Husqvarna 445 Rancher Manual

The Husqvarna 445 Rancher is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding tasks on farms, ranches, and for property maintenance. It features a powerful X-Torq engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an inertia-activated chain brake for safety, combined choke/stop control, air injection for reduced air filter cleaning, and a low vibration system. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq engine, inertia-activated chain brake, combined choke/stop control, air injection system, side-mounted chain tensioner, and low vibration handles.

Safety Information

Always wear proper protective equipment and follow safe operating procedures.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear chainsaw chaps, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
2. Pre-Operation Check: Inspect chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication before each use.
3. Safe Starting: Place on flat ground, engage chain brake, and follow starting procedure.
4. Operating Zone: Maintain a 15-foot safety zone from other people.

WARNING! Kickback can occur without warning. Always hold saw firmly with both hands and avoid contact with bar tip.

Assembly & First Use

Unpack and assemble components. Prepare fuel mixture.

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Loosen bar nuts, position bar, fit chain with cutting teeth facing forward, adjust tension.
2. Add bar and chain oil: Fill oil reservoir with Husqvarna biodegradable chain oil.
3. Prepare fuel: Mix 50:1 ratio of unleaded gasoline (min 89 octane) with Husqvarna XP+ 2-cycle oil.
4. Prime and start: Press fuel primer bulb 5-6 times, set choke, pull starter cord until engine fires.

CAUTION! Never use straight gasoline or automotive oil. Use only recommended 2-cycle oil mix.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 45.7 cc (2.8 cu in)
• Power Output: 2.8 hp
• Fuel Consumption: 470 g/kWh
• Exhaust Emissions: Meets EPA Phase II and EU Stage II standards
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
• Sound Power Level: 116 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels: Front handle 3.5 m/s², Rear handle 4.5 m/s²
• Weight (dry): 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) without bar and chain
• Recommended Bar Lengths: 16" - 20"
• Chain Pitch: 3/8"
• Chain Gauge: 0.050"

Controls and Components

Main controls: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, stop switch, choke control, chain brake, and decompression valve.

Right Side: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, front handle, chain brake lever. Left Side: Stop switch, choke control, decompression valve (if equipped), rear handle, fuel and oil caps. Top: Spark plug cover, air filter cover, starter handle.

Safety Features: Chain brake (manual and inertia-activated), throttle trigger lockout, right-hand guard, chain catcher. Maintenance Points: Air filter, spark plug, cylinder fins, chain tensioner, oil pump adjustment.

Operation Guide

Starting, cutting techniques, and fueling procedures.

1. Cold Start: Engage chain brake, set choke, press decompression valve (if equipped), pull starter cord until engine fires.
2. Warm Start: Disengage choke, pull starter cord 1-3 times.
3. Basic Cutting: Use full throttle when cutting, let chain do the work, avoid forcing saw.
4. Refueling: Stop engine and allow to cool. Clean area around fuel cap before opening.
5. Chain Lubrication: Check oil flow by pointing bar tip at light surface and running at full throttle.

Tip: Maintain sharp chain for efficient cutting and reduced operator fatigue.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance is critical for safety and performance.

1. Chain Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts, adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
2. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 5/32" for 3/8" chain). Maintain 30° filing angle.
3. Depth Gauge Setting: Use depth gauge tool to maintain proper raker height (0.025" for standard chain).
4. Filing Technique: File from inside out with consistent strokes, maintain equal tooth length.

CAUTION! Wear gloves when handling chain. Replace chain when stretched beyond adjustment limits.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Short-term (under 30 days): Fill fuel tank to prevent condensation.
2. Long-term: Drain fuel tank and run carburetor dry. Remove chain and store in oil.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter area.
4. Store in dry, protected area away from ignition sources.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods. Use fuel stabilizer if necessary.

Warranty Information

Husqvarna 445 Rancher comes with a 2-year consumer warranty and 90-day commercial warranty from date of purchase. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, or use of non-genuine parts. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact authorized Husqvarna dealer. Register product online at www.husqvarna.com for extended warranty options.

Troubleshooting

Service: For technical support, contact Husqvarna at 1-800-487-5962 or visit www.husqvarna.com. Always use genuine Husqvarna replacement parts.