Husqvarna 455 Rancher - Top Class Performance

The Husqvarna 455 Rancher replaces its predecessor, the extremely highly regarded Husqvarna 55 chainsaw, so it has a lot to live up to. Although still among the "residential" chainsaws, at a blade length of 20 inches this is a serious saw for the homeowner, and I was frankly excited about giving it a review.

First, the technical bits…

It has Husqvarna's X-Torq engine technology leading to impressive overall performance
CARB Compliant
2-stroke gas-powered chain saw
Weight - 12.8 lbs
Power Output - 3.5hp
Maximum speed - 900 rpm
Cylinder bore - 1.8 inches
Fuel Vol. - 0.9 pint
Oil pump capacity - Adjustable flow/6-17 ml/min
Chain Pitch - .325

Light and Easy to Use

This machine may be targeted at the lighter end user, but I would argue that it is quite a heavy duty machine, and capable of handling quite a workload. Holding the 455 for long periods of work at a time is not a problem. The front handle bar is well placed and angled, making it easy to use in the various positions that you will safely put yourself in while cutting limbs. It is as light as you will get for a semi-pro machine, so higher up work will be no more cumbersome than it needs to be.

The Husqvarna 455 started for me on the second pull of the start cord, and after that, it has done so easily every single time. When gearing up to go, the fuel pump contributes to this ease of use.

LowVib Element

I was and am impressed by the LowVib element to this chainsaw. Ever heard of white finger? It results from continuous use of vibrating hand held machinery, and can lead to damage in blood vessels and nerves. Anyone who has suffered will tell you it is not fun. It is the small things like this (LowVib technology) that can help eliminate such workplace injuries.

Easy Start Up

Another element of the 455 that impressed was the ease with which the start cord pulls. I mean you can barely feel it, very impressive. It starts with no trouble and I found that I never needed the pressure valve to get going.

Adjustable Oil Pump

The adjustable oil pump means that you can set the oil feed to what ever you like, and according to the type of work that you are doing.

Double Filtration System

I have had problems with my filters on other saws, and they are the kind of thing that gets noticed too late, unfortunately. The double filtration system that you get with this will be better for your engine. Basically the air that is taken in is filtered before it gets to the fine filter, avoiding clogging and maximising the airflow intake.

Easy Maintenance Design

As this is a machine that you will be taking into heavy cutting, the side accessible chain tensioner makes adjusting the chain a quick process and allowed me to work more, adjust less. I found that it held tension well through heavy work. I wish this process did not require a tool, like on some of the other Huskies, but hey, nothing is perfect. The air filter is quick release ensuring that you will clean it more often. Again, I found this kind of design lends itself to better maintenance, and I know I'll have this saw for a long time as a result.

How does the Husqvarna 455 Rancher compare to other Husqvarna Chainsaws? Click Here to view our Husqvarna Chainsaw Comparison Chart.

CONCLUSION

The Husqvarna 455 Rancher will handle most woods at very quick speeds, and is up there with the best machines on the market. It is easy to get at the under the hood parts for the proper level of care that it deserves and for which you will be rewarded with top class performance. It is loud, but that's what you get with a pro tool, and it's actually among the quieter comparable saws out there.