Husqvarna 136 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 136 is a lightweight, professional-grade gasoline chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a high-performance 2-stroke engine, X-Torq® technology for reduced fuel consumption and emissions, an inertia-activated chain brake, combined choke/stop control, and an ergonomic design with low vibration. 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. Cutting Techniques 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 10. Storage 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq® engine, Air Injection™ air cleaning system, Side-mounted chain tensioner, Combined choke/stop control, Inertia activated chain brake, LowVib® anti-vibration system.

FeatureDescription
X-Torq® EngineReduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions
Air Injection™Centrifugal air cleaning system for longer filter life
Combined choke/stop controlSimplified starting procedure
Inertia activated chain brakeKickback protection for enhanced safety
LowVib® systemReduces vibration for operator comfort
Side-mounted chain tensionerEasy chain adjustment without tools
Quick-release air filterFor fast and easy maintenance
Ergonomic handlesDesigned for balance and control
Transparent fuel tankEasy fuel level inspection
Chain catcherSafety feature to catch a broken chain

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear appropriate PPE.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear chainsaw protective trousers, safety boots, gloves, eye and hearing protection, and a helmet.
  2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and animals at a safe distance. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Kickback Awareness: Hold saw firmly with both hands. Do not cut with the tip of the bar. Be aware of the kickback danger zone.
  4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Use fresh fuel mixture.

WARNING! A chainsaw is a dangerous tool if used incorrectly. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

  1. Attach the guide bar and chain: Place the bar on the sprocket cover studs. Fit the chain around the bar sprocket and onto the drive sprocket. Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of the bar.
  2. Tension the chain: Use the side-mounted tensioner to adjust until the chain snaps back when pulled from the bar. Tighten bar nuts.
  3. Fill with fuel: Use a clean fuel can. Mix high-quality 2-stroke oil with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio for Husqvarna XP+ oil).
  4. Fill chain oil: Use environmentally adapted chain oil. Check oiler function.

CAUTION! Ensure the chain brake is disengaged (pulled back towards the front handle) before starting.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with chain brake, Rear handle with throttle trigger, Throttle trigger lockout, Stop switch, Choke control, Decompression valve (if equipped), Primer bulb, Chain tensioner.

Operation: Throttle trigger lockout must be pressed before throttle can be engaged. Combined choke/stop control: Pull out fully for choke (cold start), push in halfway for run, push in fully for stop.

Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, Spark plug, Cylinder cover, Chain catcher, Muffler, Oil pump adjustment screw.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

  1. Place saw on flat ground. Engage chain brake.
  2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
  3. Set combined control to full choke (pull out).
  4. Press primer bulb 4-6 times until fuel is visible.
  5. Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle. Pull starter handle sharply until engine fires.
  6. Set combined control to run (push in halfway). Pull starter handle again to start.
  7. Disengage chain brake before revving.

Warm Start: Combined control in run position. No choke or priming needed.

Stopping: Release throttle. Push combined control fully in to STOP position.

Cutting Techniques

Always use both hands. Maintain a firm grip and secure stance.

  1. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 of tree diameter). Make felling cut from opposite side, leaving a hinge.
  2. Limbing: Stand on left side of trunk. Cut branches from top side. Beware of spring-back.
  3. Bucking: Support log properly. Cut from top side when possible. For tensioned logs, use appropriate techniques (compression/tension cuts).
  4. Kickback Prevention: Keep saw at full throttle when entering cut. Do not let the upper quadrant of the bar tip contact wood.

Tip: Let the chain do the work; do not force the saw.

Maintenance Schedule

IntervalTask
Daily / Before UseCheck chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check all controls and safety devices. Clean air filter (if dirty).
Weekly / 5 HoursClean spark plug. Check fuel filter. Clean cooling fins and cylinder cover.
Monthly / 20 HoursReplace spark plug. Clean fuel tank filter. Check clutch and drive sprocket.
Seasonally / 100 HoursReplace fuel filter. Clean carburetor air intake. Check all nuts and bolts for tightness.

CAUTION! Always disconnect the spark plug cap before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is essential for safety and performance.

  1. Sharpening: Use a round file matching chain pitch (typically 4.0 mm / 5/32"). File each cutter from the inside out at the recommended angle (usually 30°). Maintain equal length on all cutters. File depth gauges with a flat file.
  2. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Turn tensioning screw clockwise until the chain fits snugly against the bar. Pull the chain around by hand; it should snap back. Tighten bar nuts while lifting tip of bar.

WARNING! Always wear gloves when handling the chain.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

  1. Empty the fuel tank and run the engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
  2. Empty the chain oil tank.
  3. Remove, clean, and oil the chain. Store separately.
  4. Clean the entire saw and apply a thin coat of oil on metal surfaces.
  5. Store in a dry, cool place, protected from dust.

CAUTION! Never store a chainsaw with fuel in the tank for extended periods.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo spark, flooded, stale fuelCheck spark plug. Use fresh fuel mix. Follow correct starting procedure.
Engine starts but stopsClogged air/fuel filter, carburetor adjustmentClean/replace filters. Have carburetor adjusted by authorized dealer.
Poor cutting performanceDull chain, improper tension, low chain oilSharpen chain. Adjust tension. Fill chain oil tank.
Chain does not stop when brake is engagedWorn brake band/clutchStop using saw immediately. Have brake system inspected by dealer.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, damaged anti-vibration mountsTighten all nuts/bolts. Inspect anti-vibration system.
Chain throws oil excessivelyOil pump setting too highAdjust oil pump screw (consult manual).

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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