The 120i is Husqvarna’s entry-level battery chainsaw. It’s quiet, easy to use, and inexpensive compared to its level of power and efficiency. The best thing about the 120i is its amazing battery life, which gets even better with the “savE” mode on. Though with more battery life comes less power.
Battery Chainsaws
Battery chainsaws have reached a point where they can hold their own against gas machines. They have an excellent power to weight ratio, and the high-powered brushless motors have the power needed to cut at a rate that matches that of gas.
The limitations in battery life have been overcome by producing higher voltage batteries with a better amp hour rating. Modern batteries have much longer working times than they did in the past. And if that’s still not enough for you, there’s an option to buy an extra battery. Some manufacturers offer price incentives for people to buy two batteries at once
The major benefit of battery-powered chainsaws is low running costs. There’s no need to buy gas or 2-stroke oil. Not to mention that the service costs are almost non-existent. All you need is to lubricate the chain with oil, sharpen the cutting teeth, and keep the chain clean. That’s it. No spark plug, air filter, or engine oil to replace.
Ease of use is another advantage. To start the chainsaw, all you have to do is press a button. No pulling on a recoil starter and thinking about if it’ll start the next day or a cold morning. There’s no choke, so you don’t have to worry about flooding the engine. They’re also a lot quieter compared to gas-powered chainsaws, and there are no fumes and CO2 emissions. That’s good both for you and the environment.
The price of the battery-powered chainsaw is higher than those of electric or gas-powered ones. But when you take into account the cost of gas and maintenance you’d pay to own a gas chainsaw, it starts to make sense.
Battery chainsaw technology has come very far, but it’s still limited to smaller sizes. If you want a larger chainsaw, you don’t have a choice, but to buy a gas-powered one. Battery chainsaws are generally around the 12″ (30 cm) to 16″ (40 cm) mark. That’s enough for most home users to fell trees and cut firewood.
Husqvarna 120i
The 120i is an entry-level battery chainsaw in Husqvarna’s lineup. It’s lightweight, easy-to-use and makes a great tool for tasks like pruning, cutting branches, and felling small trees.
The 120i weighs 10.8 lbs (4.89 kg) when assembled, the battery in and 14″ bar (max recommended length). Even women should be able to work with this one.
Along with 120i, you’ll find a hedge trimmer and string cutter that use the same battery. It takes 2 hours to charge the battery, which is average.
Pros
- Great battery life
- Affordable
- Two chain speed settings
- Barely consumes bar and chain oil
Cons
- Not the strongest
- Plastic chain tensioning system
- Electronic controls slow down sawing
Features
- SavE™ mode
- Brushless motor
- Tool-less chain tensioning
- Flip-up tank cap
- Cordless freedom
- Inertia activated chain brake
- One battery fits all
- Chain break window
- Quiet operation
- Intuitive keypad
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
savE™ mode
You can choose between normal or savE™ mode, depending on conditions. When you need more power, you’d choose the normal mode, which should give you 40 minutes of work time. The power-saving mode slightly decreases performance, but you’ll gain around 15 more minutes of battery life. The exact working time depends on the power demand.
Brushless motor
High torque to weight ratio for increased efficiency, increased reliability, reduced noise, and longer product-life.
Tool-less chain tensioning
You can assemble and tension the bar and chain easily without using any tools. Although this is convenient, it’s made from plastic and I’m not sure how much abuse it can take.
Flip-up tank cap
Its key-less cap is easy to open. The tank is transparent, so you see exactly how much oil, you’ve got left or conversely don’t overspill when you’re filling it up.
Cordless freedom
No cord, no petrol, no engine noise, no direct emissions, and just a push on the trigger to go. You can recharge the batteries hundreds of times.
Inertia activated chain brake
This is standard with all Husqvarna chainsaws and reduces the likelihood of injury due to kickback.
One battery fits all
For me, this is a major benefit to getting a cordless chainsaw. You can use the same battery from the 120i to power other tools, such as a trimmer, blower, or hedge trimmer.
Chain break window
The break itself is sturdy and provides good visibility of the guide bar tip.
Quiet operation
The 120i scores very well among the already quiet cordless chainsaws. Husqvarna guarantees a noise level of 101 dB(A), but when tested, it didn’t even go over 90 dB(A).
Intuitive keypad
Pretty straightforward. Two buttons, one to turn the battery on and the second for savE™ mode.
Lightweight and ergonomic design
With the battery in, it weighs 10 lbs (4.53 kg) which makes it one of the lightest cordless chainsaws. Women should have no problem using it.
Conclusion
The Husqvarna 120i is a solid chainsaw. If you’re reasonable and don’t expect it to do crazy forestry work, you won’t regret getting one. For a reasonable price, you get spectacular battery life for all casual user’s needs. And should you decide to get one, be sure to buy chain oil, since it’s not included.
Husqvarna 120i Specs
| Battery voltage | 36.5 V |
| Battery type | Li-Ion |
| Cells per battery | 20 |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs 2.95 kg |
| Size (Length x Weight x Height) | 12 x 7.9 x 9.3” 30.5 x 20 x 23.6 cm |
| Recommended bar length (min) | 14” (35 cm) |
| Recommended bar length (max) | 14” (35 cm) |
| Oil tank volume | 0.42 US pint 0.2 liters |
| Oil pump type | Automatic, gear driven |
| Oil pump capacity (min) | 3.5 ml/min |
| Oil pump capacity (max) | 6.5 ml/min |
| Sound power level, guaranteed (LWA) | 101 dB(A) |
| Sound power level, measured | 98 dB(A) |
| Sound pressure level at operators ear | 88 dB(A) |
| Equivalent vibration level (ahv, eq) front handle | 2.64 m/s² |
| Equivalent vibration level (ahv, eq) rear handle | 2.76 m/s² |
| Warranty (homeowner) | 2 years |
| Warranty (commercial) | 90 days |
Product variants
| Husqvarna 120i | |
| 14” bar & chain, no battery or charger | 967 09 81-01 |
| 14” bar & chain, battery and charger included | 967 09 81-02 |