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

Well 18" actually advertised as 20" , seller gave some lame excuse about Husqvarna recommendation. Pleased I got the saw with a screwed down filter / engine cover , instead of the orange clips which are perfectly ok on the the small Huskies which I also have but not on this beast . Well now to the saw , make sure the break is on before starting and follow instructions for starting and you should have no problems , also the Huskies like to warm up before use . Don't take any notice about the performance of these saws , they cut effortlessly all day . They are like a high a powered motorbike and even sound like it , they really make easy work of any task you can give them I would definitely buy another one but I don't think I will be doing that for along time . I found mine not to be to heavy I suppose it's down to the individual and how strong they are , there really is only 1 or 2 other saws out there that can match the Husqvarna I suppose that again, this is down to choice . Mine is this one !

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.

This chainsaw has held up all year. I’ve probably cut almost 100 face cord and cut the majority of the trees down with this chainsaw as well. I just changed the bar this year and the chain a couple times (I’m not the best at sharpening the blades).

Perfecto

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.

Great saw would buy again.