A number of chain saw manufacturers claim to have built the first chain saw some time in the 1920s, but the fact is that as early as the first decade of that century, a chain saw driven by a water-cooled marine engine was presented for the first time.
The first Husqvarna chain saw: the A90. Launched autumn 1959.
Of course, the chain saws of that time had very little in common with those of today, since they were large, cumbersome machines that required at least two people to operate. It was not until after the Second World War that the development of saws and saw chains made it possible to make chain saws that could be handled by one person. Husqvarna started making chain saws in 1959. So we can’t claim to have manufactured the first one. But what we can claim is that we created the quintessential modern chain saw, as we know it today. Back then, chain saws were only used for felling and bucking, while de-limbing was still done with an axe.
Small, handy and efficient. The first one weighs less than 5 kg, the middle one 5.3 kg and the bottom one 6 kg, which can be compared to the first model which weighted 11.5 kg.
With the introduction of model 70 in the early 60s, Husqvarna revolutionised forestry. Model 70 was so light and handy that it could even be used for de-limbing. This was partly due to Husqvarna’s long experience of building engines that were light yet extremely robust. Chain saws were starting to be used for longer periods each workday and for a wider range of tasks, and consequently problems caused by vibrations from the engine and bar began to be more common. So extensive R & D work was initiated, in order to find ways to reduce the vibrations in the handle and thus to minimise the associated health risks.
It’s in situations like this that Husqvarna saws really demonstrate their qualities.
The next big step in chain saw development was in 1969 when Husqvarna presented Type 180, the world’s first chain saw with integrated vibration damping. The saw became a concrete example of Husqvarna’s philosophy of focussing on the work situation of the user. The Husqvarna Type 180 set the standard for a series of new Husqvarna models, and for all the other chain saw manufacturers.This practice of working hard to improve the working situation of the user is evident in all the continued development of the Husqvarna saws. Another concrete example is the inertia-activated chain brake, which greatly reduces the risk of injury in the event of uncontrolled kickback. It was yet another Husqvarna development that has become standard for all modern chain saws. Our close cooperation with the professionals who work out in the forest enables us to develop saws in accordance with their requirements, and to make their working situation less strenuous. As well, several of our solutions have led to lawmakers all round the world placing more stringent requirements on the other saw manufacturers. As we continue to push developments forward, this will benefit all users and bring them better working conditions.
Husqvarna begins its chain saw manufacturing in 1959. We launch the “90”, a saw with lower noise levels than others on the market.
We sign an agreement with the Swedish Crescent company. At this time, both Husqvarna and Crescent manufacture chain saws and outboard motors. Husqvarna stops making motors for boats. Crescent ceases their saw production and we “take over” one of their saw models.We launch the 70. A lighter and handier saw. Until now, chain saws have only been used for felling and bucking. With a lighter saw, it becomes possible to de-limb as well.
Husqvarna develops the 65. This saw is a great success and Husqvarna becomes a force to be reckoned with. The status of our saws grows.
Many forestry workers suffer from decreased circulation in their hands and fingers. The vibrations from the chain saw can cause white finger. Husqvarna develops a new saw, the 180, which has lower vibration levels than other saws.The saw becomes very popular in the US. Husqvarna continues to make the saw for many years.(Husqvarna exports very little. In 1968 special effort is put into the export market, and sales accelerate. We open our own sales companies in a number of countries and we also get several new distributors.)
Husqvarna continues its intensive R&D work. We launch the 140 which is handier, smaller and lighter than our earlier models. It’s based on the 180.This was the first ever made chain saw with an automatic chain break.
We develop a new saw for professional users, the 162. This saw is based on our experiences with saws like the 180 and 140.
We have several saws for professional users. Therefore we develop two saws for occasional users: the 40 and the 61. They are simplified versions of the 140 and the 162.They are high-quality saws but unfortunately we have trouble reaching the target group.
Now comes the Rancher 50. A saw that we develop especially for farmers and occasional users. The saw is a success. It’s still in production, as model 55. We’ve currently manufactured approximately 1.5-1.8 million saws of this model.
Husqvarna launches its first saw with a crank case of composite material, the 40. Now it’s possible to produce saws that are both lighter and handier.
We release the 154. A light, professional saw with a number of plastic parts. It sells very well in Central and Western Europe.
357 XP, the most powerful chain saw yet goes into production. It quickly becomes a huge success because of its combination of extreme power and easy handling.