spike60
Addicted to ArboristSite
Figure we might get an interesting argument going here. :msp_biggrin: And they are both the same brand too.
I might surprise a few people here but IMO, the 455 is a FAR better saw, in it's intended role, than the 55. I'll make my case, and I hope to hear from some guys who have owned both saws. I'm sure I'll get a predictable opinion coming in from Norway. :msp_smile:
Weight- OK so the 55 weighs about a pound less and wins this parameter. But after that it's all 455. And the 455 is better balanced than the 55 when both are wearing 20"s. A nose heavy saw loses it's weight advantage and makes for an awkward handler.
Power-The 56cc X-torq motor easily out cuts the 53cc motor on the 55. Ratings are 3.5 and 3.2 respectively for the stat minded. But try and get the most out of your 20" bar and the 455 is simply in a happier place than the 55.
Anti vibe- Not really close here. The 455 is a much smoother saw to run than the 55.
Reliability- Owning a shop and seeing as many saws as I do, the 455 wins hands down here. They are a VERY reliable saw. Easy to start in any weather, not that fussy on fuel. I'm sure it has happened somewhere, but I've never seen a 455 failure that wasn't the customer's fault. The 55 on the other hand, with that little impulse grommet and the partition wall which can have stripped threads for the carb screws, is prone to air leaks. I've seen plenty get wiped because of this, and have corrected the problem on many others that have come in for service.
"In it's intended role"- I'm not calling the 55 a junk saw. And with a 16" or 18" bar and .325, it's a much better package, and certainly more in it's comfort zone. But as a do all firewood saw running 20" 3/8, the 455 is just a way better saw. I think the reason the 55 rancher came about was that Husky really didn't have an answer to Stihl's 029/290. A good firewood producer that was "more saw" than the typical 50cc/.325 package, but not up in the pro saw price range. So, conceptually, the 55 Rancher was a little out of it's league from the get go. The 455 was purpose built to fill that role, and it does it very well. They just run and run and run...........:msp_smile:
I might surprise a few people here but IMO, the 455 is a FAR better saw, in it's intended role, than the 55. I'll make my case, and I hope to hear from some guys who have owned both saws. I'm sure I'll get a predictable opinion coming in from Norway. :msp_smile:
Weight- OK so the 55 weighs about a pound less and wins this parameter. But after that it's all 455. And the 455 is better balanced than the 55 when both are wearing 20"s. A nose heavy saw loses it's weight advantage and makes for an awkward handler.
Power-The 56cc X-torq motor easily out cuts the 53cc motor on the 55. Ratings are 3.5 and 3.2 respectively for the stat minded. But try and get the most out of your 20" bar and the 455 is simply in a happier place than the 55.
Anti vibe- Not really close here. The 455 is a much smoother saw to run than the 55.
Reliability- Owning a shop and seeing as many saws as I do, the 455 wins hands down here. They are a VERY reliable saw. Easy to start in any weather, not that fussy on fuel. I'm sure it has happened somewhere, but I've never seen a 455 failure that wasn't the customer's fault. The 55 on the other hand, with that little impulse grommet and the partition wall which can have stripped threads for the carb screws, is prone to air leaks. I've seen plenty get wiped because of this, and have corrected the problem on many others that have come in for service.
"In it's intended role"- I'm not calling the 55 a junk saw. And with a 16" or 18" bar and .325, it's a much better package, and certainly more in it's comfort zone. But as a do all firewood saw running 20" 3/8, the 455 is just a way better saw. I think the reason the 55 rancher came about was that Husky really didn't have an answer to Stihl's 029/290. A good firewood producer that was "more saw" than the typical 50cc/.325 package, but not up in the pro saw price range. So, conceptually, the 55 Rancher was a little out of it's league from the get go. The 455 was purpose built to fill that role, and it does it very well. They just run and run and run...........:msp_smile: