Husqvarna 435 vs 450: My Savage Review

I had to cut cold oak after a storm. I put the Husqvarna 435 vs 450 to the test. The big saw has raw power. The small saw is light and saves your back. Picking the right one depends on the job.

The Husqvarna 435: Small but Mighty

I started with the 435. It is the smaller of the two. The first thing I noticed when I picked it up was the weight. It felt light.

It weighs just under 10 pounds. That might sound heavy to some, but for a gas saw, it is easy to hold. I didn’t feel like I was hauling a heavy rock.

My experience using it:

• Starting it: It took a few pulls. But once it ran, it was smooth.
• In the tree: I had to reach up high to trim some snagged branches. This is where the 435 is great. My arms didn’t get tired. I could move it easily around tight spots.
• The limit: When I tried to cut a log that was about 14 inches thick, the saw slowed down. I had to be patient. If I pushed too hard, the engine stopped.

Here is the good and the bad I found while using it.

The Husqvarna 450: The Big Brother

Next, I grabbed the Husqvarna 450. Right away, I felt the difference. It is heavier. It sits around 11 pounds.

That extra pound makes a difference after an hour. But the trade-off is power. It has a lot of it.

My experience using it:

• The sound: When I pulled the cord, it had a deep growl. It sounded like it wanted to work.
• The big cuts: I took it to the main part of that fallen oak limb. It was thick wood. The 450 tore through it. I buried the bar deep into the wood, and the engine didn’t quit. It kept spinning fast.
• The feel: I noticed the vibration springs worked well. Even with the bigger engine, my hands didn’t feel numb or tingly when I was done.

Here is where the 450 really stood out for me, and where it fell short.

Details Comparison Husqvarna 435 vs 450

I spent a long weekend in the yard with these two saws. The choice really depends on the size of your wood pile. The 435 is light and easy to hold for hours. The 450 is heavy but cuts big logs fast.

When you look at the husqvarna 435 vs 450, the power gap is clear. The 450 pulls hard through thick oak without stopping. The 435 is great for small limbs but can stall in big wood. It comes down to if you need raw power or ease of use.

Cutting Speed: Husqvarna 435 vs 450

The 450 cuts very fast in thick wood. It eats through pine logs and does not slow down. You can lean on it a bit and it keeps spinning. This speed helps finish big jobs early.

The 435 is slower but cuts smooth. It works best on limbs that are thin. If you rush it in a thick log, it might stop. You have to let the saw do the work at its own pace.

Rating: Husqvarna 435 – 7/10 | Husqvarna 450 – 9/10

Bar Quality: Husqvarna 435 vs 450

The 435 usually comes with a short bar. This 16-inch bar is great for tight spots in trees. It is stiff and helps you make clean cuts. I liked it for pruning bushes near the house.

The 450 often has a longer bar. The 20-inch reach helps cut big trees down. You do not have to walk around the tree as much. The metal is strong and takes heat well.

Rating: Husqvarna 435 – 8/10 | Husqvarna 450 – 9/10

Motor Strength: Husqvarna 435 vs 450

The motor in the 450 is a beast. It has a 50cc engine that feels very strong. You hear a deep growl when you pull the cord. It has the torque to keep cutting deep in the wood.

The 435 has a small 40cc motor. It is quiet and uses less gas. It has zip for yard work but lacks raw grunt. It runs best when you do not push it too hard.

Rating: Husqvarna 435 – 7/10 | Husqvarna 450 – 9.5/10

Weight Balance: Husqvarna 435 vs 450

The small saw wins here for sure. The 435 is so light I used it all day. My arms did not hurt at all. It feels great in one hand while you move brush.

The 450 is heavy and you feel it. After an hour, my shoulders were tired. It is well built but heavy to lift. I only use it for big tasks that need power.

Rating: Husqvarna 435 – 9.5/10 | Husqvarna 450 – 7/10

Safety Features: Husqvarna 435 vs 450

Both saws have a good chain brake. I tested the brake on the 435 and it was fast. It stopped the chain right away. This made me feel safe while I worked in the brush.

The 450 has the same safe design. The rear handle is wide and easy to grip. The hand guard is tough and works well. I felt safe with both tools in my hands.

Rating: Husqvarna 435 – 9/10 | Husqvarna 450 – 9/10

FAQs – Husqvarna 435 vs 450