The Husqvarna 353 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and arborist work. It features a powerful X-Torq® engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an ergonomic design for operator comfort, a combined choke/stop control, air injection for extended air filter life, and a low vibration system. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
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.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Husqvarna X-Torq® 2-stroke, 50.1 cc |
| Power Output | 3.0 kW (4.1 hp) |
| Fuel Tank Volume | 0.55 liters |
| Oil Tank Volume | 0.33 liters |
| Recommended Bar Lengths | 15" (38 cm) to 20" (50 cm) |
| Chain Pitch | 3/8" or .325" |
| Weight (Powerhead) | 5.4 kg (11.9 lbs) |
| Ignition System | Electronic, SEM |
| Vibration Dampening | LowVib® system front and rear |
| Safety Features | Chain brake, throttle lockout, right hand guard |
Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear appropriate PPE.
WARNING! A chainsaw is a dangerous tool if used improperly. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death.
Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.
CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is engaged before starting. Keep hands away from chain.
Master Control Lever: Combined choke/stop control. Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Throttle Lockout: Must be pressed to access throttle. Chain Brake Lever: Manual activation (front hand guard). Inertia Brake: Automatically activates on kickback. Decompression Valve: Eases starting. Primer Bulb: For cold starts. Side-Mounted Chain Tensioner: For easy chain adjustment.
Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, Spark plug, Cylinder cover, Fuel and oil caps, Chain catcher, Muffler.
Starting (Cold): Engage chain brake. Pull out master control lever to choke. Press decompression valve. Press primer bulb 4-6 times. Pull starter cord sharply until engine fires. Push lever in one notch to run position. Pull cord to start. Starting (Warm): Set lever to run position. Pull cord. Cutting Technique: Use full throttle when cutting. Let chain do the work. Do not force. Use appropriate felling and limbing techniques. Always plan escape path.
Tip: Regularly check chain tension, especially during first tank of fuel.
Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check all controls and safety devices. Check for loose nuts/bolts. Clean air filter. Weekly/Monthly: Clean cooling fins. Check spark plug condition and gap. Clean fuel filter. Clean chain brake band and mechanism. Clean exterior of saw. Annually: Have saw serviced by authorized Husqvarna dealer (carburetor adjustment, compression check, bearing inspection).
WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance except chain tensioning.
Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 4.0 mm for 3/8" chain). Maintain 30° filing angle. Ensure all cutters are same length. Check depth gauges with gauge tool and file down if necessary. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Use side tensioner screw to adjust until chain fits snugly against bar but can be pulled around by hand. Tighten bar nuts while lifting bar tip. Re-check tension.
Long-term Storage: Empty fuel tank and run carburetor dry. Remove chain and bar, clean and oil. Clean entire saw. Remove spark plug, add a few drops of oil into cylinder, pull starter cord slowly, reinstall plug. Store in a cool, dry place, protected from dust.
CAUTION! Never store saw with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Old fuel can damage engine components.
Husqvarna 353 is covered by a commercial warranty. Warranty period and terms vary by region. Proof of purchase from an authorized dealer is required. Warranty does not cover wear parts (chain, bar, spark plug, air filter), damage from misuse, neglect, improper fuel, or unauthorized repairs. For warranty service, contact an authorized Husqvarna servicing dealer.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Engine will not start | No spark, flooded, old fuel, clogged filter | Check spark plug. Use fresh 50:1 fuel mix. Clean air filter. Do not flood (use correct starting procedure). |
| Engine starts but dies | Clogged fuel filter, carburetor issues, vent blocked | Replace fuel filter. Check fuel tank vent. May require carburetor adjustment by dealer. |
| Poor performance/loss of power | Dirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor, dull chain | Clean/replace air filter. Clean spark arrestor screen in muffler. Sharpen chain. |
| Chain does not oil | Empty oil tank, clogged oil channel, faulty pump | Fill oil tank. Clean oil holes in bar. Check oil pump function. |
| Excessive vibration | Loose components, unbalanced chain, damaged AV mounts | Tighten all nuts/bolts. Sharpen chain evenly. Inspect anti-vibration mounts. |
| Chain throws or comes off bar | Loose chain, worn bar, damaged drive sprocket | Tension chain properly. Inspect bar rails and sprocket for wear. Replace if worn. |
Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Husqvarna dealer.
Support: Husqvarna AB, SE-561 82 Huskvarna, Sweden. www.husqvarna.com