Husqvarna 18 Inch Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 18-inch chainsaw is a powerful and reliable gas-powered tool designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features an 18-inch guide bar, a high-performance 2-stroke engine, advanced safety systems including inertia-activated chain brake and low-kickback bar, and ergonomic anti-vibration handles. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 18-inch guide bar and chain, 2-stroke gasoline engine, Chain brake, Throttle trigger lockout, Anti-vibration system, Combined choke/stop control, Side-mounted chain tensioner.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE).

1. PPE Required: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, steel-toe boots, helmet with face shield.
2. Work Area: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, engine off and cool. Use approved fuel/oil mix.
4. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with upper quadrant of guide bar tip.
5. Carrying: Engage chain brake; carry with guide bar pointing rearward.

WARNING! Kickback can cause severe injury. Always hold saw firmly with both hands. Never operate above shoulder height or on a ladder.

Assembly & First-Time Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar over studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar groove, align with drive links.
2. Install Bar Nut & Cover: Fit clutch cover, hand-tighten nuts, ensure chain moves freely.
3. Fuel Mix: Prepare 50:1 gasoline to 2-stroke oil mixture (use Husqvarna XP+ or equivalent). Fill fuel tank.
4. Chain Oil: Fill separate oil reservoir with bar and chain oil.
5. Initial Chain Tension: Adjust side tensioner until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is installed with cutting teeth facing forward on top of bar. Incorrect installation causes dangerous operation.

Specifications

• Guide Bar Length: 18 inches (45 cm).
• Engine Displacement: Typically 40-50cc (model dependent).
• Power Output: High torque for demanding cuts.
• Fuel Capacity: Approx. 0.5 US gallons (1.9 liters).
• Oil Capacity: Approx. 0.26 US gallons (1.0 liter).
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" LP or .325" pitch; .050" or .058" gauge (model dependent).
• Weight (powerhead): Approx. 10-12 lbs (4.5-5.5 kg) without bar and chain.
• Sound Level: Exceeds 100 dB(A); hearing protection required.
• Vibration Level: Low vibration design per ISO standards.

Controls and Components

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger and lockout. Rear Handle: Contains start/stop switch and choke control.

Main Controls: Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout (must be pressed to engage throttle), Choke Control (for cold starts), Stop Switch (O/I), Chain Brake Lever/Hand Guard, Decompression Valve (if equipped), Primer Bulb (if equipped), Side Chain Tensioner.

Maintenance Points: Air Filter Cover, Spark Plug, Muffler, Chain Catcher, Clutch/Sprocket, Oil Pump Adjustment.

Starting & Stopping Procedure

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on firm, level ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped). Set choke to full choke position.
3. Press primer bulb 5-6 times (if equipped).
4. Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle.
5. Pull starter cord sharply until engine fires (usually 3-5 pulls).
6. Move choke to half-throttle or run position. Pull cord again to start.
7. Allow to idle for 30 seconds before disengaging chain brake.

Warm Start: Choke off. Follow steps 4-7.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow idle. Press stop switch to "O".

EMERGENCY STOP: Activate chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.

Cutting Techniques

Always plan cut and escape path. Use correct stance.

1. Felling: Notch cut (1/3 tree diameter), then felling cut (leave hinge wood). Use wedges if needed.
2. Limbing: Cut branches from bottom to top, using bar as a lever. Beware of spring-loaded branches.
3. Bucking: Support log off ground. Cut from top, avoid pinching bar. Use undercut if pinching occurs.
4. Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip, do not let bar nose contact wood. Keep chain sharp and tensioned.

Tip: Let the chain do the work; do not force the saw. Use full throttle during cuts.

Maintenance Schedule

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 5/32" or 7/32"). Maintain 30-degree cutting angle. File all cutters to equal length. Check depth gauges with gauge tool and file down if necessary.

Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Adjust with side tensioner when chain is cool. Re-check after first few cuts. Proper tension: chain should snap back when pulled from bar groove.

WARNING! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Disconnect spark plug wire during maintenance.

Storage Guidelines

For storage over 30 days:

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
2. Remove chain, clean in solvent, dry, and coat with oil.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
4. Store in dry, cool place, away from ignition sources.
5. Protect guide bar from moisture to prevent rust.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods. Modern ethanol fuel can damage fuel system components.

Troubleshooting

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

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