Husqvarna 455 Rancher Review

Husqvarna 455 Rancher is one of the top choices for landowners who need heavy duty chainsaw with lots of power. It’s more expensive than most chainsaws yet it doesn’t have specs or price tag of a professional one. So is Husqvarna 455 Rancher the “golden mean” of chainsaws or is it lost in the model range with a missing identity?

Performance

Husqvarna 455 Rancher is really powerful, it cuts trees like butter and is more than powerful enough for almost anything you might want to cut – big logs in diameter of 20” is no challenge for it. It has 2-cycle 55.5 cc X-Torq® type engine that has reduced emissions and fuel consumption with forged three-piece crankshaft for improved durability. It outputs 3.5 horsepower at 9,000 RPM and idles smoothly at 2,700 RPM.

It’s easy to start in any environment whether it’s cold or hot.

It’s a bit on heavy side though -you won’t be doing any high climbing tree topping with it as it weighs 13.2 lbs (6 kg).

Husqvarna 455 Rancher isn’t quite top-end professional chainsaw but then again considering the price tag it doesn’t try to be one. For the price tag its cutting performance is impressive.

Features

Husqvarna 455 Rancher has anti-vibration dampeners that absorb vibration. It also has Inertia chain brake safety feature that triggers brake if sudden and rapid movement (like kickback) of saw happens.

Handlebars provide good grip and are ergonomic. Hand protector that protects hand if the chain were to kick doubles down as foot pad when starting saw on the ground.

Husqvarna 455 Rancher has purge bulb that makes it easier to start as it circulates gas through the carburetor – just pop it until you see some gas inside (note: it won’t fill up completely full). It also has decompression valve which is another feature that makes it easier to start.

It also has other cool features like large double falling spikes and quick-release air filter.

Husqvarna 455 Rancher vs STIHL

Husqvarna & STIHL are generally considered to be best chainsaw manufacturers.

Husqvarna saws a generally preferred by professionals – they have larger fuel tanks, more fuel-efficient engines with lower emissions and general consensus is that they cut through wood faster than Stihl counterparts. Husqvarna saws and replacement parts are a lot easier to buy as they are a lot more common to come by on shops and internet retailers.

STIHL often are preferred by amateurs due to their low-end torque, lighter weight and less maintenance. It’s more difficult to buy Stihl saw or replacement parts as they are only sold by licensed U.S. dealers and coming by one might be difficult depending on where you are located.

With that being said those as general things and each case is unique. The main competitor to 455 are STIHL MS 261, MS 271 and MS 290 models.

Husqvarna 455 Rancher vs Stihl MS261 / MS271 / MS290

We won’t dwell deep into comparing these chainsaws but rather note main differences between them. Husky does weigh more, however it handles better, is a lot more smoother, is more responsive and cuts better too compared to MS 261, MS 271 and MS 290 models.

When comparing these models Husqvarna 455 Rancher is an obvious winner in my eyes.

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Conclusions

Husqvarna 455 Rancher is a saw that won’t let you down – it’s reliable, starts with ease and has very impressive cutting performance. It offers great value for money and overall is a great saw!

Husqvarna 455 Rancher Specs

• Bar
  • Bar length: 20 inches
  • Recommended bar length: 15 to 24 inches
• Engine
  • Cylinder displacement: 55.5 см³
  • Cylinder bore: 1.85” (47 mm)
  • Power: 3.5 hp/2.6 kW @ 9,000 RPM
  • Torque: 3.2 Nm @ 6,600 RPM
  • Max. RPM: 13,300
  • Idling speed: 2,700 RPM
• Weight: 13.2 lbs (without bar, chain and with empty tanks)
• Noise level: 112 dB