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Chain saws can be dangerous! Careless or improper use can result in serious or fatal injury to the operator or others. | |
![]() | Please read the operator's manual carefully and make sure you understand the instructions before using the machine. |
![]() | Always wear:
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![]() | Both of the operator's hands must be used to operate the chain saw. |
![]() | Never operate a chain saw holding it with one hand only. |
![]() | Contact of the guide bar tip with any object must be avoided. |
![]() | Tip contact may cause the guide bar to move suddenly upward and backward (so called kickback), which may cause serious injury. |
Other symbols/decals on the machine refer to special certification requirements for certain markets. | |
![]() | Switch off the engine by moving the stop switch to the STOP position before carrying out any checks or maintenance. |
![]() | Always wear approved protective gloves. |
![]() | Regular cleaning is required. |
![]() | Visual check. |
![]() | Protective goggles or a visor must be worn. |
![]() | Refueling. |
![]() | Filing with oil and adjusting oil flow. |
![]() | The chain brake must be engaged when the chain saw is started. |
You will find the following labels on your chain saw:
The Emissions Compliance Period referred to on the Emission Compliance label indicates the number of operating hours for which the engine has been shown to meet Federal emissions requirements. Category C = 50 hours, B = 125 hours, and A = 300 hours. Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and system may be performed by any non road engine repair establishment or individual.
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
For customer assistance call: 704-921-7000 or contact us at our website: www.husqvarna.com
What is what on the chain saw?
Before using a new chain saw
Under no circumstances may the design of the machine be modified without the permission of the manufacturer- Always use genuine accessories. Non-authorized modifications and/or accessories can result in serious personal injury or the death of the operator or others. Your warranty may not cover damage or liability caused by the use of non-authorized accessories or replacement parts,
A chain saw is a dangerous tool if used carelessly or incorrectly and can cause serious, even fatal injuries, It is very important that you read and understand the contents of this operator's manual.
The inside of the muffler contain chemicals that may be carcinogenic, Avoid contact with these elements in the event of a damaged muffler,
Long term inhalation of the engine's exhaust fumes, chain oil mist and dust from sawdust can represent a health risk.
The machine is only designed for cutting wood.
You should only use the saw with the bar and chain combinations we recommend in the chapter Technical data
Never use the machine if you are fatigued, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, medication or anything that could affect your vision, alertness, coordination or judgement.
Wear personal protective equipment See instructions under the heading Personal protective equipment
Do not modify this product or use it if it appears to have been modified by others.
Never use a machine that is faulty. Carry out the checks, maintenance and service instructions described in this manual. Some maintenance and service measures must be carried out by trained and qualified specialists. See instructions under the heading Maintenance.
Never use any accessories other than those recommended in this manual See instructions under the headings Cutting equipment and Technical data
Always wear protective glasses or a face visor to reduce the risk of injury from thrown objects. A chain saw is capable of throwing objects, such as wood chips, small pieces of wood, etc, at great force. This can result in serious injury, especially to the eyes.
Running an engine in a confined or badly ventilated area can result in death due to asphyxiation or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Faulty cutting equipment or the wrong combination of bar and saw chain increases the risk of kickback! Only use the bar/saw chain combinations we recommend, and follow the filing instructions, See instructions under the heading Technical data.
Always use common sense
It is not possible to cover every conceivable situation you can face when using a chain saw. Always exercise care and use your common sense. Avoid all situations which you consider to be beyond your capability. If you still feel uncertain about operating procedures after reading these instructions, you should consult an expert before continuing. Do not hesitate to contact your dealer or us if you have any questions about the use of the chain saw. We will willingly be of service and provide you with advice as well as help you to use your chain saw both efficiently and safely. Attend a training course in chain saw usage if possible. Your dealer, forestry school or your library can provide information about which training materials and courses are available.
Work is constantly in progress to improve the design and technology - improvements that increase your safety and efficiency. Visit your dealer regularly to see whether you can benefit from new features that have been introduced.
Personal protective equipment
Most chain saw accidents happen when the chain touches the operator, You must use approved personal protective equipment whenever you use the machine, Personal protective equipment cannot eliminate the risk of injury but it will reduce the degree of injury if an accident does happe. Ask your dealer for help in choosing the right equipment,
Generally clothes should be close-fitting without restricting your freedom of movement.
Sparks can come from the muffler, the bar and chain or other sources. Always have fire extinguishing tools available if you should need them. Help prevent forest fires.
Machine's safety equipment
In this section the machine's safety features and their function are explained For inspection and maintenance see instructions under the heading Checking, maintaining and servicing chain saw safety equipment See instructions under the heading, What is what?} to find where these parts are located on your machine.
The life span of the machine can be reduced and the risk of accidents can increase if machine maintenance is not carried out correctly and if service and/or repairs are not carried out professionally. If you need further information please contact your nearest servicing dealer.
Never use a machine with defective safety components, Safety equipment must be inspected and maintained. See instructions under the heading Checking, maintaining and servicing chain saw safety equipment If your machine does not pass all the checks, take the saw to a servicing dealer for repair,
Chain brake and front hand guard
Your chain saw is equipped with a chain brake that is designed to stop the chain if you get a kickback. The chain brake reduces the risk of accidents, but only you can prevent them.
Take care when using your saw and make sure the kickback zone of the bar never touches any object
Will my hand always activate the chain brake during a kickback?
Noa It takes a certain force to move the hand guard forward If your hand only lightly touches the front guard or slips over it, the force may not be enough to trigger the chain brake. You should also maintain a firm grip of the chain saw handles while working. If you do and experience a kickback, your hand may never leave the front handle and will not activate the chain brake, or the chain brake will only activate after the saw has swung around a considerable distance. In such instances, the chain brake might not have enough time to stop the saw chain before it touches you.
There are also certain positions in which your hand cannot reach the front hand guard to activate the chain brake; for example, when the saw chain is held in felling position.
Will my inetria activated chain brake always activate during kickback in the event of a kickback?
Noa First your brake must be in working order. Testing the brake is simple, see instructions under the heading Checking, maintaining and servicing chain saw safety equipment We recommend you do before you begin each work session. Second the kickback must be strong enough to activate the chain brake. If the chain brake is too sensitive it would activate all the time which would be a nuisance.
Will my chain brake always protect me from injury in the event of a kickback?
Noa First, the chain brake must be in working order to provide the intended protection. Second, it must be activated during the kickback as described above to stop the saw chain. Third, the chain brake may be activated but if the bar is to close to you the brake might not have enough time to slow down and stop the chain before the chain saw hits you.
Only you and proper working technique can eliminate kickback and its danger,
Throttle lock
The throttle lock is designed to prevent accidental operation of the throttle control. When you press the lock (A) (i.e. when you grasp the handle) it releases the throttle control (B). When you release the handle the throttle control and the throttle lock both move back to their original positions. This arrangement means that the throttle control is automatically locked at the idle setting.
Chain catcher
The chain catcher is designed to catch the chain if it snaps or jumps off. This should not happen if the chain is properly tensioned (see instructions under the heading Assembly) and if the bar and chain are properly serviced and maintained (see instructions under the heading General working instructions).
Right hand guard
Apart from protecting your hand if the chain jumps or snaps, the right hand guard stops branches and twigs from interfering with your grip on the rear handle.
Vibration damping system
Your machine is equipped with a vibration damping system that is designed to reduce vibration and make operation easier.
The machine's vibration damping system reduces the transfer of vibration between the engine unit/cutting equipment and the machine's handle unit
The body of the chain saw, including the cutting equipment, is insulated from the handles by vibration damping units.
Cutting hardwoods (most broad leaf trees) creates more vibration than cutting softwoods (most conifers). Cutting with cutting equipment that is blunt or faulty (wrong type or badly sharpened) will increase the vibration level.
Overexposure to vibration can lead to circulatory damage or nerve damage in people who have impaired circulation. Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms of overexposure to vibration, Such symptoms include numbness, loss of feeling, tingling, pricking, pain, loss of strength, changes in skin colour or condition. These symptoms normally appear in the fingers, hands or wrists, These symptoms may be increased in cold temperatures,
Stop switch
Use the stop switch to switch off the engine.
Muffler
The muffler is designed to keep noise levels to a minimum and to direct exhaust fumes away from the user.
The exhaust fumes from the engine are hot and may contain sparks which can start a fire. Never start the machine indoors or near combustible material!
In areas with a hot, dry climate there is a high risk of fires. These areas are sometimes subject to government rules requiring among other things the muffler must be equipped with an approved type of spark arrestor mesh.
The muffler gets very hot during and after use. This also applies during idling. Be aware of the fire hazard, especially when working near flammable substances and/ or vapours.
Never use a saw without a muffler, or with a damaged muffler, A damaged muffler may substantially increase the noise level and the fire hazard- Keep fire fighting equipment handy. If a spark arrestor screen is required in your area, never use the saw without or with a broken spark arrestor screen.
Cutting equipment
This section describes how to choose and maintain your cutting equipment in order to:
General rules
Cutting equipment designed to reduce kickback
Faulty cutting equipment or the wrong combination of bar and saw chain increases the risk of kickback! Only use the bar/saw chain combinations we recommend, and follow the filing instructions, See instructions under the heading Technical data.
The only way to avoid kickback is to make sure that the kickback zone of the bar never touches anything.
By using cutting equipment with "built-in" kickback reduction and keeping the chain sharp and well-maintained you can reduce the effects of kickback.
Bar
The smaller the tip radius the lower the chance of kickback.
Chain
A chain is made up of a number of links, which are available in standard and low-kickback versions.
No saw chain design eliminates the danger of kickback.
Any contact with a rotating saw chain can cause extremely serious injuries.
Some terms that describe the bar and chain
To maintain the safety features of the cutting equipment, you should replace a worn or damaged bar or chain with a bar and chain combinations recommended by Husqvarnaa See instructions under the heading Technical Data for a list of replacement bar and chain combinations we recommend
Bar
Chain
Sharpening your chain and adjusting depth gauge setting
General information on sharpening cutting teeth
When you sharpen a cutting tooth there are four important factors to remember.
It is very difficult to sharpen a chain correctly without the right equipment. We recommend that you use our file gauge. This will help you obtain the maximum kickback reduction and cutting performance from your chain.
See instructions under the heading Technical data for information about sharpening your chain.
Departure from the sharpening instructions considerably increases the risk of kickback.
Sharpening cutting teeth
To sharpen cutting teeth you will need a round file and a file gauge. See instructions under the heading Technical data for information on the size of file and gauge that are recommended for the chain fitted to your chain saw.
General advice on adjusting depth gauge setting
The risk of kickback is increased if the depth gauge setting is too large!
Adjustment of depth gauge setting
Tensioning the chain
A slack chain may jump off the bar and cause serious or even fatal injury,
The more you use a chain the longer it becomes. It is therefore important to adjust the chain regularly to take up the slack.
Check the chain tension every time you refuel.
NOTE! A new chain has a running-in period during which you should check the tension more frequently.
Tension the chain as tightly as possible, but not so tight that you cannot pull it round freely by hand
The position of the chain tensioning screw on our chain saws varies from model to model. See instructions under the heading What is what? to find out where it is on your model.
Lubricating cutting equipment
Poor lubrication of cutting equipment may cause the chain to snap, which could lead to serious, even fatal injuries,
Chain oil
Chain oil must demonstrate good adhesion to the chain and also maintain its flow characteristics regardless of whether it is warm summer or cold winter weather.
As a chain saw manufacturer we have developed an optimal chain oil which has a vegetable oil base. We recommend the use of our own oil for both maximum chain life and to minimise environmental damage. If our own chain oil is not available, standard chain oil is recommended
Never use waste oil! Using waste oil can be dangerous to you and damage the machine and environment.
When using vegetable based saw chain oil, dismantle and clean the groove in the bar and saw chain before long-term storage. Otherwise there is a risk of the saw chain oil oxidizing, which will result in the saw chain becoming stiff and the bar tip sprocket jamming.
Filling with chain oil
Checking chain lubrication
If the chain lubrication is not working:
If the chain lubrication system is still not working after carrying out the above checks and associated measures you should contact your servicing dealer.
Chain drive sprocket
The clutch drum is fitted with one of the following drive sprockets:
Regularly check the degree of wear on the drive sprocket. Replace if wear is excessive. Replace the drive sprocket whenever you replace the chain.
Needle bearing lubrication
Both versions of sprockets have a needle bearing on the drive shaft, which has to be greased regularly (once a week).
Use only high quality bearing grease or engine oil.
See instructions under the heading Maintenance, Needle bearing lubrication.
Checking wear on cutting equipment
Check the chain daily for:
Replace the saw chain if it exhibits any of the points above.
We recommend you compare the existing chain with a new chain to decide how badly the existing chain is worn.
When the length of the cutting teeth has worn down to only 4 mm (0, 16 inch) the chain must be replaced
Bar
Check regularly:
Most chain saw accidents happen when the chain touches the operator. Wear personal protective equipment. See instructions under the heading Personam protective equipment.
Do not tackte any job that you feel you are not adequately trained for. See instructions under the headings Personal protective equipment, How to avoid kickback, Cutting equipment and General working instructions. Avoid situations where there is a risk of kickback. See instructions under the heading Machine's safety equipment. Use the recommended protective equipment and check its condition. See instructions under the heading General working instructions.
Check that all the chain saw safety features are working. See instructions under the headings General working instructions and General safety precautions.
Fitting the bar and chain
Always wear gloves, when working with the chain, in order to protect your hands from injury.
Check that the chain brake is in disengaged position by moving the front hand guard towards the front handle.
Remove the bar nuts and remove the clutch cover (chain brake). Take off the transportation ring (A).
Fit the bar over the bar bolts. Place the bar in its rearmost position. Place the chain over the drive sprocket locate it in the groove on the bar. Begin on the top edge of the bara
Make sure that the edges of the cutting links are facing forward on the top edge of the bar.
Fit the clutch cover and locate the chain adjuster pin in the hole in the bar. Check that the drive links of the chain fit correctly over the drive sprocket and that the chain is correctly located in the groove in the bar. Tighten the bar nuts finger
Tension the chain by turning the chain tensioning screw clockwise using the combination spanner. The chain should be tensioned until it does not sag from the underside of the bara
The chain is correctly tensioned when it does not sag from the underside of the bar, but can still be turned easily by hand Hold up the bar tip and tighten the bar nuts with the combination spanner.
When fitting a new chain, the chain tension has to be checked frequently until the chain is run-ina Check the chain tension regularly. A correctly tensioned chain ensures good cutting performance and long life.
NOTE!
Note: If clutch cover is difficult to remove, replace bar nuts, engage brake and rerelease (an audible click will be heard if released properly),
Fuel
Note! The machine is equipped with a two-stroke engine and must always be run using a mixture of gasoline and two stroke oil. It is important to accurately measure the amount of oil to be mixed to ensure that the correct mixture is obtained When mixing small amounts of fuel, even small inaccuracies can drastically affect the ratio of the mixture.
Always ensure there is adequate ventilation when handling fuel,
Gasoline
Environment fuel
HUSQVARNA recommends the use of alkylate fuel or environment fuel for four-stroke engines blended with twostroke oil as set out below. Note that carburetor adjustment may be necessary when changing the type of fuel (see instructions under the heading Carburetor).
Running - in
Avoid running at a too high speed for extended periods during the first 10 hours.
Two-stroke oil
Mixing ratio
1:50 (2%) for all engines
Gasoline, litre | Two-stroke oil, mitre |
2% (1:50) | |
5 | 0,10 |
10 | 0,20 |
15 | 0,30 |
20 | 0,40 |
US gallon | US fL oz. |
1 | 2 1/2 |
2 1/2 | 6 1/2 |
5 | 12 7/8 |
Mixing
Chain oil
Fueling
Taking the following precautions, will lessen the risk of fire:
Do not smoke and do not place any hot objects in the vicinity of fuel.
Always stop the engine and let it cool for a few minutes before refuelling.
When refuelling, open the fuel cap slowly so that any excess pressure is released gently, Tighten the fuel cap carefully after refuelling.
Always move the machine away from the refuelling area before starting.
Clean the area around the fuel cap. Clean the fuel and chain oil tanks regularly. The fuel filter must be replaced at least once a year. Contamination in the tanks causes malfunction. Make sure the fuel is well mixed by shaking the container before refuelling. The capacities of the chain oil tank and fuel tank are carefully matched You should therefore always fill the chain oil tank and fuel tank at the same time.
Fuel and fuel vapor are highly flammable. Take care when handling fuel and chain oil. Be aware of the risks of fire, explosion and those associated with inhalation.
Fuel safety
Never use a machine with visible damage to the spark plug guard and ignition cable A risk of sparking arises, which can cause a fire.
Transport and storage
Long-term storage
Empty the fuel/oil tanks in a well ventilated area Store the fuel in approved cans in a safe place. Fit the bar guard. Clean the machine. See instructions under the heading Maintenance schedule.
Starting and stopping
Note the following before starting:
The chain brake must be engaged when the chain saw is started to reduce the chance of contact with the moving chain during starting,
Never start a chain saw unless the bar, chain and all covers are fitted correctly, Otherwise the clutch can come loose and cause personal injuries.
Place the machine on firm ground. Make sure you have a secure footing and that the chain cannot touch anything.
Keep people and animals well away from the working area.
Cold engine
Starting: The chain brake should be activated when starting the chain saw. Activate the chain brake by pushing the front hand guard forwards.
ignition; choke (A): Set the choke control in the choke position. This should automatically set the stop switch to the start position.
Start throttle: The correct choke/start throttle setting is obtained by moving the control to the choke position.
Air purge (B): Press the air purge repeatedly until fuel begins to fill the bulb. The bulb need not be completely filled
Decompression valve (C): Press the valve to reduce the pressure in the cylinder and make starting easier. You should always use the decompression valve when starting the machine. Once the machine has started the valve will automatically return to its original setting.
Warm engine
Use the same procedure as for starting a cold engine but without setting the choke control in the choke position. The correct choke/start throttle setting is obtained by moving the choke control to the choke position and then pushing it in again.
Starting
Grip the front handle with your left hand Hold the chain saw on the ground by placing your right foot through the rear handle. Pull the starter handle with your right hand and pull out the starter cord slowly until you feel a resistance (as the starter pawls engage) then pull firmly and rapidly. Never wrap the starter cord around your hand.
As the chain brake is still activated the engine must return to idling speed as soon as possible by disengaging the throttel latch in order to avoid unnecessary wear on the clutch assembly.
Push in the choke control as soon as the engine fire and make repeated starting attempts. Immediately press and release the throttle when the engine starts. That will disengage the throttle latch.
Do not pull the starter cord all the way out and do not let go of the starter handle when the cord is fully extended This can damage the machine.
Note!
Pull the front hand guard towards the front handle. The chain brake is now disengaged Your saw is ready for use.
Long term inhalation of the engine's exhaust fumes, chain oil mist and dust from sawdust can represent a health risk,
Stopping
Stop the engine by switching off the ignition.
Before use:
General working instructions
This section describes basic safety rules for using a chain saw. This information is never a substitute for professional skills and experience. If you get into a situation where you feel unsafe, stop and seek expert advice. Contact your chain saw dealer, service agent or an experienced chain saw user. Do not attempt any task that you are not sure you can handle!
Before using a chain saw you must understand the effects of kickback and how to avoid them. See instructions under the heading How to avoid kickback.
Before using a chain saw you must understand the difference between cutting with the top and bottom edges of the bar. See instructions under the headings How to avoid kickback and Machine's safety equipment.
Wear personal protective equipment See instructions under the heading Personal protective equipment
Basic safety rules
General rules
Basic cutting technique
Never use a chain saw by holding it with one hand, A chain saw is not safely controlled with one hand, Always have a secure, firm grip around the handles with both hands.
General
Cutting with a pushing chain increases the risk of kickback. See instructions under the heading How to avoid kickback.
Terms
Cutting = General term for cutting through wood
Limbing = Cutting branches off a felled tree.
Splitting = When the object you are cutting breaks off before the cut is complete.
There are five important factors you should consider before making a cut:
Two factors decide whether the chain will jam or the object that you are cutting will split: the first is how the object is supported before and after cutting, and the second is whether it is in tension.
In most cases you can avoid these problems by cutting in two stages; from the top and from the bottom. You need to support the object so that it will not trap the chain or split during cutting.
If the chain jams in the cut: stop the engine! Don't try to pull the chain saw free. If you do you may be injured by the chain when the chain saw suddenly breaks free. Use a lever to open up the cut and free the chain saw.
The following instructions describe how to handle the common situations you are likely to encounter when using a chain saw.
Limbing
When limbing thick branches you should use the same approach as for cutting.
Cut difficult branches piece by piece.
Cutting
Never attempt to cut logs while they are in a pile or when a couple of logs are lying together, Such procedures drastically increase the risk of kickback which can result in a serious or fatal injury.
If you have a pile of logs, each log you attempt to cut should be removed from the pile, placed on a saw horse or runners and cut individually.
Remove the cut pieces from the cutting area. By leaving them in the cutting area, you increase the risk for inadvertently getting a kickback, as well as increasing the risk of losing your balance while working.
The log is lying on the ground
There is little risk of the chain jamming or the object splitting. However there is a risk that the chain will touch the ground when you finish the cut.
Cut all the way through the log from above. Avoid letting the chain touch the ground as you finish the cut. Maintain full throttle but be prepared for what might happen.
If it is possible (can you turn the log?) stop cutting about 2/3 of the way through the log.
Turn the log and finish the cut from the opposite side.
The log is supported at one end, There is a high risk that it will split
Start by cutting from below (about 1/3 of the way through).
Finish by cutting from above so that the two cuts meet
The log is supported at both ends There is a high risk that the chain will jam.
Start by cutting from above (about 1/3 of the way through).
Finish by cutting from below so that the two cuts meet
Tree felling technique
It takes a lot of experience to fell a tree. Inexperienced users of chain saws should not fell trees. Do not attempt any task beyond your experience level!
Safe distance
The safe distance between a tree that is to be felled and anyone else working nearby is at least 2 1/2 tree lengths. Make sure that no-one else is in this "risk zone" before or during felling.
Felling direction
The aim is to fell the tree in a position where you can limb and cross-cut the log as easily as possible. You want it to fall in a location where you can stand and move about safely.
Once you have decided which way you want the tree to fall you must judge which way the tree would fall naturally.
Several factors affect this:
You may find you are forced to let the tree fall in its natural direction because it is impossible or dangerous to try to make it fall in the direction you first intended
Another very important factor, which does not affect the felling direction but does affect your safety, is to make sure the tree has no damaged or dead branches that might break off and hit you during felling.
The main point to avoid is letting the tree fall onto another tree. It is very dangerous to remove a trapped tree and there is high accident risk. See instructions under the heading Freeing a tree that has fallen badly.
During critical felling operations, hearing protectors should be lifted immediately when sawing is completed so that sounds and warning signals can be heard.
Clearing the trunk and preparing your retreat
Delimb the stem up to shoulder height. It is safer to work from the top down and to have the tree between you and the saw.
Remove any undergrowth from the base of the tree and check the area for obstacles (stones, branches, holes, etc.) so that you have a clear path of retreat when the tree starts to fall. Your path of retreat should be roughly 135 degrees away from the intended felling direction.
Felling
Unless you have special training we advise you not to fell trees with a diameter larger than the bar length of your saw!
Felling is done using three cuts. First you make the directional cuts, which consist of the top cut and the bottom cut, then you finish with the feIIing cut. By placing these cuts correctly you can control the felling direction very accurately.
Directional cuts
To make the directionaI cuts you begin with the top cut. Stand to the right of the tree and cut on the pull stroke.
Next make the bottom cut so that it finishes exactly at the end of the top cut.
The directional cuts should run 1/4 of the diameter through the trunk and the angle between the top cut and bottom cut
The Iine where the two cuts meet is called the directional cut line. This line shouId be perfectly horizontal and at right angles (90 °) to the chosen felling direction.
Felling cut
The felling cut is made from the opposite side of the tree and it must be perfectly horizontal. Stand on the left side of the tree and cut on the pulI stroke.
Make the felling cut about 3-5 cm (1.5-2 inches) above the bottom directional cut.
Finish the felIing cut paraIIel with the directional cut Iine so that the distance between them is at least 1/10 of the trunk diameter. The uncut section of the trunk is called the felling hinge.
The felling hinge controls the direction that the tree falls in.
All controI over the felling direction is Iost if the feiIing hinge is too narrow or non-existent, or if the directionaI cuts and felling cut are badly pIaced.
When the felling cut and directional cut are comptete the tree should start to fail by itself or with the aid of a felling wedge or breaking bar.
We recommend that you use a bar that is longer than the diameter of the tree, so that you can make the felling cut and directional cuts with single cutting strokes. See instructions under the heading Technical data section to find out which lengths of bar are recommended for your saw.
There are methods for felling trees with a diameter larger than the bar length. However these methods involve a much greater risk that the kickback zone of the bar will come into contact with the tree.
Freeing a tree that has fallen badly
Freeing a "trapped tree"
It is very dangerous to remove a trapped tree and there is high accident risk.
Never try to fell the tree that is trapped.
Never work in the risk zone of the hanging trapped tree.
The safest method is to use a winch.
Cutting trees and branches that are in tension
Preparations: Work out which side is in tension and where the point of maximum tension is (i.e. where it would break if it was bent even more).
Decide which is the safest way to release the tension and whether you are able to do it safely. In complicated situations the only safe method is to put aside your chain saw and use a winch.
General advice:
Position yourself so that you will be clear of the tree or branch when the tension is released
Make one or more cuts at or near the point of maximum tensiona Make as many cuts of sufficient depth as necessary to reduce the tension and make the tree or branch break at the point of maximum tensiona
Never cut straight through a tree or branch that is in tension!
If you must cut across tree/limb, make two to three cuts, one inch apart, one to two inches deep.
Continue to cut deeper until tree/limb bends and tension is released,
Cut tree/limb from outside the bend, after tension has been released,
How to avoid kickback
Kickback can happen very suddenly and violently; kicking the chain saw, bar and chain back at the user. If this happens when the chain is moving it can cause very serious, even fatal injuries. It is vital you understand what causes kickback and that you can avoid it by taking care and using the right working technique.
What is kickback?
The word kickback is used to describe the sudden reaction that causes the chain saw and bar to jump off an object when the upper quadrant of the tip of the bar, known as the kickback zone, touches an object
Kickback always occurs in the cutting plane of the bar. Normally the chain saw and bar are thrown backwards and upwards towards the user. However, the chain saw may move in a different direction depending on the way it was being used when the kickback zone of the bar touched the object
Kickback only occurs if the kickback zone of the bar touches an object.
Limbing
A majority of kickback accidents occur during limbing- Do not use the kickback zone of the guide bar, Be extremely cautious and avoid contacting the log, other limbs or objects with the nose of the guide bar. Be extremely cautious of limbs under tension, They can spring back toward you and cause loss of control resulting in injury,
Make sure that you can stand and move about safely. Work on the left side of the trunk. Work as close as possible to the chain saw for maximum control. If possible, let the weight of the chain saw rest on the trunk.
Keep the trunk between you and the chain saw as you move along the trunk.
Cutting the trunk into logs
See instructions under the heading Basic cutting technique.
General
The user must only carry out the maintenance and service work described in this manual. More extensive work must be carried out by an authorised service workshop.
Carburetor adjustment
Due to existing environmental and emissions legislation your chain saw is equipped with movement limiters on the carburetor adjuster screws. These limit the adjustment possibilities to a maximum of a 1/2 turn.
Your Husqvarna product has been designed and manufactured to specifications that reduce harmful emissions.
Function
Basic settings and running in
The basic carburetor settings are adjusted during testing at the factory. Avoid running at a too high speed for extended periods during the first 10 hours.
if the chain rotates while idling the T-screw must be turned anti-clockwise until the chain stops,
Reca idle speed: 2700 rpm
Fine adjustment
When the machine has been "run-in" the carburetor should be finely adjusted The fine adjustment should be carried out by a qualified person, First adjust the L-jet, then the idling screw T and then the H-jet.
Conditions
Low speed jet L
Turn the low speed jet L clockwise until it stops. If the engine accelerates poorly or idles unevenly, turn the low speed jet L anticlockwise until good acceleration and idling are achieved
Fine adjustment of the idling speed T
Adjust the idle speed with the T-screw. If it is necessary to readjust, turn the T-screw clockwise while the engine is running, until the chain starts to rotate. Then turn counter-clockwise until the chain stops. A correctly adjusted idle speed setting occurs when the engine runs smoothly in every position. It should also be good margin to the rpm when the chain starts to rotate.
Contact your servicing dealer, if the idle speed setting cannot be adjusted so that the chain stops, Do not use the chain saw until it has been properly adjusted or repaired.
High speed jet H
At the factory the engine is adjusted at sea level When working at a high altitude or in different weather conditions, temperatures and atmospheric humidity, it may be necessary to make minor adjustments to the high speed jet,
If the high speed jet is screwed in too far, it may damage the piston/cylindere
When test run at the factory, the high speed jet is set so that the engine satisfies the applicable legal requirements at the same time as achieving maximum performance. The carburetors high speed jet is then locked using a limiter cap in the fully screwed out position. The limiter cap limits the potential to adjust the high speed jet to at most half a turn.
To adjust the carburetor correctly you should contact a mechanic with access to a rev countera
As the spark is cut off, the rev counter does not show speeds higher than 13600 rpm.
Correctly adjusted carburetor
When the carburetor is correctly adjusted the machine accelerates without hesitation and the machine 4-cycles a little at max. speed It is also important that the chain does not rotate at idle. If the L-jet is set too lean it may cause starting difficulties and poor acceleration. If the H-jet is set too lean the machine will have less power, poor acceleration and could suffer damage to the engine.
Checking, maintaining and servicing chain saw safety equipment
Note! All servicing and repair work on the machine requires special training. This is especially true of the machine's safety equipment. If your machine fails any of the checks described below we recommend you to contact our servicing dealer.
Chain brake and front hand guard
Checking brake band wear
Brush off any wood dust, resin and dirt from the chain brake and clutch drum. Dirt and wear can impair operation of the brake.
Regularly check that the brake band is at least 0.6 mm (0,024 inch) thick at its thinnest point
Checking the front hand guard
Make sure the front hand guard is not damaged and that there are no visible defects such as cracks.
Move the front hand guard forwards and back to make sure it moves freely and that it is securely anchored to the clutch covera
Checking the inertia brake release
With the engine turned off, hold the chain saw over a stump or other firm object Let go of the front handle so that the bar drops towards the stump as the chain saw rotates around the rear handle.
When the bar hits the stump the brake should be applied,
Checking the brake trigger
Place the chain saw on firm ground and start ita Make sure the chain does not touch the ground or any other object See the instructions under the heading Start and stop.
Grasp the chain saw firmly, wrapping your fingers and thumbs around the handles.
Apply full throttle and activate the chain brake by tilting your left wrist forward onto the front hand guard Do not let go of the front handle. The chain should stop immediately,
Throttle lock
Chain catcher
Check that the chain catcher is not damaged and is firmly attached to the body of the chain saw.
Right hand guard
Check that the right hand guard is not damaged and that there are no visible defects, such as cracks.
Vibration damping system
Regularly check the vibration damping units for cracks or deformation.
Make sure the vibration damping units are securely attached to the engine unit and handle unit
Stop switch
Start the engine and make sure the engine stops when you move the stop switch to the stop setting.
Muffler
Never use a machine that has a faulty muffler.
Regularly check that the muffler is securely attached to the machine.
Some mufflers are equipped with a special spark arrestor mesh. If your machine has this type of muffier, you should clean the mesh at least once a week. This is best done with a wire brush. A blocked mesh wiII cause the engine to overheat and may lead to serious damage.
Note! The mesh must be replaced if it is damaged. If the mesh is blocked the machine wilI overheat and this will cause damage to the cylinder and piston. Never use a machine with a muffler that is in poor condition.
Never use a muffler if the spark arrestor mesh is missing or defective,
The muffler is designed to reduce the noise level and to direct the exhaust gases away from the operator. The exhaust gases are hot and can contain sparks, which may cause fire if directed against dry and combustible material.
Starter
When the recoil spring is wound up in the starter housing it is under tension and can, if handled carelessly, pop out and cause personal injury.
Care must be exercised when replacing the return spring or the starter cord, Wear protective glasses and protective gloves.
Changing a broken or worn starter cord
Tensioning the recoil spring
Changing a broken recoil spring
Fitting the starter
Air filter
The air filter must be regularly cleaned to remove dust and dirt in order to avoid:
The filter can be cleaned more thoroughly by washing it in water and detergent
An air filter that has been in use for a long time cannot be cleaned completely. The filter must therefore be replaced with a new one at regular intervals. A damaged air filter must always be replaced,
A HUSQVARNA chain saw can be equipped with different types of air filters according to working conditions, weather, season, etc. Contact your dealer for advice.
Spark plug
The spark plug condition is influenced by:
These factors cause deposits on the spark plug electrodes, which may result in operating problems and starting difficulties.
If the machine is low on power, difficult to start or runs poorly at idle speed: always check the spark plug first before taking any further action. If the spark plug is dirty, clean it and check that the electrode gap is 0.5 mm The spark plug should be replaced after about a month in operation or earlier if necessary.
Note! Always use the recommended spark plug type! Use of the wrong spark plug can damage the piston/cylinder. Check that the spark plug is fitted with a suppressor.
Lubricating the bar tip sprocket
Lubricate the bar tip sprocket each time you refuel. Use the special grease gun and a good quality bearing grease.
Needle bearing lubrication
The clutch drum has a needle bearing on the output shaft. This needle bearing must be lubricated regularly (once a week).
When lubricating, remove the clutch cover by loosening the two bar nuts. Lay the saw on its side with the clutch drum upwards.
Lubrication involves engine oil dripping into the centre of the clutch drum as it rotates.
Adjustment of the oil pump
Adjustments are made by turning the screw using a screwdriver or combination spanner. The machine is supplied from the factory with the screw set to position 2. Turning the screw clockwise will reduce the oil flow and turning the screw anti-clockwise will increase the oil flow.
Recommended settings:
Bar 13"-15": Position 1
Bar 15"-18": Position 2
Bar 18"-20": Position 3
These recommendations apply to Husqvarna's chain oil, for other chain oils increase the oil flow by one step.
The engine must be stopped when making adjustments.
Cooling system
To keep the working temperature as low as possible the machine is equipped with a cooling system.
The cooling system consists of:
Clean the cooling system with a brush once a week, more often in demanding conditions. A dirty or blocked cooling system results in the machine overheating which causes damage to the piston and cylinder.
"Air Injection" centrifugal cleaning
Centrifugal cleaning means the following: All air to the carburetor passes through the starter. Dirt and dust is pushed out by the cooling fan.
In order to maintain operation of the centrifugal cleaning system it must be regularly maintained Clean the air intake to the starter, the fins on the flywheel, the space around the flywheel, inlet pipe and carburetor compartment
Winter use
Running problems can occur when using the machine in the cold and snowy conditions caused by:
Special measures are therefore often required:
Temperature 0º C (32º F) or colder:
The cylinder cover is designed so it can be adjusted for running in cold weather, so that preheated air from the cylinder can pass into the carburetor space preventing icing of the air filter, etc.
Temperature -5º C (23º F) or colder:
For running the machine in cold weather or powder snow, a special cover is available, which is mounted on the starter housing. This reduces the intake of cold air and prevents large amounts of snow from being sucked in.
If the special winterising kit has been fitted or any measures have been taken to increase the temperature these changes must be reversed before the machine is used in normal temperature conditions. Otherwise there is a risk of overheating, resulting in severe damage to the engine.
Any maintenance other than that described in this manual must be carried out by your servicing dealer
Maintenance schedule
The following is a list of the maintenance that must be performed on the machine. Most of the items are described in the Maintenance section.
Daily maintenance | Weekly maintenance | Monthly maintenance |
Clean the outside of the machine. | On chain saws without a catalytic converter, check the cooling system weekly, | Check the brake band on the chain brake for wear. Replace when less than 0.6 mm (0,024 inch) remains at the most worn point. |
Check that the components of the throttle control work safely. (Throttle lock and throttle control.) | Check the starter, starter cord and return spring. | Check the clutch centre, clutch drum and clutch spring for wear. |
Clean the chain brake and check that it operates safely. Make sure that the chain catcher is undamaged, and replace it if necessary. | Check that the vibration damping elements are not damaged | Clean the spark plug. Check that the electrode gap is 0.5 mm (0,020 inch). |
The bar should be turned daily for more even wear. Check the lubrication hole in the bar, to be sure it is not clogged Clean the bar groove. If the bar has a sprocket tip, this should be lubricated | Lubricate the clutch drum bearing. | Clean the outside of the carburetor. |
Check that the bar and chain are getting sufficient oil. | File off any burrs from the edges of the bara | Check fuel hose for cracks or other damage. Change if necessary. |
Check the saw chain with regard to visible cracks in the rivets and links, whether the saw chain is stiff or whether the rivets and links are abnormally worn. Replace if necessary. | Clean or replace the spark arrestor mesh on the muffler. | Empty the fuel tank and clean the inside. |
Sharpen the chain and check its tension and condition. Check the drive sprocket for excessive wear and replace if necessary. | Clean the carburetor compartment. | Empty the oil tank and clean the inside. |
Clean the starter units air intake. | Clean the air filter. Replace if necessary. | Check all cables and connections. |
Check that nuts and screws are tight | ||
Check that the stop switch works correctly. | ||
Check that there are no fuel leaks from the engine, tank or fuel lines. | ||
On chain saws with a catalytic converter, check the cooling system daily. |
455 | 460 | |
Engine | ||
Cylinder displacement, cu.in/cm 3 | 3,38/55,5 | 3,68/60,3 |
Cylinder bore, inch/mm | 1,85/47 | 1,93/49 |
Stroke, inch/mm | 1,26/32 | 1,26/32 |
Idte speed, rpm | 2700 | 2700 |
Power, kW/hp @ rpm | 3,5/2,6 @ 9000 | 3,7/2,7 @ 9000 |
Ignition system | ||
Manufacturer of ignition system | SEM | SEM |
Type of ignition system | CD | CD |
Spark plug | NGK BPMR 7A/ | NGK BPMR 7A/ |
Champion RCJ 7Y | Champion RCJ 7Y | |
Electrode gap, inch/mm | 0,02/0,5 | 0,02/0,5 |
Fuemand lubrication system | ||
Manufacturer of carburetor | Walbro | WaIbro |
Carburetor type | WTA | WTA |
Fuel tank capacity, US pint/Iitre | 0,93/0,44 | 0,93/0,44 |
Oil pump capacity at 9,000 rpm, ml/min | 11,5 | 11,5 |
Oil tank capacity, US pint/litre | 0,68/0,32 | 0,68/0,32 |
Type of oil pump | Automatic | Automatic |
Weight | ||
Chain saw without bar or chain, empty tanks, Ib/kg | 12,8/5,8 | 12,8/5,8 |
Chain/bar | ||
Standard bar length, inch/cm | 13/33 | 13/33 |
Recommended bar lengths, inch/cm | 13-20/33-50 | 13-20/33-50 |
Usable cutting length, inches/cm | 12-19/31-49 | 12-19/31-49 |
Pitch, inch/mm | 0,325/8,25 | 0,325/8,25 |
3/8 / 9,52 | 3/8 / 9,52 | |
Thickness of drive links, inch/mm | 0,050/1,3 | 0,050/1,3 |
0,058/1,5 | 0,058/1,5 | |
0,063/1,6 | 0,063/1,6 | |
Drive sprocket type/teeth | Spur/7 | Spur/7 |
Chain speed at max= power, m/sec | 20,0 | 20,0 |
Recommended original and replacement bar and chain combinations
Following is a list of recommended cutting equipment for the Husqvarna chain saw model 455 Rancher 460. The combinations of power head, bar and chain have been tested and found to be in accordance with the kickback and vibration requirements of ANSI B 175.1-2000.
The guide bar nose radius is determined by either the maximum number of teeth in the nose sprocket or the corresponding maximum nose radius of a solid bara
The following list is the chain saw manufacturers recommendations. There may be other combinations available, which will also achieve kickback reduction.
As we are listing the maximum guide bar nose radius, you may use a guide bar with smaller nose radius than in our list For guide bars of the same length, all sprocket-nose guide bars of the same pitch and having the same number of sprocket teeth may be considered to have equivalent kickback energy. A hard nose bar having the same length and nose radius as a sprocket-nose bar may be considered to have equivalent or less kickback energy than the sprocket-nose bara
Bar and chain combinations
Chain saw model Husqvarna 455 Rancher 460 met the kickback performance requirements of ANSI B 1751-2000 when tested with the combinations of bars and saw chains listed below. The saw chains Husqvarna H30, HBO and H81 are also classified as a low kickback saw chain since it met the requirements for low kickback saw chain outlined in ANSI B 1751-2000. We recommend to use only the listed combinations of bars and chains for chain saw model Husqvarna 455 Rancher. Other chain saw models may not meet the kickback requirements when equipped with the listed bar and chain combinations.
Bar | Chain | |||||||||||||
Length, inch | Pitch, inch | Thickness of drive links, inch/mm | Max„ nose radius | Type | Drive link count | |||||||||
13 | 0,325 | 1.3 | 10T | Husqvarna H30 | 56 | |||||||||
15 | 0,325 | IOT | 64 | |||||||||||
16 | 0,325 | 10T | 66 | |||||||||||
18 | 0,325 | IOT | 72 | |||||||||||
20 | 0,325 | IOT | 80 | |||||||||||
13 | 0,325 | 1.5 | 10T | Husqvarna H25 | 56 | |||||||||
15 | 0,325 | 10T | 64 | |||||||||||
16 | 0,325 | IOT | 66 | |||||||||||
18 | 0,325 | 10T | 72 | |||||||||||
20 | 0,325 | 12T | 80 | |||||||||||
15 | 3/8 | 1.5 | 1 1T | Husqvarna H42 | 56 | |||||||||
16 | 3/8 | 1 1T | 60 | |||||||||||
18 | 3/8 | 1 1T | 68 | |||||||||||
20 | 3/8 | 1 1T | 72 |
![]() | ![]() inch/rnm | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() inch/ram | ![]() | ![]() |
H30 | 3/15 / 4,8 | 85 ° | 30 ° | 10 ° | 0,025 / 0,65 | 5056981-00 | 5056981-08 |
H25 | 3/16 / 4,8 | 85 ° | 30 ° | 10 ° | 0,085 / 0,65 | 5056981-00 | 5056981-09 |
H42 | 7/32 / 5,5 | 50 ° | 25 ° | 10 ° | 0,025 / 0,55 | 5056981-01 | 5056981-07 |
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
Download Husqvarna 455 Rancher, 460 Rancher - Chainsaw Manual
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