61 Husqvarna Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 61 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and woodcutting applications. It features a powerful 61cc engine, automatic chain oiling, anti-vibration system, inertia-activated chain brake, and a robust construction for durability. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Stopping 7. Operating Procedures 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 10. Storage Guidelines 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 61cc 2-stroke engine, 20-inch guide bar, automatic chain oiler, anti-vibration system, inertia chain brake, air injection filtration, and quick-release air filter.

Feature	Description
Engine Displacement	61cc 2-stroke gasoline engine
Guide Bar Length	Standard 20-inch (options: 16"-24")
Chain Oil System	Automatic with manual override
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue
Chain Brake	Inertia-activated safety feature
Air Filtration	Air Injection centrifugal cleaning
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.95 liters (0.25 US gallons)
Oil Tank Capacity	0.45 liters (0.12 US gallons)
Ignition System	Electronic CDI
Weight (without bar/chain)	6.2 kg (13.7 lbs)

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operation. Wear proper protective equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.
Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles and bystanders; maintain secure footing.
Chain Brake: Test before each use; ensure proper function.
Kickback Awareness: Avoid contact with bar nose; use reduced-kickback chain.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools; improper use can cause serious injury or death. Never operate when tired or under influence.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

Attach Guide Bar: Place bar on studs, align chain sprocket, tension chain.
Install Chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar.
Fuel Mix: Use 50:1 gasoline to 2-stroke oil (Husqvarna XP+ recommended).
Fill Tanks: Add fuel to fuel tank; add bar & chain oil to oil tank.

CAUTION! Use only recommended fuels and oils. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before starting.

Specifications

Model: Husqvarna 61
Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder
Displacement: 61 cm³ (3.7 cu in)
Power Output: 3.5 kW (4.7 hp)
Max Engine Speed: 9,500 rpm
Idle Speed: 2,700 rpm
Fuel Consumption: Approx. 0.6 liters/hour
Sound Pressure Level: 112 dB(A)
Vibration Level: 4.5 m/s² (front handle), 5.5 m/s² (rear handle)
Spark Plug: Champion RCJ7Y or equivalent

Controls and Components

Main controls: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, stop switch, choke control, decompression valve (if equipped), chain brake lever, and master control lever.

Components: Front handle, rear handle, fuel tank cap, oil tank cap, air filter cover, spark plug cover, muffler, and chain catcher.

Operation: Master control lever combines choke/start/run positions. Chain brake engaged manually or by inertia. Decompression valve reduces starting effort.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

Engage chain brake.
Set master control to choke position.
Press decompression valve (if equipped).
Pull starter cord until engine fires.
Move master control to half-throttle position.
Pull starter cord again until engine starts.
Blip throttle to disengage choke.

Stopping: Release throttle, press stop switch to OFF position.

Tip: Always start on ground or solid surface, never drop-start.

Operating Procedures

Proper cutting techniques for safety and efficiency.

Felling Trees: Plan escape path; use notch and back cut methods.
Limbing: Work from trunk outward; keep saw stable.
Bucking: Support logs properly; avoid pinching chain.
Pruning: Use light touch; let chain do the work.

WARNING! Never cut above shoulder height. Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar nose).

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Daily	Check chain tension, sharpness; clean air filter; inspect bar for wear
Weekly	Clean spark arrestor; check all fasteners; clean cooling fins
Monthly	Replace spark plug; clean fuel filter; check anti-vibration elements
Seasonally	Replace fuel filter; clean carburetor; inspect clutch and sprocket

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance is critical for performance and safety.

Tensioning: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar.
Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 3/8").
Filing Angle: Maintain 30° cutting angle; follow manufacturer marks.
Depth Gauges: File to proper height (0.025" below cutter).

Tip: Rotate filing position to ensure even wear on all cutters.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Empty fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer.
Run engine until carburetor is dry.
Remove chain, clean and oil thoroughly.
Store in dry, cool place away from ignition sources.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, or compression	Check fuel mix, spark plug, decompression valve; clean carburetor.
Engine runs poorly	Air filter, fuel filter	Clean/replace air filter; replace fuel filter; adjust carburetor.
Chain doesn't turn	Clutch, sprocket, brake	Disengage chain brake; check clutch springs; inspect drive sprocket.
Excessive vibration	Mounting bolts, AV buffers	Tighten all bolts; replace anti-vibration buffers.
Chain throws oil	Oil pump, tank vent	Adjust oil pump; clean tank vent; use correct viscosity oil.

Service: For professional service, contact authorized Husqvarna dealer.

Support: 1-800-487-5962; www.husqvarna.com