New Husky Rancher 460 chainsaw

[IRQVET]

Back in the day I took a small engine rebuild class as elective credit in coolege, thats right, coolege.

During that time I quickly realized after tearing into several different makes/ models that Husky quality was leaps and bounds above others manufactures. Keep in mind this circa 1999.

Fast forward 20 years +/- and I bought a property in excess of 2 acres so I needed equipment.

I purchased a Husky gas powered blower, which worked well.

I purchased a Husky gas powered line trimmer, it also works great.

So following suit, my 1960's Homelite chain saw needed to be replaced so I popped for a Husky 460 Rancher after using my neighbors which ran flawlessly.

I used it once, tucked it away in the garage; fast forward one week and I try to start it and it's completely seized up.

Anybody else run into something like this?

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

It happens if you don't put the mix in the gas. Dealer fill?
Or it could seem that way if the chain brake is engaged.
I thought my little saw had a seized clutch awhile back, but it turned out the extra teeth of the anti kickback chain were too tall, so the saw was making dust instead of chips,and that dust would pack up between the drum and the brake sticking it solid.

What I'm getting at is you first need to determine where the stickage is, and if it can be eliminated without an embarrassing or needless trip to the dealer.

The chain should turn by hand. If no position of the bake allows it, remove the bar and see where you're at.
I don't have a new Rancher, but the starter is usually removed with a couple screws on the side cover. Is it free? can you turn the flywheel now that its removed.

PS I also do like the Super Xtra Loud saws.

 

[PCustoms]

My husky blower ran great for the first tank of gas (properly mixed) and the would bog at 1/2 throttle the next weekend. Still need to get the it fixed before spring....

Was just considering a new 460 too. All I can think is do a full cleanup and verify the chain brake is released.

 

[finn]

Your chain brake is engaged.

Release it and it will start fine.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I gave up on husky saws and went back to Stihl. Supposedly their pro saws are on another level, but they don’t last long enough for me to justify it.

 

[hbabler]

I have not had good luck with Husky stuff over the last ten years or so. Lots of issues as far as carbs etc. I much prefer Stihl these days.

 

[whyNick?]

The same thing happened to my Husqvarna the 3rd or 4th time I used it. The chain brake was jammed. I was out in the woods and removed the chain brake band with a promise to myself to "fix it the right way" when I got back. I haven't quite got around to it yet.

 

[930dreamer]

What 1960's Homelite saw do you have?

 

[joe_pinehill1]

Check the chain brake. I don't think Husqvarna quality is what it was 20 years ago, I think they are going after the consumer market more. IMHO Stihl or Hitachi are on top.

Don't compare old Homelite's to today. Its a shell company now out of Hong Kong, only market is consumer.

 

[MrGiggles]

Your chain brake is engaged.

Release it and it will start fine.

Check the chain brake. I don't think Husqvarna quality is what it was 20 years ago, I think they are going after the consumer market more. IMHO Stihl or Hitachi are on top.

Don't compare old Homelite's to today. Its a shell company now out of Hong Kong, only market is consumer.

The saw will start with the chain brake engaged.

Last time you ran it a fuel line popped, the carburetor had a clog, or it was adjusted too lean and caused it to seize.

Pull the muffler, if you find vertical scoring on the piston, time for a new top end, or a piston at the very least.

 

[firebox40dash5]

Your chain brake is engaged.

Release it and it will start fine.

Chain brake engaged should only matter if the centrifugal clutch were engaged. Which is shouldn't be when shut off/starting.

Or if the clutch shoes rusted to the drum while it was sitting. Which is a prettier answer than a locked up piston. But I wouldn't try to fix it by kicking off the brake and firing it up, personally. I mean, I suppose if it fired up it could be broken free with engine power if it starts, but I'd rather do it by hand.

 

[bob15]

Did you add oil to the gas before using last week?

Did you try removing the B&C and pull it over?

 

[IndyGarage]

I have not had good luck with Husky stuff over the last ten years or so. Lots of issues as far as carbs etc. I much prefer Stihl these days.

I've been the opposite. The Stihl stuff I've bought is junk, and I've had good luck with Husky.

I will say the factory tune is **** on any 2-stroke you buy these days, including Husqvarna.

The Stihl dealer fixes before he gives it to you - one advantage of their dealer network.

 

[Davefr]

Your chain brake is engaged.

That's exactly how you're supposed to start them safely!!

 

[redwrench60]

Easy checks:

Pull the spark plug and see if it’ll spin over then.

Pull the bar/chain (clutch cover) and check for debris clogging the chain sprocket or chain brake drum or brake band.

Outside of these two things don’t go farther on a brand new saw or you may void your warranty. Take it back to the selling dealer for service.

 

[redwrench60]

That's exactly how you're supposed to start them safely!!

Yup. Dave’s got it right. The engine isn’t locked by the chain brake. The chain is. The engine can run with the brake engaged at low RPM because it has a centrifugal clutch on the drive sprocket.

 

[4x4gearhead]

My father has the 455 rancher and had to have it rebuilt within 1 year, the piston squeaked like yours might have. Fast forward 4 years later its still going strong after a new top end from a local dealer. I think that the quality on these homeowner saws just isnt there. Also was the saw purchased at a big box store? Or a dealer? Believe it or not there is a difference between the two. I remember when he was looking for a saw we looked at lowes/home depot and the 455 rancher at the big box store had a much cheesier handle and rubber mounts than the one he ended up with from a dealer. If it has a warranty bring it back. Or, have take it to a good small engine shop and see whats going on with it. maybe one of the rings didnt seat well when they assembled it. Even new puppies die.

 

[American Locomotive]

If you only had a week, take it to the dealer and have them deal with it.

 

[BK13]

My father has the 455 rancher and had to have it rebuilt within 1 year, the piston squeaked like yours might have. Fast forward 4 years later its still going strong after a new top end from a local dealer. I think that the quality on these homeowner saws just isnt there. Also was the saw purchased at a big box store? Or a dealer? Believe it or not there is a difference between the two. I remember when he was looking for a saw we looked at lowes/home depot and the 455 rancher at the big box store had a much cheesier handle and rubber mounts than the one he ended up with from a dealer. If it has a warranty bring it back. Or, have take it to a good small engine shop and see whats going on with it. maybe one of the rings didnt seat well when they assembled it. Even new puppies die.

Thanks, man, you saved me from typing up a question. Even if they were the exact same saw, I'd rather do business with a small local company than a huge box conglomerate.

 

[4x4gearhead]

Thanks, man, you saved me from typing up a question. Even if they were the exact same saw, I'd rather do business with a small local company than a huge box conglomerate.

For sure, we use an awesome local dealer in the area and they always have good service, and pretty reasonable prices on chains and bars.

 

[LawnBoy-5247]

I would go see your dealer, I work as a small engine mechanic and barring improper oil mix ratio on your end it sounds like whatever has happened to your saw may very well be a manufacturing defect that would be covered under warranty. I actually would be somewhat surprised if the issue is piston and cylinder related. I have seen several like new pieces of equipment appear to be locked up because a bolt was left loose at the factory and got jammed in or under the flywheel locking up the engine.

 

[Zewnten]

First see if the saw will turn when you pull slowly on the cord with the spark plug removed (stuck recoil), then put leather gloves on and try to move the chain (jammed brake). If neither work then something may have gotten sucked into the psiron and is stuck there or scored up the cylinder and piston they won't move.

Side note: IMHO ranchers are garbage saws. Husqvarna, johnson red and poulan are the same company. The ranchers are basically orange poulans. For a cheap but very reliable saw go with echo next time. Used one for years in the hardest types cutting anyone could do with a saw and it worked flawlessly for over four years of everyday use before it needed a rebuild, instead I retired it and it rides around in my woods truck to cut blown down trees off the road and it starts every time. Makita also has a great saw, its made by Dolmar. That is my current firewood saw (had the same problem the OP does and swapped out the psiton for a double ring and now its got tons of power, just a bit slower cutting)

 

[jfcasey]

For sure, we use an awesome local dealer in the area and they always have good service, and pretty reasonable prices on chains and bars.

Care to share who the dealer is ? I'm pretty sure I'm local to you and am curious to know.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

[IRQVET]

Issue was not oil/gas related, seems to be that the brake seized and I took it into the dealer today and they said it will be fixed under warranty. My first instinct was to tear into it, but my neighbor (a very old/smart man) said not to touch it. As if I tore into it it could void the warranty and I'd be better suited not do anything that could void my warranty and let Husky handle it.

I have learned that age/ wisdom trumps my first instincts (to tear into it) . . . that has not always been my policy, but now I have that one, lol.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

You won't void anything doing normal service operations accessing the plug, starter, or chain. Still it sounds like you'll be taken care of.