Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 Inch Gas Chainsaw, 50.2-cc 3.2-HP, 2-Cycle X-Torq Engine, For Tree Pruning, Yard Cleanups and Firewood Cutting, 970613120

Looks like my spark plug on my newly purchased Husqvarna 450 Rancher chainsaw was overly torqued. Using a torque wrench while loosening the factory installed spark, the break point was between 30-50 foot pounds! (I accidentally skipped testing 40 ft lbs.) I did definitely heard a very loud cracking sound of the break-free point after using enough torque/force when loosening the spark plug!Since torque specifications are not easily found (eg. Husqvarna Service Manual) and the torque specifications apparently are not within the Husqvarna 450 Rancher manual, common spark plug torque specifications are between 7-15 ft/lbs. On this note, since the factory used an excessive torque, I felt very comfortable not using a torque wrench when reinstalling the spark plug after checking/verifying the gap of 0.020 inches.PROS1) I always enjoy sturdy new features, making easier usage. Still wondering if the fuel/oil flip caps will possibly break. And, the three snaps for the cover, for easier cover removal.2) Fuel level see through window.3) Spark plug was properly gaped. (eg. 0.020 inches) Odd but does happen, quite common for me to witness 2-cycle and small engines, having improper spark plug gaps from the factory.CONS1) Apparently new/from factor, spark plug was significantly over torqued, 30-50 ft/lbs!2) Chain appeared to be also overly tight, when increasing throttle, chain would not rotate! Since it was a new chain and I inherently knew new chains loosen, I simply gave it gas until it broke free. Prior to starting, I did check for chain tightness and found the chain had a very tight snap, but would rotate on the bar by hand. Already using a Winter weight bar and chain oil, Oregon 54-059 Premium Bar and Chain Oil, with today's temperature 70F above normal. So yea, also a forum post about this concern on a popular arboristsite forum site. One of the final posts enlargened the 1.5 OEM oil orfice to 3mm, using a 3mm drill bit. I'd suggest stepping, 2mm, 2.5mm,... before jumping to 3mm, for proper bar and chain oiling rate. From my experience, fuel and chain oil tanks should deplete at the same rate.3) I noticed the chain oil not depleting as fast as the fuel tank. I personally prefer the chain oil depleting at the same rate as the fuel tank. On the first tank, looks like the chain oil tank is 2/3's full, while the fuel tank is 1/2-1/3 empty. Testing the chain oil output, I only see very light oil spraying against a vertical surface after running at peak RPM after 2-3 seconds. Seems very light, and I believe there maybe an adjust under the bar case for this make/model.Otherwise, everything works as expected for a chainsaw.POULAN PR4016 VERSUS HUSQVARNA 450 RANCHERIn comparison to a Poulan PR4016 (likely Husqvarna 455 based make/model), the 450 Rancher certainly feels about a pound lighter. While the PR4016 runs rough and rough certainly during idle, the 450 Rancher runs quite noticeably smoother during both idle and while running. The 450 Rancher also starts much quicker, but requiring a noticeable amount of pull for starting than the PR4016. Power output seems identical.2024.11.15 Sent via Husqvarna Contact/Email support. Please make a note with my recent prior November 12th 2024 case/contact with (IRC based) tech support, I purchased an aftermarket oil pump assembly (2 pack HRuiRed Oil Pump Assy Pressure Line Hose Kit) and now have apparently sufficient oil. Measuring/comparing both oil pump assemblies (OEM versus aftermarket) items with a micrometer and drill bit, I see no difference and no anomalies. Upon initial receipt of the chainsaw, I did notice the spark plug was initially overly torqued to ~30-40 ft/lbs along with the chain being apparently overly tight. My only guess is the clutch was also possibly overly torqued, causing the oil pump worm gear drive being restricted from turning. Another possibility I noticed, significant grease within the oil pump area, possibly (further) reducing rotation. Per your Workshop manual, removed everything and replaced the oil pump assembly with an aftermarket (due to all OEM oil assembly parts not being available through you, nor have any of the replacement parts been apparently shipped as of yet), cleaned and coated everything with only bar/chain oil, and now have finally have oil obviously moving through the pump assembly. Still have not field tested.

This saw is amazing. It's smooth and powerful: it is now my go-to saw at my wooded California ranch. It does an equally good job on both hard and soft wood trees: oaks, madrones, bays, firs, redwood trees — easy.

This is a great saw. I have no problem starting it. Slices through wood like a hot knife in butter. I am very happy with this purchase.

Probably cut around 10 cords now. Great saw. Any of these low reviews are people that don’t know anything about a chain saw. Zero issues and just as good as any Stihl i have.

Cuts fast , starts easy , very easy to handle feels like it’s built to last.

My second Husqvarna saw. The other one is smaller and still going strong after cutting through years of wood and even falling off a roof. After Helene we had a lot larger trees down and without hesitation I purchased another Husqvarna. Note: This is the Rancher model, so when buying new chains, you will need different size from regular 20'...as I figured out by not paying attention.

Chain came off within 3 minutes. Got it back on but then the brake was stuck on because of a known manufacturing flaw. Paid $480 just to get a saw that malfunctioned the day I unboxed it and is currently sitting in a lawnmower shop.Garbage.

Best chainsaw I have owned. I have owned many other brands over 40 years (Stihl, Echo, etc.) - this is the best. Starts easily, cuts well (buy the sharpener guide with rollers), air filter stays clean. Great value. Highly recommended. I have cut up many big trees with it, very effective.