Husky saw question

Richard G. · Dec 17, 2013

My son has a 55 Rancher. It is a bear to pull the cord to crank. Years ago, I had a 55 with a compression release and it was easy to start.
His has the place on the side where one would have been put on. Is it possible to install one on his?
I can't find a local Husky dealer in the yellow pages, but I haven't tried very hard to find one.
Richard in NW SC

ih_bug · Dec 17, 2013

if it helps the 455 rancher has the compression release. the compression release button is only about $10. is the hole drilled and tapped?

rlpintx · Dec 17, 2013

Think there are instructions on race saws page. Think you have to pull head, drill, tap and Debur hole on inside of cylinder.

Ian Beale · Dec 17, 2013

I think you might find these don't have the head separate from the cylinder.

Bret4207 · Dec 18, 2013

Have you tired something simple like lubing the pulley shaft? I sold dozens of 55's and can't imagine one being hard to pull due to compression. I bet the problem is in the pulley area.

JDemaris · Dec 18, 2013

Does it have all its rope on the pulley? If it's been shortened - the circle it turns on is smaller, has less leverage and pulls a lot harder.
Sometimes the pull handles break off and the rope becomes shorter. I just got a saw for free that the owner was going to throw out because it pulled too hard. It's problem was just a short rope.

I have a 55 Rancher for an "el cheapo" saw. It pulls easy as compared to a Poulan Pro. I also have a "yard-sale" 455 I got for $50 and it does have a compression release which certainly makes it pull easier. The 455 is a plastic "homeowner" saw like the 55 Rancher so I assume the 55 would accept a compression release IF the jug is drilled for it. I never felt the need so I never checked.

Richard G. · Dec 18, 2013

Thanks for all the ideas. I will take time to look at the saw today and get back with what I find.
Richard

Richard G. · Dec 19, 2013

Checked the saw and it has no plug where the release would go and is not threaded. The rope is original and not shortened. It is just a bear to pull the start rope. Runs great when cranked. Probably has less than 8 or ten hours on it.
Richard

T.R.K. · Dec 19, 2013

Some of those older Husqvarnas had problems with the recoil rope pulley warping. Then it would bind against the cover and be like putting the brakes on when you pulled it.
Take the recoil off, and remove the rope pulley and see if the rope slot is wider on one side. Also check the shoulder the pulley spins on and clean out any crap that is in there.

T in NE · Dec 19, 2013

Boss has a 455 with compression release. I've used it exactly once. The release, that is. I can't say it makes much of a difference.

Now on my 288XP it just might.

D beatty · Dec 19, 2013

It could be done but you would have to pull the jug to do it right because the jug and head are one piece. By pulling it and doing it you don't have to worry about any metal getting down in engine. I don't know if it would be worth the time to do that.

55deere70 · Dec 20, 2013

Any man in shape enough to use a chainsaw should be able to pull over a 455 compression release or not. Like the other guy said, it's not a 288. Look for something else causing it to pull hard.

cannonball · Dec 21, 2013

Have a 266XP, cold starting is very hard to pull...Try pulling the 55 slow 2 times and then pull to crank

Bret4207 · Dec 21, 2013

Cannonball- you own what is in my opinion the finest falling and general purpose saw ever built! My 266 died some years back and I've been trying to replace it for several years. They certainly hold their value!

Husky saw question

Richard G.

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ih_bug

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rlpintx

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Ian Beale

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Bret4207

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JDemaris

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Richard G.

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Richard G.

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T.R.K.

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T in NE

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D beatty

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55deere70

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cannonball

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Bret4207

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