Husqvarna 41 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 41 is a lightweight, professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and arborist work. It features a high-performance 2-stroke engine, advanced anti-vibration system, quick-release air filter, inertia-activated chain brake, and a robust cutting equipment package. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Stopping 7. Cutting Techniques 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening 10. Storage 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-torque 2-stroke engine, LowVib anti-vibration system, Quick-release air filter, Side-mounted chain tensioner, Inertia-activated chain brake, Combined choke/stop control.

FeatureDescription
Engine displacement40.9 cc professional engine
Power output2.1 kW (2.8 hp)
Fuel tank volume0.47 L (0.12 US gal)
Oil tank volume0.26 L (0.07 US gal)
Recommended bar length13" to 16" (33 cm to 40 cm)
Weight (powerhead)4.7 kg (10.4 lbs)
Chain pitch3/8" or .325"
Chain brakeInertia-activated for kickback protection
Vibration dampingLowVib system with dampers
Air filtrationQuick-release filter for easy cleaning

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operation. Wear proper PPE.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear chainsaw protective pants, safety helmet with visor and hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
  2. Work area safety: Clear area of obstacles; ensure secure footing; keep bystanders at least 15 feet away.
  3. Chain brake: Test chain brake function before each use.
  4. Fuel safety: Refuel outdoors with engine stopped and cool; wipe off spills immediately.

WARNING! Kickback can occur without warning. Always hold saw firmly with both hands. Never operate above shoulder height.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

  1. Mount guide bar: Loosen bar nuts, position bar over studs, align chain drive links with sprocket.
  2. Fit chain: Place chain over bar with cutters facing forward on top.
  3. Tension chain: Adjust with side-mounted tensioner until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
  4. Fill fluids: Use Husqvarna 2-stroke oil mixed 50:1 with 90+ octane gasoline. Fill chain oil with Husqvarna chain oil.
  5. Final check: Ensure all fasteners are tight; chain moves freely; brake functions correctly.

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

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with throttle trigger and lockout; Rear handle with master control lever; Chain brake handle; Decompression valve; Primer bulb.

Master Control Lever: Single lever controls choke (cold start), run position, and stop. Push forward for choke; middle for run; pull back to stop.

Chain Brake: Manual activation by pushing handle forward; inertia activation during kickback. Throttle Trigger Lockout: Must be depressed before throttle can be engaged. Decompression Valve: Reduces compression for easier starting. Primer Bulb: Press 5-6 times to fill carburetor with fuel for cold starts.

Starting & Stopping

Starting procedure (cold engine):

  1. Place saw on firm ground; engage chain brake.
  2. Activate decompression valve (if equipped).
  3. Set master control to choke (full forward).
  4. Press primer bulb 5-6 times.
  5. Pull starter handle until engine fires (1-3 pulls).
  6. Move master control to run position (middle).
  7. Pull starter handle to start (1-2 pulls).
  8. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.

Starting (warm engine): Skip steps 3 and 4. Stopping: Release throttle; move master control to stop position (pull back).

Tip: Always engage chain brake when starting or carrying saw.

Cutting Techniques

Basic cutting positions and methods.

  1. Felling: Plan escape path; make notch cut (1/3 diameter); make felling cut 2" above notch.
  2. Limbing: Stand on left side of trunk; cut from top of log; let branch support weight.
  3. Buckling: Support log; cut from top; avoid pinching by cutting compression side first.
  4. Kickback prevention: Maintain firm grip; do not cut with bar tip; keep chain sharp.
  5. Pinched bar: Stop engine; use lever to free bar; do not force saw.

WARNING! Never cut with the upper quadrant of the bar tip (kickback zone). Always plan your cut and escape route when felling.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily/Before use: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication; check all fasteners; clean air filter; inspect chain brake.

Weekly: Clean cooling fins; check spark plug; clean fuel filter; inspect anti-vibration elements.

Monthly: Clean carburetor air intake; check fuel lines; inspect clutch and sprocket.

Annually: Replace fuel filter; clean combustion chamber; check cylinder and piston.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance. Use only Husqvarna genuine parts.

Chain Sharpening

Sharp chain reduces effort and kickback risk.

  1. Secure bar: Clamp bar in vise.
  2. File size: Use 4.0 mm (5/32") round file for 3/8" chain; 4.8 mm (3/16") for .325" chain.
  3. Filing angle: Maintain 30° cutting angle; follow existing angle.
  4. File position: File holder should rest on top plate; file 1/5 above tooth.
  5. Depth gauges: Use depth gauge tool to maintain 0.025" (0.65 mm) below cutters.
  6. Equal strokes: Apply equal pressure and strokes to all cutters on one side, then rotate saw.

Tip: Sharpen chain at first sign of dullness (fine dust instead of chips).

Storage

Long-term storage procedure:

  1. Clean entire saw thoroughly.
  2. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
  3. Remove spark plug; add 1 tsp of 2-stroke oil to cylinder; pull starter 2-3 times; reinstall plug.
  4. Remove chain; clean and soak in oil; store separately.
  5. Store in dry, cool place away from ignition sources.

CAUTION! Never store saw with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Fuel deteriorates and can damage carburetor.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark/flooded/old fuelCheck spark plug; use fresh 50:1 mix; press decompression valve if flooded.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter/air filterReplace fuel filter; clean air filter; check fuel line.
Poor performanceDirty air filter/clogged mufflerClean air filter; remove carbon from spark arrestor screen.
Chain doesn't turnBrake engaged/clutch wornDisengage chain brake; inspect clutch springs and shoes.
Chain throws oilOil passage cloggedClean oil passages; check oil pump adjustment.
Excessive vibrationLoose components/worn dampersTighten all fasteners; replace anti-vibration dampers.

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

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