Husqvarna Rancher Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna Rancher chainsaw is a professional-grade power tool designed for demanding cutting tasks, featuring robust construction, efficient X-Torq engine technology for reduced emissions, Smart Start for easy starting, LowVib anti-vibration system for user comfort, and an inertia-activated chain brake for enhanced safety. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Operation 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 9. Storage & Transport 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq engine, Air Injection cleaning system, Combined choke/stop control, Quick-release air filter, Side-mounted chain tensioner, Inertia-activated chain brake.

Feature	Description
X-Torq Engine	Reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions
Smart Start	Reduces resistance in starter cord for easy starting
LowVib System	Dampens vibrations to reduce user fatigue
Air Injection	Centrifugal air cleaning system for longer filter life
Chain Brake	Inertia-activated safety feature to stop chain in kickback situations
Combined Choke/Stop	Single lever for choke, start, and stop positions
Quick-Release Air Filter	Tool-less access for easy cleaning
Side-Mounted Tensioner	Allows chain adjustment without removing bar cover
Fuel Pump	Primer bulb for easy fuel system priming
Throttle Lockout	Prevents accidental throttle activation

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear appropriate PPE.

Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety helmet, hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away. Ensure secure footing.
Chain Brake Check: Verify chain brake function before each use.
Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Use fuel/oil mix as specified.

WARNING! Risk of serious injury or death from kickback, cutting, or contact with moving chain. Never operate with one hand.

Assembly & Preparation

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

Attach Guide Bar and Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar, adjust tension.
Fill Fuel Tank: Use fresh fuel mix (50:1 gasoline to 2-stroke oil).
Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use recommended bar and chain oil.
Check Chain Tension: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is installed with cutting teeth facing forward on top of bar. Tighten bar nuts securely.

Specifications

Engine Displacement: 55.5 cc (Rancher 455) / 60.3 cc (Rancher 460).
Power Output: 3.2 hp / 2.4 kW.
Fuel Tank Volume: 0.95 US pints (0.45 liters).
Oil Tank Volume: 0.63 US pints (0.30 liters).
Recommended Bar Length: 18" or 20".
Chain Pitch: 3/8" or .325".
Weight (Powerhead): 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) without bar and chain.
Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A).
Vibration Levels: Front handle 3.2 m/s², Rear handle 4.5 m/s².

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Front Handle with throttle trigger and lockout, Rear Handle, Master Control Lever (choke/stop), Chain Brake lever, Throttle lock, Decompression valve (if equipped), Primer bulb.

Components: Spark plug, Air filter, Fuel cap, Oil cap, Muffler, Guide bar, Chain, Chain catcher, Right-hand guard, Bar nuts.

Operation: Master Control Lever settings (Stop - 0, Run - I, Choke - II). Chain brake engaged by pushing front hand guard forward. Throttle lockout must be depressed before throttle trigger can be engaged.

Starting & Operation

Cold Start Procedure:

Engage chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.
Set Master Control Lever to choke position (II).
Press decompression valve (if equipped).
Press primer bulb 6-10 times until fuel is visible.
Place saw on ground, hold rear handle with right foot, pull starter cord until engine fires.
Move Master Control Lever to run position (I).
Pull starter cord again to start engine.
Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Tip: Warm start: Set lever to run position (I) only. Do not use choke.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check all fasteners. Clean air filter. Check fuel and oil levels.

Weekly/10 Hours: Clean cooling fins. Check spark plug condition. Clean exterior of saw.

Monthly/50 Hours: Clean fuel filter. Replace spark plug. Clean carburetor air intake.

Yearly/100 Hours: Replace fuel filter. Check fuel lines. Clean muffler spark arrestor screen.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Chain Tension: Adjust when chain sags from bar. Loosen bar nuts, turn tensioning screw until chain snaps back, retighten nuts.

Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 5/32" or 3/16"). Maintain 30° filing angle. File all cutters to equal length. Check depth gauges with gauge tool.

CAUTION! Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling chain. Ensure chain brake is engaged.

Storage & Transport

Long-Term Storage: Empty fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer. Run engine dry. Remove chain, clean and oil it. Store in dry place.

Transport: Engage chain brake. Use scabbard/bar guard. Secure in vehicle to prevent movement.

CAUTION! Fuel is flammable. Store in approved container away from heat sources.

Warranty Information

Husqvarna Rancher chainsaws come with a limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Residential use: 2-year warranty. Commercial use: 90-day warranty. Warranty requires proof of purchase from authorized dealer. For warranty service, contact authorized Husqvarna service center. For support, visit www.husqvarna.com or contact 1-800-487-5962.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No fuel, flooded, spark plug	Check fuel level; wait if flooded; check/replace spark plug.
Engine starts then dies	Fuel filter, air filter, carburetor	Clean/replace fuel filter; clean air filter; adjust carburetor.
Chain does not turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch, sprocket	Disengage chain brake; check clutch drum and sprocket.
Chain oil not flowing	Oil tank empty, oil holes clogged	Fill oil tank; clean oil holes in bar; check oil pump.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners; sharpen chain evenly.
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, incorrect filing	Sharpen chain properly; check depth gauges.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Husqvarna service center.

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