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The Husqvarna 55 Rancher chainsaw joined the product range in 1990. It was the latest in a line of models that began with the Husqvarna 50 in 1982. The 55 Rancher model was discontinued in 2005, to be succeeded by the Husqvarna 455 Rancher.
This line of general purpose machines were manufactured specifically for the occasional user market. It was a successful strategy for Husqvarna and the “Rancher” became very popular with farmers and land owners in the United States.
The Husqvarna 55 chainsaw combines die cast magnesium and injection moulded plastic parts in the motor housing. This achieves a weight of 5.2kg, which is light enough for general property maintenance. The robust magnesium crankcase, and three piece crankshaft design may add to the weight, but they make the saw strong enough for the occasional tough jobs.
The engine output is a respectable 2.4kW, enough to tackle every day property maintenance work. Other great features include effective anti-vibration dampeners that reduce user fatigue; an easy-to-start engine; an inertia-activated chain brake for added protection; and a money-saving pump that stops bar and chain lubrication when the chain saw is idling.
A search on Ebay will quickly tell you that this machine is in short supply. It’s a great saw and robust, maybe owners are hanging on to their saw and never selling? There’s an abundance of spare parts too. So owners can keep their favourite saw running for years to come.
Production of the Rancher 55 ceased in 2005. It’s no surprise that number in the used market is dwindling. If you do find one in good running order then it could be a great purchase at the right price. Otherwise you might do yourself a favour and buy a new saw with a warranty from a genuine Husqvarna dealer. There’s a choice of replacement models for the 55 depending on your exact needs. Take a look at the 450 Rancher, 455 Rancher or 460 Rancher, check prices on Ebay but be certain to buy from a factory authorized reseller.
Model Name | Husqvarna 55 |
Engine Type | single-cylinder two-stroke |
Engine Capacity | 53cc |
Cylinder Bore | 46mm |
Piston Stroke | 32mm |
Ignition Type | FHP ET |
Spark Plug Type | Champion RCJ 7Y (EBay) |
Spark Plug Gap | 0.5mm |
Carburetor Type | Walbro WT 170 |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 0.6 litre |
Fuel Mixture | 50:1 with Husqvarna two-stroke engine oil (EBay) |
Weight | 5.2 kg |
Catalytic Converter | No |
Chain Lubrication Type | Automatic oil pump |
Oil Tank Capacity | 0.3 litre |