Review Information
- Reviewed by: Jack Beurge
- Review type: Research-based review
- Testing status: Not personally tested by SAWOFF — based on manufacturer documentation and reputable external sources
- Published: January 26, 2026 · Updated: August 19, 2026
- Manufacturer: Husqvarna
- Model: 135
Information in this review is labeled as one of four types: 🧪 SAWOFF hands-on test, 🏭 manufacturer specification, 📚 research from reputable sources, or 🧠 editorial assessment. See our testing methodology and editorial policy.
Affiliate Disclaimer: SAWOFF earns commissions from qualifying AliExpress purchases at no extra cost to you.
For the average suburban property owner, finding the best gas chainsaw for homeowners means balancing two competing demands: you need enough power to cut through downed limbs and firewood, but you want a machine light enough that your arms aren’t shaking after ten minutes of work.
The Husqvarna 135 Mark II gas chainsaw was engineered specifically for this sweet spot. Sitting at the top of Husqvarna’s entry-level 100-series, it pairs a nimble, lightweight chassis with a 38cc engine that punches above its weight.
In this comprehensive Husqvarna 135 Mark II review, we detail the documented performance of seasoned-hardwood cutting, evaluate its air pre-cleaning and vibration-dampening systems, and address the most common Husqvarna 135 Mark II problems and troubleshooting steps you need to know before buying.
Technical Specifications & Hardware Breakdown
Before we dive into the documented performance analysis, let’s look at the raw engineering specifications that define this 38cc power plant:
- Cylinder Displacement: 38.0 cm³ (2.32 cubic inches)
- Power Output: 1.6 kW (2.15 HP) at 9,000 RPM
- Torque, Max: 1.84 Nm at 8,000 RPM
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.35 Liters (11.8 fl oz)
- Oil Tank Capacity: 0.26 Liters (8.8 fl oz)
- Oil Pump Type: Automatic, non-adjustable flow
- Chain Pitch / Gauge: 3/8” Low Profile, .050” gauge
- Chain Speed at Max Power: 19.1 m/s (3,760 FPM)
- Weight (Power Head Only): 10.3 lbs (4.7 kg)
- Spark Plug: NGK CMR6H (electrode gap: 0.5 mm / 0.020”)
Engine Performance & X-Torq Technology
The heart of the Husqvarna 135 Mark II is its 1.6 kW (2.15 HP) X-Torq engine. Unlike basic 2-stroke engines that dump unburnt fuel out of the exhaust port during the scavenging cycle, Husqvarna’s X-Torq uses a stratified scavenging system. A barrier of fresh air pushes out exhaust gases before the new fuel-air charge enters the cylinder.
This engineering layout delivers two massive benefits:
- Emissions reduction by up to 75%, meeting strict EPA standards.
- Fuel efficiency improvements of up to 20%, allowing you to cut longer on a single tank.
Real-World Cutting Performance
Documented performance with a 16-inch bar centered on seasoned Red Oak and soft White Pine.
In seasoned oak rounds up to 12 inches in diameter, the saw performs beautifully. Its torque curve is remarkably flat between 7,500 and 9,000 RPM. Rather than needing to run at absolute top-end screaming speeds like older consumer engines, the 135 has excellent “lugging power.” With moderate downward pressure, owners report the engine pulls through without bogging or stalling.
Our Bar Selection Advice: While Husqvarna states this saw can accommodate an 18-inch bar, we strongly advise against it for hardwood cutting. The drag created by a longer chain in dense wood like oak or hickory drops the chain speed significantly, leading to bogging. Stick to a 14-inch or 16-inch bar to maintain optimal chain speed (19.1 m/s) and extend engine life.
For a comparison of how this gas engine holds up against modern battery alternatives, see our Gas vs Electric Chainsaw Guide.
🛒 Check Price on AliExpressQuick Comparison: Homeowner Series Benchmarks
To see where the 135 Mark II sits in the homeowner market, we compared it side-by-side with its sibling models and competitor homeowner saws:
| Chainsaw Model | Displacement | Power Output | Weight (Dry) | Bar Length Rec. | Chain Pitch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 135 Mark II | 38.0 cc | 1.6 kW (2.15 HP) | 10.3 lbs | 14” - 16” | 3/8” Low Profile |
| Husqvarna 120 Mark II | 38.2 cc | 1.4 kW (1.88 HP) | 10.7 lbs | 14” - 16” | 3/8” Low Profile |
| Husqvarna 435 e-series | 40.9 cc | 1.6 kW (2.15 HP) | 9.2 lbs | 16” | .325” Semi-Chisel |
| Stihl MS 170 | 30.1 cc | 1.3 kW (1.70 HP) | 8.6 lbs | 12” - 16” | 3/8” Low Profile |
| Echo CS-310 | 30.5 cc | 1.3 kW (1.70 HP) | 8.8 lbs | 14” | 3/8” Low Profile |
Husqvarna 135 Mark II Problems & Troubleshooting
No chainsaw is perfect. Homeowners frequently run into operational issues that can turn a weekend project into a headache. Here are the most common Husqvarna 135 Mark II problems and how to resolve them:
1. Hard Starting when Cold (Engine Flooding)
X-Torq engines run lean to meet strict emissions targets, making them sensitive to startup procedures. If you pull the starter rope repeatedly with the choke fully engaged, you will flood the engine.
The Solution: Follow the exact manual cold-start sequence:
- Push the fuel purge bulb 6 times until fuel is visible in the bulb.
- Pull the choke lever out and up into the full choke position (this also sets the fast idle).
- Pull the starter rope firmly until you hear the engine “pop” or cough (typically 3-5 pulls). Stop pulling immediately after the pop.
- Push the choke lever down (half-choke/run position, which maintains fast idle).
- Pull the rope again. The engine should start within 1-2 pulls.
- Squeeze the trigger once to release the fast idle lock and let the saw idle for 30 seconds before cutting.
2. Bar Oil Puddle Leaks
Users often complain that the Husqvarna 135 leaks bar oil on the garage floor when stored.
The Solution: This is common in gravity/pump oiling systems. As temperature fluctuates, air inside the oil reservoir expands and forces bar oil out through the feed guide hole.
- Clean the bar groove and oil port before storing.
- Store the saw on its side (oil cap facing up) to prevent gravity leaks.
- If storing the saw for more than a month, drain the oil reservoir completely.
3. Stiff or Brittle Cylinder Casing Clips
The 135 Mark II uses three snap-lock plastic clips to secure the top cylinder cover. In cold winter conditions (below 32°F), the composite plastic becomes stiff and brittle.
The Solution: Use care when popping the clips open in sub-freezing weather to prevent snapping the tabs. Let the engine run for a few minutes to warm the plastic casing before opening the cover for filter maintenance.
4. Engine Bogging Under Heavy Load
This is usually caused by running an 18-inch bar in hardwoods or using a dull chain. A dull chain increases cutting friction, forcing the small 38cc engine to work twice as hard.
The Solution: Swap to a 14 or 16-inch bar and ensure you keep a sharp cutter profile. Standard low-profile chains can be easily sharpened by hand. Read our Stihl Chainsaw Bar Size Guide (the scaling principles apply to Husqvarna saws) to select the right guide bar.
Ergonomics and Operator Comfort: The LowVib System
Wrestling a vibrating two-stroke engine for hours causes operator fatigue and hand numbness. Husqvarna resolves this by isolating the engine and cutting gear from the handles using steel springs—a technology they call LowVib.
The vibration frequency of the front handle on the 135 Mark II is rated at 3.7 m/s² by Husqvarna, which is significantly lower than competitor homeowner models. The saw feels nimble in the hands, with a balanced center of gravity that sits directly between your palms.
The combined choke/stop switch is another ergonomic plus. By combining these controls, it automatically resets the stop switch to the “on” position, preventing you from pulling the starter rope while the ignition is off.
Maintenance & Serviceability
Gas chainsaws require regular maintenance to remain reliable over years of seasonal use. Husqvarna has made servicing the 135 Mark II relatively straightforward:
- Air Injection Pre-Cleaning: Centrifugal force spins larger dust and wood particles away from the air intake before they reach the air filter. Manufacturer documentation and owner reports indicate this system cuts filter cleaning intervals compared to basic entry-level saws.
- Snap-Lock Cover: Once the plastic clips are popped, the air filter and spark plug are immediately accessible without tools.
- Side Chain Tensioner: Unlike the older Husqvarna models that put the tensioning screw between the bar and the spikes (forcing you to squeeze a screwdriver near a sharp chain), the 135 Mark II has a side-mounted tensioning screw that is easy to reach with your scrench.
Chainsaw Safety
Even a light 38cc saw can cause severe injury. Review our full Chainsaw Safety Guide before operating the 135 Mark II.
- Always check that the inertia-activated chain brake snaps forward and locks the chain before starting the engine.
- Wear full protective gear: chaps, helmet, face shield, and ear protection. Gas engines produce high-frequency exhaust noise that can damage your hearing over time.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Flat Torque Curve: Great lugging power in 10-12 inch logs.
- LowVib System: Class-leading vibration isolation protects your hands.
- Air Injection: Reduces air filter maintenance.
- Fuel Efficiency: X-Torq engine is stingy on fuel and runs clean.
- Side-Mounted Tensioner: Durable and safe to adjust.
Cons
- Carburetor Starting Curve: Lean X-Torq setup requires strict starting sequence.
- Fixed-Flow Oiler: Cannot adjust oil output for dry, dusty cutting.
- Plastic Casing Clips: Can feel stiff or brittle in cold weather.
- Hardwood Limit: Limited to 16-inch bars in dense wood.
Final Verdict: Is the Husqvarna 135 Mark II Worth It?
If you are a professional tree climber or log home builder, you will find the composite crankcase and homeowner-grade build of the 135 Mark II limiting. You need a pro-grade magnesium crankcase built for 8-hour daily runs.
However, if you are a homeowner with a typical residential yard, a fireplace, and a need to clear seasonal storm debris, the Husqvarna 135 Mark II is one of the most refined, comfortable, and reliable gas chainsaws you can buy. It delivers professional-grade features—like Air Injection and LowVib dampening—in an affordable, lightweight package.
SAWOFF Rating: 4.7 / 5 — A top-tier homeowner gas saw.
🛒 Buy the Husqvarna 135 Mark II on AliExpressFrequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum bar length for the Husqvarna 135?
While it can technically fit an 18-inch bar, we recommend sticking to 14 or 16 inches for optimal engine performance and chain speed in hardwoods.
Does the Husqvarna 135 require special fuel?
It runs on a 50:1 gas/oil mix. For best longevity, use ethanol-free fuel or Husqvarna's pre-mixed XP fuel to prevent carburetor gumming.
How does it compare to the Husqvarna 120?
The 135 Mark II offers a more powerful engine (1.6 kW vs 1.4 kW) and better build quality, including superior air filtration and vibration dampening.
Is the chain tensioning tool-less?
The standard 135 Mark II features a side-mounted tensioner requiring a scrench. Some regional variants may offer tool-less versions, but side-tensioning is more durable.
How often should I clean the air filter?
Thanks to the Air Injection system, inspect every 10-15 tanks. In dry, dusty conditions, check more frequently. Never use compressed air—tap gently or wash with warm soapy water.
Can the 135 be used for professional tree work?
It is a homeowner-grade saw. While it shares X-Torq technology with pro models, its composite crankcase is not designed for 8-hour daily use.
What is the weight of the 135 Mark II?
The saw weighs 10.3 lbs (powerhead only), making it one of the lightest options in the 38cc homeowner class.
