Husqvarna Chainsaw 50 Rancher Manual

The Husqvarna 50 Rancher is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and farm work. It features a powerful 50cc engine, X-Torq® technology for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an inertia-activated chain brake, LowVib® anti-vibration system, Air Injection™ air cleaning, and Smart Start® for easy starting. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 50cc X-Torq® engine, 16" or 18" guide bar, inertia-activated chain brake, combined choke/stop control, side-mounted chain tensioner, and LowVib® anti-vibration system.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation. Always wear proper protective equipment.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety helmet, hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, chainsaw protective pants, and steel-toe boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear work area of obstacles. Ensure no persons or animals are within 15 feet (5 meters).
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only when engine is cool. Use approved fuel container. Wipe off spills.
4. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip where kickback occurs. Never cut with this part of the bar.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools that can cause serious injury or death. Never operate when tired, under influence of medication, alcohol, or drugs.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain, fill with fuel and oil.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Loosen bar nuts. Fit bar over studs. Place chain over sprocket and onto bar groove. Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Tighten bar nuts finger-tight.
2. Tension Chain: Use side-mounted tensioner to adjust until chain snaps back when pulled from bar. Tighten bar nuts securely.
3. Fuel Mix: Use high-quality 2-stroke engine oil mixed with unleaded gasoline (min 90 octane) at 50:1 ratio (2%). Use Husqvarna XP® oil for best performance.
4. Fill Tanks: Fill fuel tank with correct mix. Fill chain oil tank with special chainsaw bar & chain oil.

CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is disengaged (pushed forward) before starting. Check that chain moves freely.

Technical Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 50.2 cm³ (3.06 cu.in.)
• Engine Power: 2.4 kW (3.2 hp)
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.5 L (1.06 US pt)
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.26 L (0.55 US pt)
• Recommended Bar Length: 16" or 18" (40 cm or 45 cm)
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" or .325"
• Chain Gauge: 0.050" (1.3 mm)
• Weight (excl. cutting equipment): 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs)
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Level (front/rear handle): 3.5/4.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the chainsaw.

Right Side: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, front handle, chain brake handle, choke/stop control, primer bulb, air filter cover.

Left Side: Rear handle with vibration dampeners, starter handle, combined choke/stop control lever, fuel tank cap, chain oil tank cap, side-mounted chain tensioner, spark plug cover.

Chain Brake: Manual activation by pushing handle forward. Automatic inertia activation during kickback. Disengage by pulling handle back toward rear handle.

Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed before throttle trigger can be activated. Prevents accidental throttle engagement.

Starting & Stopping

Follow proper starting procedure to avoid injury and damage.

1. Cold Start: Place saw on firm ground. Engage chain brake. Press decompression valve (if equipped). Move choke/stop control to choke position. Press primer bulb 4-6 times. Pull starter cord slowly until resistance is felt, then pull briskly. When engine fires, move control to half-throttle position. Pull starter cord again until engine starts. Blip throttle to disengage choke.
2. Warm Start: Control in run position. Pull starter cord.
3. Stopping: Release throttle. Move choke/stop control to stop position.

Tip: Always start at least 10 feet (3 meters) from fueling area.

Basic Operation & Cutting

Proper cutting technique ensures safety and efficiency.

1. Grip: Hold front handle with left hand, rear handle with right hand. Thumbs wrapped underneath handles.
2. Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward.
3. Basic Cut: Let saw reach full speed before contacting wood. Use moderate pressure - let the chain do the work.
4. Felling: Plan escape path (45° angle to rear). Make notch cut (1/3 of tree diameter). Make felling cut opposite notch, leaving hinge wood.
5. Limbing: Work from trunk outward. Support limb if possible. Beware of springback.
6. Buckling: Support log properly. Cut from top side when possible. Beware of pinch points.

WARNING! Never cut above shoulder height. Always be aware of kickback danger zone (upper tip of guide bar).

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is essential for safe, efficient cutting.

1. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (usually 5/32" or 7/32"). File each cutter at original angle (usually 30°). Maintain equal length on all cutters. File depth gauges with flat file when needed.
2. Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely. When warm, re-tension. Proper tension: chain should snap back when pulled from bar.
3. Rotation: Rotate bar regularly to ensure even wear.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure engine is off and spark plug wire disconnected.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system problems and corrosion.

1. Short Term (1-2 months): Fill fuel tank to prevent condensation. Run engine dry of fuel in carburetor.
2. Long Term: Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor. Remove chain, clean and oil it. Clean entire saw. Store in dry, protected area.
3. Fuel Stabilizer: For storage up to 6 months, add fuel stabilizer to fresh fuel mix, run engine 10 minutes to circulate.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods. Fuel deteriorates and can damage carburetor.

Troubleshooting

Service: For major repairs, contact authorized Husqvarna service dealer. Use only genuine Husqvarna replacement parts.

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