Husqvarna 455 Rancher Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding tasks such as felling, limbing, and bucking. It features a powerful X-Torq engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an inertia-activated chain brake for safety, an air injection system for reduced air filter cleaning, and a low vibration system for operator comfort. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Preparation 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Chain & Bar Setup 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Safety Features 10. Storage & Care 11. Regulatory Information 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq engine, Inertia-activated chain brake, Air Injection system, Combined choke/stop control, Smart Start system, LowVib anti-vibration system.

Feature	Description
X-Torq Engine	Reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions
Inertia Chain Brake	Automatically activates in kickback situations
Air Injection	Centrifugal air cleaning system for longer filter intervals
Combined Choke/Stop Control	Simplified starting with three positions (run, choke, stop)
Smart Start	Reduces resistance in starter cord for easier starting
LowVib System	Reduces vibration to the handles for operator comfort
Side-mounted Chain Tensioner	Easy chain adjustment without tools
Quick-release Air Filter	Tool-less access for easy cleaning
Fuel Pump	Primer bulb for easy starting after storage
Chain Catcher	Helps reduce risk if chain breaks or derails

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all contents. Ensure you have all safety gear.

Assemble the bar and chain: Place bar on mounting studs, fit chain over sprocket and bar, adjust tension.
Fill with fuel: Use a mix of gasoline and 2-stroke oil (50:1 ratio recommended).
Fill chain oil: Use high-quality bar and chain oil in the separate reservoir.
Check chain brake: Ensure it moves freely and engages properly.

WARNING! Always wear protective equipment: helmet, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, and chainsaw chaps.

First-Time Operation

Perform a pre-operation check before starting.

Check chain tension: Chain should be snug but pull freely around the bar.
Check chain sharpness: A sharp chain reduces effort and kickback risk.
Start the saw: Place on flat ground, engage chain brake, set choke, pull starter cord.
Warm up: Allow engine to run at idle for a minute before cutting.

CAUTION! Never start the saw unless the chain brake is engaged. Keep bystanders at a safe distance.

Specifications

Engine Displacement: 55.5 cc (3.4 cu in).
Power Output: 3.5 hp.
Fuel Tank Volume: 0.95 US pt (0.45 l).
Oil Tank Volume: 0.74 US pt (0.35 l).
Recommended Bar Lengths: 18" or 20".
Chain Pitch: 3/8".
Chain Gauge: 0.050".
Weight (excluding cutting equipment): 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg).
Sound Power Level: 114 dB(A).
Vibration Levels (front/rear handle): 3.5/4.5 m/s².

Controls and Components

Main controls located on the top and rear handle.

Front Handle: Throttle trigger, Throttle trigger lockout, Front hand guard (activates chain brake).

Top/Rear: Combined choke/stop control, Primer bulb, Fuel cap, Oil cap, Chain tensioner, Chain brake lever, Decompression valve (if equipped), Master control lever (choke, start, run).

Operation: Pull choke for cold start, push to run position once started. Engage chain brake by pushing front hand guard forward. Use throttle lockout with throttle trigger for safety.

Chain & Bar Setup

Proper chain installation and tension are critical for safe operation.

Loosen bar nuts with combination wrench.
Turn tensioning screw to adjust chain tension.
Lift bar tip and tighten chain until it snaps back against the bar when pulled.
Retighten bar nuts while lifting bar tip.

Tip: Always check chain tension when the saw is cold. A hot chain expands and may seem tight.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

Daily: Clean air filter, check chain tension and sharpness, clean saw body, check for loose parts.
Weekly: Clean cooling fins, check spark plug, clean fuel filter, inspect bar for wear.
Monthly: Clean carburetor air intake, check fuel lines, inspect anti-vibration elements.
Seasonally: Replace spark plug, clean muffler, inspect clutch and sprocket.

WARNING! Always disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Safety Features

Chain Brake: Inertia-activated and manual. Throttle Trigger Lockout: Prevents accidental throttle engagement. Right Hand Guard: Protects hand and activates chain brake. Chain Catcher: Helps contain a broken chain. Decompression Valve: Reduces cylinder pressure for easier starting (if equipped).

Storage & Care

For long-term storage, empty fuel tank and run engine until it stops. Remove chain and bar, clean and oil them. Store in a dry, cool place.

CAUTION! Never store a chainsaw with fuel in the tank for more than 30 days. Use fuel stabilizer if needed.

Regulatory Information

EPA and CARB compliant for emissions. Meets ANSI B175.1 safety standards for gasoline-powered chainsaws. Copyright © Husqvarna AB. All rights reserved. Husqvarna is a registered trademark. For genuine parts and accessories, visit www.husqvarna.com or contact your local authorized dealer. Customer Support: 1-800-487-5962.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No fuel, flooded engine, spark plug	Check fuel level; wait if flooded; check/replace spark plug.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, air filter, carburetor	Replace fuel filter; clean air filter; service carburetor.
Chain does not turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch, sprocket	Disengage chain brake; inspect clutch and drive sprocket.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain, damaged bar	Tighten all nuts/bolts; sharpen chain evenly; inspect/replace bar.
Chain throws oil	Oil pump setting, wrong oil viscosity	Adjust oil pump; use correct bar and chain oil.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, muffler screen, fuel quality	Clean air filter and muffler screen; use fresh fuel mix.

Reset: For electronic ignition models, ensure spark plug wire is securely connected.

Service: For repairs, contact an authorized Husqvarna service dealer.