Husqvarna 440 Chainsaw Owners Manual

The Husqvarna 440 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and tree care work. It features a powerful X-Torq® engine for reduced fuel consumption and emissions, an inertia-activated chain brake (Quickstop®), LowVib® anti-vibration system, combined choke/stop control, air injection centrifugal air cleaning, and an ergonomic design for superior handling. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq® engine, Quickstop® inertia chain brake, combined choke/stop control, air injection, LowVib® system, side-mounted chain tensioner, and ergonomic front and rear handles.

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all instructions before use. Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

1. PPE: Always wear safety helmet, hearing protection, protective glasses, gloves, chainsaw protective trousers, and boots with steel toe caps.
2. Work Area: Keep bystanders, children, and animals at a safe distance (at least 15 meters).
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only, with the engine stopped. Do not smoke. Use approved fuel containers.
4. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Do not let this part contact wood or other objects.
5. Chain Brake: Check function before each use. Activate chain brake when carrying the saw more than a few steps or when not in immediate use.

WARNING! A chainsaw is a dangerous tool if used improperly. Inattention can cause serious or fatal injury.

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble the chainsaw before first use.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on drive sprocket cover. Fit chain around bar sprocket and guide bar, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Tighten bar nuts finger-tight.
2. Tension Chain: Using side tensioner, adjust until chain fits snugly against the bar but can be pulled around by hand. Tighten bar nuts fully.
3. Fill Fuel: Use fresh, high-quality gasoline mixed with a 2-stroke oil at a 50:1 ratio (Husqvarna HP or equivalent).
4. Fill Chain Oil: Use Husqvarna chain oil or equivalent. Check oil level frequently during operation.
5. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function correctly.

CAUTION! Never use the chainsaw without proper chain tension and lubrication.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 40.9 cc
• Engine Power: 2.4 kW / 3.2 hp
• Fuel Capacity: 0.47 liters
• Oil Pump: Automatic, adjustable
• Recommended Bar Lengths: 13" to 18" (33 cm to 45 cm)
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" Low Profile or .325"
• Weight (Powerhead excl. cutting equipment): 4.9 kg
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels (Front/Rear Handle): 3.2/2.8 m/s²

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger and throttle lockout. Rear Handle: Contains start/stop switch. Left Side: Chain brake lever (front hand guard), side-mounted chain tensioner, combined choke/stop control. Right Side: Primer bulb (on some models), decompression valve.

Chain Brake: Can be activated manually (by pushing the front hand guard forward) or automatically by inertia during kickback. Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed before the throttle trigger can be engaged. Master Control Lever: Combines choke, start, and stop positions.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on firm ground. Activate chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set master control lever to choke position (full left).
4. Press primer bulb 4-6 times (if equipped).
5. Pull starter handle until engine fires (approx. 3-5 pulls).
6. Move master control lever to half-throttle position (middle).
7. Pull starter handle again until engine starts. Let engine idle briefly.
8. Deactivate chain brake by pulling hand guard back towards front handle.

Warm Start: Set master control lever to run position (full right) and pull starter cord.

Stopping: Release throttle and let engine idle. Push master control lever down to the stop position.

Basic Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always maintain a firm grip with both hands. Keep feet secure and body balanced.

1. Felling (Cutting Down a Tree): Plan escape path (45-degree angle behind fall direction). Make notch cut (1/3 of tree diameter). Make felling cut from opposite side, leaving a hinge.
2. Limbing (Removing Branches): Work from trunk outwards. Use the underside of the guide bar. Let the chain do the work; avoid forcing it.
3. Bucking (Cutting Logs): Support log off ground. Cut from top down. For large logs, cut from top, then finish from bottom to avoid pinching.
4. Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly. Do not cut with the tip. Be aware of tension in wood. Always use a sharp chain.

Tip: Use full throttle just before and during the cut. Let the chain do the work.

Maintenance Schedule

CAUTION! Always disconnect the spark plug cap before performing any maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is essential for safety and performance.

1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Turn side tensioner clockwise until chain is snug against bar bottom. Pull chain around by hand to check. Tighten bar nuts while lifting tip of bar.
2. Sharpening: Use correct round file size for your chain (typically 4.0mm or 4.8mm). File each cutter at the manufacturer's specified angle (typically 30°). Maintain equal file strokes per cutter. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge to correct height.

WARNING! Wear gloves when handling the chain. A loose chain can derail; an overtightened chain can break.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to empty carburetor.
2. Remove chain and guide bar. Clean and oil them. Store loosely.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter area.
4. Store in a dry, cool, and locked place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Old fuel can cause starting problems and damage the engine. Always use fresh fuel mix.

Troubleshooting

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

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