345 Husqvarna Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 345 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and tree care work. It features a powerful X-Torq engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an inertia-activated chain brake, combined choke/stop control, and low vibration levels. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq engine, inertia-activated chain brake, combined choke/stop control, side-mounted chain tensioner, air injection centrifugal cleaning system.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety helmet, hearing protection, protective glasses, gloves, chainsaw protection trousers, and boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and animals at least 15 meters away. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly with both hands. Keep chain sharp. Avoid contact with tip of guide bar.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only when engine is cool. Use clean, fresh fuel mix.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Improper use can cause serious injury or death. Never operate when tired or under influence of drugs/alcohol.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble according to instructions.

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on mounting studs, fit chain around sprocket and bar, adjust tension.
2. Fill with fuel: Use Husqvarna 2-stroke oil mixed with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio).
3. Fill chain oil: Use quality chain oil in separate tank.
4. Check chain brake: Ensure brake functions correctly before starting.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned - should snap back when pulled from guide bar.

Specifications

• Engine Type: Husqvarna X-Torq, 2-stroke
• Displacement: 45.7 cc
• Power Output: 2.4 kW (3.2 hp)
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.5 L
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.26 L
• Recommended Bar Length: 40-45 cm (16-18 inches)
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" or .325"
• Weight (excluding cutting equipment): 5.2 kg
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels: Front handle: 3.5 m/s², Rear handle: 4.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with chain brake, rear handle with throttle trigger, throttle lockout, stop switch, choke control, primer bulb.

Controls: 1. Chain brake handle (front) 2. Throttle trigger 3. Throttle lockout 4. Stop switch 5. Choke control 6. Primer bulb 7. Chain tensioner 8. Decompression valve (if equipped) 9. Master control lever (combined choke/stop)

Safety Features: Chain brake, throttle lockout, right-hand guard, chain catcher, vibration dampening system.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

1. Place saw on flat ground, clear of debris.
2. Activate chain brake by pushing forward.
3. Set master control lever to choke position.
4. Press primer bulb 4-6 times.
5. Pull starter handle until engine fires.
6. Move master control to run position.
7. Pull starter handle to start engine.
8. Release chain brake before cutting.

Warm Start: Master control in run position, no choke needed.

Stopping: Release throttle, press stop switch.

Operation Guidelines

Proper cutting techniques for safety and efficiency.

1. Secure footing: Stand with feet apart for balance.
2. Two-hand grip: Always use both hands on handles.
3. Let chain do the work: Apply light pressure, don't force saw.
4. Cutting positions: Keep saw close to body, avoid overreaching.
5. Kickback zone: Avoid contact with upper quadrant of guide bar tip.
6. Bucking technique: Support log properly, cut from top down.
7. Felling trees: Plan escape path, use proper notch and back cut.

Tip: Keep chain sharp - dull chain causes fatigue and increases kickback risk.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance is critical for safety and performance.

1. Chain tensioning: Loosen bar nuts, adjust tension screw until chain snaps back properly, retighten nuts.
2. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (usually 5.5mm). Maintain 30° cutting angle, 10° top plate angle.
3. Depth gauge setting: File depth gauges to 0.65mm below cutting teeth.
4. Filing direction: Always file from inside to outside of tooth.

CAUTION! Wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure proper tension - too tight causes damage, too loose increases kickback risk.

Storage

Proper storage prevents damage and starting problems.

1. Long-term storage: Empty fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
2. Chain: Remove, clean, and soak in oil.
3. Guide bar: Clean groove, turn upside down for even wear.
4. General: Clean entire saw, store in dry place.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Use fuel stabilizer if necessary.

Troubleshooting

Service: For professional service, contact authorized Husqvarna dealer.

Warranty: 2-year consumer warranty when registered within 30 days of purchase.