365 Husqvarna Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 365 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and logging work. It features a powerful 65.1cc engine, X-Torq technology for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, Smart Start for easy starting, Air Injection air filtration system, LowVib anti-vibration system, and inertia-activated chain brake. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Stopping 7. Operation Techniques 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain & Bar Care 10. Storage 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 65.1cc X-Torq engine, 20-inch guide bar (standard), chain brake, throttle trigger, choke/stop control, front and rear handles, fuel and oil tanks.

FeatureDescription
X-Torq EngineReduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions
Air InjectionCentrifugal air cleaning system for longer filter life
Smart StartReduces resistance in starter cord for easier starting
LowVib SystemReduces vibration to the handles
Inertia Chain BrakeAutomatically activates in kickback situations
Combined Choke/StopSingle lever control for choke and stop functions
Quick-Release Air FilterTool-less access for easy cleaning
Side-Mounted TensionerEasy chain adjustment from the side
Fuel PumpPrimer bulb for easier cold starts
Transparent Fuel TankEasy fuel level inspection

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before use.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chainsaw chaps or pants, safety helmet with face shield and hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toe boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Never cut with this part of the bar.
  4. Chain Brake: Test chain brake function before each use.

WARNING! A chainsaw is a dangerous tool. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate when tired or under the influence of drugs/alcohol.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble on a clean, stable surface.

  1. Attach Guide Bar and Chain: Place bar on mounting studs. Loop chain over sprocket and onto bar groove, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Install clutch cover and tighten nuts. Adjust chain tension.
  2. Fill Fluids: Add high-quality 2-stroke engine oil (50:1 mix ratio) to fuel tank. Fill bar and chain oil tank with specified chain oil.
  3. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake move freely.

CAUTION! Use only Husqvarna-approved bar, chain, and lubricants. Incorrect assembly can lead to chain derailment or breakage.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger and throttle lockout. Rear Handle: Main grip with stop switch. Top Cover: Houses air filter, starter, and choke/stop control.

Key Controls: - Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. - Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed to allow throttle movement. - Stop Switch: Moves to STOP position to shut off engine. - Combined Choke/Stop Control: Set to CHOKE for cold start, RUN for operation. - Chain Brake Lever (Front Hand Guard): Pull back manually to engage brake; inertia-activated. - Master Control Lever: (On some models) Combines choke, stop, and decompression valve control.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

  1. Place saw on flat ground. Engage chain brake.
  2. Activate decompression valve (if equipped).
  3. Set master control lever to choke position.
  4. Press fuel pump (primer) 4-6 times until fuel is visible.
  5. Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle. Pull starter cord sharply until engine fires.
  6. Move control lever to run position. Pull starter cord again to start.
  7. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.

Warm Start: Set control lever to run position and pull starter cord.

Stopping: Release throttle, let engine idle, move stop switch to STOP.

Operation Techniques

Basic Cutting: Use full throttle just before and during the cut. Let the saw do the work; do not force it.

  1. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 of tree diameter), then felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
  2. Limbing: Cut from top side of log, using the saw as a pivot. Beware of spring-loaded branches.
  3. Bucking: Support log properly. Cut from top side. For logs under tension, cut from compression side first.

Tip: Maintain a sharp chain. A dull chain increases effort and risk of kickback.

Maintenance Schedule

IntervalTask
Daily / Before UseCheck chain tension, sharpness, and brake function. Check fuel and oil levels. Clean air filter (if dirty).
Every 10 HoursClean spark plug. Check fuel filter. Clean cooling fins and cylinder cover.
Every 20 HoursReplace air filter. Check spark arrester screen. Clean carburetor area.
Every 50 HoursReplace fuel filter. Check all nuts and bolts for tightness.
Every 100 HoursReplace spark plug. Clean carburetor (or as needed). Check clutch and clutch drum for wear.

Chain & Bar Care

  1. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 5/32" for 3/8" chain). Maintain correct filing angle (typically 30°). File all cutters to equal length.
  2. Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Re-tension when chain is warm after a few minutes of use.
  3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly. Flip bar weekly for even wear. Dress bar rails with a flat file if burred.
  4. Lubrication: Always use proper chain oil. Check oil flow by running saw at full throttle over light-colored surface; a line of oil should appear.

CAUTION! Always wear heavy gloves when handling the chain. A sharp chain can cause severe cuts even when stationary.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

  1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to empty carburetor.
  2. Remove chain and bar, clean, and coat with oil.
  3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter area.
  4. Store in a dry, dust-free place, protected from moisture.

WARNING! Never store with fuel in the tank for extended periods. Old fuel can gum up the carburetor.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo spark, flooded, old fuel, clogged filterCheck spark plug. Use fresh fuel mix. Clean air filter. Follow cold start procedure.
Engine starts but diesClogged fuel filter, carburetor issues, vent blockedReplace fuel filter. Clean carburetor. Check tank vent.
Loss of powerDirty air filter, clogged spark arrester, dull chainClean/replace air filter. Clean spark arrester screen. Sharpen chain.
Chain does not turnClutch worn, sprocket worn, brake engagedCheck clutch springs and shoes. Replace drive sprocket. Disengage chain brake.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, unbalanced chain, damaged AV mountsTighten all nuts/bolts. Balance chain by sharpening evenly. Check anti-vibration mounts.
Chain throws oilOil hole clogged, wrong oil viscosityClean oil hole in bar. Use recommended chain oil.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Husqvarna service dealer.

Support: Husqvarna AB, SE-561 82 Huskvarna, Sweden. www.husqvarna.com

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