Husqvarna is known for excellent build quality and wide aftermarket support. Their chainsaws range from small DIY models to professional-grade saws, and fortunately, most use standard chain systems that are widely compatible across brands. This makes finding the right chain easier than on some other manufacturers.
This guide covers the most popular Husqvarna petrol and battery models. Whether you’re running a Rancher series (the most popular consumer line), a professional model like the 460, or one of their modern battery saws, you’ll find the exact specifications and aftermarket options here.
Husqvarna Chainsaw Chain Compatibility Chart
| Husqvarna Model | Bar Length | Pitch | Gauge | Drive Links | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 135 | 16″ | 3/8 LP | .050″ | 56 DL | Petrol | Entry-level. Popular first chainsaw. |
| 235 | 16″ | 3/8 LP | .050″ | 56 DL | Petrol | Improved 135. Same chain specs. |
| 345 | 18″ | .325″ | .050″ | 72 DL | Petrol | Mid-range. Good step up from small saws. |
| 440 | 18″ | .325″ | .050″ | 72 DL | Petrol | Popular professional model. Same specs as 345. |
| 445 Rancher | 18″ | .325″ | .050″ | 72 DL | Petrol | Consumer favourite. Reliable, easy to use. |
| 450 Rancher | 20″ | .325″ | .050″ | 78 DL | Petrol | Larger bar, more power. Single drive link difference from 440. |
| 455 Rancher | 20″ | .325″ | .050″ | 78 DL | Petrol | Latest Rancher iteration. Same specs as 450. |
| 460 | 20″ | .325″ | .050″ | 78 DL | Petrol | Professional-grade. Powerful and durable. |
| 120i | 14″ | 3/8 LP | .043″ | 52 DL | Battery | Entry-level battery model. Compact and lightweight. |
| 340i | 14″ | 3/8 LP | .050″ | 52 DL | Battery | Mid-range battery. Thicker gauge than 120i. |
| 540i XP | 16″ | .325″ | .043″ | 64 DL | Battery | Flagship battery. X-PRECISION narrow-kerf chain. |
| 542i XP | 16″ | .325″ | .043″ | 64 DL | Battery | Updated 540i XP. SP21G X-PRECISION chain. |
Husqvarna Rancher Series Explained
The Rancher line (445, 450, 455) is Husqvarna’s most popular consumer series. They’re reliable, affordable, and widely available. If you own a Rancher, you’re in luck — the chain ecosystem is well-established and easy to navigate.
445 Rancher vs 450 Rancher vs 455 Rancher
These three models are essentially the same chainsaw with incremental improvements. The key difference is bar length and drive link count:
- 445 Rancher: 18″ bar, 72 drive links. Good for general cutting, tree trimming, splitting firewood.
- 450 Rancher: 20″ bar, 78 drive links. Larger bar for bigger trees and logs. More power than the 445.
- 455 Rancher: 20″ bar, 78 drive links. Latest iteration, minor refinements to reliability and ergonomics.
All three use the same pitch and gauge: .325″ .050″ 72–78 DL. This is the single most important spec for Rancher owners to remember. Oregon 91VG chains fit all three models perfectly (with drive link counts adjusted per model).
Why Ranchers Use .325″ Not 3/8″
Ranchers are consumer-grade saws, not professional models. Husqvarna uses .325″ (mid-sized pitch) on Ranchers to balance cutting speed with control and safety. The smaller pitch makes the saw easier to handle than a full 3/8″ professional saw, while still delivering solid cutting power.
Husqvarna Battery Chainsaw Chains
Husqvarna’s battery range includes three main models: the 120i (entry), 340i (mid-range), and 540i/542i XP (flagship). Like other cordless chainsaws, they use narrower chains optimised for efficiency.
120i and 340i Battery Saws
Both the 120i and 340i use 3/8 LP (low profile) chains — the same system as small petrol models. The key difference:
- 120i: 14″ bar, 3/8 LP .043″ 52 DL. Narrow-kerf chain for maximum battery efficiency.
- 340i: 14″ bar, 3/8 LP .050″ 52 DL. Standard gauge, thicker than the 120i but still battery-optimised.
Important: The 120i and 340i have the same bar length and drive link count but different gauges. You cannot mix 120i chains (.043″) on a 340i bar grooved for .050″, and vice versa.
540i XP and 542i XP Battery Saws
The flagship battery models use Husqvarna’s X-PRECISION system, which is a narrow-kerf .325″ chain. This is a professional-grade battery saw designed for serious cutting work.
- Pitch: .325″ (mid-sized, same as petrol Ranchers)
- Gauge: .043″ (narrow kerf — reduces drag and extends battery runtime)
- Drive links: 64 DL on the 16″ bar
- Chain type: X-PRECISION or SP21G (Husqvarna’s proprietary narrow-kerf design)
X-PRECISION is Husqvarna-specific and not widely used on other brands’ saws. Oregon makes compatible .325″ .043″ chains that fit the 540i/542i, though you’ll need to specify the exact drive link count (64 DL for 16″).
Oregon Chains for Husqvarna
Oregon is the world’s largest aftermarket chain manufacturer and makes excellent replacements for Husqvarna models. Here’s the compatibility guide:
| Husqvarna Model(s) | Oregon Equivalent | Part Number (Example) | Drive Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| 135, 235 | 91PX (3/8 LP .050″) | 91PX (standard gauge) | 56 DL |
| 345, 440, 445 Rancher | 91VG (.325″ .050″) | 91VG056E | 72 DL |
| 450 Rancher, 455 Rancher, 460 | 91VG (.325″ .050″) | 91VG062E | 78 DL |
| 120i | 91PX (3/8 LP .043″ narrow kerf) | 91PX025 | 52 DL |
| 340i | 91PX (3/8 LP .050″ standard gauge) | 91PX (standard gauge) | 52 DL |
| 540i XP, 542i XP | 91VG or 91VPX (.325″ .043″ narrow kerf) | 91VG (narrow kerf variant) | 64 DL |
Oregon 91VG chains are the most common replacement for Rancher saws. Oregon 91PX chains fit the smaller models (135, 235) and battery models (120i, 340i). Always double-check the drive link count on your current chain before ordering — a 72 DL chain for a 445 Rancher won’t fit a 450 Rancher that needs 78 DL.
Aftermarket Chains for Husqvarna
In addition to Oregon, several budget brands make Husqvarna-compatible chains:
- SPARES2GO: UK-based, affordable, widely available on Amazon. Semi-chisel or chisel options.
- Archer: Budget option, good reviews, fits standard pitches (3/8 LP, .325″, 3/8″).
- Cutter: Competitive pricing, standard and pro-grade options.
- Echo: Premium aftermarket, excellent quality, slightly more expensive than budget brands.
All of these brands produce chains that fit Husqvarna saws when the pitch, gauge, and drive link count match. Budget chains are significantly cheaper than Husqvarna OEM chains but offer nearly identical performance for home and light-professional use.
Where to Buy Husqvarna Chains
Husqvarna OEM Chains
Available through Husqvarna dealers and online. OEM chains are engineered specifically for Husqvarna saws but cost more than aftermarket alternatives.
Oregon Chains
Browse Oregon chains on Amazon UK. Oregon 91VG is the go-to choice for Rancher saws, and prices are typically 30–50% less than Husqvarna OEM.
SPARES2GO and Budget Options
SPARES2GO chains on Amazon UK. Great value for the money, especially for casual use.
Chain Sharpening Kits
Keep your Husqvarna chain in top condition. Chainsaw sharpening kits on Amazon UK.
Key Compatibility Rules
Rule 1: Pitch Must Match Exactly
A 3/8 LP chain will not fit a bar designed for .325″, and vice versa. The bar groove is specifically designed for the pitch. Mixing pitches will result in the chain not fitting or running dangerously.
Rule 2: Gauge Must Match Bar Specification
Bar grooves are machined for a specific gauge. The 120i (.043″ gauge) and 340i (.050″ gauge) have different bar grooves, even though both are 3/8 LP. Putting the wrong gauge on either saw will cause the chain to rattle or jam.
Rule 3: Drive Link Count Depends on Bar Length
A 445 Rancher (18″ bar) uses 72 DL. A 450 Rancher (20″ bar) uses 78 DL. These cannot be swapped. A 72 DL chain won’t loop properly on a 20″ bar, and a 78 DL chain will be too tight on an 18″ bar.
Rule 4: Measure Your Current Chain
If you’ve lost your manual, remove your current chain and look for stamped markings. You’ll see something like “.325 .050 72 DL”. These three specs are all you need to order a replacement.
Watch: Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What chain does a Husqvarna 445 Rancher use?
.325″ pitch, .050″ gauge, 72 drive links. Oregon 91VG056E is the standard aftermarket replacement. Make sure the packaging specifies 72 DL.
Can I use a .325″ chain on my Husqvarna 135?
No. The 135 uses 3/8 LP (not .325″), which is a completely different system. The bar and sprockets are designed for 3/8 LP. Using a .325″ chain would be unsafe.
What’s the difference between a 445 and 450 Rancher in terms of chains?
Both use .325″ .050″, but the 445 has an 18″ bar with 72 DL, while the 450 has a 20″ bar with 78 DL. You cannot swap chains between these models — the drive link counts are different.
Are Husqvarna battery chains (540i XP) compatible with petrol Rancher chains?
No. The 540i XP uses .325″ .043″ (narrow kerf), while Ranchers use .325″ .050″ (standard gauge). The gauges don’t match, so the chains are not interchangeable.
Can I use an Oregon chain on my Husqvarna 445 Rancher?
Yes. Oregon 91VG056E (.325″ .050″ 72 DL) is a direct fit. Oregon chains are engineered for cross-brand compatibility and are widely recommended for Husqvarna saws.
How often should I replace my Husqvarna chain?
A well-maintained chain lasts hundreds of hours. Most users sharpen their chains every 5–10 hours of use and replace them only when they can’t hold an edge or have missing/damaged teeth. A dull or damaged chain is a safety hazard and should be sharpened or replaced immediately.
My Husqvarna chain keeps coming loose. Why?
A loose chain typically means the tension is set too loose or the chain is worn and stretched. Husqvarna saws have an automatic chain tensioner, but manual adjustment is sometimes needed. Check your manual for the correct tension setting. If the chain still loosens frequently after tensioning, it may be worn out and need replacement.
Related Pages
- Chainsaw Chain & Bar Compatibility Guide — Complete Hub
- Stihl Chainsaw Chain Compatibility Guide
- Makita Chainsaw Chain Compatibility
- DeWalt Chainsaw Chain Compatibility
- Oregon Chainsaw Chain Guide
