comparable new model for a Rancher 50 ????

[TIMO35]

Hey guys hope someone out there can help me out. I find myself in the need of a chainsaw but I've never owned one myself and to be honest I don't really know how much power or how long a blade I need for the work. What I do know is my Dad used to have a really great saw back in the mid 80's I used to use for chores when I was younger on our old acerage and the size of trees I'm gona be cutting now are about the same between 6" -16 " wide. He tells me it was a Husky Rancher 50. I recall it was really nicely balanced, light and decent torque and power. I see the 50 is no longer available and I can't find any spec info on it either to try and select a new comparable current model. I see theres the new Rancher 455 available but I have no idea if it's similar in power or not.

Can anyone help out? I definatly want a Husky if for no other reason than thats what my Dad used and never gave him a problem.

It would be just a consumer saw I doubt I'd do any pro work with it. Maybe for the neighbors if they asked. I just bought a wooded lot and some of them have to come down for construction. After that I guess I would only use it for firewood. So, any recomendations of a suitable Husky model would be greatly appreciated. I guess the lowest costing model I can get away with but still having ample torque.

Thanks !

Tim Smith

SAWLESS

 

[HiOctane]

The closest to your 50 would be the 350.But the 350 comes with a plastic crankcase that makes this saw a real consumer saw for light work.But if you gonna cut up to 16 ",i would go with a 353 that comes with metal crankcase and better construction,more hp,better throttle response,about same weight,its almost a pro saw.All depending of your budget,the 353 is a much better choice.
You can compare here.http://www.usa.husqvarna.com/?url=/node1350.asp?frames=false

 

[asb151]

In addition to the 353 the 346XP would be another good saw to consider.

 

[Simonizer]

In addition to the 353 the 346XP would be another good saw to consider.

The nicest saw in this displacement range, without question, is the Stihl MS260. Thanks for coming out, this concludes my presentation, please drive safely.

 

[Dan Forsh]

If you want to reminisce I have a Rancher 50 you can have. All in all in good visual condition, but needing a cylinder and piston. Only problem is it would cost an arm and a leg to get it to you from England.

 

[pallis]

The old Rancher 50s probably weighed as much or more than the 353s. Go with the 353 or bigger for 16" wood.

 

[asb151]

The nicest saw in this displacement range, without question, is the Stihl MS260. Thanks for coming out, this concludes my presentation, please drive safely.

There is no doubt about the MS260 being a great saw. However, TIMO35 stated he definately wants a Husky. Good for him.

 

[TIMO35]

Thanks asb151

Thats exactly right. No neeed to turn it into a competition. I know Stihl does a lot of business and is a respectable brand! But, I know Husky is too and thats what I'm stickin' to BABY ! I just need to know which is closest to the 50 and I'll make a purchase by Monday. Forget about other brands..... my mind's made up.

Thanks guys for your advise so far !

Maybe the JOKERS have an opinion on this?

Timo

 

[Andyshine77]

Look at the 353, or the 359 if you want more torque.

 

[ross_scott]

Go for a 371 XP they are a good saw and I would use one any day if one was handed to me also you have a wider variety of bar sizes you can use on them

 

[SawTroll]

Another vote for the 353.
Slightly more power, cc's and rpm's than the 50 Rancher.
About the same weight.

http://www.acresinternet.com/cscc.nsf/ed1d619968136da688256af40002b8f7/660871084c2df61b88256b520015f7bc?OpenDocument

 

[BlueRidgeMark]

Tim, you'll soon notice (if you haven't already) that some folks here won't be happy until they have spent ALL your money. They will swear that someone who is going to cut 2 cords of firewood needs a full professional saw, preferably, of at least 60 ccs, and better yet, with race modified exhaust.

Ignore these people. Look at what YOU need to do, and get what YOU need.

With tools, I have usually found that cheap tools are expensive. Best to cry once.

Whatever you do, buy protective gear and use it! There is nothing extra manly or cool about being deaf or blind.

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=25662

 

[Chris J.]

The 350 would probably suite you just fine, & they are reasonably priced. If you're willing to spend more, go with the 353. In all of the recent saw debates, the 353 is usually mentioned as a good compromise between a homeowner saw, & a pro saw. I understand you liking the 50; I have a 51, and it is probably all the saw that I would ever need. But I live in the burbs, and own a Jetta.........

 

[fbh31118]

TimO

BlueRidge is right! Stick to what works and if thats a smaller Husky than so be it. He also hit the mark on getting a quality piece of equipment the first time, there is way too much department store junk out there that isn't worth half of what it costs. You might also want to consider finding a reputable dealer that you like and can trust. Just my thoughts on it.