Husqvarna 120i Cordless Electric Chainsaw Review

Yardwork not only takes time—it takes tools. It’s not just about making things look “better,” but about keeping your property safe and clean. Sure, you could hire a gardener to take care of branches and vines, but that can be costly. Doing small renovations and having to rent tools or “fuel” up your oil-run devices can take time and be messy, too.

That’s where the Husqvarna 14-inch 120i cordless battery-powered chainsaw comes in! This lightweight chainsaw makes smaller projects easy, saving you money and letting you get your hands dirty to get things just the way you like them.

Husqvarna 120i Cordless Chainsaw
Lightweight for small jobs
Interchangeable battery with other Husqvarna tools
Automatic oiler lubricates bar while cutting

This chainsaw is excellent not only for what it can do but for the accessories available for it. Many battery-operated chainsaws don’t come with batteries–this one does! You can also easily buy replacements or extras if desired.

Shopping for a new chainsaw doesn’t have to be stressful. Especially if you’re looking into the Husqvarna family. Grab your gloves and get ready to find out if the Husqvarna 120i is for you.

About the Brand

Husqvarna is a well-known Swedish brand in the industry with motorized chainsaws in production dating back to 1947, bringing peace of mind that the company makes a quality product.

You’ll feel like a professional, even if you’re just out there in your leisure clothes on the weekend, taking care of your yard. From chainsaws to trimmers, backpack leaf blowers, riding mowers, and beyond, there’s no tool they haven’t built. All their tools are designed with high-quality parts and user-friendly operation. The owner’s manuals are complete and get you ready to go quickly.

Husqvarna started their business over 325 years ago. They know their industry, and they know what makes their tools perform the best. With their tools, you’ll work smarter, not harder, whether it’s a small project or a professional-grade adventure.

Plus, their website is chock-full of video tips that will turn you into a professional with this chainsaw in no time.

The Specs of The Husqvarna 120i 14 inch Cordless Chainsaw

It’s important to remember that this is a smaller chainsaw, not meant to fell giant oaks, but rather clean up decaying branches and cut through vines trying to turn your yard into a jungle.

Husqvarna 120i Cordless Chainsaw
Lightweight for small jobs
Interchangeable battery with other Husqvarna tools
Automatic oiler lubricates bar while cutting

The Unit

Weighing in at just ten pounds, including the chain, this chainsaw can be considered one of the lighter in its class without sacrificing function and quality of work. It features a fourteen-inch chain that gives you plenty of length to work with.

There’s no “cord pulling” with this chainsaw. With the simple push of a button, you’ll be on your way without the hassle of hoping it starts. Chain speed matters–it controls how easy the cutting process is. This unit maxes out at 37.73 feet per second. That’s pretty darn great.

As a small extra, the unit is also a bright, standard orange that aids you in not only finding it if your storage area but keeps you visible while you work.

The Features of The Husqvarna 120i

The patented Husqvarna savE™ mode is a lifesaver if you need to tackle large products. Allowing you to switch between maximum power and maximum battery life puts more control in your hands while doing yardwork.

The inertia-actuated chain brake helps stop issues before they start. What’s known as simple chain tension allows for quick chain length and speed adjustments during every project. Felling marks will guide you in estimating where the cut object will fall. While not terribly important for smaller branches, it still comes in handy.

Husqvarna Low Vib® , the name set for their vibration dampener, helps you keep a better grip on the chainsaw. It also works great for people with carpal tunnel or other muscular problems that are aggravated by vibration.

Plus, the unit even catches chains if they break. You won’t have to worry about it flying off and hurting anyone. A two-year warranty helps you shop with worry-free, too.

The Extras

While the Husqvarna 120i chainsaw includes the unit, chain, and battery, there are things you need to buy in addition and stuff you just might want to consider purchasing.

Though it uses very little oil, the chain oil is sold separately, and you’ll need it to keep the unit lubricated adequately. Like everything, the chain will get dull over time. The good news is, unlike some products, you don’t have to throw this one away. They sell a sharpener!

It’s also important to talk a little bit about the safety extras. While the unit comes with a bar cover, it does not come with other items that make it safer to use. If you don’t have these items, consider purchasing a sturdy pair of gloves, safety goggles, and a safety helmet/mask.

Husqvarna 120i Cordless Chainsaw
Lightweight for small jobs
Interchangeable battery with other Husqvarna tools
Automatic oiler lubricates bar while cutting

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

With any purchase, you should weigh the pros and cons. That ensures you have all the information needed to make a smart and efficient decision.

Pros

  • Lightweight, but sturdy design, makes it easy to hold for longer jobs
  • Powerful brushless motor ensures longer runtime
  • Soft-grip handle makes carrying it more comfortable
  • Low emission (small carbon footprint)
  • Mostly mess-free with only a small oil tank
  • Energy-saving modes to allow you to work for longer
  • No vibration
  • Very quiet—puts out 97 decibels
  • Includes battery which is about $100 if purchased separately
  • Extra batteries are easy to purchase
  • Cordless enables you to work all over your yard

Cons

  • Short usage time can be problematic if you have a large yard or many projects to do at once
  • Not for “industrial” projects
  • Multiple complaints that battery doesn’t retain the ability to be recharged for long
  • Can’t “wash” it off due to it being battery-powered, so cleaning takes a little longer
  • Overcharging is a common concern and can lead to needing a new battery

Sometimes, the cons can outweigh the pros, but for a standard home project, we think the pros of the Husqvarna 120i are too good to miss. It’s worthwhile to point out that the unit itself doesn’t have many concerns, and battery concerns can be addressed by properly caring for the battery.

The Husqvarna 40volt Battery

There’s nothing better than when something for one tool can work on multiple machines. That’s precisely what the Husqvarna 40volt battery can do!

This rechargeable lithium-ion battery works in any 100-series handheld Husqvarna battery-powered tool. From chainsaws to trimmers, you’ll only need one battery, and saving money is always a plus.

The Husqvarna 40volt battery takes approximately one hour to charge in full. However, the battery life itself does depend on the tool you use it in and the power settings of that tool.

Husqvarna 120i Cordless Chainsaw
Lightweight for small jobs
Interchangeable battery with other Husqvarna tools
Automatic oiler lubricates bar while cutting

Is the Husqvarna 120i Chainsaw Right for You?

Sure, the Husqvarna 120i handheld chainsaw isn’t meant for the lumberjack type chopping down tall trees to fell them for firewood or construction projects, but it is perfect for the everyday gardener and/or homeowner.

Clearing away small branches, or even thinner trees will be a breeze. Chopping up and removing hazardous vines will take no time at all.

With over a half an hour of continuous use per charge, this handheld chainsaw is perfect for your home projects. Say bye-bye to loud, heavy, messy chainsaws and hello to your newest tool.

Why Go Battery Powered?

At the end of the day, the most straightforward answer is ease of use.

Despite some concerns, battery-powered chainsaws stand up well against corded tools, and many times can do an even better job. While they used to be heavy, died quickly, and had poor durability, we think the Husqvarna 120i not only addresses all those old concerns but exceeds them with what it can do.

Easy to Use

Oil-fueled (gas-powered) chainsaws not only get messy, but they require more funds to operate, as well as more setup time. With a battery-powered chainsaw, all you need to do is keep it charged and just push a button when you’re ready to start.

Plus, if it’s cordless like this chainsaw, you’re not limited to as far as the cord will reach or purchasing and setting up additional power cords. This saves money, setup, and cleanup time for each project.

Safety

Then there’s the environmental factor. Battery operated tools produce lower emissions. While you should still wear a safety mask/helmet, it’s more about not getting smacked with debris than breathing in harmful fumes.

Lower emissions also mean a smaller carbon footprint. You’ll not only be doing yourself a favor but your neighborhood, too. Breathe easier with a battery-operated chainsaw.

Sound

Chainsaws are terrifying in horror movies not just for the implication, but for the way the visceral sound gets under your skin. Your neighbors and even you will appreciate the quietness a battery-powered chainsaw offers.

Operating around 97 decibels, while if you have close neighbors, you still won’t want to work in the yard early on a Saturday, the experience will be far quieter and enjoyable for everyone.

Husqvarna 120i Cordless Chainsaw
Lightweight for small jobs
Interchangeable battery with other Husqvarna tools
Automatic oiler lubricates bar while cutting

Last update on 2024-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API