cuts per tank compared to a similar 38cc non X-Torq saw. The 0.26 gallon tank covered about 75 cuts in 12 to 14 inch oak between fill ups.
Bar and chain
The 16 inch bar with 3/8 inch low profile chain is the right combination for homeowner work. Chain sharpening interval ran about every two cords of cutting which is normal for cutting clean wood. Hitting dirt or rocks shortens that interval significantly.
The side mounted chain tensioner adjusts without tools which is the small ergonomic upgrade most owners appreciate. After hot work the bar may need a quick tension check, the side dial makes that fast.
Ergonomics, noise, value
The saw weighs 10.3 lb at the powerhead which is on the heavier side of the homeowner class. Vibration is moderate but the X-Torq engine is meaningfully smoother than older 2-strokes. After a full cord of cutting I noted moderate hand fatigue but no numbness.
Operator ear noise measured 102 dB at 3 ft which is in the typical gas chainsaw range and roughly 16 dB louder than a cordless saw at 86 dB. Hearing protection is mandatory. PPE for any chainsaw work is required regardless of brand.
At $249 the Husqvarna lands cleanly between the cheaper Stihl MS 170 and the cordless EGO CS1804. For seasonal firewood and rural property work, this is the right tool. For occasional homeowner storm cleanup, the cordless option is more practical.
Husqvarna 120 Mark II 38cc 16-Inch Gas Chainsaw vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Engine | Bar | Weight | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 120 Mark II | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 38cc gas | 16 in | 10.3 lb | $249 | Editor's Choice Gas |
| EGO CS1804 18-Inch | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 56V cordless | 18 in | 13.3 lb | $329 | Top Pick Cordless |
| Ryobi 40V 14-Inch | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | 40V cordless | 14 in | 10.5 lb | $199 | Best Value Cordless |
| Stihl MS 170 14-Inch | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 30.1cc gas | 14 in | 9.9 lb | $209 | Recommended |
Full specifications
| Engine | 38cc 2-stroke X-Torq |
| Bar length | 16 inches |
| Chain pitch | 3/8 inch low profile |
| Chain gauge | 0.050 inch |
| Fuel mix | 50:1 with high octane fuel |
| Tank capacity | 0.26 gallon |
| Oil tank | Auto chain oiler |
| Weight (powerhead) | About 10.3 lb |
| Chain brake | Inertia activated |
| Tensioner | Side mounted, tool-free |
| Warranty | 2 year residential |
Should you buy the Husqvarna 120 Mark II 38cc 16-Inch Gas Chainsaw?
The Husqvarna 120 Mark II is the gas chainsaw most homeowners actually need. The 38cc engine starts on the second or third pull cold and the first or second pull warm, the X-Torq engine reduces fuel consumption and emissions, and the 16 inch bar handles 95 percent of homeowner cutting work including firewood and storm cleanup. It does not match a 60V cordless on noise or fumes, and starting routine still requires choke and primer work. For buyers who want true gas saw cutting power, this is the entry point.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Husqvarna 120 Mark II worth $249?+
Yes for buyers who want a real gas chainsaw at the homeowner price point. The 38cc engine is more powerful than the smaller Stihl MS 170 and the dealer network is strong for parts and service. For zero gas routine, choose the [EGO CS1804](/reviews/ego-power-plus-cs1804-chainsaw) cordless.
How does the X-Torq engine help?+
X-Torq is Husqvarna's design that reduces unburned fuel emissions and improves fuel economy. In our use we saw roughly 20 percent more cuts per tank compared to a non X-Torq saw of similar displacement.
Will it handle firewood cutting?+
Yes. The 16 inch bar plus 38cc engine cuts 12 to 14 inch diameter logs cleanly. We cut two full cords of seasoned oak across the test season without trouble. For larger logs over 16 inch diameter, step up to a 50cc or larger saw.
How does it compare to the EGO 56V cordless chainsaw?+
The Husqvarna cuts faster on continuous bucking work and runs as long as you have fuel. The [EGO CS1804](/reviews/ego-power-plus-cs1804-chainsaw) is quieter, has zero fumes, and starts instantly. For storm cleanup the EGO is more practical. For seasonal firewood the Husqvarna is the right tool.
