Husqvarna Chainsaw 55 Rancher Manual

The Husqvarna 55 Rancher is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and farm work. It features a powerful 55cc engine, X-Torq technology for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an inertia-activated chain brake, LowVib anti-vibration system, and an ergonomic design for comfortable operation. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 55cc X-Torq engine, 16" or 18" guide bar, inertia-activated chain brake, combined choke/stop control, air injection centrifugal cleaning, LowVib system, side-mounted chain tensioner.

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety helmet, hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, chainsaw protective pants, and boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear work area of obstacles; ensure secure footing; never work alone.
3. Kickback Awareness: Hold saw firmly with both hands; be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip).
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel only when engine is cold; use proper fuel/oil mixture; clean spills immediately.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Always engage chain brake when not cutting.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble on clean, flat surface.

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on mounting studs, fit chain around sprocket and bar, adjust tension.
2. Fill fuel tank: Mix high-quality 2-stroke oil with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio for Husqvarna oil).
3. Fill chain oil tank: Use proper bar and chain oil for all temperatures.
4. Check chain brake: Ensure brake functions properly by pushing forward handle.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned - should snap back when pulled from guide bar.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 55 cc
• Power Output: 3.2 hp (2.4 kW)
• Fuel Capacity: 0.95 L (0.25 US gal)
• Oil Capacity: 0.26 L (0.07 US gal)
• Guide Bar Length: 16" or 18" (40 cm or 45 cm)
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" or .325"
• Weight (excl. cutting equipment): 5.4 kg (11.9 lbs)
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels: Front handle: 3.5 m/s², Rear handle: 4.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Main controls: Front handle with throttle trigger and throttle lockout, rear handle, combined choke/stop control, chain brake lever, decompression valve (if equipped).

Right Side: Chain brake lever, throttle trigger, throttle lockout, stop switch. Left Side: Choke control, decompression valve, fuel tank cap, chain oil tank cap. Top: Spark plug, air filter cover, starter handle.

Safety Features: Chain brake (manual and inertia-activated), throttle lockout, right-hand guard, chain catcher, vibration dampeners.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

1. Place saw on flat ground, clear of obstacles.
2. Activate chain brake by pushing forward handle.
3. Set choke control to full choke position.
4. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
5. Pull starter cord until engine fires (1-4 pulls).
6. Move choke control to half-throttle position.
7. Pull starter cord until engine starts.
8. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.
9. Release chain brake before cutting.

Stopping: Release throttle, press stop switch. Emergency Stop: Activate chain brake.

Operating Instructions

Proper cutting techniques for safety and efficiency.

1. Felling Trees: Plan escape path; make notch cut; make felling cut; retreat along planned path.
2. Limbing: Stand on left side of trunk; cut from top of log; beware of springback.
3. Bucking: Support log properly; cut from top; avoid cutting into ground.
4. Pruning: Use bottom of bar; avoid cutting above shoulder height.

Tip: Let chain do the work - don't force the saw. Maintain proper chain speed during cuts.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, and brake function; check fuel and oil levels; clean air filter; inspect guide bar.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

1. Chain Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch; maintain 30° cutting angle; file all cutters equally.
2. Depth Gauge Setting: File depth gauges to 0.025" (0.65 mm) below cutter top plate.
3. Chain Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts; adjust tensioning screw; tighten bar nuts; check tension.
4. Guide Bar Maintenance: Rotate bar regularly; clean bar groove; file bar rails if burred.

CAUTION! Wear gloves when handling chain. A dull chain increases kickback risk.

Storage Guidelines

Long-term storage preparation to prevent damage.

1. Empty fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
2. Remove spark plug and add 1 tsp of oil to cylinder; pull starter 2-3 times; replace plug.
3. Clean entire saw thoroughly.
4. Remove chain and store in oil.
5. Store in dry, cool place away from children.

Tip: Label saw with date of storage. Check every 6 months if stored long-term.

Troubleshooting

Service: For technical support, contact Husqvarna at 1-800-487-5962 or visit www.husqvarna.com