Written on: 19/03/2013 by paulsauder
bought this saw in nov big fan of husks had a 61 for 20 years with out a prob 1st tank of gas not even chain fell off went to put back on would not fit it messed up the runners on chain never in my life have i seen that happen bought new chain thinking that was the prob did it again now i have been cutting for over 20 years and i know how to tighten a saw but dealer insist that is the cause dont think so showed him how i do it and he said thats right so now i think i just got a lemmon after... (read more)
Written on: 25/02/2013 by Mike5164
I run husky's. I think they are the best pro forestry saws going, for the XT models. I use the 390xt, the 575xt, 372xt and 346xt. I bought a 455 because it was 1/3 the price of the pro models, $300 vs $1000. It has a very strong motor, starts good, and for a $300 saw, cuts fast. However, this is the best example of you get what you pay for. The chain oiler is cheap junk, the sprocket is junk. It costs more to put this saw to work than any other I have because it eats up chains and bars... (read more)
Written on: 23/01/2013 by tk598 (1 review written)
This is a poor saw , first off when i first got it the chain break broke on it . then the chain was falling off all the time. I fixed that by buying a after market bar. The bar the saw comes with is the wrong one. So after i got that fixed with the new bar i was having problems with it getting hot and boiling the fuel so when i shut it off i would not start again into it cooled off. And another thing you have to keep the air filter super clean or i will not run. for the money i spent i could... (read more)
Written on: 13/01/2013
I bought this chain saw two years ago, and have cut plenty of trees, and logs for firewood since then. I've had no troubles with parts except one, and the chain has never come off by itself. It has plenty of power, and cuts like butter. There seems to be one problem however. At times if the chain break is on when you shut it off you can't remove the cover to clean the chain saw, or replace the chain. Unfortunately I didn't know about this defect until I had to purchase a new cover. I only... (read more)
Written on: 01/11/2012
Recently bought a 455 Rancher. Saw starts fairly easy, but I have used it twice and it slings the chain which results in the chain being damaged each time. I have run the saw twice and I have had to return it each time to get it repair or buy a chain. I have been running chainsaw 30 years and have never seen anything like it. Local dealer won't do anything about it. I have always used a Stihl saw up until this point and was convinced by the dealer that the Husqvarna was the better saw. ... (read more)
Written on: 01/12/2012
I am amazed. I have had mine for 2years no problem. Keep the chain tension right, the air filter clean, the muffler flame arrestor clean and the chain lubricated and shapr
Written on: 18/12/2012
I had the same problem with mine. Took it to a repair shop and he replaced the bar witht he oregon 20" bar which is a little bit wider at the eye holes. After this I had no problem with the chain coming off again. I hope this helps you.
Written on: 22/10/2012 by slbhali
Powerful BUT The chain keep coming off and gets ruined!!! (read more)
Written on: 23/01/2013
I fixed that with a after market bar. The bar that comes with it is the wrong one
Written on: 15/07/2012 by sescadman (1 review written)
What a letdown. Bought this expensive saw at Lowes a year ago used it for 3 hours run time and the oil pump pinion ( a CHEAP PLASTIC PART) is totally stripped. No more oil to the bar and chain so no good for anything else but to listen to the powerful engine sound. I think Husqvarna needs to recall that part because there is no way it will hold up over time. Had I not used their bar oil or if I had let the reservoir run dry I might blame myself for this part failing but I cant. Went to... (read more)
Written on: 22/10/2011
This was the first higher dollar saw I had ever purchased. Right out of the box it was great. I was zipping through logs and trees like a hot knife thru butter. With very little to no vibration, I was impressed. Then the chain came off. The sprocket stripped out the drive teeth on the chain and the chain managed to rip up the metal protector plate on the inside of the saw. OK...maybe I did something wrong????. Checked the sprocket, put on a new chain, adjusted the tension just right, double... (read more)
Written on: 04/11/2011
Hey.....you wont have any probs with a Stihl......... got a MS391........Fab!!!!
Written on: 27/08/2011 by bryank450
I was the original owner of this saw. Worked ok for the 1st 6 months, then the black oxide machine screws which hold the muffler to the aluminum block started to vibrate out, after re-tightening enough times the threads on the aluminum block stripped out-bad news-Design Flaw!!!!! By the time the screws stripped out the threads the saw was out of warranty. The guys at the factory have no mercy and were rude. There is a fix using an insert but the insert just backs out, even with high temp.... (read more)
Written on: 28/12/2010
When I first bought the saw it worked great. It is now 3 years old and after the first year it became extremely hard to start cold. Once it starts it works great. I have changed the fuel filter, air filter, and adjusted the carb numerous times but still can't get it started in cold weather without keeping it in the house or under the truck heater. I was told by a dealer the only way to adjust the carb right would be to remove the adjustment limiters on the L & H adjustment screws. Great... (read more)
Written on: 14/07/2011
Are you running high octane fuel 91 or higher ? I run jet b or 103 octane an it starts in winter no problem
Written on: 26/11/2012
ya know i only runny jet b in my jet i throw the cheapest unleaded gas i can find in my "old husqvarna's and stihls" Dealers have told me that husqvarna does not make a good saw till you get into about the 900 dollar range. such a shame my husq saws would eat. thats what happens to any company that sells to big box stores
Written on: 02/12/2010
I just sawed up a 30+ inch hickory for firewood, which as you know is a HARD tree. No complaints. Not a fan of the safty chain but the saw seems to have plenty of power for anything the small time logger/ homeowner would put it to. (read more)
Written on: 02/12/2010
This is a review of a 455 Rancher. It has a decompression valve for easy starting, but I didn't need it. I just filled the saw with two-stroke fuel and chain oil, pumped the bubble about eight times until I saw fuel in it and put the choke on full. l did about three pulls until I heard a pop and then went to half choke and it started on the next pull. I let it run for about 30 seconds, took it off half choke and started cutting.
Cutting went for an hour and a half with one stop in the...
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Written on: 20/10/2010
I love the saws motor and power but the oiling and chain throwing is a problem and it isnt because of lack of maintenance or knowledge. There is a problem and it needs to be addressed. I't at the service shop now after fighting it for 3 days hopefuly it get fixed. (read more)
Written on: 05/06/2010
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is a great chainsaw! I own a landscape maintenance company, and we use ours daily! With normal chain tightening and maintenance ( adding bar oil, sharpening chains, etc.) this saw should last for years! Ours has, and I'm so pleased with the performance I 'm going to buy another after this review! Rain, shine, dirt, dust, or sand this is the saw to purchase. (read more)
Written on: 29/05/2010 by JIMM2529 (2 reviews written)
I FOUND THIS SAW TOO BE VERY NICE TO A NEW CHAIN BUT AFTER IT TO GET IT TO CUT AGAIN IT WAS VERY HARD AND I CUT IN THE WOODS FOR YEARS THIS IS A GREAT POWER HEAD UNIT I LIKED IT A LOT JUST NO WAIT TO RATION BALANCE ON IT . IF YOU AFTER A GOOD HERE AND YHERE SAW THEN THE 455 RANCHER IS THERE FOR YOU. NOT A LIVING SAW. GREAT VALUE FOR THE BUCK. (read more)
Written on: 25/04/2010
I am using the saw to cut mostly medium to large maple and alder. The saw runs great, always starts on the first or second pull. I am careful to keep debri from falling into bar oil resevoir and have had no lube troubles. I only use fresh gas.
My only complaint is the life of the chain. It does not seem to last very long before the chipping turns to fine sawdust. I even had the chain professionally sharpened. Stihl has many chain performance options but I can't say I have found the same...
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Written on: 15/02/2010
this saq has lots of power and is fairly lite wouldn't recommend to someone with little or no exp. with a power saw but is a great saw for cutting firewood and some light logging. the safety chain that comes on the saw stock really slows down your cuts and hampers this saws ability. a super roller chain lets this beast do what it does best. though the safety chain is serviceable all you have to do is file a little off the drags. overall for the money you won't get a more powerful saw. power... (read more)
Written on: 18/11/2009
OVERALL A VERY GOOD SAW NO PROBLEMS SO FAR AS LONG AS YOU KEEP UP ON GENERAL MAINTENANCE. very GOOD SAW FOR THE PRICE. very POWERFUL ABLE TO CUT DOWN TREES OVER THREE FOOT IN DIAMETER. I give IT A 5 OUT OF 5. (read more)
Written on: 17/11/2009
I have run Husks saws for years. I prefer them for their ease of maintainance, power to weight ratio, and cutting ability. The 455 had some sort of a recall issue with some of the earlier models after it was brought out to replace 55 Rancher. That's why there's so many reconditioned 455's being sold with the same manufactures warranty as a new one. The reconditioned models are an unused item that was looked over and corrected with an update. Don't let this scare you. Husky's are some of the... (read more)
Written on: 16/11/2009 by sefrirg (1 review written)
The chain keeps coming off. Within a week I took the saw back for a refund and was informed that Husgarana does not accept exchanges or refunds but would honor two years of service. Its been back 4 times for service and it still has the same issue. I now have to stop working every 15-20 minutes and tighten the chain. What a pain. (read more)
Written on: 04/11/2009
The 455 rancher has been great, I have used it a lot, I think people with problems probalbly should have read the owners manual and not treated it like a saw built 20 years ago. 30 percent less money then a stihl of the same CC's I do have a problem with the dealers, However and what the service plan actually covers, What servicing actually means- they do nothing- and the last two Husky chains I bought have been dull out of the package. If I could get a better dealer I would definitly buy... (read more)
Written on: 31/10/2009
I've had my Rancher 455 for one year. It has been a major disappointment. I bought it to replace a 25 year old Homelite Super XL. Both are about the same size and weight with 20 inch bars. The Rancher lacks in just about every comparison with the Homelite. I've already taken the Rancher to the shop 3 times to get it to start and run. It just dies all the time. Forget working on it yourself. It is a nightmare trying to adjust the carb. I wish I had known these issues before I bought... (read more)
Written on: 24/10/2009
I heat a 3000 sq foot house off of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with a central wood-fired furnace.
That means I have to cut roughly 12-14 cords of delivered logs every summer.
I bought The 455 Rancher 5 years ago as my primary saw and the only things I've had to do to it is change the plug and tighten/sharpen the chains. I've gone through 1 bar so far because of wear. Might need another next summer.
Lots of power and dependable. Any upgrade would be professional-logger...
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Written on: 25/10/2009
The 455 is a workhorse. Take care of it and it will take care of you. User friendly with good power. Good all around saw. (read more)
Written on: 16/06/2009
I got this Husqvarna 455 Rancher as my first chain saw, to fell some trees and cut their wood to length, as my time permits. I like the saw because it is powerful enough to do the big jobs, but is very controlled so that even when your arms get tired from cutting all day the saw is predicatable and easy to use. If you wanted to be picky, it could use a little more power, but I like the control and so far it has gotten all my jobs done just fine. (read more)
Written on: 11/06/2009 by boxer1111 (1 review written)
Not a bad all 'round chainsaw; being a Husqvarna will pretty much guarantee that for you. It has plenty of power if weight isn't really an issue for you. My "Biggest" problem has been keeping the chain on. Once it comes off, it seems more difficult to put back on than others (in part, this "may" be due to a couple of drivers that became damaged on mine and I believe their width increased slightly). Also, the saw seems to gather debris and sort of get "backed-up" easier than some of the other... (read more)
Written on: 20/04/2009
It will not oil properly. I have put mine in the shop 4 times and it still will not oil. It is pretty sad since the saw is new. They should redo the oil pump and drive on the 455 rancher. You disappiont me Husqvarna. (read more)
Written on: 15/07/2012
Ditto on the Pros and the disappointing Con.
My 455 Rancher 1 year old with less the three hours use has a completely stripped / mangled pinion which drives the oil pump. Husqvarna put a cheap plastic part (the pinion) to turn the necessary oil pump. I think they should recall them and provide a pinion that will last.
Written on: 04/04/2009
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is good over all power and weight distribution. Easy Choke and crank from cold start. Im in Louisiana and bought it post Katrina, Ike and Gustov. I don't have a dog so it is my best friend. (read more)
Written on: 20/03/2009
The Rancher is a very user friendly saw, great for beginners. It had a few problems with oiling after it sat in the garage for the winter but a 3 dollar can of carb and choke cleaner fixed it right up. I had to replace the rear bar stabilizer bolt after i let a friend borrow my saw and he stripped it out. Took about an hour and i didn't need any special tools. Very good saw, it just wont quit. (read more)
Written on: 23/02/2009
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher saw is great, i just bought one january 2nd of 09, anyone who says this saw is bad because it throws chains is because they dont know how to tighten a chain correctly and align it on the sprocket. This tool doesnt have oiler problems and the only reason it would be down for maintenence is because you didnt take care of it correctly to begin with. this is a good buy and makes good power. (read more)
Written on: 22/01/2009
I have used mostly all brands throughout my life and i will be buried with my Huskies.I only use Husqvarna oil,both on the bar and in the engine.I mix nine tenths of a gallon of gas with a small bottle (1gal. mix)of Husqvarna fuel mix oil.I only use 93 octance gas when mixing with oil because the 87 and 89 octance gas just doesn't hold over long periods of time.Let me mind you that i am cutting oak logs anywhere from 25" to 30" in diameter on a regular base. (read more)
Written on: 13/01/2009 by 455RANCHER (1 review written)
have owned many saws over the years, never had a saw that stopped oiling so often. after reading the other rewiews this must be what's causing the chain throwing issues. based on this issue alone i would never purchase this model saw again.way too much maintenance
good saw when it's not down for maintenance.
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Written on: 04/01/2009 by Mudpro1999
I have been cutting for 30 years and I have always used Stihl. Im going back to Stihl. I feel the problem with this saw is the bar and chain thickness. I think Husky has a problem and they need to correct it. This is my second one, I took the first back to Tractor Supply and they returned it. (read more)
Written on: 21/11/2008
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is one of the best saws you can get,, very user friendly, low vibration.. --- First timers,, read the hand book,, do as it says, -- keep the chain sharp, with regular servicing, and correctly used, look after it and it will look after you. (read more)
Written on: 20/09/2008
Just returned from service center. My two year old Husqvarna 455 Rancher saw with about 10 hours of use just blew the bearings along with the oiler going bad. Repair fee: $250! I will not repair this piece of rubbish. Do not buy this saw. (read more)
Written on: 15/09/2008 by masslogger (1 review written)
I have been logging and cutting wood for 30 years and have ran every high end saw on the market. Hands down this Husqvarna 455 Rancher is the best mid size saw on the market today. I have 2 of these saws and have put them through some punishment and they keep on running. If you take care of them they will take care of you. I have read many reviews of people having trouble with them. I personally can not find anything wrong with this saw, the first one I bought has over 200 cords on it. It... (read more)
Written on: 24/05/2008 by harbinger54 (1 review written)
I made a point of reading through all the reviews before buying this Husqvarna 455 Rancher chain saw.
Even though this is my third saw, I made a point of reading the manual from cover to cover, which I believe paid off.
I have been using it now for two weeks without any problems. It hasn't thrown a chain once! It's reliable at starting, three pulls, it fires, choke off, pull again and away it goes! When warm, its first time, every time!
The decompressor works perfectly and is probably the...
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Written on: 07/04/2008 by Kalob Cayton
Excellent Husqvarna chainsaw from small to big sawing. Got one when I was thirteen best saw I ever put in my hands on. Before I had two cheap poulans but not as good as a 455.I took it back for some reason but regreted it. Plan on getting another one this coming christmas or my birthday. (read more)
Written on: 31/03/2008 by linkmen
I don't know why other people are having so much trouble with the Husqvarna 455 Rancher. It's cake to run and cuts wood like a maniac.
It starts easy as pie and Never drops the chain at all if it is properly maintained. I love these chainsaws.
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Written on: 30/03/2008
When thinning timber I throw the chain every hour or two which ALWAYS causes damage to the underside teeth guides resulting in a half hour grinding session to get the chain back into the bar slot. Very poor design - I regret buying one of these Husqvarna chainsaws! (read more)
Written on: 26/02/2008
So far the Husqvarna Rancher has been a good saw I've sawed up maybe 50 to 60 trees with it. After the first several hours of running the saw it produced quite a bit more power. It saws well for the price. (read more)
Written on: 08/02/2008
Has been durable during the 15+ loads of wood so far. Has always started predictably. I burned through two brand new retail saws to cut the first 10 loads (under 30 days each). Purchased this saw through Sears which for around 50 bucks gets you a three year everything is covered except the chain warranty. It cuts through 2' diameter old cured red elm better than any other saw I have ever used. I have dulled chains a bit faster than expected, but I think its the wood and time of year. (read more)
Written on: 05/12/2007 by cfuller1971 (1 review written)
I cleared 2 acres of land with this saw and it keeps on going. There are minor things wrong with it due to the abuse I've dealt it, but I have been very happy with this saw. I've used McCullough, Stihl, Craftsman (yeah, I know) and this Husky is brilliant!! (read more)
Written on: 27/11/2007 by lbingo
After using several Homelite brand chainsaws and a Black and Decker, I purchased a Husqvarna Rancher 455. The difference was like night and day. I suffered needlessly for several years using cheap underpowered equipment. I have cut some large logs with this chainsaw, and it ripped right through like nothing! My buddy has a Stihl which I have used, and the Husky is definitely comparable. The temperature here is a bit cool (below 32 degrees Fahrenheit most of the time now), so I have made sure... (read more)
Written on: 25/11/2007 by swim49 (1 review written)
The front handle guard is made from I believe ABS plastic ( not good in cold weather applications ) and the spring tension on the chain clutch was too great for the saw to operate. You combine the ABS plastic and the excessive spring tension...you have a contraption that doesn't work at ALL!!! I'm going on my 3rd chain saw within 2 hours of use...not good for someone who wants the best. what has happened to Husqvarna??!!?? (read more)
Written on: 12/09/2007 by kimrasmussen (2 reviews written)
I have used several brands of chainsaws over the years, and never before have I had buyers remorse, but I would not recommend the Husqvarna 455 Rancher chainsaw to anyone! (read more)
Written on: 01/08/2007 by Deetreebotherer (2 reviews written)
I work on rivers and needed a saw that could work with hard wood, soft wood, wet wood, dirty wood, hell it even dropped in the river one day, and nothing has killed this saw. It's a real good all-rounder. It's not given me any problems through many hours use, but I think with any saw maintenance is key. If you fit different guide bars and chains you can suit the saw to your cutting needs, a 15" bar on this saw cuts small stuff like a light sabre. (read more)
Written on: 18/03/2007 by Blaze1024 (1 review written)
455 rancher is a great value and a very strong running saw.
As far as them throwing chains, learn how to put a chain on and that won't happen.
The 455 ranch uses a floating drive sprocket that is much safer and more secure then the traditional drive sprocket. The draw back is you need to make sure the chain is actually in the drive sprocket and not wedged between the sprocket and clutch bell. If it's throwing chains you have it wedged. I have own a few 455 ranchers as well as a few Stihl...
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Written on: 20/02/2007 by sperry (2 reviews written)
I had heard I may need to do some engine adjustments due to my altitude (5800'). Not so in my case except just the idle so far.
Remember to follow ALL lubrication instructions found in the manual!
Cold weather makes the chain oil thick. Open the oiler screw setting (see the manual) and if it's "colder yet", use a thinner oil viscosity.
Fortunately chain tightening is simple to do with the 455 Rancher. Carry a flat-blade screwdriver and the box wrench with you. The chain will be easy to...
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Written on: 16/02/2007 by landJackal (1 review written)
Neither Husqvarna or their dealers will honor the warranty. I purchased a Husqvarna 455 Rancher from a dealer. Used it one day. The plastic handle snapped. When I took it to the dealer, they informed me that part was not covered under their 30 day warranty. I needed the saw back, so I paid the bill ($120) and chalked my experience up to another course in the school of hard knocks. When I pay close to $400 for a chainsaw, I expect it to last!!
Do yourself a favor...If you insist on a...
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As rated by real users
"Husqvarna 350 muffler coming l..." Read More
"Strong,light and easy to use" Read More
"Very poor design" Read More
"Chain falls off" Read More
"Screaming fast!" Read More
Kansasjer's Response to paulsauder's Review
Written on: 17/04/2013
I bought mine on Amazon 2 years ago. Love it when it works. My chain also jumps off and have the same problem with the teeth. Last week it quit. Can't get any spark. Never had a saw with those two problems. But I still like the saw.