Husqvarna 455 Rancher Chainsaw Review

The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is versatile, powerful, and can be used for both home and pro use. The chainsaw is well made, powerful, and reliable. There’s no question why it’s one of Husqvarna’s best-selling models. This saw is considered pro quality, and it’s able to handle pretty much anything you throw at it. It’s also able to withstand heavy-duty use, which is one of the reasons this model is perfect for larger property owners and the pros.

Our Verdict: The Husqvarna 455 chainsaw is packing serious power. You won’t have to worry about this model stalling out on you or sputtering. Instead, it offers the type of efficient, powerful, and reliable performance that most pros and homeowners are looking for. It comes with a powerful engine, yet, the X-Torq engine is designed to be more eco-friendly, using less fuel and emitting a lower level of emissions. The saw’s cutting capacity is nothing short of impressive, and it’s designed to handle heavy-duty use, so this saw will keep going as long as you need it to. This model is a great buy for both pro and home use and is available at a price that’s reasonable.

Overview and Features

This is a chainsaw that has earned a reputation for its dependability, and rugged and powerful design. This model is a true workhorse and designed to handle what lightweight, low powered saws just can’t. Built tough, you can really rely on this model to handle all the big jobs around your property. But if you only have light pruning jobs to do around the yard, then this heavier model may be overkill. Additionally, the saw’s heavier design can make it very difficult to do overhead work, so you’ll find yourself quickly fatigued. But if weight isn’t an issue and you’re simply looking for a chainsaw that’s powerful, then your search is over.

This model will make your life much easier. It offers a faster cutting speed compared to competing models, so you can get plenty of work done in a fraction of the time it would take using a low-powered saw. Like all other models made by this manufacturer, it comes equipped with an X-Torq engine, which features good fuel economy and is designed to reduce emissions.

Power

The chainsaw features a heavy-duty crankcase, carb that features vibration dampening technology, and a durable crankshaft. The carb’s vibration dampening design allows it to handle demanding loads at faster speeds. This is a 5CC two-stroke gas-powered engine and it’s equipped with a twenty-inch bar. While the manufacturer does not recommend going bigger, many buyers have reported replacing the twenty-inch bar with a twenty-four-inch bar, with success. A larger bar is a must for bigger projects. When you push this model to the max, the motor can reach 9000 RPMs, at 3.49 HPs.

Fuel Tank

The tank can only hold 14.88 ounces of fuel, which means you may have to stop and refill the tank in the middle of a job. On average, a full tank is said to provide half an hour of runtime.

Design

This model features an ergonomic design that makes using and working with this saw more comfortable, reducing user fatigue. However, the saw does have some heft to it, so overhead work can quickly wear you out. The saw is easy to start and powerful. It’s designed to cut thicker branches and can make short work of small and medium sized trees in your yard.

The saw’s air injection centrifugal cleaning system will remove large debris and dust particles, so your filter will stay clean for longer, promoting a smoother performance.

This isn’t a saw that’s designed for light pruning tasks, since it’s so heavy. Overhead work can be a challenge and you’ll find yourself exhausted. However, when it comes to felling trees, this is the perfect saw for the job. This model weighs in at just over a little over twelve pounds, yet it’s able to handle bigger jobs. Equipped with a sharp blade, it’s very versatile and able to handle slicing through hardwood trees and thick stumps.

Reduced Emissions

As I mentioned earlier, this model uses X-Torq technology. This means the saw uses less fuel, releasing fewer emissions. This makes the saw a more environmentally friendly option. It also comes with a centrifugal air cleaning system that prevents debris and dust from reaching the air filter. This will also result in a longer engine life and low maintenance needs.

Performance

When properly maintained, this saw will fire up easily, the first time. It operates without cutting out or sputtering, unlike the competing model the BLACK+DECKER LCS1240B, which is battery powered and just doesn’t have the type of power that this model has to offer. If taken care of, this saw can run for as long as you need it to regardless of how thick the wood is that you’re cutting through.

When you’re trying to tighten the chain, you won’t have to worry about scraping your knuckles, thanks to the chain tensioner that’s side-mounted for easy access. The chain’s tension can also be adjusted without needing to remove the protective cover.

During use, you’ll experience less user fatigue and tingling in your hands, and more precise cuts. This is due to the LowVib system that’s designed to minimize vibration.

Like with all types of gas-powered saws, this model needs a mixture of oil and fuel in order to run efficiently. In colder weather, you’ll find it can be tricky to get the saw to start up on the first try, however, it’s a solid performer once it warms up.

Safety

This model comes with a chain brake system that will turn the power tool off in the event it detects any sudden jerking motions. Of course, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still use the proper safety gear, but it’s a great safety feature to have in place, and one that makes it more beginner friendly.

Smart Start

Many people find starting up a gas-powered chainsaw to be intimidating. A two-stroke engine can be complicated to use as it is, but the type of elbow grease needed to start up some models can be a real challenge. This model simplifies the startup process, so you can easily fire up this saw the first time around.

Before and After Use

This is a gas-powered chainsaw, which has higher care needs compared to battery-powered or electric saws. Because of this, the manufacturer requires you to follow these steps to ensure this machine operates smoothly and safely:

When you fire up the saw, check the lubrication system to ensure it’s working properly and the chain is well oiled. Checking the chain tension is also important. Before you check the chain, make sure the saw is switched off. If the chain is loose or sagging, refer to the user’s manual concerning instructions regarding how to adjust the chain properly.

Clean the bar after use and remove any debris stuck inside the track.

Check the air intake vent for debris. A clogged vent can cause the saw to overheat.

Take a look at the air filter and make sure it’s clean. A filter that’s clogged can hinder air flow, causing the engine to overheat. The cylinder cover must be removed in order to access the air filter.

Also be sure to check the oil and fuel filters. If the filter becomes clogged with dust it will cause a rough startup.

Basic Maintenance

Like all types of gas-powered saws, this model will need routine maintenance in order to keep it running smoothly. Take a look at the user’s manual to learn more about this particular model’s maintenance needs in order to prevent clogged gas lines and issues when firing it up.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is the perfect saw for bigger jobs around the home or at work. This model has a powerful engine and a wide range of features that make it eco-friendly and user friendly. This saw is a great buy if you’re looking for a model that offers more power, and a model that’s durable and able to handle bigger cutting jobs. The saw’s ease of use and fuel economy provides users with a simple and easy cutting experience, when cutting large or small trees. I gave this saw a rating of four and a half out of five stars.