Last Updated on August 21, 2023 by Grow with Bovees
When it comes to tackling the really demanding jobs such as working on very large trees then the experienced chainsaw user will inevitably turn to a model that can handle a longer blade, something like a 24 or 28-inch bar and chain.
The Husqvarna 465 is certainly capable of handling a longer bar.
Husqvarna is one of the main brands we turn to when looking for chainsaws to review, and they have several models at the top end of their all-round saw range that fit the bill so are ideal for landowners, farmers and ranchers to tackle demanding jobs.
We’re going to compare the popular 460 model with a 24” blade against the less well known 465 Rancher which is a beast of a machine that can handle a 28” bar and chain.
The idea is that you will be able to see what the differences are to make it easier to decide which is the best model for you.
First, let’s take a look at the main features and specs of the two saws side by side for an easy way to spot any differences:
| 460 model | Husqvarna 465 Rancher Specs | |
| Engine | 60.3cc 2-stroke X-Torq. | 64.1cc 2- stroke X-Torq |
| Maximum speed | 9000rpm | 9600rpm |
| Power output | 3.2 hp | 4.29 hp |
| Autotune function | No | Yes |
| Chain | 24” – 0.375” pitch / 0.050” gauge | 28” – 0.375” pitch / 0.058” gauge |
| Compatible bar lengths | 13” min to 24” max | 15” min to 28” max |
| Starting aids | Smart Start, air purge, decompression device, combined choke/stop control, fuel pump | Smart Start, air purge, decompression device, combined choke/stop control, fuel pump |
| Pre-air cleaning | Yes – centrifugal air injection cleaning system | Yes – centrifugal air injection cleaning system |
| Air filter | Standard quality. Tool free access. | Standard quality. Tool free access. |
| Automatic oiler | Yes. Adjustable | Yes. Adjustable |
| Chain tensioning | External side access with included T-wrench | External side access with included T-wrench |
| Chain brake | Yes – hand guard and inertia operated | Yes – hand guard and inertia operated |
| Cold weather cover adjustment | Yes | Yes |
| Spark arrestor | Check model being purchased | Check model being purchased |
| Low vibration system | Yes – LowVib system | Yes – LowVib system |
| Fuel tank | 0.93 US Pint. Visible fuel level | 0.93 US Pint. Visible fuel level |
| Fuel | Gas/oil mix 50:1 | Gas/oil mix 50:1 |
| Fuel consumption | 437 g/kWh | 440 g/kWh |
| Chain oil tank | 0.68 US Pint | 0.68 US Pint |
| Weight (without cutting gear) | 12.79lbs | 13.45 lbs |
| Felling marks | Yes | Yes |
| CARB compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Vibrations at front/rear handles | 3.5 m/s2 and 4.5 m/s² | 3.9 m/s² and 5.5 m/s² |
| Sound pressure at operators ear | 104dB(A) | 109dB(A) |
| Warranty | Residential 2 years. Can be extended by buying premixed fuel at the time of purchase.Commercial 90 days. | Residential 2 years. Can be extended by buying premixed fuel at the time of purchase.Commercial 90 days. |
| Assembly required | Yes – bar and chain | Yes – bar and chain |
You may have all you need from that table to make your choice, so just click on the relevant button to find out what the best deals are on Amazon currently.
If you want to find out a bit more on what the main differences are between the two, then read on!
Engine and Performance
Both these chainsaws have big, powerful X-Torq 2-stroke engines that have the torque to drive the longer bar and chains over a wide RPM range. The engine in the 460 has a 60.3cc engine with a power output of 3.2hp and a maximum speed of 9000rpm.
As you might expect the bigger 465 Rancher has a larger 64.1cc engine with a higher 4.29hp power output and also a very fast 9600rpm top speed.
Of course, it needs this extra power to drive the 28” bar and chain, but it’s important to be aware that it’s a lot of chainsaw to handle. We recommend that only experienced operators think about buying and using one of these.
Autotune
Something that the Husky 465 has that the 460 doesn’t is their autotune feature. This is designed to provide optimal performance of the engine by utilizing an automatic engine tuning feature.
There will be no need to adjust the carburetor settings, in fact, all the adjustment screws have been removed, so you couldn’t even if you wanted to!
The autotune system automatically compensates for different temperatures, humidity, altitude and even different fuels. It can also keep the chainsaw running when there’s a clogged air filter, although it’s best to keep that clean through regular inspection and maintenance, obviously.
Bar and Chain
As you can see from the comparison table both these models can be fitted with different bar lengths besides the ones they are supplied with. For the 460, these can range from a minimum of 13 inches up to a maximum of 24 inches whereas the 465 can take anything from 15 inches up to that huge 28-inch blade at the top end.
There are tables in the technical section of each manual that gives you all the information you need to make sure you get the right combination of guide bar and chain that is compatible with your particular model.
Weight
The final main difference between these two large landowner chainsaws is, of course, their weight, and it will come as no surprise that the 460 is over 0.5lbs lighter at 12.79 lbs dry weight (i.e. with no bar, chain, fuel or oil).
That still puts it on the heavy side and so is not a saw you will want to use for jobs where you will be holding it for extended periods such as limbing and pruning. However, when fitted with smaller bars and chains this is still a versatile tool, and one that could be used for a variety of tough jobs.
The Husqvarna 465, on the other hand, is going to be too heavy for most purposes unless you prefer a chainsaw with lots of power to spare.
Why Was The Husqvarna 465 Discontinued?
The Husqvarna 465 chainsaw, although a very popular model, was discontinued for several reasons. One of the main factors contributing to its discontinuation was the introduction of newer, more advanced models in the market.
As technology evolved, Husqvarna saw the opportunity to offer improved features, increased power, and enhanced efficiency with their newer chainsaw models. Changing market demands and customer preferences played a role in the decision to discontinue the 465 Rancher.
The company continuously strives to meet the evolving needs of its customers and therefore decided to phase out the 465 Rancher to focus on producing and promoting their newer, more innovative chainsaw models.
Despite its discontinuation, the Husqvarna 465 Rancher remains a reliable and sought-after chainsaw among those who appreciate its power, durability, and performance capabilities.
Husqvarna 465 For Sale?
You can still find these machines around today, but people don’t really want to part with them. If you can find one on eBay or Craigslist, you should take the opportunity to check it out, they are a reliable saw, and will give many years of service.
Conclusion
The 460 and the Husqvarna 465 Rancher are certainly powerful enough to use for the most demanding jobs around the farm, ranch or homestead, but we think they are probably too big and heavy for occasional use on light to medium duty jobs, unless maybe you’re cutting multiple ricks of firewood every week. For small jobs, you may want to look at an electric chainsaw, Oregon has some decent models in the CS1400 and CS1500 to choose from, as does Makita, with the Makita UC3551A, which is a very reliable workhorse.
If you have a lot of big trees on your land, then you may need one of these of course and some people prefer to have a saw with lots of power in reserve.
The ability to fit different chain and bar lengths does help to make them more useful if you only have the one saw. And, if you need to clear the leaves from those trees, you may want to check out our review of the Husqvarna 360BT. It will complement either of these chainsaws perfectly.
As for which is the best chainsaw for the really big jobs such as felling and bucking large trees, then it depends a lot on how big the trees are and how often you will need to work on them. If you need to use a 28” bar then there is no choice but to go for the Husqvarna 465 and all the indications are that it will perform well, especially with the autotune feature to keep it running in all conditions.
If you don’t need the longer bar then the 460 may be the better choice as it’s lighter and more versatile, but still powerful enough to handle a 24” bar and chain.
