Husqvarna Rancher 50 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna Rancher 50 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks, featuring a 50cc engine, X-Torq technology for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, Smart Start for easy starting, Air Injection air filtration system, LowVib anti-vibration system, combined choke/stop control, inertia-activated chain brake, and ergonomic design. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 50cc X-Torq engine, 16" or 18" guide bar, Air Injection cleaning system, Smart Start, LowVib, combined choke/stop control, inertia-activated chain brake.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Wear proper protective equipment.

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; ensure secure footing; keep bystanders at safe distance.
3. Chain brake: Test before each use; understand kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip).
4. Fuel safety: Refuel outdoors with engine off; wipe spills; store fuel properly.

WARNING! Chainsaw kickback can cause serious injury or death. Always maintain proper grip and stance.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble on clean, flat surface.

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on studs; fit chain with cutting teeth facing forward; adjust tension.
2. Fill with fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (min 89 octane) mixed with 2-stroke oil (50:1 ratio).
3. Fill chain oil: Use quality bar and chain oil; check oiler function.
4. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Chain must be properly tensioned - should snap back when pulled from bar.

Specifications

• Engine displacement: 50cc 2-stroke
• Power output: 3.2 hp
• Fuel tank volume: 14.9 fl oz (0.44 liter)
• Oil tank volume: 10.1 fl oz (0.30 liter)
• Guide bar lengths: 16" or 18" (40cm or 45cm)
• Chain pitch: 3/8" or .325"
• Weight (excluding cutting equipment): 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg)
• Sound pressure level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration levels: Front handle 3.2 m/s², Rear handle 4.5 m/s²
• Emissions: Meets EPA Phase 2 and EU Stage II standards

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with chain brake, Rear handle with throttle trigger, Throttle lockout, Stop switch, Choke control, Decompression valve (if equipped), Fuel cap, Oil cap, Chain tensioner.

Safety features: Chain brake (manual and inertia-activated), Throttle lockout, Right-hand guard, Chain catcher, Spark arrestor muffler.

Operation controls: Throttle trigger for engine speed, Throttle lockout prevents accidental throttle engagement, Stop switch for engine shutdown, Choke control for cold starts, Decompression valve reduces starting effort.

Starting & Stopping

Starting procedure (cold engine):

1. Place chainsaw on flat ground; engage chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set choke control to full choke position.
4. Press throttle lockout and pull throttle trigger; hold while pulling starter cord 3-4 times.
5. Move choke to half-throttle position; pull starter until engine starts.
6. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle; release chain brake.

Stopping: Release throttle; press stop switch. For emergency stop: Engage chain brake.

Operating Instructions

Proper cutting techniques for safety and efficiency.

1. Grip: Hold front handle with left hand, rear handle with right hand. Thumb wrapped under front handle.
2. Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart with left foot slightly forward.
3. Basic cuts: Use lower part of bar; let chain do the work; don't force saw.
4. Buckling: Support log properly; cut from top down; watch for binding.
5. Limbing: Stand on left side of trunk; cut downward branches first.
6. Felling: Notch cut 1/3 diameter; back cut 2" above notch hinge; use wedges if needed.

WARNING! Never cut above shoulder height. Be aware of kickback zone.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper chain maintenance ensures cutting efficiency and safety.

1. Sharpening: Use correct round file size; maintain 30° cutting angle; file all cutters equally.
2. Depth gauges: File to 0.025" (0.65mm) height; use depth gauge tool.
3. Bar maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly; flip bar monthly for even wear.
4. Lubrication: Always use recommended bar and chain oil; check oil flow before cutting.
5. Tension: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely; adjust when cool.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Dull chain increases kickback risk.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Short-term (under 30 days): 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 and clean; store in dry place.
3. Chain storage: Clean and oil chain; store in sealed container.
4. Bar storage: Clean and oil bar; hang vertically.

WARNING! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods - fuel deteriorates and damages components.

Troubleshooting

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