Husqvarna 55 Rancher Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 55 Rancher is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and ranch work. It features a powerful 55cc engine, X-Torq technology for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an inertia-activated chain brake, combined choke/stop control, air injection centrifugal cleaning system, and low vibration handles. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 55cc X-Torq engine, 16" or 18" guide bar, inertia-activated chain brake, combined choke/stop control, air injection system, side-mounted chain tensioner, and low vibration dampeners.

Safety Information

Always wear proper PPE: helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.

1. Clear work area of obstacles and bystanders.
2. Inspect chainsaw before each use: chain sharpness, tension, and all controls.
3. Always hold with both hands: right on rear handle, left on front handle.
4. Never operate above shoulder height or on a ladder.
5. Be aware of kickback zone: upper quadrant of guide bar tip.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Read and understand all instructions before operation.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all components. Assembly requires attaching guide bar and chain, and filling with fuel/oil.

1. Attach guide bar: Remove side cover, place bar over studs, ensure chain brake is disengaged.
2. Install chain: Place chain over sprocket and bar, ensure cutting teeth face forward on top.
3. Tension chain: Use side tensioner to achieve proper tension (should snap back when pulled).
4. Fill fuel: Use fresh 50:1 gasoline/oil mix (Husqvarna XP+ or equivalent).
5. Fill bar oil: Use quality chainsaw bar oil in separate tank.

CAUTION! Use only recommended fuels and lubricants. Improper mix can damage engine.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 55 cc
• Power Output: 3.2 hp
• Fuel Capacity: 0.95 US pints (0.45 liters)
• Bar Oil Capacity: 0.63 US pints (0.30 liters)
• Recommended Bar Length: 16" or 18"
• Chain Pitch: 3/8"
• Chain Gauge: 0.050"
• Weight (excl. cutting equipment): 11.7 lbs (5.3 kg)
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels: Front handle: 4.2 m/s², Rear handle: 6.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Main controls located on rear handle and body. Front Handle: Chain brake/hand guard. Rear Handle: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, choke/stop control, primer bulb.

Additional Components: Side cover, chain tensioner, spark plug cover, air filter cover, fuel cap, oil cap, decompression valve (if equipped).

Operation: Master control lever (choke/stop), throttle trigger with lockout, chain brake activation, decompression valve for easier starting.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

1. Place on flat, clear surface. Engage chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set master control to choke position.
4. Press primer bulb 4-6 times until fuel is visible.
5. Pull starter handle until engine fires (1-3 pulls).
6. Move master control to half-throttle position.
7. Pull starter handle until engine starts.
8. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.

Warm Start: Skip choke and priming steps. Use half-throttle position.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle, push master control to STOP position.

Cutting Techniques

Basic felling and bucking techniques for safe operation.

1. Felling: Plan escape path (45° behind fall direction). Make notch cut (1/3 diameter), then back cut leaving hinge wood.
2. Limbing: Work from trunk to tips. Support saw with trunk, cut with pulling chain.
3. Bucking: Support log properly. Use top of bar for cutting, avoid ground contact.
4. Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip, don't cut with tip, use reduced kickback chain.

Tip: Let the chain do the work; don't force the saw. Keep chain sharp for best performance.

Maintenance Schedule

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance ensures safe and efficient cutting.

1. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 5/32" for 3/8" chain). Maintain 30° cutting angle, file all cutters evenly.
2. Depth Gauge: File depth gauges with flat file when sharpening. Maintain 0.025" below cutter height.
3. Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely. Proper tension: chain should snap back when pulled from bar.
4. Lubrication: Ensure oil port is clear, oil flows to bar when running at high RPM.

WARNING! Always wear gloves when handling chain. A dull chain increases kickback risk.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Empty fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer.
2. Run engine until carburetor is dry.
3. Remove chain, clean and oil it separately.
4. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins.
5. Store in dry place, protected from moisture.
6. For long-term storage: Remove spark plug, add teaspoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to distribute.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

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

Safety Recall Check: Always check for safety recalls before operation.