Husqvarna 44 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 44 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and land clearing work. It features a powerful 44cc engine, a robust cutting system, advanced safety features, and ergonomic design for user comfort and control. Below are key sections covering safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Operation 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 44cc X-Torq engine, 16-inch guide bar, Smart Start system, LowVib anti-vibration, inertia-activated chain brake, side-mounted chain tensioner, air injection cleaning system.

FeatureDescription
X-Torq EngineReduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions
Smart StartEasy starting system with decompression valve
LowVibReduces vibration for operator comfort
Chain BrakeInertia-activated safety feature to stop chain
Air InjectionCentrifugal air cleaning system for longer air filter life
Side-Mounted TensionerEasy chain adjustment without tools
Combined Stop/Choke ControlSimplified starting procedure
Ergonomic HandleDesigned for balance and reduced fatigue
Quick-Release Air FilterEasy access for cleaning
Transparent Fuel TankEasy fuel level monitoring

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear proper PPE.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles and bystanders. Maintain secure footing.
  3. Chain Brake: Test before each use. Understand kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip).
  4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Use fresh fuel mix.

WARNING! Kickback can cause severe injury. Never operate with one hand. Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble on clean, flat surface.

  1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on mounting studs. Fit chain with drive links in bar groove and cutting teeth facing forward on top. Adjust tension.
  2. Fill Fuel Tank: Use fresh gasoline (min 89 octane) mixed with 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio (Husqvarna XP+ recommended).
  3. Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use quality bar and chain oil. Check automatic oiler flow.
  4. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, stop switch, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Use only Husqvarna-approved replacement parts. Incorrect assembly can cause injury.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Front Handle with chain brake, Rear Handle with throttle trigger, Throttle lockout, Stop switch, Choke/Stop control, Decompression valve, Primer bulb (if equipped).

Components: Muffler, Spark plug, Air filter cover, Fuel cap, Oil cap, Chain tensioner, Chain catcher, Right-hand guard.

Operation: Throttle lockout must be depressed before throttle trigger can be engaged. Chain brake is engaged by pushing front handle forward or by inertia. Decompression valve reduces cylinder pressure for easier starting.

Starting & Operation

Cold Start Procedure:

  1. Engage chain brake. Place on flat ground.
  2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
  3. Set choke control to full choke position.
  4. Press primer bulb 6-8 times (if equipped).
  5. Pull starter handle until engine fires (1-3 pulls).
  6. Move choke to half-throttle position.
  7. Pull starter handle until engine starts.
  8. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle. Release chain brake.

Warm Start: Do not use choke. Follow steps 1, 7-8.

Cutting Techniques: Use lower quadrant of bar for cutting. Let saw do the work. Avoid pushing tip into wood.

Maintenance Schedule

IntervalTask
DailyCheck chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Clean air filter. Inspect for damage.
WeeklyClean cooling fins. Check spark plug condition. Clean fuel filter.
MonthlyClean carburetor air intake. Check fuel lines. Clean spark arrestor screen.
SeasonallyReplace fuel filter. Check anti-vibration elements. Professional servicing recommended.

Note: Maintenance intervals depend on usage intensity. Always disconnect spark plug wire before maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance is critical for safety and performance.

  1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Adjust tensioning screw until chain fits snugly against bar but can be pulled around by hand. Retighten bar nuts.
  2. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 5/32" for 3/8" chain). File each cutter at 30° angle. Maintain equal length on all cutters. File depth gauges with flat file.
  3. Lubrication: Ensure oiler is working. Chain should throw oil during operation.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. A dull chain increases kickback risk.

Storage Guidelines

For storage over 30 days:

  1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
  2. Remove spark plug and add 1 teaspoon of engine oil through spark plug hole. Pull starter 2-3 times to distribute oil. Reinstall plug.
  3. Clean entire saw thoroughly.
  4. Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil. Store separately.
  5. Store in dry, cool place away from ignition sources.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods. Fuel deteriorates and can damage engine.

Warranty Information

Husqvarna 44 comes with a 2-year commercial warranty and 1-year consumer warranty from date of purchase. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Not covered: wear parts (chain, bar, spark plug, filters), damage from misuse, improper maintenance, or unauthorized repairs. Keep purchase receipt for warranty claims. For warranty service, contact authorized Husqvarna dealer.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark, fuel issues, floodedCheck spark plug; ensure fresh fuel mix; wait if flooded; check fuel filter.
Engine starts then diesClogged air filter, carburetor issuesClean/replace air filter; check fuel lines; may need carb adjustment.
Poor cutting performanceDull chain, improper tensionSharpen chain; adjust tension; check lubrication.
Chain doesn't stop with brakeBrake mechanism dirty/wornClean brake band and mechanism; replace if worn.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, damaged AV mountsTighten all bolts; check anti-vibration elements.
Chain throws oil excessivelyOiler adjustment too highAdjust oil flow screw (if equipped).
Chain comes off barLoose bar nuts, worn bar/chainTighten bar nuts; check bar groove and drive links for wear.

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

Support: Husqvarna Customer Service: 1-800-487-5962; www.husqvarna.com

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