We give the Husqvarna 455 Rancher Chainsaw a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Build Quality: 4.8/5
Power: 5/5
Features: 4.8/5
Price: 4.5/5
Review Summary
Like most Husqvarna chainsaws, the Husqvarna 455 Rancher Chainsaw is dependable and powerful. It is perfect for both homeowners and professionals. It isn’t terribly expensive but is suitable for most uses. The Rancher is an upper-tier chainsaw by every stretch of the imagination. If you need to cut down larger trees, this chainsaw has you covered.
We loved that it was packed full of safety features, which is a big deal when it comes to chainsaws. Whether you plan on using it a little bit or a whole lot, this chainsaw has your back.
Anytime you’re using something powerful enough to cut down a tree, there is a level of risk involved. Chainsaws can be dangerous. However, they are much less dangerous than they used to be. Over the years, many companies have come out with new safety features that have made chopping trees much easier than it used to be.
The 455 Rancher is packed full of safety features. It has an inertia-activated chain system. If there is a sudden, jerking movement, the saw automatically turns itself off. That is about as safe as it gets. With this saw, you don’t have to worry nearly as much about kickback.
Powerful Engine
The Rancher’s engine is quite powerful and suitable for most purposes. It is also designed to stand up against strict regulations. The engine keeps exhaust to a minimum and operates very cleanly. While using it, you will not be breathing in tons of noxious fumes. The engine is more efficient, which allows it to create less exhaust, go through fuel slower, and remain powerful.
Truthfully, the Rancher 455 has one of the most powerful motors on the market.
Easy to Start
The Rancher is easy to start. Many chainsaws are somewhat tricky to start, even today, after technical advancements. While professionals likely won’t appreciate this feature very much, it is awesome for beginners. If you don’t have much experience starting chainsaws, a quick start is ideal.
Poor Customer Service
Sadly, Husqvarna’s chainsaw is not backed up by solid customer service. There are many reports of the company’s customer service not responding or taking months to respond. While defects aren’t common, they happen occasionally with every product.
FAQ
Is this a professional-grade saw?
It can be considered a professional grade saw. However, the Rancher is a bit less durable and heavier than a true professional saw. With that said, it is also considerably cheaper than a professional-grade saw. It is a great value for the power and safety features it includes.
What size bar can be used with this chainsaw?
It is unclear from the description which other bars the chainsaw can use. However, there are 24-inch bars being sold by this brand that list the 455 Rancher as a possible fit.
Beware, as you increase the length, the engine may bog down a bit more.
Does a bar come with this chainsaw?
Yes. A 20-inch bar comes with this chainsaw. However, you can purchase a slightly longer bar if you wish as a replacement.
What type of warranty does this chainsaw have?
It has a 2-year warranty. You can extend the warranty at the time of purchase. However, it is very difficult to act on this warranty. Their customer service department is not responsive in the least, and there are not many repair shops that work on this tool. Because of that, the warranty isn’t that helpful.
What the Users Say
Many customers reported that the Rancher was easy to handle and took care of most trees and limbs without issue. It has great power and can cut through most materials quickly. There are no obvious defects with the chainsaw; everything works as it should.
The chain brake works quite well, according to a few users who unfortunately tested it. There are many reports of potential injuries being avoided thanks to this great safety feature. When the feature engages, it is easy to unlock the chain and return to work.
The only complaints involved the company’s customer service. Many people reported defects but had difficulties contacting the company to act on the warranty.
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is a solidly built saw. It has an efficient motor that is extremely powerful without running through tons of fuel. It can be used with various bars and comes with a 20-inch bar, which is suitable for most purposes. It comes with fantastic safety features that have likely saved quite a few fingers.
There aren’t many problems associated with the Rancher. The only issue seems to be with Husqvarna’s customer service. The warranty is difficult to use because the customer service department is not particularly responsive.
Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing.
As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden.
