The 50 Rancher is from the eighties and was a very poular saw. I found it a little flimsy particularily the rewind starter but used properly by one operator, it would last a long time. The 350 is the current version.

I have one I picked out of a second-hand shop for my 'small' limb/trim/small buck saw. Very good saw. Not sure if it is in the pro line. They were built back in the 80s. Mine has an 18" bar. 20" I think is a bit much on one. As for this over a stihl. No real difference - both are top quality. As with most brand name arguments it is personal choice and the name on the thing has very little to do with operation. All brands (except Mac and Homey) build great saws and all of them build not-so-great saws.

Harry K

Haryy
Back in 2001 Foresters, Rangers and Loggers picked their favorite chainsaw they ranked, with over 3,100 votes cast.
Husqvarna - 41%
Stihl - 40%
Jonsered - 7%
Echo - 4%
All others - 8%

That was back in 2001. I prefer Husqvarna saw over Stihl. When Stihl came out with the three numbered models. They were not as good as the older models.

The 51 is a good saw. They are not a lot of information out there about them. But they can still be found for sale and parts are plentiful. If they were cared for they can be very good buy.

The new 455 Rancher has replaced the 55 Rancher which been put into a well deserved retirement.

i have a Husky 51.Its 2 cc's bigger than the 50.Its a great saw but was sold as more of a homeowner model.At the time the 51 was made,Husky had 3 numbered saws (242 as example) pro models and 2 numbered saws has homeowner saws(42 as example).My 51 has a 16" bar and does great.Probably one of the best firewood saws ever made.

Good find. Like posted above it started out as the 50 then the 50 Special the 51 and later the 55. They had all the features of the XP models except for the closed ported cylinder which they did make in the 55 but lacked the rpms of an XP saw. I have a 51 that I picked up nearly new for $125.00.

It was the most popular saw in the line in its time and rightfully so. Like Hippy says it is replaced by the 455. We have sold a few of them with no problems but have not had the chance to cut with one. It is a little heavier than the 55 time will tell how they will hold up. Later Butch

Send me an e-mail and I will send you a service manual. Later Butch

May I have one too, Butch? Thanks alot.

I'm sorry jlacy I can't do that anymore I no longer work at the shop where I did and although I still know the site and user name and password I will not do that and be accussed of wrong doing. Maybe Telemark can send you a copy. Later Butch

What happened Butch? You invested everything and retired as a gentleman of leisure? Hope you will stick around. You are a great source of information and reason.

Will not say just don't work there anymore. Would do no one any good so I'll just leave it at that. Thanks. Later Butch

Can someone send me the Husky 51 manual?

Thanks!

Try this: http://weborder.husqvarna.com/order_static/doc/HOEN/HOEN2002/HOEN2002_1140062-26.pdf

Here is a link that might be useful: Husky 51 Manual