Husqvarna 55 Rancher Manual

The Husqvarna 55 Rancher is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and ranch work. It features a powerful 55cc engine, X-Torq technology for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, combined choke/stop control, air injection centrifugal air cleaning system, inertia activated chain brake, and low vibration handles. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 55cc X-Torq engine, Combined choke/stop control, Air Injection system, Inertia activated chain brake, Side-mounted chain tensioner, LowVib anti-vibration system.

Feature	Description
X-Torq Engine	Reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions
Air Injection	Centrifugal air cleaning system for longer filter life
Combined choke/stop control	Simplified starting procedure
Inertia chain brake	Automatically activates in kickback situations
Side-mounted chain tensioner	Easy chain adjustment without tools
LowVib system	Reduces vibration for operator comfort
Quick-release air filter	Easy access for cleaning
3/8" pitch chain	Standard professional cutting equipment
Fuel tank capacity	0.55 US gallons (2.1 liters)
Oil tank capacity	0.32 US gallons (1.2 liters)

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear proper protective equipment.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety helmet, hearing protection, protective glasses, gloves, chainsaw protective trousers, and boots with steel toe caps.
2. Work area safety: Clear work area of obstacles; ensure secure footing; never work alone.
3. Chain brake: Test chain brake before each use.
4. Kickback zone: Avoid contact with upper quadrant of bar tip.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Improper use can cause serious injury or death. Always follow safety procedures.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble bar and chain.

1. Attach guide bar: Place bar on studs, align chain with sprocket, fit chain around bar.
2. Tension chain: Use side-mounted tensioner to adjust until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
3. Fill fluids: Add Husqvarna XP+ 2-stroke oil to fuel (50:1 ratio). Fill chain oil tank with bar & chain oil.
4. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Use only Husqvarna recommended oils and fuels. Improper mixtures can damage engine.

Specifications

• Engine displacement: 55 cc
• Power output: 3.2 hp (2.4 kW)
• Fuel tank volume: 0.55 US gal (2.1 L)
• Oil tank volume: 0.32 US gal (1.2 L)
• Recommended bar length: 15" to 20" (38-50 cm)
• Chain pitch: 3/8"
• Weight (excluding cutting equipment): 11.7 lbs (5.3 kg)
• Sound pressure level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration levels: Front handle 4.2 m/s², Rear handle 4.5 m/s²
• Emissions: Meets EPA Phase 2 and EU Stage II standards

Controls and Components

Main controls: Front handle with chain brake, Rear handle with throttle trigger, Throttle lockout, Combined choke/stop control, Master control lever.

Components: 1. Chain brake handle 2. Throttle trigger 3. Throttle lockout 4. Master control lever 5. Air filter cover 6. Fuel tank cap 7. Oil tank cap 8. Spark plug cover 9. Starter handle 10. Muffler 11. Guide bar 12. Chain 13. Chain catcher 14. Side-mounted chain tensioner

Master control positions: Choke position (cold start), Half-throttle position (warm start), Run position (operation), Stop position (engine off).

Starting & Stopping

Cold start procedure:

1. Activate chain brake by pushing forward.
2. Set master control to choke position.
3. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
4. Pull starter handle until engine fires.
5. Set master control to half-throttle position.
6. Pull starter handle until engine starts.
7. Blip throttle to disengage start throttle setting.
8. Release chain brake before cutting.

Warm start: Set master control to run position and pull starter.

Stopping: Set master control to stop position.

Tip: Always engage chain brake when starting.

Operation Guidelines

Proper cutting techniques for safety and efficiency.

1. Secure footing: Stand with feet apart for balance.
2. Grip: Hold front handle with left hand, rear handle with right hand.
3. Starting cut: Apply full throttle before bar contacts wood.
4. Kickback prevention: Never cut with upper quadrant of bar tip.
5. Buckling: Use appropriate techniques for different wood positions.
6. Limbing: Work from trunk outward, keep saw stable.
7. Pushing/ pulling chains: Recognize and adjust technique accordingly.

WARNING! Never operate above shoulder height. Be aware of falling branches.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily maintenance: Clean air filter, check chain tension, sharpen chain, clean saw exterior, check all nuts and bolts.

Weekly maintenance: Clean cooling fins, check spark plug, clean fuel filter, check chain brake function.

Monthly maintenance: Clean carburetor air intake, check anti-vibration elements, clean spark arrestor screen.

Annual maintenance: Replace fuel filter, check fuel lines, professional inspection recommended.

Chain & Bar Care

Chain sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 5/32" for 3/8" chain). Maintain 30° cutting angle. File all cutters equally.

Bar maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly. Flip bar monthly for even wear. Dress bar rails with flat file when needed.

Chain tension: Proper tension when chain snaps back against bar but can be rotated by hand. Re-tension when chain heats up during use.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. A sharp chain is safer than a dull one.

Storage

Long-term storage procedure:

1. Empty fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
2. Remove spark plug and add 1 teaspoon of engine oil through spark plug hole.
3. Pull starter cord slowly to distribute oil, then replace spark plug.
4. Clean entire saw thoroughly.
5. Remove chain and bar, clean and oil them separately.
6. Store in dry, cool place away from children.

WARNING! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Fuel deteriorates and can damage engine.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, flooded, fuel issues	Check spark plug, wait if flooded, check fuel mix and filter.
Engine starts then dies	Fuel filter clogged, carburetor issues	Replace fuel filter, clean carburetor air filter.
Poor performance	Dirty air filter, dull chain	Clean air filter, sharpen or replace chain.
Chain won't stay tensioned	Worn bar, improper adjustment	Inspect bar for wear, proper tensioning procedure.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced chain	Tighten all bolts, check chain sharpening.
Chain oil not flowing	Clogged oil passages, wrong oil	Clean oil passages, use correct bar & chain oil.

Service: For professional service, contact authorized Husqvarna dealer.

Support: Husqvarna Forest & Garden Company, 1-800-487-5962, www.husqvarna.com