Husqvarna 141 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 141 is a lightweight, gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for homeowners and occasional users. It features a 38.2cc engine, a 16-inch guide bar, Smart Start® for easier starting, LowVib® anti-vibration system, air injection for reduced air filter cleaning, and an inertia-activated chain brake for safety. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, Guide Bar, Saw Chain, Chain Brake, Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Stop Switch, Front Hand Guard, Rear Handle, Fuel Tank, Oil Tank.

Safety Information

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

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps/pants, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away. Ensure secure footing. Do not operate in poor weather or visibility.
3. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Avoid contact with this area during operation.
4. Chain Brake: Test before each use. Engage when carrying or not actively cutting.

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

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble on a clean, flat surface.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Loosen bar nuts. Place chain over sprocket, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Fit bar onto studs. Adjust tension (see section 9). Tighten nuts.
2. Fill Fuel Tank: Use fresh, high-quality gasoline mixed with 2-stroke oil at a 50:1 ratio (Husqvarna XP+ or equivalent). Do not use automotive oil or fuel older than 30 days.
3. Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use genuine Husqvarna chain oil or a quality biodegradable bar & chain oil. Do not use waste oil.
4. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and stop switch move freely. Test chain brake function.

CAUTION! Fuel is highly flammable. Refuel outdoors with engine off and cooled. Wipe up spills immediately.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 38.2 cm³ (2.33 cu. in.)
• Engine Power: 1.8 kW (2.4 hp)
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.33 L (0.87 US pt)
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.26 L (0.55 US pt)
• Recommended Bar Length: 40 cm (16 inches)
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" LP / 0.050" (1.3 mm)
• Weight (excl. cutting equipment): 4.4 kg (9.7 lbs)
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Level (front/rear handle): 3.5/2.5 m/s²
• Spark Plug: Champion RCJ7Y or equivalent, gap 0.5 mm (0.020")

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Right Side: Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Stop Switch, Rear Handle, Fuel Tank Cap.

Left Side: Chain Brake/Front Hand Guard, Chain Tensioner, Oil Tank Cap, Choke/Stop Control Lever, Decompression Valve (if equipped), Primer Bulb.

Operation: The throttle lockout must be depressed before the throttle trigger can be engaged. The chain brake stops the chain instantly when engaged manually (by pushing the hand guard forward) or automatically by inertia during a kickback.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

1. Place saw on flat ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Move choke/stop lever to full choke position (⬆).
4. Press primer bulb 4-6 times until fuel is visible.
5. Hold rear handle with right foot, grip front handle with left hand. Pull starter cord sharply 2-3 times until engine 'pops'.
6. Move choke lever to half-throttle position (•).
7. Pull starter cord again until engine starts. Let run for 10-15 seconds.
8. Squeeze throttle trigger to disengage fast idle. Release chain brake.

Warm Start: Begin at step 6 (half-throttle position).

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Move stop switch to the STOP (O) position.

Operating Instructions

Proper technique is critical for safety and efficiency.

1. Basic Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward. Hold saw firmly with both hands.
2. Starting a Cut: Apply light throttle, let chain touch wood gently. Do not 'drop' saw into cut.
3. Kickback Prevention: Maintain a firm grip. Do not cut with the upper tip. Be aware of wood tension and binding.
4. Buckling (Cutting Logs on Ground): Support log. Cut from top. For large logs, cut 1/3 from top, roll log, finish from opposite side.
5. Limbing: Stand on opposite side of tree from limbs. Cut downward limbs first. Beware of springback.

Tip: Let the chain do the work. Do not force the saw. Keep the chain sharp and properly tensioned.

Maintenance Schedule

CAUTION! All maintenance must be performed with the engine OFF, spark plug wire disconnected, and the chain brake engaged.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is essential.

1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Turn tensioning screw clockwise until cutters just contact bar rail. Pull chain around bar; it should snap back. Tighten bar nuts. Re-check tension.
2. Sharpening: Use a round file (4.0 mm / 5/32") and file guide. Match file angle to existing cutter angle (typically 30°). File each cutter with equal strokes. Maintain consistent depth gauge height using a depth gauge tool.

WARNING! Always wear heavy gloves when handling the chain. A loose chain can derail; an overtightened chain can break or damage the engine.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
2. Remove chain, clean in solvent, dry, and soak in oil. Store separately.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter area.
4. Store in a dry, locked place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Old fuel is the primary cause of starting and performance problems. Never store saw with fuel in the tank.

Troubleshooting

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

Support: Husqvarna AB, SE-561 82 Huskvarna, Sweden. In USA: 1-800-487-5962 or www.husqvarna.com/us.