Husqvarna 965030298 455 Rancher 20-Inch 55-1/2cc 2-Stroke Gas-Powered Chain Saw, Orange (965030298)

This is not a top end saw however it performs very well. Out of the box I put fuel and bar oil in it and ran it. Other than adjusting the chain tension (expect this with a new chain) didnt have a single hiccup. Good power for general use...again, this is not a top end professional saw but for half the price of the Stihl I was looking at I figured Id give it a try. Not disappointed so far. Well see how it handles being beat on over the next few months.UPDATE: 9/10/17: About 6 tanks of fuel through this saw on two separate cutting sessions. No issues. Absolutely had a go of it taking down some 6-24 inch trees in the yard today. Pinched the bar/chain a few times working too fast, cut up a huge 4-5 ft diameter stump...basically beat the heck out of it and it kept asking for more. The only time it got a break was for more fuel and bar oil. Did buy the Husqvarna sharping kit with the little jig that fits over the chain while on the bar...nice. Took 15 mins and sharpened the stock chain and it bites beautifully...nice big chips.Very pleased with this saw so far. I will be looking into other Husqvarna machines because of this. Definitely likes to work. The 20 in bar is a bit much however its nice to have for that bigger tree or stump work. No regrets over not going with a Stihl so far. If I kill it Ill post again...not sure thats going to happen though.UPDATE 10/28/17: I have continued to show this saw no quarter. Guys who run saws all day would probably slap me if they saw the abuse I've put this thing through. It continues to work without complaint cutting Vermont hardwood. I do notice that the Husqvarna bars seem to get beat up a bit more than Stihl? I do use the Stihl pre mix fuel as I've noticed some machines are real sensitive when just a little off mixing your own. This saw is a beast. It retrospect I probably would have gone for a 16 or 18 inch bar. Just dont need the 20 and I feel the extra length robs power at times and just gets in the way...It is nice to have for stumps however.UPDATE 9/25/18: No problems to date. Original chain is almost done and Ill probably just buy another OEM to replace for this fall. I blow out the filter and under the main side housing after every serious use. OEM Spark plug is still very clean using quality pre mixed fuel. I've let a few trusted people borrow it and they come to the same conclusion; a little heavy, but overall one of the better saws they have ever used.UPDATE 12/2023: Many chains later and a few plugs/filter this saw has been great. Best saw (as a homeowner) I’ve used. Highly recommend.

Great saw. Powerful and dependable. I use the saw often and weekly in the fall and winter cutting wood. Always starts with the first few pulls. Goes through anything I throw at it. Get a better chain right off the bat, the chain it came with seem to dull quickly. Good value for the money.

I've had this machine (Husqvarna 455 Rancher) for 8 years (bought 2017). It is one of the BEST tools I've ever owned, yes a GOAT! Screw Stihl and their arrogance, high prices... With this saw, I cut down, and cut up 165 hardwood trees, average 22" trunk diameter. Mostly Ash, Maple, Hickory, Oak, Cherry. The ONLY work I've ever done was clean the air filter, changed the air filter once, Changed fuel filter. Oh ya - a 28" Ash tree fell on it when the bar got caught (my fault). It broke the handle, and bent the bar, but after I repaired the bar, the saw STILL WORKED. I rewarded it with a new handle!

Sellers, please stop using UPS they mangled the box and it was dirty....I mean like it's been sitting forgotten in the truck for weeks driving down dusty roads all day getting heavy items dropped on it all the time.Either way....The saw is pretty awesome so far. It came fully assembled....though I did slightly loosen the chain tension as it came too tight, no biggie. The chain break is very sturdy and the saw itself isn't overly heavy.Added fuel mixture and chain oil, primed it a few pumps then it started on the second pull....relief. It came perfectly adjusted right now and runs like a champ. I will be updating this review upon further use.The only one thing I dont like about this saw is that the kill switch and choke pull just seem really really cheap and weak....I am worried they will probably break off pretty easy given some hard use cutting firewood. I mean come on, even my cheapo poulan has a much sturdier set up for those.. oh well. I'm pretty sure I can use the heavier poulan ones down the road if needed as alot of the parts are husqvarna on it anyway.Giving it 4*s for the quality of the choke and kill switch...other than that it seems like a pretty solid machine with loads of power.