Husqvarna 346 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 346 is a professional-grade 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, and a robust cutting equipment setup. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

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, Quick-release air filter, 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 trousers, safety boots, gloves, eye protection (visor/goggles), and hearing protection.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at a safe distance. Be aware of your surroundings, including overhead power lines and unstable footing.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped and cooled. Use clean, fresh fuel mix. Wipe off any spillage.
4. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar nose. Do not let this part contact wood or other objects during cutting.

WARNING! A chainsaw is a dangerous tool. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate when fatigued or under the influence of drugs/alcohol.

Assembly & Preparation

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

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Loosen the bar nuts. Fit the chain around the drive sprocket and guide bar, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Tighten bar nuts finger-tight.
2. Tension the Chain: Lift the tip of the bar. Using the side-mounted tensioner screw, adjust until the chain fits snugly against the bar but can be pulled around by hand. Tighten bar nuts securely.
3. Fill with Fuel & Oil: Use a clean fuel mix of high-quality 2-stroke oil and unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio for most Husqvarna oils). Fill the chain oil tank with special chainsaw bar & chain oil.
4. Check Controls: Ensure the throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function correctly.

CAUTION! Ensure the chain brake is disengaged (pulled back towards the front handle) before starting.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 45.7 cc (2.8 cu in).
• Power Output: 2.4 kW (3.3 hp).
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.5 L (0.13 US gal).
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.26 L (0.07 US gal).
• Recommended Bar Lengths: 13" to 18" (33 cm to 45 cm).
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" LP or .325", .050" or .058".
• Weight (powerhead excl. cutting eq.): 4.7 kg (10.4 lbs).
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A).
• Vibration Levels (front/rear handle): 3.2/2.5 m/s².

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Main Components: Front Handle, Rear Handle, Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Stop Switch, Combined Choke/Stop Control, Chain Brake Lever, Inertia Brake Mechanism, Fuel Cap, Oil Cap, Air Filter Cover, Spark Plug, Muffler, Guide Bar, Saw Chain.

Operation: The throttle lockout must be pressed before the throttle trigger can be activated. The chain brake is engaged by pushing the front hand guard forward (manually) or automatically via inertia during kickback. Disengage by pulling the guard back towards the front handle.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on firm, flat ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Press the fuel primer bulb (if equipped) 5-6 times.
3. Set the combined control lever to the choke position (full up).
4. Pull the starter cord sharply until engine fires (usually 3-5 pulls).
5. Immediately set control lever to half-throttle position (middle).
6. Pull starter cord again to start engine. Let it idle briefly.
7. Blip the throttle to disengage fast idle. Disengage chain brake to begin work.

Warm Start: Set control lever to half-throttle position and pull starter cord.

Stopping: Release throttle and allow engine to idle. Press the stop switch to "0" or "STOP".

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always use a firm grip with both hands. Let the chain do the work; do not force it.

1. Felling (Cutting Down a Tree): Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 of tree diameter) on falling side. Make felling cut from opposite side, leaving a hinge.
2. Limbing (Removing Branches): Stand on opposite side of log from branches. Cut from top of log downwards, using the guide bar's underside to avoid pinching.
3. Bucking (Cutting Log to Length): Support log properly. Cut from top down for logs under tension. Use wedges for pinched bars.
4. Kickback Prevention: Maintain a firm grip, keep saw at waist level, do not cut with bar nose, and ensure chain is sharp and properly tensioned.

WARNING! Be extremely cautious of kickback. Never operate above shoulder height.

Maintenance Schedule

CAUTION! Always disconnect the spark plug boot before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

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

1. Sharpening: Use a round file matching the chain's pitch (e.g., 5/32" for .325" chain). File each cutter at the manufacturer's specified angle (typically 30°), maintaining equal length on all cutters. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge.
2. Tensioning: Chain should be snug against the bar but pull freely by hand. Lift tip of bar and tighten tensioning screw. Tighten bar nuts. Re-check tension after a few minutes of operation when chain is warm.

Tip: A loose chain can derail; an overtightened chain can break and cause excessive wear.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

1. Drain all fuel from the tank and run the engine until it stops to clear the carburetor.
2. Remove the chain and guide bar. Clean and oil them to prevent rust.
3. Clean the entire saw, especially the air filter and cooling fins.
4. Store in a dry, cool place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Old fuel can gum up the carburetor. Always use fresh fuel mix.

Troubleshooting

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