Sounds as if someone may have gotten the bar pinched in a tree and then tried to pry it out using the saw as a lever.

Good way to destory a crank shaft or the bars tip without realizing it until the chain will no longer stay tight, gets jammed into the bars tip. Or is loose one second and tight the next when using the saw.

Sounds like it may have the wrong chain on it. Did you
buy it at a store like Lowes? Please print all of the numbers/letters off of the bar, and the same with the chain
so we know what you have.
Fish

I looked at a 455 Rancher at Lowes a few weeks ago. I pointed out to a nearby clerk that the chain was on backwards. He just shrugged his shoulders and smiled. Closely inspect any set up work Lowes does.

I ended up buying a Husqvarna 353 with a 20" bar but not from Lowes.

-Deerslayer

When the chain first came off it likely damaged the drivers on the chain if you look closely you may see where they are bent you may as well toss that chain as it will no longer be any good try a new chain and see if it binds on the bar if it does the bar is bent at the tip.
regards
rod

If the chain jumped off, it was not properly adjusted. Pull the cold chain up in the middle of the bar. The drivers should not quite clear the rails and should snap back when released. Were you cutting brush when it jumped the first time? This is not a good practice and a sure way to get it to jump off.

I agree with Fish, sounds like you have the wrong bar and chain combo.

Eric

Get yourself a new chain, and tighten after a few cuts,that way it wont happen again, or if the drivers on the old chain is not bad just take a file or dremmal grinder and smooth out the burs down.also read the manuel (put it in the bathroom)

Rereading the first post, If you used it for an hour before
having any trouble, then the chain is probably the correct
one, and the drivers were likely boogered when the chain
flew off the first time, which happens usually when running
a saw with the chain too loose. My oregon cross-catalog
shows that the 455 comes with the .325 pitch chain, you
might check your local saw/mower shops, and get the new
chain there. Take the saw with you, and get them to take
a quick look at the bar and chain. And maybe, they will
give you some pointers on keeping the chain tight.
Fish

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the feedback. As a matter of fact there are some burs on the chain, so I bet the chain is messed up. I am ashamed to admit it, but yes, I was cutting some briars when the chain came off...but they were thick and they hurt really bad and....oh, never mind. I knew better. At least now I know the problem is most likely in the bar or chain, and not in the design of the saw. I really appreciate the feedback.

Charles

It's ok to cut briars and thin saplings but you need to keep the chain a wee bit tighter than normal and be careful that you do not lever or twist the bar while cutting.

I would Dremel or file the original chain as necessary to make it pull smoothly around the bar. The drivers on either side of the damaged ones will adequately support the chain. No sense in throwing a servicable chain in the trash.

Just wanted to post the results after listening to your suggestions. I did not have time to file the chain, so I purchased a new Husqvarna 20" bar and chain (I wanted the 20" anyway, so this was a good justification purchase). The new bar and chain are working PERFECTLY!!! Thanks for all your help. Y'all were right about the old bar and chain combo being burred or pinched, because I have dropped and cut up 4 large oaks without a single problem. Thanks again for the suggestions.....blueseatx

I had something similar happen on my saw.

Because it had been caught in a few cuts I thought it was the bar that was torqued.

After putting on the new bar, the chain still bound so I took the bar back and got a new chain. Worked perfect.

Posting in case someone else has the same problem.

Never realized you could get a bigger bar/chain... I've a 20", maybe I can get a 22" bar?

Nothing wrong with the saw , it's the operator that is less than competent in Majority of cases !

Sounds like operator error to me. When installing a new chain, always run it until it heats up, then retighten. Then recheck tightness after first use. The chain will always stretch somewhat until broken in. If you run it while loose, it will jump off when you get a little sloppy. Been using 455 Ranchers for 15 years with no problems except the ones I cause. Great saw. I agree with all the comments above.

Holy smokes! I wrote my comment above 14 years ago (btw, my 353 is still going strong). I received an email notification that someone posted a new comment to the thread.

I agree with your comment that there was probably some type of user error involved.

My original point was that people shouldn't trust setups done by store clerks. They should verify that the critical parts are properly installed.

Everyone that owns a chainsaw should be able to install chains and bars. Also, they should be able to adjust them properly. I don't think that you can safely operate a chainsaw without some basic knowledge of the ongoing maintenance required.

Anyway, it's good to see that some folks still find these old conversations worthwhile to read.

The 353 Husky was a good fire wood saw , the intake steel clamp update resolved some air leak issues with some units causing overheating problems . Some of us are still here occasionally . For the most part old news refried. unfortunately :) Good to See you again deerslayer !

same problem keeping the chain on. new bar, new chain, carefully watching chain tension doesn’t help. Once the chain comes off you should pitch it..tha chain will not work properly. I am done with the saw.

Well there is a definate issue , your rim sprocket or hub could be out of alignment , Chain tensioner pilot screw misaligned , 1000 upon 1000 ,s of Rancher 4 Series saws out there and no chain problems . So if you can ' t figure it out bring it in .

i contin to buy new Huskivarna blades Every time the chain is thrown, it bangs up the chain drives and the chain will not go back on the bar

Their referred to as bars & chains . Bring your saw to you local dealer , with your assortment of bars & chains .

Every tim my chain comes off it damages the chain guides so i got a 20” rancher Same deal I have never had a saw that tears up the chain New Huskivarna saws are trash

Brand new Rancher cutting like a fine tuned machine. Bumped a vine with tip .Beat chain guides up so badly that they will need to be filed down before i can put chain back on I have never had a saw that tears up the chain when it comes off Good thing i bought an extra chain. i had a old school 350 that i used until ii wore the bar bolt clean through the oil pan Never had THIS problem before Im used to a Huski being being a nearly indes machine.

Your absolutely incredible , tighten the chain , back off the beer !

You obv work for Hakivarna. Want to but my 455 Rancher? Its brand new. $100.00

Sold , Send it on !

Look people, did you notice the only people on this thread are "new" 455 Rancher owners? This is because there are no old Husqvarna 455 Rancher chainsaws out there. People throw them away in about 30 days. I am an expert and I can assure you that Husqvarna should be ASHAMED of itself for continuing to sell these poorly-designed, cheaply constructed, hazardous pieces of equipment. Do NOT waste your time and money on a Husqvarna 455 Rancher. If you recently acquired one, return it and get something else. Trust me.