husqvarna chainsaw 353 manual

The Husqvarna 353 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and tree care work. It features a powerful X-Torq engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, a robust construction for durability, and ergonomic design for user comfort. Below are key sections covering safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical specifications.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq engine, Air Injection cleaning system, Combined choke/stop control, Inertia activated chain brake, LowVib anti-vibration system, Quick-release air filter.

FeatureDescription
Engine Displacement50.1 cm³ (3.06 cu.in)
Power Output3.1 kW (4.2 hp)
Fuel Tank Volume0.55 L (18.6 fl.oz)
Oil Tank Volume0.33 L (11.2 fl.oz)
Recommended Bar Length13" to 20" (33 cm to 50 cm)
Weight (powerhead)5.5 kg (12.1 lbs)
Ignition SystemElectronic, SEM
Chain BrakeInertia activated, manual
Vibration DampingLowVib system
Air FiltrationAir Injection with quick-release filter

Safety Information

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

  1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety helmet, hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, chainsaw protective trousers, and boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and animals at least 15 meters away. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Kickback Prevention: Maintain proper grip, do not cut with bar tip, keep chain sharp and tensioned.
  4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources. Use clean, fresh fuel mix.

WARNING! A chainsaw is a dangerous tool. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death.

Assembly & First Use

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

  1. Mount guide bar and chain: Loosen bar nuts, fit bar over studs, position chain, tension correctly, tighten nuts.
  2. Fill fuel: Use Husqvarna 2-stroke oil mixed with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio).
  3. Fill chain oil: Use Husqvarna chain oil or equivalent biodegradable oil.
  4. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, stop switch, and chain brake function correctly.

CAUTION! Never start the saw unless the bar and chain are correctly assembled and the chain brake is disengaged.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with chain brake, Rear handle with throttle trigger, Throttle lockout, Stop switch, Choke/Stop control, Decompression valve, Primer bulb, Fuel and oil caps, Chain tensioner.

Control Functions: Throttle lockout must be depressed to access throttle trigger. Combined choke/stop control: Pull out for choke, push in fully for stop. Chain brake: Hand guard activates brake when pushed forward. Decompression valve: Reduces compression for easier starting.

Starting & Stopping Procedure

Cold Start:

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

Warm Start: Use half-throttle position, no choke. Stopping: Release throttle, press stop switch.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always use correct cutting posture and techniques.

  1. Basic Stance: Stand with feet apart, left foot slightly forward. Firm grip with both hands.
  2. Felling: Use proper notch and back cut techniques. Plan escape path.
  3. Limbing: Stand on opposite side of log. Use pulling chain for control.
  4. Bucking: Support log properly. Beware of tension and compression.
  5. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with upper quadrant of bar tip.

Tip: Let the saw do the work; do not force it. Maintain high chain speed during cuts.

Maintenance Schedule

IntervalTask
Daily / Before useCheck chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check all controls and fasteners. Clean air filter. Check for loose parts.
Weekly / 10 hoursClean cooling fins. Check spark plug condition. Clean fuel filter. Inspect guide bar for wear.
Monthly / 50 hoursClean carburetor air intake. Check fuel line. Clean spark arrestor screen (if equipped).
Yearly / 100 hoursReplace fuel filter. Check ignition system. Inspect vibration damping elements. Professional service recommended.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, correctly tensioned chain is essential 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. Tighten bar nuts while lifting bar tip.
  2. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 4.0 mm / 5/32"). Maintain 30° filing angle. File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges with gauge tool.

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

Storage Guidelines

Prepare saw for storage if not used for more than 30 days.

  1. Empty fuel tank and run carburetor dry.
  2. Remove chain and guide bar, clean and oil them.
  3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
  4. Store in a dry, clean place, protected from dust and moisture.

CAUTION! Never store saw with fuel in the tank for extended periods. Fuel can degrade and damage carburetor.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo spark, flooded, fuel issueCheck spark plug, air filter. Use correct starting procedure. Ensure fresh fuel mix.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter, carburetorReplace fuel filter. Clean carburetor. Check fuel tank vent.
Poor performance/loss of powerDirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor, dull chainClean/replace air filter. Clean spark arrestor screen. Sharpen chain.
Chain does not turnChain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket wornDisengage chain brake. Inspect clutch and drive sprocket for wear.
Excessive chain oil consumptionOil pump setting too highAdjust oil pump flow (see service manual).
Vibration increasedLoose components, worn damping elementsTighten all fasteners. Check anti-vibration mounts.

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

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

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