Husqvarna 50 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 50 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and woodcutting applications. It features a powerful 50cc engine, X-Torq® technology for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an inertia-activated chain brake, combined choke/stop control, and an ergonomic design for reduced vibration and user fatigue. 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. Operation Guidelines 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain & Bar Care 10. Storage 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 50cc X-Torq® engine, 16" or 18" guide bar, inertia-activated chain brake, combined choke/stop control, side-mounted chain tensioner, anti-vibration system, and Smart Start® for easier starting.

FeatureDescription
Engine50cc, 2-stroke, X-Torq® for lower emissions
Guide Bar LengthStandard 16" or optional 18"
Chain BrakeInertia-activated for kickback protection
Air FiltrationCentrifugal air cleaning system
Starting SystemSmart Start® for reduced pulling resistance
Vibration DampeningLowVib® anti-vibration system
Fuel Tank Capacity0.55 US quarts (0.52 liters)
Oil Tank Capacity0.32 US quarts (0.30 liters)
Weight (dry)10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) without bar and chain
Chain Pitch/Gauge0.325" / 0.058" (1.5 mm)

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all instructions before use. Wear appropriate PPE.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety helmet, hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, chainsaw protective pants, and boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Kickback Awareness: Hold saw firmly with both hands. Avoid contact with bar tip.
  4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors with engine off. Wipe spills. Store fuel in approved containers.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate when fatigued or under the influence.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

  1. Attach Guide Bar: Remove side cover. Place bar over studs with tensioning pin in bar hole.
  2. Install Chain: Place chain over sprocket and bar with cutting teeth facing forward on top.
  3. Tension Chain: Tighten bar nuts hand-tight. Use side tensioner to adjust until chain snaps back when pulled from bar. Final tighten bar nuts.
  4. Fill Fluids: Use Husqvarna 2-stroke oil mixed 50:1 with unleaded gasoline (min 89 octane). Fill chain oil tank with quality bar & chain oil.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned and moves freely. Loose chain can derail; overtightened chain can damage bar.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Front Handle with throttle trigger and throttle lockout. Rear Handle with stop switch. Side Panel: Chain brake lever, choke/stop control, primer bulb, air purge.

Right Side: Combined choke/stop control (positions: Run, Choke, Stop), primer bulb, air purge button. Left Side: Chain brake lever (forward=disengaged, backward=engaged), side-mounted chain tensioner, fuel and oil caps. Safety Features: Throttle lockout (must be depressed to engage throttle), inertia-activated chain brake, right-hand guard.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

  1. Engage chain brake by pulling lever toward front handle.
  2. Set combined control to choke position.
  3. Press primer bulb 6-10 times until fuel is visible.
  4. Place saw on ground, hold rear handle with right foot, grip front handle with left hand.
  5. Pull starter cord sharply until engine fires (1-3 pulls).
  6. Move combined control to run position.
  7. Pull starter cord again until engine starts.
  8. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Warm Start: Combined control in run position. No choke or primer needed.

Stopping: Release throttle. Press stop switch to "0" position.

Operation Guidelines

Proper cutting techniques ensure safety and efficiency.

  1. Felling Trees: Plan escape path. Make notch cut 1/3 of tree diameter. Make felling cut 2" above notch hinge.
  2. Limbing: Stand uphill. Cut branches from trunk using pulling chain.
  3. Bucking: Support log. Cut from top down. Avoid cutting into ground.
  4. Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip. Do not cut with bar tip. Keep chain sharp and tensioned.

Tip: Let chain do the work; do not force saw. Use full throttle during cuts.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

IntervalTask
DailyCheck chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Clean air filter. Inspect for loose parts.
WeeklyClean cooling fins. Check spark plug condition. Clean fuel filter.
MonthlyClean carburetor air intake. Check fuel lines. Clean chain brake mechanism.
SeasonallyReplace spark plug. Clean muffler spark arrestor. Check anti-vibration elements.
AnnuallyProfessional servicing recommended for carburetor adjustment and compression check.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper care extends life of cutting components.

  1. Sharpening: Use round file (7/32" or 5.5mm) and file guide. Maintain 30° cutting angle and 10° top plate angle. File all cutters equally.
  2. Depth Gauges: Check with depth gauge tool. File down to 0.025" (0.65mm) below cutter top.
  3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly. Flip bar monthly for even wear. Dress bar rails with flat file if burred.
  4. Lubrication: Always use quality bar & chain oil. Check oil flow by pointing bar at light surface; should see oil line.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Disconnect spark plug wire during maintenance.

Storage

Prepare chainsaw for extended storage.

  1. Empty fuel tank and run carburetor dry.
  2. Remove chain and bar; clean and oil.
  3. Clean entire saw; check for damage.
  4. Store in dry, cool place away from ignition sources.
  5. For storage over 30 days: Add fuel stabilizer to fresh fuel, run 2 minutes, then empty tank.

WARNING! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods. Fuel deterioration can damage carburetor.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark, fuel, or compressionCheck spark plug, fuel mix, primer function, and compression. Ensure choke set correctly.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter, carburetor issuesReplace fuel filter. Clean carburetor and fuel lines. Check tank vent.
Poor performanceDirty air filter, clogged spark arrestorClean/replace air filter. Clean muffler spark arrestor screen.
Chain doesn't turnBrake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket damagedDisengage chain brake. Inspect clutch, drum, and sprocket for wear.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, damaged anti-vibration mountsTighten all bolts. Check anti-vibration elements for cracks.
Chain throws oilOver-oiling, wrong oil viscosityAdjust oil pump (if adjustable). Use correct bar & chain oil for temperature.
Chain comes off barLoose chain, worn bar, damaged drive linksProperly tension chain. Inspect bar for wear. Replace damaged chain.

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

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