Homeowner chainsaws typically have 1.5 to 3 horsepower, while larger woodcutting chainsaws fall in the 3 to 4 horsepower range. Professional chainsaws, built for heavy-duty and demanding work, boast the highest power, ranging from 4 to 8 horsepower.
I’m Sam, and I’ve been rocking chainsaws for over two decades. In this article, I’m spilling all the chainsaw horsepower beans.
Ready? Let’s roll!
Horsepower (HP) refers to the amount of power an engine produces. It’s commonly used to measure the strength and capability of engines in vehicles.
Way back in the 18th century, a dude named James Watt, who was into steam engines needed a way to sell his steam engines to people who were more familiar with horses than machines.
To make it relatable, he came up with the concept of horsepower.
Now, here’s the fun part:
One horsepower doesn’t mean there’s a tiny horse running on a treadmill inside your car engine or anything.
Nope, it’s just a unit of power that Mr. Watt used to describe how much work his steam engines could do compared to, you guessed it, a horse.
Today, horsepower is still widely used as a unit of measurement for internal combustion engines, including chainsaws.
It’s calculated through the power needed to lift 550 pounds one foot in one second.
1 HP = 550 ft.lbf/s (746 watts, in electrical terms)
Bhp VS Hp
You might have noticed that some brands including STIHL usually refer to “BHP”, while others use just “HP”. So, what’s the difference?
Well, here’s what you need to know:
When we talk about HP, we’re usually referring to the power the engine produces before any losses occur due to things like friction or inefficiencies in the transmission.
But BHP (Brake Horsepower), takes into account these losses and gives you a more accurate measurement. It’s like the real-world power that your saw’s engine delivers to the chain. That’s why, it’s a bit less than HP.
1 HP = 0.98 BHP
How Much Horsepower Do Homeowner Chainsaws Have?
To give you a clear idea, I’ve divided the chainsaws into three categories:
- Homeowner chainsaws
- Larger woodcutting chainsaws
- Professional chainsaws
Homeowner chainsaws typically range from 1.5-2.5 HP, while some higher-end models can reach up to 3 HP.
This is enough for most basic tasks such as pruning, cutting fallen limbs, trimming trees, or household maintenance.
Below are some popular homeowner chainsaws and their respective horsepower:
| Model | Power Output |
|---|---|
| Stihl MS 170 | 1.7 hp |
| Stihl MS 180 | 2.0 hp |
| Stihl MS 194 C-E | 1.8 hp |
| Husqvarna 130 | 2.0 hp |
| Husqvarna 135 | 2.1 hp |
| Husqvarna 435 | 2.2 hp |
| Husqvarna 440 | 2.4 hp |
| Stihl MS 201 C-EM | 2.4 hp |
| Stihl MS 211 | 2.3 hp |
| Stihl MS 250 | 3.0 hp |
| Husqvarna 445 | 2.8 hp |
| Husqvarna 450 | 3.2 hp |
How Much Horsepower Do Larger Woodcutting Chainsaws Have?
Larger woodcutting chainsaws range between 3-4 HP. These chainsaws are mainly used for cutting thick logs, felling trees, and milling large wood.
They are used by farmers, ranchers, firewood businesses, and homeowners with large properties.
Here are some larger woodcutting chainsaws and their horsepower:
| Model | Power Output |
|---|---|
| Stihl MS 261 | 4.0 hp |
| Stihl MS 271 | 3.5 hp |
| Stihl MS 291 | 3.5 hp |
| Husqvarna 455 | 3.5 hp |
| Husqvarna 460 | 3.6 hp |
| Husqvarna 545 | 3.6 hp |
| Stihl MS 311 | 4.2 hp |
| Husqvarna 465 | 4.2 hp |
| Husqvarna 555 | 4.16 hp |
How Much Horsepower Do Professional Chainsaws Have?
Professional chainsaws are the most powerful and heavy-duty, usually 4-8 HP. Professional arborists and tree-cutting services mainly use these chainsaws.
To be honest, It requires some serious skills to handle these saws due to their high power and weight.
Below are some of the most powerful professional chainsaws and their horsepower:
| Model | Power Output |
|---|---|
| Stihl MS 461 | 6.0 hp |
| Stihl MS 462 C-M | 6.0 hp |
| Stihl MS 500i | 6.7 hp |
| Stihl MS 661 | 7.2 hp |
| Husqvarna 592 XP | 7.6 hp |
| Husqvarna 390 XP | 6.5 hp |
| Stihl MS 880 | 8.6 hp |
| Stihl MS 881 | 8.6 hp |
| Husqvarna 3120 XP | 8.3 hp |
| Stihl MS 362 | 4.7 hp |
| Stihl MS 362 C-M | 4.7 hp |
| Stihl MS 391 | 4.4 hp |
| Stihl MS 400 C-M | 5.4 hp |
Chainsaw Engine Size VS Horsepower
YES, there’s a clear correlation between engine size and horsepower. Chainsaws with a larger engine size usually have more horsepower.
Here’s a chart for reference:
| Engine Size | Power Output (Avg.) |
|---|---|
| 24 cc | 1.4 hp |
| 30 cc | 1.7 hp |
| 32 cc | 2.0 hp |
| 36 cc | 2.4 hp |
| 38 cc | 2.4 hp |
| 40 cc | 2.6 hp |
| 45 cc | 3.0 hp |
| 50 cc | 3.6 hp |
| 55 cc | 3.6 hp |
| 60 cc | 4.0 hp |
| 62 cc | 4.2 hp |
| 64 cc | 4.4 hp |
| 70 cc | 5.0 hp |
| 72 cc | 6.0 hp |
| 80 cc | 6.5 hp |
| 88 cc | 6.7 hp |
| 92 cc | 7.2 hp |
| 118 cc | 8.3 hp |
| 122 cc | 8.6 hp |
But, the horsepower rating isn’t always directly proportional to the engine size!
With improved combustion processes, better fuel injection systems, and a more efficient design, some chainsaws can achieve higher horsepower with a relatively smaller cc engine.
Does Chainsaw Horsepower Matter?
YES, horsepower matters because it determines how much cutting power your chainsaw packs.
Now, why does that matter?
Well, if you’re tackling big, gnarly logs or dense wood, you’ll want a chainsaw with a bit more horsepower to make the job easier.
On the flip side, for lighter tasks like pruning or small DIY projects, a lower-horsepower chainsaw might be all you need.
Remember, it’s not just about having the most horsepower; it’s about having the right amount for the job at hand.
Too much can be overkill for simple tasks, and too little might leave you struggling with tougher cuts.
Related F.A.Q.s
Does One Horsepower Equal to One Horse?
NO, one horsepower doesn’t mean there’s a horse running inside your chainsaw. It’s a simple unit of measurement used to describe the power output of an engine.
What Chainsaw Has the Most Horsepower?
With a rating of 8.6 HP, STIHL 881 MAGNUM is the most powerful chainsaw on the market. The runner-up is the Husqvarna 3120XP with a rating of 8.3 HP.
What Horsepower Does My Chainsaw Have?
Check your saw’s user manual for the exact horsepower rating. It should be listed as either brake horsepower (BHP) or horsepower (HP). If you can’t find the manual, google “[Your saw model] hp” to find the horsepower of your chainsaw.
Can I Increase My Chainsaw's Horsepower?
YES, it’s possible to increase your chainsaw’s horsepower a bit by modifying the engine, but it’s not recommended for beginners. Plus, doing so can void your saw’s warranty and may cause damage or safety issues.
