Husqvarna 450 Rancher Gas Chainsaw Review

The saw's strengths come from its engine and its starting and comfort systems, and they line up with the jobs it is built for: pruning, yard cleanups and firewood cutting.

Cutting power for its class

The 2-cycle X-Torq engine displaces 50.2 cc and makes 3.2 hp. That is enough to buck firewood rounds and to fell small-to-medium trees without the saw running out of steam on every cut.

Starting without a fight

Smart Start and the air purge primer are there to make cold starts easier. The saw is advertised as easy-starting.

Less vibration at the handles

LowVib technology reduces vibration levels at the handles.

Air filtration that stays cleaner

Air Injection is a centrifugal air cleaning system that removes dust and debris before they reach the air filter.

Handling and fuel

An ergonomic rear handle gives a better grip, and the saw is advertised as maneuverable. It runs on a 50:1 mix with Husqvarna two-stroke lubricant. The warranty is 2 years, extendable to 5 by buying 96 fl oz of fuel at the time of purchase.

The X-Torq engine, Smart Start, Air Injection and LowVib are what justify the saw's place as a comfortable, easy-starting tool for regular homeowner work.

The trade-offs are the ones a powerful gas saw at this size brings, and they are worth knowing before you buy.

Weight

At 11.3 lb, the saw is fine for ground work. Held overhead or at arm's length for a long stretch, it tires you out.

Chain retention and chain life

Buyers on Amazon report the chain coming off frequently, and some report the chain lasting only about two hours.

Durability

The buyer summary on the listing flags durability as a concern. That is worth weighing if you plan to run the saw hard and often.

Gas only

The saw needs a 50:1 fuel mix and regular fueling. There is no battery or cord option.

Bar length

The 20-inch bar is the saw's standard fit.

Noise and exhaust

It is a gas two-stroke, so expect engine noise and exhaust fumes.

These are the figures that matter when you match the saw to your work.

The saw ships with a 20-inch bar, its standard fit, so plan around that length. That length suits the saw's power for pruning, cleanups and firewood.

Mix fuel at 50:1 with Husqvarna two-stroke lubricant. The oil tank holds 0.55 US pint (0.26 L). To qualify for the warranty extension from 2 years to 5, buy 96 fl oz of fuel at the time of purchase.

Buyers on Amazon most often praise the saw's cutting performance and how easy it is to operate. They also speak well of its power, its weight and how much they enjoy using it, and the listing's buyer summary is mostly positive on quality, cutting performance, ease of use, power, weight and enjoyment. The complaints cluster around durability: the summary is mostly negative there, and buyers report the chain falling off frequently and lasting only about two hours. The star spread on the listing is heavily top-weighted, with a large majority of ratings at four or five stars and a small share at one star. Most buyers are happy with how the saw cuts; the recurring complaint is chain retention and chain life, which is worth knowing before you buy.

Model 970515618 is the version with an automatic oiler, and model 970613120 is the standard saw. Both carry the same 50.2 cc, 3.2 hp engine and a 20-inch bar. Choose 970515618 if you want the automatic oiler, and 970613120 if you do not.