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, Smart Start for easy starting, Air Injection centrifugal air cleaning system, LowVib anti-vibration system, and an inertia-activated chain brake for safety. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq engine, 20-inch guide bar, Chain brake, Air Injection system, Smart Start, LowVib handles, Combined choke/stop control, Side-mounted chain tensioner.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all contents. Assemble on a clean, stable surface.

1. Attach Guide Bar and Chain: Place bar on mounting studs, loop chain over bar with cutters facing forward, adjust tension.
2. Fill with Fuel: Use fresh, high-quality gasoline mixed with 2-stroke oil (50:1 ratio).
3. Fill Chain Oil: Use recommended bar and chain oil in separate tank.
4. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

WARNING! Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, and chainsaw chaps.

First-Time Operation

Perform pre-start checks before first use.

1. Check Chain Tension: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely.
2. Test Chain Brake: Engage brake by pushing forward guard; chain should stop immediately.
3. Start Procedure: Place on ground, engage chain brake, set master control to choke, pull starter cord until engine fires, set to run position, pull to start.
4. Warm Up: Allow engine to idle for 30-60 seconds before cutting.

CAUTION! Never start the chainsaw in a closed area. Ensure you have a firm footing and clear escape path.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 55.5 cc
• Power Output: 3.5 hp
• Guide Bar Length: 20 inches (standard)
• Chain Pitch: 3/8 inch
• Chain Gauge: .050 inch
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.95 US pint (0.45 liter)
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.63 US pint (0.30 liter)
• Weight (excluding cutting equipment): 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg)
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Level (front/rear handle): 3.5/4.5 m/s²

Controls and Functions

Master Control Lever: Combines choke, start, and stop functions. Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed to engage throttle. Chain Brake/Hand Guard: Stops chain rotation when engaged. Decompression Valve: Reduces cylinder pressure for easier starting. Stop Switch: Turns ignition off.

Starting: Engage chain brake, set master control to choke, pull starter cord until engine fires, move control to run, pull to start. Stopping: Release throttle, allow to idle, press stop switch.

Chain & Bar Setup

Proper chain installation and tension are critical for safe operation.

1. Loosen bar nuts with combination wrench.
2. Place bar over studs, ensuring tensioning pin engages in bar hole.
3. Loop chain over sprocket and bar, ensuring cutters face forward on top of bar.
4. Tighten chain by turning tensioning screw until chain is snug against bar but can be pulled around by hand.
5. Tighten bar nuts securely.

Tip: Always check chain tension when engine is cold and after first few minutes of operation.

Safe Operation Procedures

Always follow safe cutting practices.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
2. Pre-Cut Inspection: Check chain sharpness, tension, and lubrication.
3. Cutting Position: Maintain secure footing, hold saw firmly with both hands.
4. Kickback Prevention: Keep nose of bar out of cut, do not cut above shoulder height.
5. Refueling: Stop engine and allow to cool before refueling.
6. Carrying: Engage chain brake when moving between cuts.

WARNING! Kickback can occur suddenly and violently. Always be prepared and maintain a firm grip.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Clean air filter, check chain tension and sharpness, clean saw body, check all fasteners. Weekly: Clean spark arrestor screen, check spark plug, clean cooling fins. Monthly: Clean fuel filter, check fuel lines, clean carburetor air intake. As Needed: Sharpen chain, replace worn sprocket, clean bar groove.

Care & Storage

Clean thoroughly after each use. For long-term storage: Empty fuel tank, run engine until it stops, remove spark plug and add teaspoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to distribute oil, store in dry place.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Use fuel stabilizer if necessary.

Regulatory Information

EPA and CARB certified for emissions. Meets ANSI B175.1 safety standards. Contains parts that may be subject to California Proposition 65 warnings. For warranty service and parts, contact authorized Husqvarna dealer. Copyright © Husqvarna AB. All rights reserved. For support, visit www.husqvarna.com or contact 1-800-487-5962.

Troubleshooting

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

Support: 1-800-487-5962; www.husqvarna.com