Husqvarna 50 Rancher

[Tboschman]

Hey Gang,

First post here. I've been absorbing for awhile on the sidelines. Looking for any first hand experiences using the original white top 50 rancher as a firewood saw. The one I have my eye on is a one owner, mid 1980s built saw, and it's available for a pretty good price. Unfortunately the big saws are a little out of my reach financially, so I'm hoping I can make this ol girl work.

Thanks

T

 

[Gord404]

pretty good old dependable saws- 51 & 55 also, a bit newer and if you are cutting larger wood like on the west coast it wouldn't be adiquit- 365-372 and bigger usually.

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

The white top original spec 50 Rancher is getting to be an old saw nowadays- be prepared to spend a bit more money on it after buying it.
If they are common as Maple trees in your area- buy two or three more parts saws of the 50-51 and 55 model- all the parts interchange and will keep one old one going, or possible upgrades.
If everything is good engine and bearing wise- I would be inclined to replace main oil seals (slight problem there compared to other saws- the worm gear for the oil pump drive requires a puller to remove) gas lines and such, new filter on a new fuel line and new spark plug.
Then, with a 16 inch bar and good sharp .325 chain- good honest old grafter of a firewood getter.

 

[Tboschman]

pretty good old dependable saws- 51 & 55 also, a bit newer and if you are cutting larger wood like on the west coast it wouldn't be adiquit- 365-372 and bigger usually.

I'm central alberta, so lots of small aspen and white spruce. Fairly soft stuff I believe.

 

[Tboschman]

The white top original spec 50 Rancher is getting to be an old saw nowadays- be prepared to spend a bit more money on it after buying it.
If they are common as Maple trees in your area- buy two or three more parts saws of the 50-51 and 55 model- all the parts interchange and will keep one old one going, or possible upgrades.
If everything is good engine and bearing wise- I would be inclined to replace main oil seals (slight problem there compared to other saws- the worm gear for the oil pump drive requires a puller to remove) gas lines and such, new filter on a new fuel line and new spark plug.
Then, with a 16 inch bar and good sharp .325 chain- good honest old grafter of a firewood getter.

Wow, okay thanks for the in depth info. I'm still pondering, and as I am a 262xp has popped up locally, so I may end up going that route.

 

[muddy42]

Great saws and I have one. I have only two bugbears. Firstly how the choke slides across to cut off the air (unusual design) this often results in the air filter coming off. Secondly there is a little grommet that sends the impulse back to the cylinder, these can leak.

 

[quattro.pilot]

50 Rancher (when running correctly) will be just fine.

Get the 262xp though if it isn't totally thrashed and/or overpriced.

IMHO in Alberta I wouldn't pay much more than $200 for the 50. As soon as you start knocking on (or north of) $300 it's possible to get into a 55, 351's, and the odd 353

 

[altatim]

I'm central alberta, so lots of small aspen and white spruce. Fairly soft stuff I believe.

Let me know if you need any help with saws, I'm probably not too far from you

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

Wow, okay thanks for the in depth info. I'm still pondering, and as I am a 262xp has popped up locally, so I may end up going that route.

If the 50 and the 262 are around the same price, same condition- I would opt for the 262 all day long.

 

[Wood Doctor]

If the 50 and the 262 are around the same price, same condition- I would opt for the 262 all day long.

So would I. But I would take my 353 and 257 as well, especially the 257 for the bigger cuts. It easily pulls a 20" bar and 3/8" pitch chain. Heavier than the 353, yes, but more grunt for the big stuff. Just MHO.