Husqvarna 55 “Rancher”–good saw?
Megunticook
| Posted in Tools for Home Building on
Hi,
Wondering if anybody out there owns or has personal experience with the Husqvarna 55 “Rancher” chain saw (http://www.usa.husqvarna.com/node1520.asp?id=19606&intLanguageId=7
I know zilch about chain saws (I’ve been strictly an axe man) but have decided that I need something to buck up hardwood logs (up to 20″ diameter) for firewood which I cut on my land here (2-3 cords a year).
My general philosophy with tools is pay for quality stuff but not for bells and whistles. I generally maintain tools diligently and expect them to last a lifetime (well, decades anyway). My impression is that Huskvarna saws are built to last.
Thanks for the opinions.
Edited 5/6/2004 3:30 pm ET by MONSIEUR_ED
Replies
Have a Husky 55, but don't know if called the rancher. Been great. Have the 16" bar and sounds like you'd use it about like me - 2-3 cords per year for various reasons. The only problem I've had is inside the gas tank, the original line to the filter split early on, but the local place put in a "real" line. Every other year or so I overtighten the chain oil cap and have to replace that, but I hear that's a pretty common thing, especially since I use mine primarily in the winter. They're about 6 bucks. Easy to keep sharp. Starts easy - they have a button that reduces the cylinder compression for easier pulling, but after it's warmed up, a lot of times I don't even use that. Don't think you can go wrong with a Husky.
Rick
Had that exact thing happen to my Husky! It's never given me a moments grief besides that POS little fuel line. Great saw! I've got a 20" bar on mine and might be a size bigger but they're all pretty similar in design. Good units!
Mack (from Knots)"WISH IN ONE HAND, S--T IN THE OTHER AND SEE WHICH FILLS UP FIRST"
The current issue of Popular Mechanics has a test of (I think) seven chain saws. They rated the Stihl as their top pick followed by the Husqvarna and Echo. (It is the issue with the atomic plane on the cover).
I have the Husky 395 and it is a beast to start. I bought it used, so perhaps a new one would be better. I also have a Stihl "Farm Boss" 029 which is a good saw but my favorite is my Echo pruning saw with a 12" bar which I use to cut almost anything up to 10" or so (it does bog down a bit on the logs of 10" or so). If I was buying a midsized saw again, I would probably go for an Echo. However, the Stihl and Husky definitely outsell it.
You can check out some user reviews at Epinions at:
http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Lawn_and_Garden-Power_Tools-All-Saws
Edited 5/6/2004 7:22 pm ET by CaseyR
Husky will outlast the Stihl and outwork it hands down. Stihl gets better ratings because it adresses homeowner weekend cutter issues better like the easy start thing. But to get that, they advance the timing, which cuts top end power output, and long life depending on use profile.
Hike on up to the Belfast agway and they will be able to give you a primer on the pros and cons of all the models. The "poro" rated ones have some internal design features that will let the saw outlast you, even used on adaily basis. I was lookiing at the 375, I think it was. The rancher 55 is one of their longest running models going back years.
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Hi ED
Before I decided to be a carpenter full time, I worked in provincial parks for 13 years. I cut alot of trees and alot of firewood. Used a number of chainsaws, mostly Husky. My last saw was a Husky 55 and it was great, Always started and plenty of power but not too heavy, I'll say A plus, Have a good day. Cliffy
21977.1
Thanks for sharing the info everybody. I went ahead and ordered the Husky 55.
I also ordered gloves, helment/ear protection/face screen, and chaps. Probably should get some boots too but for now I'll use my steel-toe loggers. Already put the total cost over $400.
Enjoyed the chainsaw thread from a couple years ago. I like Piffin's comment that that's the kind of knowledge every father should pass on to his son. Unfortunately my dad and I don't really see eye to eye on safety stuff--he says he doesn't use chaps with his chain saw because "if you have all that protection you just get careless and are more likely to get hurt." I just shake my head when I hear stuff like that. Like saying you don't wear a seatbelt in your vehicle because it would make you drive less carefully. But you can't tell your dad what to do (my 2-year old son will learn the right way, though!)
Piffin doesn't really have that much experience with chainsaws. He's pulling your leg. He told me via email the other day about his first chainsaw:
It seems Piffin went to a dealer to buy his first chainsaw. The dealer sold him his top end model, and told him he should be able to cut down 10 trees a day with it.
The next morning Piffin comes straggling in looking exhausted. He tells the dealer that he worked for several hours, but only got one tree cut down. The dealer tells him to sharpen the chain and try again.
The next day Piffin comes dragging in again, looking even more haggard than the day before. He tells the dealer that he worked until sundown the previous day but only got 2 trees cut down. He wants to return the saw and try another one.
The dealer agrees, and Piffin brings the chainsaw in. The dealer says: "How about I try it out before you return it, and see what's wrong with it?" Piffin agrees.
So the dealer takes the saw, sets it down on the floor and pulls the cord. The engine roars to life on the first pull.
Piffin says: "What's that noise?"
!^(H ((#&^***"
LOL
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Glad ya liked the story.
I figured you were good-natured enough to take some ribbing.One test is worth a thousand expert opinions. [Bill Nye the Science Guy]
That kinda reminds me of my father's experience as a student, working with his uncle relocating some rental cottages....the chain saw, circa 1940, didn't have a clutch - if the engine was running, the chain was moving. Dad would climb the tree with a rope, and then the guys on the ground would start the saw, and he'd hoist it up to where he was working. Engine running, chain going. I never understood how he survived stuff like that.
I've had a Husky 55 Rancher since '95. It's my "go to" chainsaw, I eventually got rid of two other saws I had because of the 55.
Someone else mentioned a 16" bar, mine has an 18" bar.
Zero complaints. If you're not familiar, then read about decompressing the cylinder before you pull to start. Makes starting a lot easier.
Mongo,
I don't have the literature so could you elaborate on the Husky 55Rancher decompressing the cylinder before starting?
My 73 year old pop runs a 55Rancher with a 20" bar and I watch him animal the thing when starting.
there's a black button on the right hand side of the saw that you push in. stays in until motor catches, then pops out, giving the motor back to full compression. if the motor catches then stalls, you need to reset the button for the easier pull.
Hey, thanks for the data.
Yup, he's got it.
Look on the right-hand side of the saw, between the chain brake and the handle. There should be a small button there. Push in the button, it decompresses the cylinder. It should stay in by itself until the saw engine starts, then it pops out on its own.
Much easier to start without fighting the cylinder pressure.
Well, I bought the Husky 55 and just spent a couple hours bucking a mess of hardwood in my woodlot. So far so good. . .thing goes through 18-inch oak logs like a hot knife through butter.
Couple follow up questions, if you don't mind:
1) Saw came with low-kickback chain (Husky H30)--dealer tells me I'd be better off with professional chain which he says cuts better and is easier to maintain--something about the rakers on the low-kick chain being impossible to file down. Any truth to this? Being new to chainsaws, I like the idea of the low-kickback stuff.
2) How often should bar sprocket be greased? Manual says "every week" but that's sort of a meaningless timeframe since I don't know if that's for people who work with the saw daily or just weekenders like myself.
3) Should I sharpen every time I refuel, or just wait until the saw starts needing muscle to cut? After two tanks, it seems fine--I just let the weight of the saw do the work, and as I say I've been chewing through some fat hardwood logs the whole time.
4) How often should I turn the bar? Again, the manual says "daily" but I figure that means for somebody who's working with it all day long. I'm figuring every 6 tankfuls or so.
Thanks for the tips. Can't say I enjoy the thing exactly, what with the smell and noise, but it's very satisfying to see my pile of logs turn into stove-length pieces so quickly. The 55 seems like a real solid machine.
By the way, Mongo--mine has no decompression button. Did they do away with that recently, or are you thinking of another model?
Ed,
I've had my 55 for several years, so I'm not sure when they did away with the decompression button. And yes, I definitely have a 55 Rancher.
I use an aggressive chain. When I cut, I want the chips to fly. I'll be honest and say that when I cut, I cut...and on occasion that entails doing some of the things not recommended, things that usually provoke kickback. Still, I've been fortunate enough to have never incurred the wrath of it. I bought my first chainsaw when I was 13, so I've been at it a while.
Using it properly, and carefully, as you are, I'd recommend that the next chain you buy be a "pro" chain.
Greasing the sprocket? Egads, I've not ever done it.
Sharpening? It's much easier to keep a sharp chain sharp with periodic touchups than it is to bring a dull chain back to life. To me, at least. So, every other tank of gas, or sometimes every tank, depending on the wood I'm cutting and what the chips are telling me, I use a file to give the teeth a quick once-over.
I turn the bar when I change the chain. I have one chain for ground cutting, usually the oldest chain I have. If it gets dinged I don't mind too much. I usually carry three chains with me. One for ground cutting, the other two for cutting above the ankles. How often do I change the chain? It may be twice a day, or once every 3 months.
Sounds like you respect the saw...good for you! My foundation guy has a 20" scar up the inside of his thigh. Bad for him!
I was at a dealers recently asking about the huskies. Apparently the rancher never has had a decompression button but the other models do.
If the rancher had the button I'd buy one. Instead I've decided to settle on a different model.
Interesting. For what it's worth, my 55 is not all that hard to start. The first time took a while but I think that's because I didn't know what I was doing.
Now it usually just takes 3 or 4 quick pulls in succession and she fires right up. I've heard from a few other users that having the oil/gas ratio exactly right is key, and some swear that using the Husky brand of 2-stroke oil also helps. One guy said he gets it running on the second pull even in single digit temperatures.
Probably has a lot to do with how well maintained you keep the machine.
Got me scratching my head with that one.
I do know that I have a Husky 55, and that it has the decompression button on the side. On my saw, however, as well as the literature that came with the saw, it only refers to the "55" and nowhere is "Rancher" mentioned.
So...has the 55 always been a Rancher? I honestly don't know, but my 55 is about 9 years old. However, whenever I bring in my chains for a shop sharpening, I always tell him I have a "55", he always refers to it as a "Rancher". As a result, I just started putting "55" and "Rancher" together.
Just got back from a little googling. On Husky's website, they only list a "55 Rancher" and you're right, it doesn't have the decompression botton. There is no current reference to a plain "55".
On other sites I found references to the "55", the "51/55 Series", and the "55 Rancher". There, the "55" and the "51/55 Series" do have the cylinder decompression button. Also on those sites, the "55 Rancher" does not have the decompression button.
On Husky's website I also looked at their PDF files of user manuals. The older manuals reference a "55", the newer models reference "55 Rancher". So, it looks like that somewhere along the line the 55 sort of turned into the Rancher 55.
So you're right, rez. The Rancher does NOT have a decompression button. And I'm wrong, I don't have a 55 Rancher...I have a Husky 55.
So, Ed, and others who read this thread...I apologize for sending out inaccurate info!
Decompressed,
Mongo
Just curious--does the 55 have the same basic specs?
According to the omniscient Piffin, as well as Husky's website, the 55 Rancher goes way back to the late 70s, and has been one of their longest-running and most successful models.
As an aside, the local dealer here told me the 55 Rancher used to be the top-selling saw but now it's the 350, which apparently is not quite as powerful but is a little more homeowner-friendly.
From Husqvarna's website:
Here are specs for the 55 (taken from the UK site):
Features: Air Injection, Centrifugal air cleaning system for longer intervals between filter cleaning, smoother operation and reduce wear.
Vibration dampening system with the handles isolated from the engine.
Forged three-piece crankshaft for maximum durabuility for the toughest applications.
The slim body, high centre of gravity and flat underside make this saw easy to work with.
Angled front handle for better grip and natural working position.
Smart Start, Decompression valve for very easy starting.
Cylinder displacement
3.2 cu.inch / 53.2 cm³
Maximum recommended engine speed
12 500 rpm
Fuel tank volume
1.27 US pint / 0.60l
Oil tank volume
0.63 US pint / 0.30l
Oil pump type
fixed flow
Cutting equipment
Chain pitch
.325 / 3/8"
Recommended bar length
13-20" / 33-50 cm
Ergonomics
Sound level
98 dB(A)
Noise emissions, LWA
111 dB(A)
Vibrations, front/rear handle
4.9 m/s² / 7.2 m/s²
Overall dimensions
Weight without cutting equipment
11.4 lbs / 5.2 kg
And for the 55 Rancher (taken from the US site):
Pretty much identical, except the Rancher does not have the "smart start" decompression button. The Rancher is slightly quieter (98dB vs 111dB), and although cylinder volume is identical, there is a negligible 0.1 difference in the hp output.
So yeah, the specs seem pretty much the same. From what I found online, the straight 55 is available in Europe but not in the US. The Rancher is available in the US but not overseas.
These are the manuals Husqvarna has listed as downloadable on their website:
2001-10-11
OM, 51, 55, 2001-02
View Image HOUS2001_1019194-95.pdf (1556 kB)
2002-05-02
OM, 55 EPA, 2002-05
View Image HOUS2002_1140107-95.pdf (1731 kB)
2002-05-02
OM, 55 Rancher EPA, 2002-05
View Image HOUS2002_1140106-95.pdf (1725 kB)
2002-07-03
OM, 55 Rancher, EPA I, 2002-07
View Image HOUS2002_1140125-95.pdf (1770 kB)
2004-01-15
OM, 55 Rancher, EPA II, 2004-01
View Image HOUS2004_1140236-95.pdf (2290 kB)
2002-01-14
OM, 55 Rancher, EPA, 1999-01
So in the end...I really don't know the genesis of the 55 vs the 55 Rancher.
I must confess - I fell into the same trap you did. I got my 55 about the same time you did and have had the same experience at the local Husky place regarding the names. My apologies as well for not checking more thoroughly.
Well, the whole thing still leaves me a bit mystified as well as the dealer's mannerisms which lead me to believe he didn't feel secure in naming model #s himself.
Seems one would need a factory rep and Husky historian to figure this one out.
In the meantime I bartered out labor for a new Simplicity lawn tractor with the bellymower. Also got a a like new self-propelled walkbehind lawnboy mower which won't be needed so I'm going to try and trade it out for a new Husky chainsaw. Wish me luck at the dealers.
be a greencutter for a wood cutter
Edited 5/29/2004 12:03 pm ET by rez
The rancher is one of their original models, without some of the modern refinements like decompression.
Since you are less familiar with chainsaws, I would advise the safer practice of staying with the antikickback chain until you are very proficient. maybe make the change after you wear this chain out.
If you use a one gallon can to mix fuel, grease the sprocket once a gallon or so.
I have never turned a bar over but I can see the advantage of it, although I burned up my last saw motor before finalizing the bar. Well, that doesn't count the time I bent a bar right after I bought it fifteen years ago.
I use my round file to clean up the teeth every time I fuel up. You need to discipline yourself to taking that rest break anyway for safety sake, and a sharp chain induces less fatigue to your arms.
Then I file rakers in the shop only when they seem to need it.
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Whew! After making that reply, I felt like a ping pong ball bouncing back and forth beteween decompression yes and decom no.
I'm certainly not omniscient and what I had to say comes from dealer. I can add some assumptiopn to that similar to what mongo concluded.
They apparently considered droipping the rancher a few years ago when they developed the newest lineup, but long history and strong demand either brought it back or kept it alive. somewhere in that corporat transition is where some of the crossover stuff happened, I'm sure.
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rez, you'll never be unhappy with that Simplicity
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the mower or the idea of barter? :o)
the riding mower/hoovercraft
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I take it all back--the thing's a piece of junk!
Just kidding. . .but actually I went out today to finish bucking my logs and discovered a fuel leak in what appears to be the fuel tank vent (opposite site of the tank from the cap, there's a deeply recessed little seal where the fuel was leaking).
Needless to say, I figured it wasn't real safe to operate in that condition, and the dealer is closed until Tuesday, so I'll have to wait.
I'm surprised--what would cause that problem? From what I understand the vent should have a valve or something that prevents fuel from leaking out. Even when I turned the thing on its side so the vent was facing up, it still came out of there.
So I emptied the tank and will take it in next Tuesday. P-ssed me off, though. Thing's only on its sixth tankful!
Wharcha puttin' in that gas anyhow Ed?
;)
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Oh, just a little used motor oil and whatever else I have layin round the shop.
Ed,
When you go back to the dealer, ask him when, how, or why...whatever...the 51/55 series became the 55 Rancher.
Sorry about that fuel leak. If you;re in the mood, fire up a propane torch and solder the leak tight. Ignore the bright flash and the "kaboom."
Dealer, schmealer. I'll just patch it with a little duct tape.
Gorila glue
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j b weld, fixes anything..
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
how 'bout septic tank residue?
LOL
Sorry Ed
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Hey, don't give me that "crap". . .
Seriously, I did want to add that Gabe up at Belfast Ace (Agway is history) did an A-1 job fixing the leak--said the factory didn't install the vent quite right (so much for Swedish quality). Also, pointed out that the position of the fuel tank vent on the 55 is a design flaw, claimed that if you tip the saw on its side even for a short time fuel will leak out there.
Man, you'd think Husky'd wise up to that and redo the thing. I guess they have on some of the newer saws.
By the way, I have to say that the "low-kickback" chain may be for greenhorns like me, but man-o-man did it ever eat through that oak in no time. I was pretty impressed--and I only sharpened every other tankful.
From the history page of the Husky site: (http://www.usa.husqvarna.com/node1342.asp)
1978Now comes the Rancher 50. A saw that we develop especially for farmers and occasional users. The saw is a success. It’s still in production, as model 55. We’ve currently manufactured approximately 1.5-1.8 million saws of this model.
There's a photo of the original 50 there. Over a quarter century old--depending on your perspective, that's either a testimony to a great design or an obsolete dinosaur.
Thanks for postiing that.
I've had the 029 super from stihl for quite a while....a long time.....runs great couldn't ask for anything more........now, as far as husky and sthil go, they're far from the comparison of ford and chevy. I've used them both and have no complaints. I've been interested in the 55 rancher for some time because I need a saw with a longer bar than my sthil, that's what I tell myself anyway. Just another excuse to get another toy......good luck, tell us how you make out..
Also I've heard poeple say they like cleaning husky's better than sthils......
I have one that came with the home I bought. It worked as well or better than the Stihl my neighbor has. It became difficult to sharpen the chain so I bought an Oregon bar and chain replacement. It works like new now. They are old and Husky has discontinued them, but they are still a quality tool.