Husqvarna 359 Chainsaw Owners Manual

The Husqvarna 359 is a professional-grade chainsaw featuring a 59.3cc X-Torq engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, a combined choke/stop control, inertia-activated chain brake, anti-vibration system, Smart Start for easy starting, and an air injection system for longer engine life. This manual covers safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure safe and efficient use.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Starting & Stopping the Engine 7. Basic Operation & Cutting Techniques 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 10. Storage 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq engine, combined choke/stop control, inertia-activated chain brake, anti-vibration system, Smart Start, air injection, side-mounted chain tensioner.

Feature	Description
X-Torq Engine	59.3cc engine technology for lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions
Combined Choke/Stop Control	Simplified starting procedure with integrated stop function
Inertia-Activated Chain Brake	Automatically engages to stop the chain in case of kickback
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces vibration for improved operator comfort
Smart Start	Reduces resistance in starter cord for easier starting
Air Injection	Centrifugal air cleaning system for longer air filter life
Side-Mounted Chain Tensioner	Allows for easy chain adjustment without tools
Quick-Release Air Filter	Easy access for cleaning and maintenance
Fuel Pump	Primer bulb for easier cold starts
Throttle Trigger Lockout	Safety feature to prevent accidental throttle engagement

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation. Always wear appropriate PPE.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety helmet, hearing protection, protective glasses, gloves, chainsaw protection trousers, and boots with steel toe caps.
Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and animals at least 15 meters away. Ensure secure footing and be aware of your surroundings.
Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only when engine is cold. Use clean, fresh fuel mix (gasoline and 2-stroke oil).
Kickback Zone: Be aware of the kickback zone (upper quadrant of the bar nose). Never cut with this part of the bar.

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

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble the chainsaw before first use.

Attach the Guide Bar and Chain: Place the bar on the bar studs. Fit the chain around the bar sprocket and onto the bar, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Secure with the side cover and tension the chain.
Fill with Fuel and Oil: Add the correct fuel/oil mixture to the fuel tank. Fill the chain oil tank with recommended bar and chain oil.
Check Chain Tension: The chain should be snug against the bar but still pull freely by hand. Adjust using the side tensioner.
Pre-Start Check: Ensure all nuts and bolts are tight. Check that the chain brake functions correctly.

CAUTION! Never start the saw unless the bar, chain, and clutch cover are properly assembled.

Specifications

Engine Displacement: 59.3 cc
Engine Power: 3.5 kW (4.7 hp)
Fuel Tank Volume: 0.77 liters
Oil Tank Volume: 0.38 liters
Recommended Bar Lengths: 15" to 20" (38 cm to 50 cm)
Chain Pitch: 3/8"
Chain Gauge: 0.050" (1.3 mm)
Weight (excl. cutting equipment): 5.7 kg
Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
Vibration Levels (front/rear handle): 3.5/2.5 m/s²

Controls and Functions

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Main Controls: - Front Handle: Includes throttle trigger and throttle trigger lockout. - Rear Handle: Main grip with stop switch. - Combined Choke/Stop Control: Three positions: Start/Choke (full choke), Run (half choke), Stop. - Chain Brake/Lever: Manual engagement lever; also inertia-activated. - Master Control Lever: Controls choke, stop, and purge function (on some models). - Primer Bulb: Press 4-6 times for cold starts. - Side Chain Tensioner: Knob for adjusting chain tension.

Starting & Stopping the Engine

Follow these steps carefully for safe starting.

Cold Start: Engage the chain brake. Set the master control lever to choke position. Press the primer bulb 4-6 times. Pull the starter cord until the engine fires. Move the control lever to half-throttle position. Pull the starter cord again to start. Allow to idle for 10-15 seconds before disengaging the chain brake.
Warm Start: Set the master control lever to the run position. Pull the starter cord.
Stopping: Release the throttle and allow the engine to idle. Push the stop switch to the "0" or "STOP" position.

Tip: Always start the saw on the ground with the chain brake engaged. Hold the rear handle down with your right foot.

Basic Operation & Cutting Techniques

Use proper techniques to ensure safety and efficiency.

Basic Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward. Hold the saw firmly with both hands.
Felling a Tree: Plan an escape path. Make the notch cut (1/3 of tree diameter). Make the felling cut from the opposite side, leaving a hinge.
Limbing: Work from the base of the tree towards the top. Stand on the left side of the trunk. Let the chain do the work.
Bucking (Cross-Cutting): Support the log properly. Cut from the top down. Beware of tension and compression in the wood.
Kickback Prevention: Always grip the saw firmly. Do not cut with the upper quadrant of the bar tip. Maintain a high chain speed when entering a cut.

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

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance is crucial for performance and safety.

Interval	Task
Daily / Before Use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check all nuts and bolts for tightness. Clean air filter (if dirty). Check fuel and oil levels.
Weekly / 10 Hours	Clean the spark plug. Check the spark arrestor screen (muffler). Clean the cooling fins. Check the anti-vibration elements.
Monthly / 50 Hours	Replace the air filter. Clean the fuel filter. Check the starter and rewind spring. Clean the carburetor area.
Annually / 100 Hours	Replace the spark plug. Clean the carburetor (or have serviced). Check all cables and linkages. Professional inspection recommended.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is essential.

Sharpening: Use a round file matching the chain pitch (e.g., 5/32" for 3/8" chain). File at the recommended angle (typically 30°). File all cutters to the same length. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge.
Tensioning: Loosen the bar nuts. Turn the tensioning screw clockwise until the chain is snug against the bar but can still be pulled around by hand. Tighten the bar nuts while lifting the tip of the bar. Re-check tension.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling the chain. A loose chain can derail; an overtightened chain can break.

Storage

Prepare the chainsaw properly for long-term storage.

Empty the fuel tank and run the engine until it stops to clear the carburetor.
Remove the chain and guide bar. Clean and oil them. Store separately.
Clean the entire saw thoroughly.
Remove the spark plug and pour a teaspoon of 2-stroke oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter cord slowly to distribute oil, then reinstall the plug.
Store in a dry, clean, and secure place, out of reach of children.

Tip: Using a fuel stabilizer in the last tank before storage can help preserve fuel system components.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No spark, flooded engine, stale fuel, clogged filter	Check spark plug. Wait if flooded. Use fresh fuel mix. Clean/replace air and fuel filters.
Engine starts but dies	Clogged fuel filter, carburetor issues, faulty spark plug	Replace fuel filter. Clean carburetor. Replace spark plug.
Poor performance/lacks power	Dirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor, dull chain	Clean air filter. Clean spark arrestor screen. Sharpen or replace chain.
Chain does not turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket damaged	Disengage chain brake. Inspect clutch and sprocket for wear; replace if necessary.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced chain, damaged anti-vibration mounts	Tighten all nuts/bolts. Balance chain by sharpening evenly. Check anti-vibration system.
Chain throws oil but doesn't cut well	Dull chain, incorrect filing angle, depth gauges too high	Sharpen chain correctly. Use a filing guide. File depth gauges to proper height.

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

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