Husqvarna Chainsaw 455 Rancher Owners Manual

The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding tasks such as felling, limbing, and bucking medium to large trees. It features a powerful X-Torq® engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an inertia-activated chain brake for safety, LowVib® anti-vibration system, combined choke/stop control, air injection centrifugal cleaning system, and an ergonomic design for comfortable operation. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq® engine, Inertia-activated chain brake, LowVib® system, Combined choke/stop control, Air Injection, Side-mounted chain tensioner, Quick-release air filter.

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

1. PPE Required: Safety helmet, hearing protection, eye protection (safety glasses or visor), protective gloves, chainsaw protective pants/chaps, and sturdy boots with non-slip soles.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children and pets. Ensure secure footing. Never operate on a ladder or in a tree.
3. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Do not let this part contact wood or other objects.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only, with engine stopped and cool. Use clean, fresh fuel mix (see Specifications). Wipe off any spills.

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

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble on a clean, flat surface.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar over studs. Fit chain around bar sprocket and onto drive sprocket, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Install bar nut and hand-tighten.
2. Add Bar & Chain Oil: Fill the separate oil tank with recommended bar and chain oil before first use.
3. Fuel Mix: Prepare fuel mixture of unleaded gasoline (min 89 octane) and high-quality 2-stroke oil at a 50:1 ratio (unless specified otherwise for break-in). Shake well.
4. Fill Fuel Tank: Add the prepared fuel mix to the fuel tank.

CAUTION! Never use straight gasoline or automotive motor oil. This will damage the engine.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 55.5 cm³ (3.4 cu. in.)
• Engine Power: 3.5 hp
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.81 US qt (0.77 liter)
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.46 US qt (0.44 liter)
• Recommended Fuel: Unleaded gasoline (min 89 octane) mixed with Husqvarna 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio
• Recommended Bar Lengths: 16", 18", 20"
• Chain Pitch: 3/8"
• Chain Gauge: 0.050" (1.3 mm)
• Weight (powerhead only): 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) approx.
• Sound Power Level: 114 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels (Front/Rear Handle): 3.5/4.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Main Controls: On/Stop switch, Choke control, Throttle trigger, Throttle trigger lockout, Chain brake lever/hand guard, Decompression valve (if equipped), Primer bulb (if equipped).

Components: Front handle, Rear handle, Fuel tank cap, Oil tank cap, Muffler, Spark plug, Air filter cover, Side-mounted chain tensioner, Guide bar, Saw chain.

Chain Brake: Can be engaged manually (pull hand guard towards front handle) or automatically (inertia-activated during kickback). Test function before each use.

Starting & Stopping the Engine

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on firm ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Activate decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set stop switch to "I" (On).
4. Pull choke control to full choke position.
5. Press primer bulb 4-6 times (if equipped).
6. Hold front handle firmly, place right foot in rear handle. Pull starter cord sharply until engine fires.
7. Move choke control to half-throttle position.
8. Pull starter cord again until engine starts. Briefly apply throttle to disengage fast idle.
9. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Warm Start: Follow steps but use half-throttle choke position, not full choke.

Stopping: Release throttle. Set stop switch to "0" (Stop).

Operating Instructions

Always maintain a firm grip with both hands.

1. Basic Cutting: Let the chain do the work. Apply light pressure. Do not force the saw.
2. Felling a Tree: Plan escape path (45-degree angle behind fall direction). Make notch cut (1/3 of tree diameter), then felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
3. Limbing: Stand on left side of trunk. Cut limbs from top side, using trunk as a barrier. Beware of spring-back.
4. Bucking (Cross-cutting): Support log properly. Cut from top side when possible. For logs under tension, cut from compression side first to avoid pinching.
5. Avoiding Kickback: Hold saw firmly, do not overreach. Do not cut with the tip. Be aware of kickback zone.

Tip: Keep the chain sharp and properly tensioned for safer, more efficient cutting.

Maintenance Schedule

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

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is critical for safety and performance.

1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Use side tensioner to adjust until chain fits snug against bar but can be pulled around by hand. Retighten bar nuts. Re-check tension when chain is cold.
2. Sharpening: Use a round file matching chain pitch (e.g., 5/32" for 3/8" chain). File each cutter at the original angle (typically 30°). Maintain equal length on all cutters. File depth gauges with a flat file and gauge.

WARNING! Wear heavy gloves when handling the chain.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

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

CAUTION! Never store saw with fuel in the tank for extended periods. Fuel can degrade and damage engine components.

Troubleshooting

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

Support: Husqvarna AB, SE-561 82 Huskvarna, Sweden. US: 1-800-487-5952. www.husqvarna.com