Husqvarna 245 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 245 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and tree care work. It features a powerful 2-stroke engine, X-Torq technology for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an inertia-activated chain brake, LowVib anti-vibration system, and an ergonomic design for user comfort and control. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-stroke X-Torq engine, Chain brake, Throttle trigger lockout, Stop switch, Decompression valve, Combined choke/stop control, Fuel pump, Air purge, LowVib system.

Safety Instructions

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

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chainsaw protective trousers, safety boots, gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 meters away. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Danger Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip.
4. Chain Brake: Check function before each use. Use the front hand guard to activate manually.
5. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, with engine off and cool. Use fuel mix as specified.

WARNING! A chainsaw is a dangerous tool. Improper use can cause serious or fatal injury.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble the guide bar and chain.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Loosen bar nuts. Fit the bar over the studs. Place the chain over the bar sprocket and onto the bar groove. Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top. Tighten bar nuts finger-tight.
2. Tension Chain: Lift the bar tip. Use the side-mounted tensioner to adjust until the chain fits snugly against the bar but can be pulled around by hand. Tighten bar nuts securely.
3. Fill Fuel & Oil: Use a clean funnel. Fill the fuel tank with a 50:1 mixture of unleaded gasoline and Husqvarna 2-stroke oil. Fill the chain oil tank with special chain oil (not waste oil).
4. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, lockout, stop switch, and chain brake function correctly.

CAUTION! The chain is sharp. Wear protective gloves during assembly.

Specifications

• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder, X-Torq.
• Displacement: 45.7 cm³ (2.79 cu.in).
• Power Output: 2.4 kW (3.2 hp).
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.5 L (16.9 fl.oz).
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.26 L (8.8 fl.oz).
• Recommended Bar Lengths: 13" to 18" (33 cm to 45 cm).
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" LP / .050" (1.3 mm).
• Weight (powerhead excl. cutting equipment): 4.9 kg (10.8 lbs).
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A).
• Vibration Level (front/rear handle): 3.2/2.8 m/s².

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Right Side: Throttle trigger, Throttle trigger lockout, Stop switch, Front handle with hand guard, Chain brake, Decompression valve.

Left Side: Combined choke/stop control, Air purge bulb, Fuel pump (primer), Rear handle, Chain tensioner, Side cover.

Top: Spark plug cover, Fuel filler cap, Oil filler cap, Muffler.

Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, Spark plug, Cylinder cover (for cylinder fins cleaning).

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on firm ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Press the decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set the combined control to choke position (full up).
4. Press the fuel pump (primer) 4-6 times until fuel is visible.
5. Pull starter handle until engine fires (usually 3-5 pulls).
6. Move combined control to half-throttle position (middle).
7. Pull starter handle again until engine starts. Let it idle for 10 seconds.
8. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle. Release chain brake.

Warm Start: Set combined control to run position (full down). No choke or priming needed.

Stopping: Release throttle. Press the stop switch to "0" or "STOP".

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always use a firm grip with both hands. Thumbs wrapped under handles.

1. Felling (Cutting Down a Tree): Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 of tree diameter). Make felling cut opposite notch. Use wedges if needed.
2. Limbing (Removing Branches): Stand on left side of trunk. Let the chain do the work. Beware of spring-loaded branches.
3. Bucking (Cutting Logs): Support log properly. Cut from top, avoid contacting ground. For large logs, cut from top, then roll and finish from bottom.
4. Kickback Prevention: Maintain a firm grip. Do not cut with the tip. Keep saw at full throttle during cut.

WARNING! Never operate the chainsaw above shoulder height or with one hand.

Maintenance Schedule

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug cap before performing any maintenance.

Chain & Bar Care

1. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 4.0 mm). Maintain correct filing angle (typically 30°). File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge.
2. Chain Tension: Check when cold. Correct tension: snug against bar, but pullable by hand. Re-tension when warm after first few minutes of use.
3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly. Flip bar weekly for even wear. File down any burrs on bar rails.
4. Lubrication: Always use special chain oil. Check oil flow: run saw at high speed over light surface; a line of oil should appear.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to empty carburetor.
2. Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder, pull starter 2-3 times, refit plug.
3. Clean entire saw thoroughly.
4. Remove chain and bar, clean and oil them. Store loosely.
5. Store in a dry, cool, and locked place, out of reach of children.

Tip: Use fuel stabilizer if you cannot drain the fuel system completely.

Troubleshooting

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

Support: Husqvarna AB, SE-561 82 Huskvarna, Sweden. www.husqvarna.com