Husqvarna 346XP Chainsaw Owners Manual

The Husqvarna 346XP is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and arborist work. It features a high-performance 45.7cc X-Torq engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, a robust construction with anti-vibration system, Smart Start for easier starting, and advanced safety features including inertia-activated chain brake and throttle lockout. 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, Side-mounted chain tensioner, LowVib anti-vibration system.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear chainsaw chaps, safety glasses, hearing protection, helmet, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Awareness: Understand kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Maintain firm grip.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources. Use approved fuel containers.

WARNING! Never operate chainsaw with one hand. Always hold with both hands. Do not operate above shoulder height.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble bar and chain.

1. Attach guide bar: Remove bar cover nuts, position bar over studs, align chain with sprocket.
2. Install chain: Place chain over bar with cutters facing forward on top.
3. Tension chain: Adjust side tensioner until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
4. Add fuel/oil: Fill with 50:1 fuel mixture (Husqvarna XP oil recommended). Fill bar oil reservoir.
5. Check controls: Verify throttle, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Chain must be properly tensioned. Loose chain can derail; overtightened chain can damage bar.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 45.7cc (2.79 cu.in.)
• Power Output: 3.4 hp (2.5 kW)
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.95 US pt (0.45 liter)
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.63 US pt (0.30 liter)
• Recommended Bar Length: 13"-18" (33-45 cm)
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" or .325"
• Chain Gauge: .050" (1.3 mm)
• Weight (without bar/chain): 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg)
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: 4.5 m/s² front handle, 5.5 m/s² rear handle

Controls and Components

Front Handle: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, choke/stop control. Rear Handle: Master control lever, chain brake handle, rear hand guard.

Main Components: Chain brake, Chain catcher, Right hand guard, Muffler, Spark plug, Air filter, Fuel cap, Oil cap, Starter handle, Decompression valve (optional), Front handle, Rear handle, Guide bar, Saw chain.

Control Positions: Choke/stop control (Choke, Cold start, Run), Master control lever (Start, Run, Stop), Chain brake (Engaged/Disengaged).

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

1. Activate chain brake by pushing forward.
2. Set choke/stop control to choke position.
3. Press decompression valve if equipped.
4. Press primer bulb 6-10 times until fuel visible.
5. Place on ground, hold rear handle with right foot.
6. Pull starter cord until engine fires (1-4 pulls).
7. Move choke/stop control to run position.
8. Pull starter cord until engine starts.

Warm Start: Choke/stop control in run position. No priming needed.

Stopping: Release throttle. Move master control lever to STOP position.

Operating Instructions

Proper cutting techniques for safety and efficiency.

1. Basic Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward.
2. Grip: Left hand on front handle, right hand on rear handle, thumbs wrapped.
3. Starting Cut: Apply light pressure, let chain do the work.
4. Bucking: Cut from top whenever possible. Support log properly.
5. Limbing: Stand on left side of trunk. Beware of springback.
6. Felling: Professional training required. Use proper notch and backcut techniques.

Tip: Maintain sharp chain. Dull chain requires excessive force and increases kickback risk.

Maintenance Schedule

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper maintenance extends life and improves performance.

1. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch. Maintain 30° cutting angle, 10° top plate angle.
2. Depth Gauge: File to 0.025" (0.65 mm) below cutter top plate.
3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly. Flip bar monthly for even wear.
4. Lubrication: Always use proper bar oil. Adjust oil flow for conditions.
5. Rotation: Rotate chain periodically to distribute wear.

WARNING! Wear gloves when handling chain. Sharp cutters can cause serious injury.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues.

1. Drain fuel tank completely.
2. Run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
3. Remove chain, clean and oil thoroughly.
4. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins.
5. Store in dry, secure location away from children.
6. For long-term storage, fog cylinder through spark plug hole.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Modern fuel deteriorates quickly.

Troubleshooting

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