Quick Overview of This Article
With over 2,400 trees being cut down every minute, chainsaws have become an enormous necessity worldwide. Husqvarna company leads the global market in bringing powerful, safe, and eco-friendly chainsaws to the marketplace.
Among the best medium-sized chainsaws that Husqvarna has produced the Husqvarna 450 and Husqvarna 455 Rancher. These two chainsaws produce adequate power to satisfy all your chainsaw’s needs. However, there are differences between them and depending on your needs and preferences, you might choose one for the other.
The Husqvarna 450 is a lightweight saw with a 3.2 hp power output and can handle medium-duty tasks effectively. More so, the handles are ergonomic so that you can use the saw for a long time without much fatigue.
On the other hand, the Husqvarna 455 Rancher comes with a 2.8 hp engine, 20 in. bar, and is heavyweight. Thus, it is ideal for demanding tasks since the heavyweight makes it unsuitable for light jobs such as pruning.
Are the above differences enough to help you make an informed buying decision? No, more details are needed. This article will take an in-depth dive into the differences between Husqvarna 450 and Husqvarna 455 Rancher.
Husqvarna 450 Review
If you are looking for a lightweight chainsaw to accomplish your light to medium-duty tasks, the Husqvarna 450 is your preferred choice. This gas-powered chainsaw is packed with a 50.2cc X-Torq engine that can deliver 3.2 hp. Additionally, it is versatile and compatible with various bars ranging from 13 inches to 20 inches.
You will not struggle to start the Husqvarna 450 since it has a pre-installed Smart Start Technology and a choke/stop control feature. More so, it has safety features to keep yourself and those around you safe while operating it.
The chainsaw also has a centrifugal air cleaning system that prevents debris/ dust to jam your engine while working. There is more to be said about this powerful saw, but if you are not a heavy-duty user and need a pocket-friendly chainsaw, the Husqvarna 450 is your to-go chainsaw.
The chainsaw also has a centrifugal air cleaning system that prevents debris/ dust to jam your engine while working. There is more to be said about this powerful saw, but if you are not a heavy-duty user and need a pocket-friendly chainsaw, the Husqvarna 450 is your to-go chainsaw.
Husqvarna 455 Rancher Review
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is ideal for part-time users or landowners who require a heavy-duty and powerful chainsaw for various cutting needs and conditions. The chainsaw coughs out 3.49 hp from its 55.5cc X-Torq engine.
Though this chainsaw comes with a 20-inch cutting bar, you can change it and replace it with bars of different lengths, depending on your needs. Like the Husqvarna 450, it is easy to start and switch off the chainsaw thanks to the Smart Start Technology.
Other features of the Husqvarna 455 Rancher are similar to the Husqvarna 450, but the 455 is more advanced. The machine is powerful and ideal for extended use or heavy-duty tasks.
Husqvarna 450 vs Husqvarna 455 Rancher: Differences
Most of the Husqvarna 400 series of chainsaws have similar features and technology, and the 450 and 455 are not an exception. However, with a hawks-eye look at the two chainsaws, you can realize numerous differences between them. The differences are in terms of their functionality, power, and design.
Let’s see what differentiates between Husqvarna 450 Rancher vs Husqvarna 455 Rancher.
Engine
The engine sizes and power output of the Husqvarna 450 and 455 Rancher is different. However, they both use the X-Torq 2-stroke engine, which runs on a gas/oil mixture on a ratio of 50:1.
The Husqvarna 450 features a 50.2cc engine that outputs 3.2 hp power with a 9000rpm maximum speed regardless of the similarity. On the other hand, the 455 Rancher model features a 55.5cc engine which can produce 3.49 hp, with its full speed being 9000rpm.
If you are looking for a more powerful saw, the 455 Rancher should be your pick.
Bar Length
The length of the bar determines how deep the chainsaw can cut. The Husqvarna 450 comes with an 18-inch bar, while the 455 Rancher has a 20-inch installed bar. Both are compatible with other bars with a maximum of 20 inches in length. However, the 450 model is also compatible with a short bar of 13 inches due to its lightweight.
Price
With the advanced features, ergonomics, and technology, the Husqvarna 455 Rancher will cost you more than the 450 model. However, the price should not put you off. The 455 Rancher will offer you the value of your money since it’s powerful and also comfortable to use.
If you need a chainsaw for light uses around your home, you can pick the cheaper 450 model since it delivers the required power and features to satisfy your personal cutting needs.
Fuel Capacity and Usage
The fuel tank volume of the Husqvarna 450 model is 16.06 fl. oz. in contrast, that of the 455 Rancher is 14.88 fl. oz. Additionally, the 450 comes with a 0.9 pints US fuel tank, while the 455 Rancher has 0.75 pints US fuel tank. Thus, the 450 has a larger tank compared to the 455 Rancher. Additionally, the 450 has a visible fuel level which is lacking in the modern 455 Rancher.
While both utilize the X-Torq engine that reduces fuel usage, the 450 lasts longer before refueling than the 455 Rancher.
Air Cleaning System
Though the two brands have similar air filtering systems, their accessibility features are different. You can access the air filter of the Husqvarna 450 without using any tools, which makes it easy and quick to clean it when the need arises.
On the other hand, the 455 Rancher has four screws that you must unscrew before reaching the air filter. These screws make the cleaning process consume more time. On a positive note, you can adjust the 455 Rancher’s cylinder cover during the cold seasons so that it can direct preheated air to the air cleaning to keep the engine in optimum working temperatures. This feature is not available in the 450 model.
Size
Both machines have similar height and depth, but the 455 Rancher has a width of 41 in. while the 450 has 39 in. Further, the 455 Rancher weighs about 13.2 lbs. while the 450 model is lighter, weighing 10.8 lbs.
Husqvarna 450 vs 455 Rancher: Similarities
Husqvarna strives to provide its customers with safe, durable, and efficient machines and tools. In this regard, most of their chainsaws have similarities in offering safety, fuel-saving engines, and durability features.
Let’s check the similarities between the Husqvarna 450 and 450 Rancher.
Safety Features
The Husqvarna 450 and 450 Rancher have pre-installed safety features that protect you from injuries like a kickback. These two machines have a low kickback feature to prevent kickback injuries which are common in powerful chainsaws.
Additionally, the two chainsaws have a chain brake system which you can operate using the front guard or via the inertia resulting from a bar kickback. To add to your security, these models have a rear handle design and chain catcher.
If need be, the models have a spark arrestor. You should check if the spark arrestor is installed before sealing the purchase deal.
LowVib System
If you are a frequent chainsaw user, you are likely to develop the HAVS condition due to the vibrations produced by the chainsaw. However, using a chainsaw that has a mechanism to counter-attack the vibration can prevent that from happening.
Most modern Husqvarna models, including the Husqvarna 450 and 455 Rancher, have a low vibration system called LowVib. The design minimizes the vibration levels of the chain saw.
Warranty and Certification
Most Husqvarna products are warranted for up to 2 years. After purchasing either the 450 or 455 Rancher, you will enjoy a warranty period of two years.
The models also have an EPA 2 certification.
Functionality
To start with, both brands use gas as the primary power source for their X-Torq engines. Secondly, they both have a combined choke/stop control feature, making it easy to start the chainsaw. Next, the two chainsaws have similar chain pitches of 0.325 inches and chain gauges of 0.050 inches.
For both models, the chain tensioning functionality is manual. In terms of lubrication, both models have an automated lubrication process making it easy to maintain the saw at optimum working conditions. The two brands are compatible with other cutting bars ranging from 13 inches to a maximum of 20 in.
Air Filter System
Though there is a slight difference between the accessibility of the air filters in Husqvarna 450 and 455 Rancher, they are technically the same. They both have a quick-release air filter and an installed air injection function.
The systems both have a cooling fan that creates a centrifugal force that pushes air into the filter and does away with debris and dust before they reach the filter.
Choosing Between the Husqvarna 450 vs 455 Rancher
| Brand & Model | HUSQVARNA 450 | HUSQVARNA 455 |
| Origin | USA | USA |
| Weight | 10.8lbs | 12.8 lbs |
| Bar length | 18-inch | 20-inch |
| Engine | 50.22cc / 3.2hp | 55.5cc / 3.49hp |
| Chain speed | 56.76fts | 65.6fts |
| Chain | 13” min to 20” max | 13” min to 20” max |
| X-Torq | Yes | Yes |
| Dimension | 18 x 9 x 11 inches | 20 x 9.5 x 41 inches |
| Pre-air cleaning | Yes – centrifugal air injection cleaning system | Yes – centrifugal air injection cleaning system |
| Chain tensioning | External side access with included T-wrench | External side access with included T-wrench |
Which Husqvarna Rancher model is right for you?
Before making any buying decision, you require to note down your needs and the intention of buying the product. If you are a heavy chainsaw user, purchase the 455 Rancher with more power output and a large engine. You also need to have the adequate upper body strength to operate it with ease.
On the contrary, if you don’t have the strength to operate heavy machines or just need a chainsaw for personal or home needs, the 450 will serve you best.
Both the 450 and 455 Rancher are great Husqvarna products. None will disappoint you.
Check your needs, preferences, and budget, then make your informed decision using the information provided in this article.
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