If you’re stuck choosing between the Husqvarna 450 Rancher and the 455 Rancher, here’s a quick answer. Both are strong gas chainsaws, but they fit different jobs. The 450 is lighter and easier to use. The 455 has more power and is better for cutting big, tough wood.
I’ve used both on my land. I’ve cleared trees after storms and cut firewood. Both saws have their strengths. After years of use, I’ve learned the right one depends on how often you cut and how thick the wood is. Keep reading. I’ll explain it all so you can pick the right saw with ease.
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Detailed Comparison: Husqvarna 450 Rancher vs 455 Rancher
I’ve used both the Husqvarna 450 Rancher and 455 Rancher for jobs like storm cleanup, firewood, and cutting oak. At first, they seem the same. But when you use them side by side, the real differences show up fast. Here’s a simple and detailed comparison of the things that matter most.
Engine Power: Husqvarna 450 Rancher vs 455 Rancher
The engine is the saw’s heart. Both are strong, but one has more power.
| Feature | Husqvarna 450 Rancher | Husqvarna 455 Rancher |
| Displacement | 50.2 cc | 55.5 cc |
| Horsepower | 3.2 HP | 3.5 HP |
| Max Torque | 2.6 Nm @ 7200 rpm | 3.2 Nm @ 6600 rpm |
The 455 has more torque at lower speeds. That helps it push through thick wood without slowing down.
Rating:
450 Rancher: 8.5/10
455 Rancher: 9.5/10
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Bar & Chain Setup: Husqvarna 450 Rancher vs 455 Rancher
Bar and chain sizes change how a saw cuts.
| Feature | Husqvarna 450 Rancher | Husqvarna 455 Rancher |
| Bar Range | 13″–20″ | 13″–24″ |
| Chain Pitch | .325″ | 3/8″ |
| Chain Gauge | .050″ | .058″ |
The 450 cuts fast on small logs. The 455 is better for big logs. I saw this when cutting logs wider than 16 inches.
Rating:
450 Rancher: 9/10
455 Rancher: 9.5/10
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Weight and Handling: Husqvarna 450 Rancher vs 455 Rancher
Weight matters if you’re working all day.
| Feature | Husqvarna 450 Rancher | Husqvarna 455 Rancher |
| Powerhead Weight | 11.3 lbs | 13.2 lbs |
| Vibration (Front/Rear) | 3.1 / 4.9 m/s² | 3.8 / 6.9 m/s² |
| Balance & Feel | Nimble and compact | Heavy but stable |
The 450 feels light and easy to move. The 455 gets heavy over time unless you’re cutting logs on the ground.
Rating:
450 Rancher: 9.5/10
455 Rancher: 8/10
Ease of Start and Maintenance: Husqvarna 450 Rancher vs 455 Rancher
A saw that starts fast saves time and energy.
| Feature | Husqvarna 450 Rancher | Husqvarna 455 Rancher |
| Smart Start | Yes | Yes |
| Air Purge | Yes | Yes |
| Decompression Valve | No | Yes |
| Carb Type | Manual Adjust | Manual Adjust |
The 455 starts easier in cold weather, thanks to the valve. Both start with a few pulls. And you can tune both carbs by hand, which helps at high altitudes.
Rating:
450 Rancher: 8.5/10
455 Rancher: 9/10
Oil System & Lubrication: Husqvarna 450 Rancher vs 455 Rancher
Good oil flow keeps your chain sharp and cool.
| Feature | Husqvarna 450 Rancher | Husqvarna 455 Rancher |
| Oiler Type | Fixed | Adjustable |
| Oil Tank Size | 0.26 L | 0.32 L |
| Chain Lubrication | Moderate | Tunable |
The 450 works fine on short bars. But it struggles with oil flow on a 20″ bar. The 455 lets you adjust oil flow, which helps on long cuts.
Rating:
450 Rancher: 8/10
455 Rancher: 9.5/10
Noise Level & Vibration: Husqvarna 450 Rancher vs 455 Rancher
Loud saws wear you down. Comfort matters.
| Feature | Husqvarna 450 Rancher | Husqvarna 455 Rancher |
| Sound Level | 104 dB(A) | 104–107 dB(A) |
| LowVib® System | Yes | Yes |
Both are loud. The 455 sounds deeper and rougher. I wear hearing protection no matter what. Still, the 450 feels smoother over time.
Rating:
450 Rancher: 9/10
455 Rancher: 8/10
Value for Money: Husqvarna 450 Rancher vs 455 Rancher
Which saw gives more for the money?
| Feature | Husqvarna 450 Rancher | Husqvarna 455 Rancher |
| Average Price | $480–$500 | $590–$620 |
| Included Bar | 18″ or 20″ | 20″ |
| Long-Term Value | Great for most jobs | Best for heavy users |
If you cut softwood or small logs, go with the 450. But if you cut thick hardwood often, the 455 will pay off in the long run.
Rating:
450 Rancher: 9.5/10
455 Rancher: 8.5/10
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How I Decide Which Rancher to Grab for the Job
When I go out to clear trails or clean up after a storm, I almost always grab the 450 Rancher. It’s light, easy to start, and doesn’t wear me out. After a big storm here in the Midwest, I cleared over a dozen trees with it. Most were small hardwoods. The 450 handled them all with no trouble. It’s great for quick jobs, limb work, and basic land cleanup.
But when firewood season rolls in, or I face thick oak logs, I switch to the 455 Rancher. One winter, I split a stack of logs over 20 inches thick. The 450 could’ve done it, but the 455 did it faster and didn’t bog down. That extra power really helped. I didn’t need to force it through each cut.
Both saws have small quirks. The 455 leaks bar oil if I don’t store it flat or loosen the cap. That’s normal but easy to forget. Also, the chain on both saws loosens during long sessions, especially when the chain is new. I keep a scrench close and check tension often.
Cold starts? The 455’s decompression valve helps when it’s cold. But I’ve never had big issues starting either saw—fresh gas and clean filters do the trick.
If I need to work fast and light, I grab the 450. If I need strength, I take the 455. I’ve loaned both to neighbors, and they say the same. For small jobs, use the 450. For big ones, get the 455.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
- Keep your chain sharp. Both saws work best with a fresh edge.
- Use the right bar. A 20″ bar on the 450 can feel slow if you’re cutting thick wood.
- Store flat and loosen the oil cap on the 455 to avoid leaks.
- Use ethanol-free gas when you can, and clean the air filter every few uses.
- If you’re at high altitudes, adjust the carb. Both saws make it easy.
Final Thoughts on Husqvarna 450 Rancher vs 455 Rancher
You can’t go wrong with either the 450 or the 455 Rancher. Both are strong and built to last. The best one for you depends on the kind of work you do.
If you’re a typical landowner—cutting firewood, clearing limbs, trimming trees—the 450 is the better fit. It’s light, safe, and easy to use.
If you cut a lot of thick hardwood or stack cords of firewood each year, the 455 is worth the extra cost and weight. You’ll save time and effort on each cut.
Still not sure? Start with the 450. It’s a great all-around saw and won’t let you down.
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FAQs: Husqvarna 450 Rancher vs 455 Rancher
Which is better for cutting firewood, the Husqvarna 450 Rancher or 455 Rancher?
The 455 Rancher is better for big, heavy firewood. It has more power and handles hard jobs with ease.
Is the Husqvarna 450 Rancher easier to handle than the 455 Rancher?
Yes. The 450 Rancher is lighter and easier to use. It’s great for long jobs or if you don’t want a heavy saw.
Can I use a 20-inch bar on both the Husqvarna 450 and 455 Rancher?
Yes, both can use a 20-inch bar. But the 455 handles longer bars better because it has more power and oil flow.
Do either the 450 Rancher or 455 Rancher have automatic carburetors?
No. Both use manual carburetors. You can adjust them yourself, which helps in cold weather or at high altitudes.
Which chainsaw offers better value for most homeowners—450 or 455 Rancher?
The 450 Rancher is the better deal for most people. It costs less, is easier to handle, and still gets the job done.
