Husqvarna Rancher 44 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna Rancher 44 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks, featuring a 44cc engine, X-Torq technology for reduced emissions, Smart Start for easy starting, LowVib anti-vibration system, Air Injection air cleaning, and inertia-activated chain brake. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Preparation 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Chain & Bar Setup 7. Operating Procedures 8. Safety Features 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 44cc X-Torq engine, 16-20 inch guide bar, chain brake, throttle trigger, choke control, fuel tank, oil tank, and rear handle with anti-vibration.

Feature	Description
X-Torq Engine	Reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions
Smart Start	Easy starting system with automatic decompression
LowVib System	Reduces vibration for operator comfort
Air Injection	Centrifugal air cleaning system for longer filter life
Chain Brake	Inertia-activated safety brake
Combined Stop/Choke	Single lever for stop and choke functions
Fuel Tank	Capacity: 0.55 US quarts (0.52 liters)
Oil Tank	Automatic chain oiling with adjustable flow
Guide Bar	Available in 16", 18", and 20" lengths
Weight	10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) without bar and chain

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all components. Assemble on a clean, flat surface.

Attach guide bar and chain: Loosen bar nuts, position bar, fit chain with drive links in bar groove, tighten nuts.
Fill fuel tank: Use Husqvarna 2-stroke oil mixed with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio).
Fill chain oil tank: Use Husqvarna chain oil or equivalent.
Check chain tension: Adjust so chain snaps back against bar when pulled.

WARNING! Always wear protective gear: helmet, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, and chainsaw chaps.

First-Time Operation

Before starting, ensure chain brake is engaged (pushed forward).

Cold start: Set choke lever to full choke, press decompression valve, pull starter cord until engine fires, set to half choke, pull again to start.
Warm start: Set choke to run position, pull starter cord.
Chain brake disengage: Pull back toward handle to release.
Test throttle: Squeeze trigger to ensure smooth acceleration.

CAUTION! Never start chainsaw unless bar and chain are properly installed and tensioned.

Specifications

Engine Displacement: 44 cc.
Power Output: 2.4 kW (3.2 hp).
Fuel Consumption: Approx. 0.6 liters/hour at max power.
Sound Level: 104 dB(A) at operator's ear.
Vibration Levels: Front handle: 3.2 m/s², Rear handle: 4.5 m/s².
Recommended Bar Lengths: 16", 18", 20".
Chain Pitch: 3/8" or .325".
Chain Gauge: 0.050" or 0.058".
Ignition System: Electronic, air gap 0.3 mm.
Spark Plug: Champion RCJ7Y or equivalent, gap 0.5 mm.

Controls and Functions

Right side: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, stop switch. Left side: Choke/stop control, decompression valve. Front: Chain brake handle, chain tensioner, oil pump adjustment.

Safety Features: Chain brake (inertia/manual), throttle lockout, right-hand guard. Maintenance: Air filter cover, spark plug cover, fuel and oil caps.

Adjustments: Chain tension (via side screw), chain oil flow (screw near bar), idle speed (T screw), high-speed mixture (H screw).

Chain & Bar Setup

Proper chain installation is critical for safe operation.

Select correct chain: Match pitch and gauge to bar.
Install chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar.
Tension chain: Adjust until snug but able to be pulled around bar by hand.
Check oil flow: Run saw at idle and observe oil on chain.

Tip: Always stop engine and engage chain brake before adjusting chain tension.

Operating Procedures

Supports felling, limbing, bucking, and pruning.

Starting position: Place on ground, foot in rear handle, hold front handle firmly.
Cutting technique: Use lower part of bar nose; avoid kickback zone.
Felling: Plan escape path, make notch cut, then felling cut with hinge.
Limbing: Work from trunk outward, keep saw stable.
Bucking: Support log properly, cut from top down.
Chain brake test: Engage manually before each use.
Shut down: Move stop switch to OFF position.

WARNING! Never operate above shoulder height or with one hand. Beware of kickback.

Safety Features

Chain Brake: Stops chain within milliseconds if activated manually or by inertia. Throttle Lockout: Prevents accidental throttle engagement. Right-Hand Guard: Protects hand from broken chain. LowVib: Reduces vibration to prevent white finger disease.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Daily: Clean air filter, check chain tension, inspect bar for wear. Weekly: Clean cooling fins, check spark plug, clean chain brake mechanism. Monthly: Clean fuel filter, replace spark plug if needed, check all screws and bolts.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance. Use only Husqvarna recommended parts and lubricants.

Regulatory Information

EPA Phase II compliant: Meets emission standards for handheld engines. EU noise directive compliant: CE marked. Copyright © 2025 Husqvarna AB. All rights reserved. For support, visit www.husqvarna.com or contact 1-800-487-5962.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, air	Check fuel mix, spark plug, air filter; use choke properly.
Engine runs poorly	Carburetor, filter	Clean air filter; adjust carburetor (H and L screws).
Chain doesn't oil	Oil flow, tank	Check oil level, adjust oiler screw, clean oil holes in bar.
Chain comes off bar	Tension, wear	Adjust tension; check bar rails and drive sprocket for wear.
Excessive vibration	Mounts, balance	Check anti-vibration mounts; ensure bar and chain are balanced.

Reset: For electronic ignition, disconnect spark plug wire for 30 seconds.

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