Your opinion and experiences with a Husqvarna 450 Rancher Chainsaw

Needing to get an easier to start chainsaw to finish up cutting wood this fall. Ran across this, "Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20" 50.2cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw". Before I go purchase it (maybe tonight) thought I would ask for recommendations either way on this saw. What say you?

 

First new saw purchase for me was a Husky 450. I was completely disappointed. After getting into some apple orchards, I knew this wasn't the right choice. I sold it for $200 and bought a brand new 357xp. Love that saw. So, IMO I'd recommend a different model. My father needed a newer light weight saw and I guided him on getting a 435. A friend of mine has a 445 and a 455, I'd choose either of those or the 460 Rancher first. The 450 was just very lack luster in it's performance. It's hard to explain but I just did not like it.
One thing I personally would recommend is a saw with 2 studs to clamp the bar tight. If you can swing it, this saw has a full metal (magnesium) crank case. It's built to last. Husqvarna 545 Mark II 20

 

Same that was my first saw I was very disappointed and driven crazy with it my 450 x torq chain would always pop off couldn’t figure out why tried several things…sold for 200 on Facebook

 

Appreciate the information. This is exactly what I am looking for. Thanks.

 

So did you buy another Husqvarna? And thanks, I appreciate you taking the time to share this information.

 

This is the very much wrong place to ask people if you should buy a base model chainsaw. my 2 cents is you will much happier with an echo cs590 or 620, a husqvarna 545 mark 2, or drumroll please a Stihl 261c, which is a favorite for many FHC members.

 

Where do you suggest I ask? This is the chainsaw and power equipment section is it not? Pardon me if I am not "spending" enough money for you.

 

I ended up buying all types of saws i got 8 of them now…husquvarna is a great brand i just recommend steering Away from 450 spend a little extra its worth it..or look for 50 cc saws of discontinued brands for discount on ebay like redmax, jonsered, dolmar, makita maybe get a good deal

 

I apologize if I offended you JWindiana. My comment was meant as humor. Alot of us on here are hopelessly addicted to chainsaws. I myself have 7 saws, do I need all of them no I don't. I cut 8-15 cords a year and want different sizes for different tasks. Almost any saw that's running and oiling correctly with a sharp chain will feed a woodstove. FHC a GREAT group and many will go out of their way to help you.

 

My advice JWinIndiana is the more chainsaws you buy the clearer it becomes which you should keep and which you should part with. Although I’ve never had the 450 rancher, I have had its cousin, the 455 rancher for probably 15 years or so and still use it often. It’s no pro grade saw but it does what I need it to every time and it has for years. Doesn’t owe me a thing!

 

Thank you everyone. I have a couple antique wall hanger chainsaws. 6 or so saws, but I am tired of pulling and pulling trying to start saws. So decided to use the group to make a more educated decision. I did look at Stihl but have 3 that are hard starters. Reviews are not favorable on their electronics. Put a Husqvarna 545 Mark II 20 on hold and will pick it up Wed after my bus route. Thank you all for your info and will let you know my experiences with this Husqvarna 545 Mark II 20.

 

We eagerly await your review. Congrats on the purchase

 

I'm eager to hear your feedback. These new 5 series Husqvarna's have butter smooth anti-vibe. First time I cut with one I couldn't hardly believe it. Make sure to heed the starting guidelines, hot and cold. Saws that don't get run on a regular basis really benefit from some type of fuel stabilizers. The oil I run contains them, and advertise 2 year protection. I have yet to have an issue and I run pump gas w/ up to 10% eth.

 

I suspect you'll be very happy and the saw will last you a long time.

 

A red 545 for 520+tax BRAND NEW REDMAX GZ5000 CHAINSAW POWER HEAD IN BOX JONSERED CS2252 HUSQVARA 545 | eBay

 

I recently picked up a 545 MKii for a bargain. Newest firewood cutter, Husqvarna 545 I also have a Stihl MS 261 that the solenoid went bad on and caused a lean score. Picked up the 545 while the MS 261 is being worked on. So far I have been very pleased with it. It definitely is smooth, starts easily and handles very well.

 

No experience with Husky JWinIndiana, but if you plan on using it for many years, a pro model saw is the way to go.

I ran a Stihl MS290 (56cc farm/ranch level saw) for many years and it was very reliable. Cut a lot of wood with it. Once i started with pro model saws i wouldnt go back. Yes the initial whack to you wallet is tough
($700 ish new for a 261), but youll never look back. A decent used one can be had for $400-500 IME.
Just my 2c worth.

 

Not me, i can quit at anytime!

 

Either of the two brands will give you problem free starts. A saw that starts consistently is the least we should ask from it. My first Stihl (an 028 from 1985) ALWAYS started on four pulls on a cold start and never an issue on hot starts. It would sit for many months with mix in it and wouldnt affect its ability to start. This sold me on the brand and why i am loyal to them.

Best of luck with your "new" saw whatever it may be and be sure to post pics.

 

I've had my 450 Rancher for 10+ years, Reliable, starts every time. Powerful enough for most firewood cutting.