Husqvarna 345 Chainsaw User Manual

The Husqvarna 345 is a professional-grade gasoline chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and arborist work. It features a high-performance X-Torq® engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an efficient air injection system, a low vibration handle, an inertia-activated chain brake, and a combined choke/stop control. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

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

Safety Information

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

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chainsaw protective helmet, hearing protection, eye protection (visor), gloves, protective trousers/chaps, and boots with steel toe and non-slip soles.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 meters 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. Never cut with this part of the bar.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only, with engine stopped and cooled. Use clean, fresh fuel mix (see Specifications).

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

Assembly & Preparation

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

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on drive sprocket cover. Fit chain over bar, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Adjust tension (see section 9).
2. Fill with Fuel & Oil: Use recommended 2-stroke oil mixed with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio). Fill chain oil tank with special chain oil (not waste oil).
3. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function correctly before starting.

CAUTION! The chain is extremely sharp. Always wear protective gloves during assembly.

Specifications

• Engine Type: Husqvarna X-Torq®, 2-stroke.
• Displacement: 45.7 cm³ (2.79 cu. in.).
• Power Output: 2.4 kW (3.2 hp).
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (Husqvarna HP or equivalent 2-stroke oil).
• Recommended Bar Lengths: 15" (38 cm) to 18" (45 cm).
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325" / .058" (1.5 mm).
• Weight (excl. cutting equipment): Approx. 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs).
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A).
• Vibration Levels (front/rear handle): 3.2/2.8 m/s².

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Main Controls: Front Handle: Includes throttle trigger and throttle lockout. Rear Handle: Main grip with stop switch. Combined Choke/Stop Control: Three positions: Run (down), Choke (middle), Stop (up). Chain Brake Lever: Manual activation. Also inertia-activated. Fuel & Oil Caps: Clearly marked. Decompression Valve: Reduces pulling resistance when starting. Purge Pump (Primer Bulb): Fills carburetor with fuel for easier starting.

Starting & Stopping the Engine

Cold Start Procedure:

1. Place saw on flat ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Activate decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Press purge bulb 6-10 times until fuel is visible.
4. Set combined control to choke position.
5. Hold saw firmly, pull starter handle until engine fires (max 4-5 pulls).
6. Move combined control to run position.
7. Pull starter handle again to start engine.
8. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.

Warm Start: Skip steps 3 and 4. Set control to run position.

Stopping: Release throttle. Press stop switch to "0" position.

Operating the Chainsaw

Always use correct cutting techniques to maintain control and reduce fatigue.

1. Basic Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward. Hold saw close to body.
2. Grip: Left hand on front handle, thumb under. Right hand on rear handle.
3. Starting a Cut: Apply light throttle, let chain touch wood gently. Increase throttle to full power as cut progresses.
4. Felling Trees: Plan escape path. Make notch cut, then felling cut. Use wedges if needed. Never cut above shoulder height.
5. Limbing & Bucking: Support log properly. Cut from top side whenever possible. Beware of tension in wood.

WARNING! Always be alert for kickback. Never operate with one hand.

Maintenance Schedule

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

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

1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts with combination wrench. Use side-mounted adjuster to raise bar until chain fits snugly against bar (can be pulled by hand). Tighten bar nuts. Re-check tension.
2. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 4.0 mm / 5/32"). File each cutter at same angle (typically 30°). Maintain equal length on all cutters. File depth gauges with flat file.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves. Chain must be cool. Correct tension: snug against bar, but can be rotated by hand.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

1. Empty fuel tank and run carburetor dry.
2. Remove chain and bar, clean and oil them.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins.
4. Store in a dry, locked place, out of reach of children.

Tip: Use fuel stabilizer if you cannot empty the tank.

Troubleshooting

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

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