Husqvarna 394 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 394 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and logging applications. It features a high-performance engine, robust construction, advanced safety systems, and ergonomic design for extended use. Below are key sections covering safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-torque engine, X-Torq technology for reduced emissions, Air Injection air filtration, combined choke/stop control, inertia-activated chain brake, side-mounted chain tensioner, and vibration damping system.

Feature	Description
Engine Displacement	94cc professional-grade engine
Power Output	High torque for demanding cutting tasks
Fuel System	X-Torq for lower fuel consumption and emissions
Air Filtration	Air Injection centrifugal cleaning system
Safety Features	Inertia-activated chain brake, right-hand guard
Vibration Damping	LowVib system to reduce operator fatigue
Starter System	Smart Start for easier starting
Bar Length Options	Compatible with 24" to 36" guide bars
Weight (Powerhead)	Approximately 7.5 kg (16.5 lbs)
Chain Pitch	.404" or 3/8" professional chain

Safety Information

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

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear helmet, hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles, ensure secure footing, maintain safe distance from others.
3. Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly, avoid contact with bar tip, use reduced-kickback chain.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Use fuel mix as specified.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate a chainsaw when tired or under the influence.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all components. Assemble guide bar and chain before first use.

1. Attach Guide Bar: Place bar on studs, ensure tensioning pin engages in bar hole.
2. Install Chain: Fit chain over sprocket and bar, ensure cutting teeth face forward on top.
3. Tension Chain: Use side-mounted tensioner to adjust until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
4. Fill Fluids: Add recommended 2-stroke oil/fuel mix (50:1 Husqvarna XP+ oil) to fuel tank. Fill bar & chain oil reservoir.
5. Check Controls: Verify throttle trigger, throttle lockout, chain brake, and stop switch function properly.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned and moves freely before starting. Loose chain can derail.

Specifications

• Model: Husqvarna 394 XP
• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder
• Displacement: 94 cm³ (5.7 cu. in.)
• Power Output: 6.2 kW (8.3 hp)
• Fuel Consumption: Approx. 560 g/kWh
• Idle Speed: 2,700 rpm
• Max Power Speed: 9,000 rpm
• Ignition System: Electronic, SEM
• Carburetor: Walbro HDA
• Recommended Bar Length: 24" - 36"
• Chain Pitch: .404" or 3/8"
• Fuel Tank Volume: 1.0 L (0.26 US gal)
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.5 L (0.13 US gal)
• Sound Pressure Level: 114 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels: Front handle 4.2 m/s², Rear handle 3.8 m/s²

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before operation.

Right Side: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, combined choke/stop control, rear handle, muffler.

Left Side: Chain brake/hand guard, inertia trigger, front handle, side-mounted chain tensioner, fuel and oil caps.

Top/Back: Air filter cover, starter handle, decompression valve (if equipped), spark plug.

Functions: Chain brake stops chain instantly if activated by inertia or manually. Decompression valve reduces starting effort. Chain tensioner allows adjustment without tools.

Starting & Stopping Procedure

Follow proper sequence to ensure safe and reliable starting.

1. Cold Start: Place saw on flat ground. Activate chain brake. Set choke control to full choke. Press decompression valve (if equipped). Pull starter cord until engine fires. Move choke to half-throttle position. Pull again to start. Briefly blip throttle to return to idle.
2. Warm Start: Set choke to half-throttle or run position. Pull starter cord.
3. Stopping: Release throttle to allow idle. Press stop switch to OFF position.

Tip: Always engage chain brake when starting, carrying, or when not actively cutting.

Operation Guidelines

Proper technique ensures efficiency and safety.

1. Grip: Hold front handle with left hand, rear handle with right. Thumb wrapped under front handle.
2. Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, balanced stance. Never cut above shoulder height.
3. Cutting: Use full throttle when bar is in cut. Let chain do the work; avoid forcing.
4. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with upper quadrant of bar tip.
5. Pushing/Pulling: Recognize when saw is pushing or pulling; adjust grip and stance accordingly.
6. Bucking & Limbing: Plan cuts. Use suitable supports. Beware of tension in wood.
7. Felling: For trained professionals only. Follow established felling procedures.

WARNING! Always be aware of kickback danger. Never operate with one hand.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Daily/Before Use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Inspect for loose parts. Clean air filter.
Every 10 hours	Clean spark arrestor screen in muffler. Check fuel filter.
Every 20 hours	Clean cooling fins. Check spark plug condition and gap.
Every 50 hours	Replace fuel filter. Clean carburetor air filter. Check all nuts and bolts.
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug. Check fuel lines for cracks. Clean cylinder exhaust port.
Annually/Season End	Drain fuel system for storage. Perform complete inspection. Replace worn components.

CAUTION! Perform maintenance only when saw is cool and spark plug wire disconnected.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper chain and bar maintenance is critical for safe operation.

1. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (.404" = 7.0 mm file, 3/8" = 6.5 mm file). Maintain 30° cutting angle and 10° top plate filing angle. File all cutters to equal length.
2. Depth Gauges: File down depth gauges (rakers) with flat file and gauge tool to maintain proper height difference (approx. 0.025" / 0.65 mm).
3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly. Flip bar weekly for even wear. Dress bar rails with flat file if burred.
4. Lubrication: Always use high-quality bar & chain oil. Check oil flow by pointing bar tip at light surface and running at full throttle; oil should fling off.

Tip: A sharp chain reduces operator effort, kickback risk, and fuel consumption.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No spark, flooded, fuel issues	Check spark plug, dry plug if flooded, ensure fresh fuel mix, check fuel filter and lines.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged air filter, carb adjustment	Clean/replace air filter. Check fuel vent. May require carburetor adjustment.
Loss of power	Clogged filter, spark arrestor, exhaust port	Clean air filter, spark arrestor screen, and cylinder exhaust port.
Chain does not turn	Brake engaged, clutch/sprocket, drive link damage	Disengage chain brake. Inspect clutch, sprocket, and chain for damage or wear.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced chain	Tighten all bolts/mounts. Check chain for damaged or unevenly filed cutters.
Chain throws oil but doesn't cut	Dull chain, depth gauges too high	Sharpen chain correctly. File down depth gauges to proper height.
Oil leakage	Overfilled tank, cracked oil line	Do not overfill. Inspect oil lines and cap seal for cracks.

Reset: For electronic ignition issues, disconnect spark plug wire for 1 minute to reset module.

Service: For major repairs, contact authorized Husqvarna service dealer.

Warranty & Support

Husqvarna 394 carries a commercial warranty for professional use. Warranty details vary by region; consult your dealer.

Support: For technical assistance, parts, or dealer location:

• Visit: www.husqvarna.com
• US Customer Support: 1-800-487-5962
• Always provide model number (394) and serial number when contacting support.

Spare Parts: Use only genuine Husqvarna replacement parts to ensure safety and performance.