How many horsepower is a 42cc chainsaw?
A 42cc gas chainsaw typically produces about 2.0 to 2.5 horsepower, and many 42cc 2-cycle engines are commonly rated around 2.3 HP. For your Craftsman CMXGSAMY426S gas chainsaw, horsepower varies by engine design and tuning, but it falls in that same typical range.
Typical 42cc horsepower range (what to expect)
Most 42cc 2-cycle chainsaws are built for homeowner to light commercial cutting; they prioritize usable torque and chain speed over a high HP number.
- Typical output: ~2.0 to 2.5 HP
- Common published rating for 42cc class saws: ~2.3 HP
- Real-world cutting power depends heavily on bar/chain condition and carburetor tune
- A dull chain can make a healthy engine feel “low power”
- A restricted air filter can reduce RPM and cutting performance
Quick reference table
| Engine size | Typical horsepower | Best use case |
|---|---|---|
| 35cc to 40cc | ~1.8 to 2.2 HP | limbing, small trees |
| 42cc | ~2.0 to 2.5 HP | firewood, medium cuts |
| 50cc to 60cc | ~3.0 to 4.5 HP | larger hardwood, frequent use |
If your CMXGSAMY426S feels underpowered
Before assuming an engine problem, we recommend checking the common “power robbers” first:
- Clean or replace the mtd chainsaw air filter 953-08134
- Inspect the chain for sharpness and correct tension
- Confirm the chain brake is fully releasing
- Use fresh, properly mixed 2-cycle fuel (stale fuel reduces power)
- Check the muffler outlet for carbon blockage
Helpful parts that often restore performance
| Symptom | Part to consider |
|---|---|
| Hard starting, weak throttle response | Mtd chainsaw primer bulb 953-08127 |
| Won’t stay running, inconsistent power | Mtd chainsaw carburetor 953-08137 |
Why it matters
Horsepower is only one piece of cutting performance. On a 42cc chainsaw, a sharp chain, clean air filter, and properly functioning fuel system usually make a bigger difference than the advertised HP number.
Last updated: February 2026
Is 40:1 or 50:1 mix for chainsaws?
For the Craftsman CMXGSAMY426S gas chainsaw, use a 40:1 gas-to-2-cycle oil mix. A 40:1 mix provides the oil level this 2-cycle engine is designed to run on; using 50:1 reduces lubrication and can shorten engine life under load.
Quick mix chart (40:1)
Measure accurately; small errors matter on a chainsaw.
| Gasoline amount | Oil needed for 40:1 |
|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 3.2 fl oz |
| 1/2 gallon | 1.6 fl oz |
| 1 quart | 0.8 fl oz |
How we recommend mixing fuel
- Use fresh, unleaded gasoline and quality 2-cycle oil rated for air-cooled engines.
- Mix in an approved fuel can; add oil first, then gasoline, then shake.
- Make only what you will use soon; old fuel causes hard starting and poor idle.
- Keep bar and chain oil separate; it is not part of the 40:1 premix.
- If the saw smokes heavily or loads up, check the air intake and spark plug condition.
Parts that help prevent fuel-related running issues
A restricted intake or weak priming can mimic “bad mix” symptoms.
- Mtd chainsaw air filter 953-08134
- Mtd chainsaw primer bulb 953-08127
- Mtd chainsaw carburetor 953-08137
Why it matters
The correct fuel-to-oil ratio protects the piston, cylinder, and crank bearings from overheating and scoring. Too little oil (leaner mixes like 50:1) increases wear; too much oil increases smoke and carbon buildup.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Craftsman chainsaws now?
Today, Craftsman chainsaws (including the Craftsman CMXGSAMY426S gas chainsaw) are sold under the Craftsman brand owned by Stanley Black & Decker; the actual manufacturing can vary by model and production run, and many current Craftsman gas saws are built on MTD-style platforms and parts families.
What this means for parts and repairs
For repairs, the most reliable way to identify who built your specific saw is to match parts by model number CMXGSAMY426S and the exact replacement part listing, not by assumptions about the manufacturer.
- Use the model number CMXGSAMY426S when searching parts diagrams and listings.
- Match by the exact part description and part number.
- If your saw has starting or fuel issues, start with common maintenance items.
- If it will not start, check ignition and switch components next.
- For cutting performance issues, confirm the bar and chain are the correct match for the model.
Common CMXGSAMY426S parts that help identify the platform
These parts are frequently associated with MTD-sourced Craftsman chainsaws and are a practical way to confirm fitment for your CMXGSAMY426S.
| What you are fixing | Part to check first | Why it is commonly replaced |
|---|---|---|
| Hard starting, stalling | Mtd chainsaw air filter 953-08134 | A restricted filter causes rich running and poor acceleration |
| No fuel draw, won’t prime | Mtd chainsaw primer bulb 953-08127 | Cracked bulbs leak air and stop priming |
| No spark or intermittent run | Mtd chainsaw start/stop switch 953-08223 | A faulty switch can ground ignition unexpectedly |
| Poor cutting, chain issues | Mtd chainsaw chain 713-05041 | Worn or incorrect chain reduces cutting and increases kickback risk |
Why it matters
Craftsman is a brand, not a single factory. Knowing that the CMXGSAMY426S often shares an MTD-style parts ecosystem helps you focus on correct-fit parts (air filter, primer bulb, chain brake, carburetor) and avoid ordering by “looks similar.”
Last updated: February 2026
