Husqvarna Chainsaw 55 Rancher Manual

The Husqvarna Chainsaw 55 Rancher is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and farm work. It features a powerful X-Torq engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an ergonomic design for comfortable handling, low vibration levels, and a robust construction for durability. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

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

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety helmet, hearing protection, protective glasses, gloves, and chainsaw protective pants.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and animals at least 15 meters away. Ensure secure footing.
3. Chain Brake: Test chain brake function before each use.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only when engine is cool. Use clean fuel container.

WARNING! Kickback can occur without warning causing serious injury. Maintain proper grip and stance. Never operate with one hand.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble on clean, flat surface.

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on mounting studs, fit chain with cutting teeth facing forward, adjust tension.
2. Fill with fuel: Use 50:1 fuel/oil mixture (Husqvarna XP+ oil recommended).
3. Fill chain oil: Use quality chain oil in separate tank.
4. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Chain must be properly tensioned - should snap back when pulled from guide bar. Overtightening damages bar and chain.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 55.5 cc
• Power Output: 3.2 kW (4.3 hp)
• Fuel Capacity: 0.55 L
• Oil Capacity: 0.26 L
• Guide Bar Length: 15-20 inches (standard 18")
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" or .325"
• Weight (excl. cutting equipment): 5.2 kg
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels: Front handle 3.5 m/s², Rear handle 4.5 m/s²
• Emissions: Meets EPA Phase 2 and EU Stage II standards

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with chain brake, Rear handle, Throttle trigger, Throttle lockout, Combined choke/stop control, Decompression valve, Chain tensioner, Fuel cap, Oil cap.

Safety Features: Chain brake (manual/inertia activated), Right hand guard, Chain catcher, Throttle lockout.

Operation Controls: Start/stop switch, Choke control, Decompression valve (easier starting), Purge pump (on some models). Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, Spark plug, Cylinder cover, Chain lubrication adjustment.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

1. Place saw on flat ground, clear of debris.
2. Activate chain brake by pushing forward.
3. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
4. Set choke control to full choke position.
5. Press purge bulb 6 times (if equipped).
6. Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle.
7. Pull starter handle until engine fires (1-4 pulls).
8. Move choke to half-throttle position.
9. Pull starter handle until engine starts.
10. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.

Stopping: Release throttle, move stop switch to STOP position.

Operating Instructions

Proper cutting techniques for safety and efficiency.

1. Basic Stance: Stand with feet apart, left foot slightly forward.
2. Grip: Hold front handle with left hand, rear handle with right hand.
3. Starting Cut: Apply light pressure, let chain do the work.
4. Bucking: Support log properly, cut from top side.
5. Limbing: Stand on left side of trunk, cut downward branches first.
6. Felling: Plan escape path (45° angle behind tree), make notch cut then felling cut.
7. Kickback Prevention: Keep saw body close to your body, avoid cutting with tip of bar.

WARNING! Never cut above shoulder height. Be aware of tension in wood (compression and tension wood).

Maintenance Schedule

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check fuel and oil levels. Inspect for loose parts or damage.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance ensures optimal performance.

1. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 5.5mm). File each cutter at 30° angle. Maintain consistent depth gauge height.
2. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts, adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar. Tighten bar nuts while lifting bar tip.
3. Lubrication: Check oil flow by running saw at idle over light-colored surface - should show oil line.
4. Rotation: Regularly rotate bar to ensure even wear.

Tip: Sharpen chain frequently - a sharp chain requires less force and is safer.

Storage Guidelines

Long-term storage preparation:

1. Empty fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
2. Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter 2-3 times, reinstall plug.
3. Clean entire saw thoroughly.
4. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil.
5. Store in dry, cool place away from ignition sources.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Fuel deteriorates and damages carburetor.

Troubleshooting

Service: For technical support contact Husqvarna at 1-800-487-5962 or visit www.husqvarna.com

Warranty: 2-year consumer warranty when purchased from authorized dealer and registered within 30 days.