Picked one up the other day for $40, and it runs. Does this sound like a decent deal? Can I put a larger bar on it or am I stick with the 16"?

 

Usually can get a longer bar for pretty much anything. I don't know about Huskies -- except that they're supposed to be decent.

Do you need an 18? My first saw was an 18, but since then I've had 16s, and I have no complaints. They'll cut anything that I'm brave enough to tackle. (I've done double cuts in big stuff that's fallen. I may have done that to one or two that were upright, but my alz is pretty bad today, and I can't really remember).

 

if it runs and cuts thats a good deal you got. you should be good with an 12-20" bar just keep the chain sharp

 

I am not familiar with that model in particular, but if you look around on the web for husky parts you'll probably find that it is offered with bars up to at least 18 inches.
Get a husky part number and then you'll have a ton of options from aftermarket brands like Oregon, Great Bend, Windsor, etc.
And yes, keep the chain sharp!

 

Does anyone know how to remove and replace the fuel line on this thing? It looks to have been hacked together at some point and is now leaking and causing it to stall.

 

Ok, got that sorted out except I can't find a reputable dealer here. The local dealer sold me a coiled piece of hose for $7 that doesn't seal the fuel tank opening. He mentioned something about one with a grommet, but then said that wasn't for my saw. He probably should have said he didn't have one in stock.

 

Well, since a search for "Husqvarna Rancher fuel line" on google turns up this thread, I'll post what I found:
The correct fuel line is part number 501458301, I got one off Ebay with a new filter for $18 shipped. Pricey, but it's right.

 

Sounds fair enough, especially considering the purchase price of the saw.
A 44 probably costs $280-$310 new ( a guess). You are still way ahead of the game.
Happy sawing!
Cutting season is just around the corner, at least for me. I enjoy cutting wood for the next year in the cool of fall and early winter. Excellent outdoor activity!

 

I have a Husqvarna 45 chainsaw. I must say I really like Husqvarna chainsaw's. My saw won't get used for up to two years then start right up and work perfect. I always clean it good and run it out of gas before storage.

 

Husky has two different bar mount platforms.........Up to about a 60cc saw(44 is a 44cc engine),is the smaller size,and mostly runs from 14" to 20" bar size....most huskies in that size run .325 pitch bar/chain combo....bar should be marked with .325 on it .......from about 61cc up to the the biggest 120cc models,a larger bar mount,and bars running from 16"- all the way up to 84" for the biggest models..........the Rancher 44 is an older model,all the newer models have 3 digit model numbers,mostly starting with the numbers 3 or 4.....as in 345 or 460.......check out the big mail order company Baileys for bars,chains,and replacement parts.........www.baileysonline.com........good service,good prices!