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Husqvarna 455 Rancher Chainsaw Review

Summary

4.6/5
Our Rating
Husqvarna 455 Rancher reviews

SUMMARY

As one of the top favorites among users, the Husqvarna 455 rancher is known as one of the most powerful tools suitable for heavy-duty jobs. It is powered by 55.5-cc 2 stroke engine, gas fueled, recommended to be used with 20-inch bar.

This model is relatively lightweight at only 13 lbs (without cutting gear), and has an excellent inertia brake to reduce the chance of kickback. The chainsaw is able to reach a maximum speed of 9,000 RPM.

With the Husqvarna’s innovative X-torq engine, the 455 rancher is able to reduce the exhaust emission to the environment by 60%, while fuel efficiency has been greatly increased by at least 20%. Other than that, it has a built-in centrifugal air cleaning system to prevent dust and debris from entering the air filter, hence low maintenance and guarantee longer engine life. 

The SmartStart function enables the engine to start quickly. It integrates with the air purge to remove excess air from the carburetor and fuel system for easy starting. Additionally, with the LowVib® system, you will experience less vibration on your hand.

What Makes This Chainsaw Stands Out?

  • Powerful and suitable for heavy-duty jobs.
  • Can reach a maximum power speed of 9,000 RPM.
  • Innovative Husqvarna’s X-torq engine for lesser exhaust emissions and at the same time, increasing fuel efficiency.
  • User friendly and easy to operate.
  • Front handle is designed ergonomically to reduce fatigue in your hands & wrists.

SPECIFICATIONS

Cylinder Displacement:55.5 см³

Power Output:3.49 hp

Maximum Power Speed: 9000 RPM

Recommended Bar Length: 20-inch

Weight: 13.2 lbs

why should i get the Husqvarna 455 Rancher?

This powerful chainsaw with a 55.5cc engine and a 20-inch bar is everything one could wish for.

It is solid, powerful, efficient, and easy to start. Many of this model’s features resemble ones found in professional chainsaws.

If you wish to do some work around your home or farm, this powerful chainsaw is everything you will ever need. It will get the work done quickly, and you will feel comfortable using it. 

Key Specifications

  • Weight - 13 lbs/5.9kg (not considering the cutting gear)
  • Engine - X-Torq 55.5cc 3.49hp 2-stroke air cooled
  • CARB compliant
  • Maximum cutting speed - 9,000 rpm
  • 0.375” pitch / 0.058” gauge anti-kickback chain
  • Perfect for 13 to 24-inch bars
  • Fuel tank capacity - 15 fl oz

Main Features Of The Husqvarna 455

1) Smart Start

Anyone who is familiar with chainsaws knows that those running on gas can be hard to start. It is indeed annoying when you have to waste a lot of time and energy just to get your saw running.

Since the problem with this basic feature has annoyed many owners over the years, Husqvarna decided to provide a solution.

A choke/stop control prevents the engine from flooding and hence improves starting. In addition, an improved starter handle provides better grip, so you don’t have to pull as hard as before.

2) Low Fuel Consumption

The X-Torq engine is a state-of-the-art technology which will save you fuel, increase power, and reduce exhaust by separating clean air from the air mixture and fuel.

This engine can help reduce emissions up to 60%, and fuel consumption by up to 20-30%. In the past, we had to choose between power and the environment, but not anymore, thanks to Husqvarna’s technology.

The only downside is the size of the fuel tank. Since it is rather small, you will have to refuel your saw every 30-40 minutes when using it on full power.

3) The LowVib System

The anti-vibration system called “LowVib” is possibly the best feature ever incorporated in chainsaws. By minimizing vibration, this feature reduces fatigue in your arms and wrists.

Thanks to this, you can use this chainsaw for hours, without feeling any pain. However, even with this feature, we still recommend wearing anti-vibration gloves.

4) Effective Air Cleaning System

The air filter on your chainsaw should be as clean as possible, as this keeps the saw running properly. However, cleaning the filter too often can be a hassle. Fortunately, Husqvarna’s developed a system which prevents dust and larger debris parts from getting into the filter.

The particles which would normally clog the filter are pushed out by the fan, so they cannot reach the filter at all. This allows both the filter and the engine to be more durable.

5) Adjustable Oil Pump

In order for the chain to perform well, you have to properly lubricate it. In the past, this daunting task was some people’s worst nightmare. Today, however, many chainsaws feature automatic chain oilers.

This chainsaw is also equipped with one of those. So, you can easily adjust the oil flow in accordance with the conditions you are working in.

6) Ergonomic Design

Since feeling comfortable and being in a natural position is considered necessary, no matter what you are doing, Husqvarna designed the 455 Rancher to help you feel good.

The ergonomic front handle with the improved grip, together with the LowVib system, will prevent fatigue in your hands and wrists, even during demanding and lengthy projects.

7) Durability

Truth be told, all Husqvarna chainsaws are durable. What makes this particular model so long-lasting is a heavy-duty forged 3-piece crankshaft. Also, it is constructed using hard plastic and metal.

You can be sure that, with proper maintenance, your chainsaw will perform well for years, even when faced with the most demanding tasks.

8) Warranty

All Husqvarna chainsaws come with a 2-year warranty. However, if you decide to buy three cans of their pre-mixed 2-Stroke fuel and oil, you can get an extended warranty (from two years to four years).

Bear in mind that you have to purchase both the chainsaw and the 2-Stroke fuel together, as they have to be on the same receipt if you want to get the extended warranty. Also, you will need to register your product online.

9) Easy-To-Adjust Chain Tensioner

Adjusting the chain doesn’t have to be a problem anymore. With the chain tensioner on the side, you can easily access and adjust it in no time. 

10) Safety Features

Chainsaws are very powerful machines and, as such, they are potentially dangerous. Before starting to operate one, you should definitely learn how to keep yourself and others safe.

In some places, there are chainsaw handling courses, so visiting one might be a good idea, especially if you are an amateur.

The Husqvarna 455 Rancher has two main safety mechanisms to protect you from kickback. Firstly, every time a quick upward movement is recognized, an inertia chain brake will be activated.

Secondly, a hand guard will activate the chain brake if pushed forward. Although these safety features are useful, they cannot guarantee your safety at all times. That being said, make sure that you have enough knowledge and confidence to operate a chainsaw.

In addition, it also features a device for catching the chain if it jumps off or snaps, as well as a throttle lockout, which prevents you from operating the throttle control by accident.


In general, there are two types of chainsaws:-

The Pros and Cons

As any other best rated gas-powered chainsaws available on the market, this one has some pros and cons that you should be aware of. Luckily, the pros are way more numerous than the cons.

PROS

  • Powerful engine
  • Solid construction
  • Easy to start
  • Vibration control
  • High-quality cutting
  • Durable
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Eco-friendly

CONS

  • Quite Heavy
  • Due to its power, it can be quite loud during operation. Getting ear protection is compulsory.

Husqvarna 455 Rancher Bar And Chain Size

This chainsaw comes with a 20-inch bar, but it can take bars ranging from 13 inches to 24 inches. This is really great, as it makes the saw very versatile.

You could use it both for light-duty and heavy-duty jobs. Shorter bars are perfect for non-demanding, quick tasks, while the 24-inch bar is suitable for felling large trees.

The chain on this model is an anti-kickback 20-inch chain with a 0.058” gauge and 0.375” pitch. It has 72 links, which is less than other models, but since the quality of the chain itself is great, we couldn’t really notice the difference.

Make sure to sharpen your chain regularly, as it will prolong your chainsaw’s life and improve performance. When you start feeling like you need to add extra pressure to make a cut, it is probably time for sharpening.

You can use the manual to get more information and instructions or you can take the chain to a professional. Also, for maximum performance, the chain should be properly tensioned.

Final Verdict

Husqvarna 455 Rancher Chainsaw Review

It is time for our final verdict. Is this chainsaw perfect for homeowners? In short, yes.

However, if you don’t have a large property, you might not be able to use this chainsaw to its full capacity, which would be a waste. Some cheaper and less powerful options might suit your needs better.

If you are, on the contrary, a homeowner, rancher, or farmer who needs to cut a lot of firewood or fell large trees, we think the Husqvarna 455 Rancher is the best you can get for the money.

Our ratings for this chainsaw will be 4.6 out of 5 stars. Even though it is a bit loud and heavy, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, without a doubt. After all, you don’t really expect a powerful gas-powered chainsaw to be silent.


4.6/5
Our Rating

What we Liked:

  • Air cleaning system
  • Solid construction
  • Easy to start
  • Very poweful

What we Disliked:

  • Heavy for some
  • Quite loud

    Jeremy Delores

    Jeremy is here to help you get the right tools and equipment for your yard and garden. Being obsessed with them for almost a decade, he knows how important quality and reliability is when using them. For this reason, he will focus on creating and sharing content that not only cover the latest information and trends but also his insights on the best products that will suit your needs and requirements.