Husqvarna 142E Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 142E is a lightweight, professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful X-Torq engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an inertia-activated chain brake for enhanced safety, low vibration levels, and an ergonomic design for comfortable operation. 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. Operating Instructions 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 10. Storage 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

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

FeatureDescription
X-Torq EngineReduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions
Inertia Chain BrakeAutomatically activates in kickback situations
Combined Choke/Stop ControlSimplifies starting procedure
Side-Mounted Chain TensionerAllows easy chain adjustment without tools
LowVib SystemReduces vibration for operator comfort
Air InjectionCentrifugal air cleaning system for longer air filter life
Quick-Release Air FilterEasy access for cleaning and maintenance
Ergonomic HandleDesigned for reduced fatigue during extended use
Transparent Fuel TankAllows easy fuel level monitoring
Chain CatcherSafety feature to reduce risk if chain breaks

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chainsaw protective pants, safety boots, gloves, eye and hearing protection, and a helmet.
  2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and animals at least 15 meters away. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only when engine is cool. Use clean, fresh fuel mix (50:1).
  4. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Never cut with this area.
  5. Chain Brake: Test chain brake function before each use.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate a chainsaw while tired, ill, or under the influence of drugs/alcohol.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

  1. Attach guide bar: Place bar onto studs, ensuring correct orientation.
  2. Install chain: Fit chain over bar sprocket and onto drive sprocket, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top.
  3. Tension chain: Use side-mounted tensioner to adjust until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
  4. Add fuel/oil: Fill fuel tank with 50:1 gasoline/oil mix. Fill bar and chain oil reservoir with special chainsaw oil.
  5. Check controls: Verify throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Always wear protective gloves when handling the chain. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before starting.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with chain brake, Rear handle with throttle trigger, Throttle lockout, Combined choke/stop control, Decompression valve, Fuel primer bulb (if equipped), Side-mounted chain tensioner.

Controls: Throttle trigger (controls engine speed), Throttle lockout (must be pressed to engage throttle), Chain brake lever (manual activation), Inertia brake (automatic activation), Master control lever (choke/start/run positions), Decompression valve (reduces starting effort), Stop switch (stops engine).

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

  1. Place chainsaw on flat ground, clear of debris.
  2. Activate chain brake by pushing front hand guard forward.
  3. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
  4. Set master control lever to choke position.
  5. Press fuel primer bulb 5-6 times (if equipped).
  6. Pull starter handle until engine fires (usually 3-5 pulls).
  7. Move master control lever to half-throttle position.
  8. Pull starter handle again until engine starts.
  9. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.
  10. Release chain brake before cutting.

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

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle briefly, then press stop switch.

Operating Instructions

Proper cutting techniques 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 pressure, let the chain do the work. Do not force the saw.
  3. Kickback Prevention: Never cut with the upper quadrant of the bar tip. Be aware of tension in wood.
  4. Felling Trees: Plan escape path. Make notch cut, then felling cut. Use wedges for large trees.
  5. Limbing: Work from trunk outward. Support saw with trunk when possible.
  6. Bucking: Assess log tension. Cut compression side first on supported logs.

Tip: Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned for optimal performance and safety.

Maintenance Schedule

IntervalTask
Daily/Before UseCheck chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check all controls and safety devices. Clean air filter. Check for loose nuts/bolts.
Weekly/10 HoursClean cooling fins. Check spark plug condition. Clean fuel filter. Check bar for wear and groove depth.
Monthly/50 HoursReplace spark plug. Clean carburetor air intake. Check fuel lines for cracks. Clean clutch drum and sprocket.
Seasonal/100 HoursReplace air filter. Check anti-vibration elements. Clean combustion chamber. Professional inspection recommended.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance is essential for safety and performance.

  1. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 4.0mm). Maintain 30° filing angle. File all cutters to equal length. Check depth gauges with gauge tool.
  2. Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely. Adjust with side tensioner when chain is warm. Proper tension: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar.
  3. Bar Maintenance: Regularly clean bar groove. Flip bar weekly for even wear. File down burrs on bar rails.

WARNING! Always wear protective gloves when handling chain. Ensure engine is off and spark plug disconnected.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

  1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
  2. Remove spark plug and add teaspoon of engine oil through spark plug hole. Pull starter cord slowly to distribute oil.
  3. Clean entire chainsaw thoroughly.
  4. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil. Store separately.
  5. Store in dry, cool place, protected from dust and moisture.
  6. Cover with breathable cloth (not plastic).

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Use fuel stabilizer if short-term storage is necessary.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark, flooded, stale fuelCheck spark plug, use fresh fuel mix, follow correct starting procedure.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter, dirty air filterReplace fuel filter, clean air filter, check fuel lines.
Poor cutting performanceDull chain, improper tensionSharpen chain, adjust tension, check bar lubrication.
Chain won't stop when throttle releasedThrottle lock stuck, carburetor issueClean throttle mechanism, have carburetor adjusted by professional.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, worn anti-vibration mountsTighten all nuts/bolts, replace anti-vibration elements.
Chain throws oilOverfilled oil tank, wrong oil typeUse correct chainsaw bar oil, check oil pump setting.
Chain comes off barLoose chain, worn bar, damaged drive sprocketAdjust tension, inspect bar and sprocket for wear, replace if necessary.

Service: For technical support, contact Husqvarna at 1-800-487-5962 or visit www.husqvarna.com.

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