Husqvarna 55 Rancher Manual

The Husqvarna 55 Rancher is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and land management work. It features a powerful X-Torq engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an inertia-activated chain brake for safety, an anti-vibration system for operator comfort, an air injection system for cleaner air intake, and a side-mounted chain tensioner for easy adjustments. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

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

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear appropriate PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety helmet, hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, chainsaw protective trousers, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 meters away. Ensure secure footing. Never operate on a ladder or unstable surface.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped and cool. Use clean, fresh fuel mix (see Specifications). Wipe up spills immediately.
4. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Never cut with this part of the bar.

WARNING! A chainsaw is a dangerous tool. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death.

Assembly & First Use

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach the guide bar and chain: Place the bar on the studs, loop the chain around the bar sprocket and onto the bar groove with cutting teeth facing forward. Adjust tension.
2. Fill with fuel: Use a clean fuel can to fill the tank with the correct petrol/oil mixture (50:1).
3. Fill chain oil: Use good quality chain oil. The saw has an automatic oiler.
4. Check chain brake: Pull the front hand guard back towards the front handle. It should click into the braked position. Push it forward to disengage.

CAUTION! Ensure the chain is correctly installed and properly tensioned before starting.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 55.5 cc
• Power Output: 3.2 kW (4.3 hp)
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.5 liters
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.26 liters
• Recommended Bar Lengths: 13" to 20" (33 cm to 50 cm)
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" or .325" (depending on configuration)
• Weight (Powerhead): 5.2 kg (without bar and chain)
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: Front Handle: 3.5 m/s², Rear Handle: 4.5 m/s²
• Fuel/Oil Mix Ratio: 50:1 (High-quality 2-stroke oil with 90+ octane unleaded gasoline)

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Main Components: Front Handle, Rear Handle, Throttle Trigger, Throttle Trigger Lockout, Stop Switch, Choke Control, Chain Brake Lever (Front Hand Guard), Decompression Valve (if equipped), Fuel Cap, Oil Cap, Air Filter Cover, Muffler, Guide Bar, Saw Chain.

Operation: The throttle trigger lockout must be depressed before the throttle trigger can be activated. The chain brake is engaged by pushing the front hand guard forward (manually) or by inertia during a kickback.

Starting & Stopping

Always start the saw on the ground or a firm surface.

1. Cold Start: Engage the chain brake. Set the master control lever to choke position (full down). Press the decompression valve (if equipped). Pull the starter cord sharply until the engine fires. Move the master control lever up one notch to half-throttle position. Pull again to start. Blip the throttle to disengage the start setting.
2. Warm Start: Set the master control lever to the half-throttle position (middle). Pull the starter cord.
3. Stopping: Release the throttle and allow the engine to idle. Push the stop switch to the "O" or "STOP" position.

Tip: Never drop-start the saw. Always use a firm grip on the rear handle and place your foot in the handle.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Use a firm grip and maintain good balance. Let the saw do the work.

1. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 of tree diameter). Make felling cut from opposite side, leaving a hinge.
2. Limbing: Stand on the left side of the trunk. Cut limbs from the bottom of the tree working towards the top. Use the guide bar's underside for cutting.
3. Bucking (Cross-cutting): Support the log properly. Cut from the top down for logs under tension. Be aware of pinch points.
4. Kickback Prevention: Always hold saw firmly with both hands. Do not cut with the upper tip of the bar. Maintain a high chain speed when entering a cut.

WARNING! Be extremely cautious of kickback. It can happen suddenly and violently.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

Chain & Bar Care

A sharp, well-lubricated chain is essential for safe and efficient cutting.

1. Sharpening: Use a round file and file guide matching your chain pitch. Maintain the correct filing angle (typically 30°). File all cutters to the same length. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge.
2. Tensioning: Chain should be snug against the bar but pull freely by hand. Tension when cold. Re-tension after first few minutes of use when chain warms up.
3. Lubrication: Always use recommended chain oil. Check oil flow by running the saw at high speed near a light-colored surface (like a stump). A line of oil should appear.
4. Bar Maintenance: Regularly clean the bar groove. Flip the bar over each time you sharpen the chain to ensure even wear.

CAUTION! Always wear heavy gloves when handling the chain.

Storage

Prepare the saw properly for long-term storage.

1. Empty the fuel tank and run the engine until it stops to clear the carburetor.
2. Remove the chain and bar. Clean them thoroughly and coat with oil.
3. Clean the entire saw, especially the cooling fins and air filter area.
4. Store in a dry, clean, and secure place, out of reach of children.

Tip: Using a fuel stabilizer in the last tank before storage can help if you cannot completely drain the system.

Troubleshooting

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

Support: Husqvarna AB, SE-561 82 Huskvarna, Sweden. www.husqvarna.com