Husqvarna Chainsaw Rancher 61 Manual

The Husqvarna Rancher 61 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks, featuring a 61cc engine, X-Torq technology for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, Smart Start for easy starting, Air Injection centrifugal air cleaning system, LowVib anti-vibration system, combined choke/stop control, and inertia-activated chain brake. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 61cc X-Torq engine, 20-inch guide bar, chain brake, air filter, fuel tank, oil tank, throttle trigger, and stop switch.

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles and bystanders; ensure secure footing.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources; use approved fuel containers.
4. Kickback Awareness: Hold saw firmly with both hands; avoid contact with bar nose.
5. Chain Brake: Test chain brake before each use.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate when tired or under the influence.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach guide bar: Place bar over studs, align chain, adjust tension.
2. Fill fuel: Use fresh 50:1 gasoline/oil mix (2-stroke oil).
3. Fill chain oil: Use Husqvarna chain oil or equivalent.
4. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, stop switch, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure chain is installed with cutting teeth facing forward on top of bar.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 61 cc (3.7 cu in).
• Power Output: 3.8 kW (5.1 hp).
• Fuel Capacity: 0.55 liters (18.6 fl oz).
• Oil Capacity: 0.26 liters (8.8 fl oz).
• Guide Bar Length: 20 inches (standard).
• Chain Pitch: 3/8 inch.
• Chain Gauge: .050 inch.
• Weight (dry): 6.2 kg (13.7 lbs).
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A).
• Vibration Levels: Front handle 3.2 m/s², Rear handle 2.8 m/s².

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with chain brake, rear handle with throttle trigger, stop switch, choke control, primer bulb, and decompression valve.

Controls: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, stop switch, choke control, primer bulb, decompression valve, chain brake lever, side-mounted chain tensioner.

Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, spark plug, cylinder cover, chain catcher, muffler, fuel and oil caps.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on flat ground, clear of debris.
2. Activate chain brake.
3. Set choke control to full choke.
4. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
5. Press primer bulb 4-6 times.
6. Pull starter handle until engine fires.
7. Move choke to half-throttle position.
8. Pull starter handle to start.
9. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.

Warm Start: Use half-choke position; no priming needed.

Stopping: Release throttle; press stop switch to OFF.

Operating Instructions

Proper cutting techniques for safety and efficiency.

1. Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward.
2. Grip: Hold front handle with left hand, rear handle with right hand.
3. Starting Cut: Engage throttle fully before contacting wood.
4. Buckling: Cut from top of log; use saw horse for stability.
5. Felling: Make notch cut and back cut according to felling plan.
6. Kickback Prevention: Keep right elbow locked; never cut above shoulder height.

Tip: Let the chain do the work; don't force the saw. Maintain chain sharpness.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

1. Daily: Clean air filter, check chain tension and sharpness, clean saw body.
2. Weekly: Clean spark arrestor screen, check spark plug, clean cooling fins.
3. Monthly: Check fuel filter, replace air filter if needed, inspect anti-vibration mounts.
4. Chain Lubrication: Ensure oil port is clear; check oil flow before each use.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance. Use only Husqvarna-approved parts.

Chain Sharpening

A sharp chain reduces effort and improves safety.

1. Secure bar in vise.
2. File each cutter with round file at 30° angle.
3. Maintain consistent file height using guide.
4. File depth gauges with flat file to proper clearance.
5. Sharpen all cutters to same length.

WARNING! Wear cut-resistant gloves. File in one direction only, away from body.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues.

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
2. Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil.
3. Clean entire saw thoroughly.
4. Store in dry, cool place, protected from dust.
5. For long-term storage, fog engine with 2-stroke oil.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Fuel deteriorates and can damage engine.

Troubleshooting

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

Warranty: 2-year consumer warranty when registered within 30 days of purchase.