Husqvarna 455 Rancher

[Chris-PA]

In order to dispel such rumors, I dare you to show me a plastic crankcase as used on any commercial chainsaw. $20 says you can't.

You may be thinking of saws whose cast metal engine assembly is bolted into a plastic frame. NOT the same thing. An advantage in that heat from engine is not conducted into oil/mix. Ever seen a saw with mix heated that way? No smoking.

Agreed, but I think people just use the term "crankcase" incorrectly as a shorthand term. But the way some talk about these saws you would think they have plastic pistons.

I'm not a big fan of plastic as a structural material, but the evidence is that it works pretty well in this application. Are there any saws made anymore that don't have plastic used in some essential structural part - such that if the plastic part broke you could still use the saw? Do all the mag cased saws have metal rear handles (I ask because I'll never spend the money for one so I haven't seen many first hand)? Recoil units, carb mounts, etc?

 

[nmurph]

For what it is worth the 455 has a very favorable rating.Doubt me? Then read the reviews from Tractor Supply.I would not thing twice about purchasing one.They are very reliable and smooth cutting.If you purchase a 455 I think that you will be well pleased.Many put them down and do not or have not ever used one.JMHO, Ken

I hope you have your tongue firmly ensconced in you cheek!! For the average homeowner, they may be very impressed with a 455. But someone using the saw on a regular basis will likely have a different view.

Just found out that the local dealer is 2 miles from the house and has two of them in stock with 20". For $10 more he will put on a 24" bar.:msp_biggrin:

A 20" bar is already stretching a 455. There is no way it should be set up with a 24"

I don't want to speak for the poster but it sounded like he was trying to write that the 455 is every bit as reliable and durable as the 55 it replaced and every bit as reliable and durable as the 353/357/359 series

Yes, I agree. But I would take a beater 55/353/357/359 bf I bought a new 455.

Who is nmurp? New to this site and I'm not sure how to do this message thing.:bashful:

It's nmurph, and that would be me.

 

[Como]

I have had mine for 4 years and have used it a lot.

Apart from the broken handle it is a bit heavy and I had problems with its tuning, no doubt due to my altitude.

 

[Trailtrimmer]

I will be trimming and cutting down mature pines and oak trees on the weekends for as long as I can find work which i hope is every weekend.

Do you ever see yourself with needing to run a 24" bar for larger wood? If yes, skip the 455 and look at the 359, 357 and 365. All three will run fat and happy all day long on a 18" or 20" bar and have the grunt to turn a 24" when needed.

If you are on a tight budget and want to buy new the 455 will run a 18" or 20" bar just fine for a weekend warrior like myself. I'd still prefer a used pro saw over the 455 personally.

 

[bull2five]

A 20" bar is already stretching a 455. There is no way it should be set up with a 24"



The comment was for the 365.

 

[nmurph]

24" for daily use, 28" for occasional use. If you remove the limiter wall in the tranfers, then you can up those numbers by 4".

 

[bull2five]

It's nmurph, and that would be me.[/QUOTE]


ndlawrence mentioned that you could get me a 346 cheaper than a 455?

 

[bull2five]

Do you ever see yourself with needing to run a 24" bar for larger wood? If yes, skip the 455 and look at the 359, 357 and 365. All three will run fat and happy all day long on a 18" or 20" bar and have the grunt to turn a 24" when needed.

If you are on a tight budget and want to buy new the 455 will run a 18" or 20" bar just fine for a weekend warrior like myself. I'd still prefer a used pro saw over the 455 personally.

Thanks, I will take a look at these models also

 

[bull2five]

24" for daily use, 28" for occasional use. If you remove the limiter wall in the tranfers, then you can up those numbers by 4".

Are you talking about removing the divider on cylinder for the 365 saw?

 

[Ops]

i see sears has it for 375.00 after their discount, so lowes will price match and give you 10% more so its 338.00 thats 62.00 in savings

Thanks for the heads up. Sears does not have it on sale but I can still get Lowes to give the 10% discount since it's a few dollars cheaper. I'm waiting until I get a look at the 365 and see what it feels like in person at local Husqvarna shop before I make any decisions.

 

[Kenskip1]

Do you own the 455? How often do you use it?

No sir I do not own this saw, however I had the opportunity to run one through a tank of mix in some mesquite.I would not have bought my 445 if I was aware of this saws performance.For the price this is a great saw, Ken

 

[ndlawrence]

It's nmurph, and that would be me.

ndlawrence mentioned that you could get me a 346 cheaper than a 455?[/QUOTE]

Go to his profile and private message him, your money would be better spent on a 346 than the 455 but better yet would be the 365/372.

Just how often are you REALLY going to be using this saw? What size wood?

 

[bull2five]

i see sears has it for 375.00 after their discount, so lowes will price match and give you 10% more so its 338.00 thats 62.00 in savings

Must have something to do with location. I just tried again and now they are actually same price as Lowes.

 

[bull2five]

No sir I do not own this saw, however I had the opportunity to run one through a tank of mix in some mesquite.I would not have bought my 445 if I was aware of this saws performance.For the price this is a great saw, Ken

Ok good to know just wish you could compare the professional grade saw not a lesser cc home owners saw. Not trying to be rude but really was trying to compare the 455 to professional saws in it's same cc class.

 

[bull2five]

ndlawrence mentioned that you could get me a 346 cheaper than a 455?

Go to his profile and private message him, your money would be better spent on a 346 than the 455 but better yet would be the 365/372.

Just how often are you REALLY going to be using this saw? What size wood?[/QUOTE]

Thanks for heads up. He sounds like a very Knowledgeable guy. I'm going to look at the 365 on Friday.
I will be using the saw most weekends and the size can be up to 36" tree. Most average 24"-30".

 

[ndlawrence]

Ok good to know just wish you could compare the professional grade saw not a lesser cc home owners saw. Not trying to be rude but rally was rying to compare the 455 to professional saws in it's same cc class.

The 455 won't compare with a pro saw in the same cc class. And the 455 weighs a ton

 

[ndlawrence]

Go to his profile and private message him, your money would be better spent on a 346 than the 455 but better yet would be the 365/372.

Just how often are you REALLY going to be using this saw? What size wood?

He got a hold of me. Thanks for heads up
I will be using the saw most weekends and the size can be up to 36" tree. Most average 24"-30".[/QUOTE]

In my opinion if your going to be using a 24" bar you need to step it up and get the 365/372

 

[Kenskip1]

Ok good to know just wish you could compare the professional grade saw not a lesser cc home owners saw. Not trying to be rude but rally was rying to compare the 455 to professional saws in it's same cc class.

No problem.To be most truthful, being in or near the low income level I have not had the opportunity to run any professional saws.The resources are not available.I have run 445, 455,460 MS 290, 260,028, 041,55,51.025,As you can see I have a limited inventory, but the 455 just seemed to perform well, was well balanced with an 18BC 3/8.I do not complain about a pound or two know what the brand is.As if you may have judged I am no professional but have been working with and on saws for quite some time.Ken

 

[bull2five]

He got a hold of me. Thanks for heads up
I will be using the saw most weekends and the size can be up to 36" tree. Most average 24"-30".

In my opinion if your going to be using a 24" bar you need to step it up and get the 365/372[/QUOTE]

I'm starting to lean towards 346 w20" or 365w 24".

 

[bull2five]

No problem.To be most truthful, being in or near the low income level I have not had the opportunity to run any professional saws.The resources are not available.I have run 445, 455,460 MS 290, 260,028, 041,55,51.025,As you can see I have a limited inventory, but the 455 just seemed to perform well, was well balanced with an 18BC 3/8.I do not complain about a pound or two know what the brand is.As if you may have judged I am no professional but have been working with and on saws for quite some time.Ken

I always like to read others opinions and appreciate yours. I can't afford to buy every saw and try them to see which one I like so I'm glad that so many of you have come on here to give their insight. Only place that you can get an honest and experienced opinion.