The Rancher series from Husqvarna is aptly named. They are tough, well built saws meant for the demands of a ranch, tree farm, or estate.
The X-Torq engine puts out a lot of cutting power over a wide rpm range, so it will dig in and get the job done on trees, logs, fenceposts- you name it.
Normally a beefy engine would take a beefy arm to start it; but the Smart Start system reduces the compression in the carburetor so turning the motor over won't be the worst part of the day.
It will take a beefy arm to run this unit all day- it's 13 pounds of intense cutting power. If you have traded up from a lesser saw you will want to get used to the extra weight- gradually.
The 18" bar will handle almost anything you put in it's path; but if you are working in old growth woods or have some really thick poles to cut you may want to step up to our Best pick.
May 16, 2012
Terry L. Arlington, TN
Went through cedar like butter
I do like my Husqvarna, I cut some cedar and the saw went through like butter.
However, I do have some difficulty in putting my right foot in the handle when it is on the ground. I'm 6' 4'' and it is tough to bend that far over. Also, I'm 79 and it tough getting back up, but everything is okay.
December 21, 2011
Brook B. Damascus, OR
Bar oiler needs some help
I purchased the 450 for medium tree work and was disapointed that the chain oiler does not work in all positions.
Horizontal with gas and oil cap down does not feed well to bar. Chain and bar was dry after a few cuts to bring a standing tree down in user friendly chunks- 16" to 18" in length.
Saw starts well, is powerful and oils fine in a "standard" cutting position. Is there any way to address this condition?
CSD RESPONDS: Please contact the folks at Husqvarna, toll free, at 800-487-5951. They will be able to give you advice that won't void your warranty.
September 28, 2011
Pat Arlington, VA
Great machine
This is a beautiful machine. Starts easily and runs perfectly until the gas is gone.
Handles and cuts with ease.
September 03, 2011
Mack R. Alexandria, VA
Great Saw
The saw arrived just in-time for the storm (Irene) and a huge tree fell and I am still working on it.
Starts easy and is a work horse.
August 18, 2011
Didier Harpers Ferry, WV
powerful!
Chainsaw came bare-bone, I expected a bit more.
User Manual is below standard but once in action the chainsaw is amazing.
Do not forget to release brake prior to removing the clutch cover.
Would I buy it again, perhaps.
March 01, 2011
JC B. Valparaiso, FL
Great Chainsaw
Just cut down a 25 inch diameter Live Oak, the 450 made it a piece of cake. I have owned Husqvarna chainsaws for 20 years, they continue to make the best equipment on the market!
January 10, 2011
Joe Hewitt, NJ
Excellent
Thus far, the chainsaw has done everything I've needed. I'm not sure where I come in on the scale, but I cut three cords this past year without any problem.
Easy start up, every time. And by easy I mean instant. The vibration is fine and the noise level is not a problem when using ear protection.
No doubt, I'm a fan of the product... and a fan of the site. EXCELLENT costumer service.
June 18, 2010
Larry Ferrone Brunswick, OH
I am very pleased with my new saw
I had a 30yr old 20", 60cc Remington. It had no safeties, a manual chain oiler, it was heavy, and a lot of vibration while using it; but it was reliable.
So, before anybody got injured with it, I took it apart and threw it away after I took the chance of purchasing my new saw.
I saved six 12" diameter logs and started up my new saw. Wow, what a difference!
It cut through those logs with half the effort ! This 18 incher did a great job!
Since I don't use the saw on a regular basis, with a little math, I can put 13 oz of gas with a 14 oz of 2-cycle oil right in the tank and it's just about full for doing small jobs around the yard.
Nice dealing with Chain Saws Direct, too.
I had a 30yr old 20", 60cc Remington. It had no safeties, a manual chain oiler, it was heavy, and a lot of vibration while using it; but it was reliable.
So, before anybody got injured with it, I took it apart and threw it away after I took the chance of purchasing my new saw.
I saved six 12" diameter logs and started up my new saw. Wow, what a difference!
It cut through those logs with half the effort ! This 18 incher did a great job!
Since I don't use the saw on a regular basis, with a little math, I can put 13 oz of ... more
May 24, 2010
R South West Wyoming, WY
Runs rich at high altitude
I like the saw- it starts easily.
I am using the saw at 7500 feet and it runs rich. I am disappointed that the rich-lean setting requires a special tool that didn't come with the saw.
If you intend to run this saw at high altitude locations, either plan on finding and buying the adjustment tool or taking it into a shop.
May 19, 2010
Milton Washington Temple Hills, MD
Performs Better Than Advertised
I received my saw a couple of weeks ago. Right out of the box I put it to task, after filling it with Husky oil and gasoline.
It started with only two (2) tugs on the starting rope! I cut at least a cord and a half of firewood before shutting it off for the evening.
I have other saws (Stihl and McCulloch) this saw out cuts them both. By the way, the Stihl is less than one year old.
One con is that it leaks oil when not in use; I'm having that looked into.Other than the oil leak I am totally satisfied.
I would recommend this saw to anyone for heavy occasional use, or light regular use.
CSD RESPONDS: A cord is 4 feet wide by 4 feet high by 8 feet long (128 cubic feet). Cutting 192 cubic feet of firewood the first time out IS impressive!
I received my saw a couple of weeks ago. Right out of the box I put it to task, after filling it with Husky oil and gasoline.
It started with only two (2) tugs on the starting rope! I cut at least a cord and a half of firewood before shutting it off for the evening.
I have other saws (Stihl and McCulloch) this saw out cuts them both. By the way, the Stihl is less than one year old.
One con is that it leaks oil when not in use; I'm having that looked into.Other than the oil leak I am totally satisfied.
I bought this saw after spending several years dealing with a couple of different Poulans.
I was always having trouble starting the Poulan and they would often quit running in the middle of a job. Once they were running they would usually get the job done, but I was frustrated and mad by that time.
The Husqvarna is just awesome- it is really easy to start and it just keeps running! It easily cut through some big cottonwood and the only time I had to restart it was when I accidentally hit the kill switch.
I'm thinking about getting another one so my husband can have a nice saw, too.
I bought this saw after spending several years dealing with a couple of different Poulans.
I was always having trouble starting the Poulan and they would often quit running in the middle of a job. Once they were running they would usually get the job done, but I was frustrated and mad by that time.
The Husqvarna is just awesome- it is really easy to start and it just keeps running! It easily cut through some big cottonwood and the only time I had to restart it was when I accidentally hit the kill switch.