Husqvarna Chainsaw 359 Owner's Manual

The Husqvarna Chainsaw 359 is a professional-grade chainsaw featuring a 59cc X-Torq engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, Smart Start for easy starting, LowVib anti-vibration system, combined choke/stop control, air injection centrifugal air cleaning, inertia activated chain brake, and side-mounted chain tensioning. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Technical Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Stopping 7. Operating Instructions 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain & Bar Care 10. Storage Guidelines 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq engine, Smart Start system, LowVib handles, combined choke/stop control, air injection, inertia activated chain brake, side-mounted chain tensioner.

FeatureDescription
X-Torq Engine59cc engine technology for lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions
Smart StartEasy starting system with automatic decompression valve
LowVib SystemAnti-vibration dampeners in front and rear handles
Air InjectionCentrifugal air cleaning system for longer air filter life
Combined Choke/Stop ControlSingle lever for choke, stop, and run positions
Inertia Activated Chain BrakeAutomatic chain brake in case of kickback
Side-Mounted Chain TensionerEasy chain adjustment without tools
Quick-Release Air FilterTool-less air filter removal for easy cleaning
Fuel PumpPrimer bulb for easy fuel system priming
Chain Oil PumpAutomatic adjustable oiling system

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw protective pants, and boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and animals at least 15 meters away. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Use reduced-kickback chain.
  4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only when engine is cold. Use fuel/oil mix as specified.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Improper use can cause serious injury or death. Always follow safety procedures.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble following these steps:

  1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on studs, fit chain with cutting teeth facing forward, tighten bar nuts finger-tight.
  2. Tension chain: Use side-mounted tensioner to achieve proper tension (chain should snap back when pulled from bar).
  3. Fill with fuel: Mix high-quality 2-stroke oil with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio for Husqvarna XP oil).
  4. Fill chain oil: Use quality bar and chain oil in separate tank.
  5. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Never operate without proper chain tension and lubrication.

Technical Specifications

Controls and Components

Main controls located on top and sides of saw.

Right Side: Throttle trigger, Throttle lockout, Front handle, Chain brake lever, Hand guard.

Left Side: Rear handle, Combined choke/stop control, Primer bulb, Air filter cover, Chain tensioner.

Top: Spark plug cover, Fuel cap, Oil cap, Decompression valve, Starter handle.

Operation Controls: Chain brake (manual activation by hand guard), Throttle lockout (must be pressed before throttle), Chain catcher, Right-hand guard.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

  1. Activate chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.
  2. Set combined control to choke position (full down).
  3. Press primer bulb 4-6 times until fuel is visible.
  4. Place saw on ground, hold rear handle with right foot.
  5. Pull starter handle until engine fires (usually 3-5 pulls).
  6. Move combined control to half-throttle position (middle).
  7. Pull starter handle again until engine starts.
  8. Blip throttle to return control to run position.
  9. Release chain brake before cutting.

Warm Start: Skip steps 2 and 6. Use half-throttle position only.

Stopping: Release throttle, push combined control to stop position.

Operating Instructions

Proper cutting techniques for safety and efficiency.

  1. Basic Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward.
  2. Grip: Hold front handle with left hand, rear handle with right hand. Thumbs wrapped around handles.
  3. Starting Cut: Apply light pressure, let chain do the work. Avoid forcing the saw.
  4. Kickback Prevention: Never cut with upper quadrant of bar tip. Be aware of pinch points.
  5. Bucking: Support log properly. Cut from top down for supported logs, from bottom up for unsupported.
  6. Limbing: Work from trunk outward. Be aware of spring-loaded branches.
  7. Felling: Not recommended for inexperienced users. Requires proper planning and techniques.

Tip: Maintain sharp chain and proper tension for best performance.

Maintenance Schedule

ComponentDailyWeeklyMonthlySeasonally
Air FilterVisual checkCleanReplace if damaged-
ChainSharpen & tensionCheck wearReplace if worn-
Guide BarClean grooveCheck for wearRotate & file railsReplace if worn
Spark Plug-Check gapCleanReplace
Fuel Filter--CheckReplace
Oil SystemCheck flowClean outlet--
Vibration Dampeners-Check-Replace if worn
Chain BrakeTest functionClean mechanism-Replace band if worn

Chain & Bar Care

Proper maintenance extends life of cutting equipment.

  1. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch. Maintain 30° cutting angle, 10° top plate angle.
  2. Depth Gauges: File down to 0.65 mm below cutting tooth. Use depth gauge tool.
  3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly. File rails flat when worn. Rotate bar weekly for even wear.
  4. Lubrication: Always use quality bar and chain oil. Check oil flow before each use.
  5. Tension: Proper tension when chain is warm. Should snap back when pulled from bar.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Chain is extremely sharp.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

  1. Short-term (under 30 days): Fill fuel tank, add fuel stabilizer, run for 2 minutes.
  2. Long-term (over 30 days): Drain fuel tank completely. Run engine until it stops.
  3. Chain: Remove, clean, and soak in oil. Store in oiled cloth.
  4. Bar: Clean, oil rails, store flat.
  5. General: Clean entire saw. Store in dry place, protected from moisture.

WARNING! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods without stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark, flooded, fuel issuesCheck spark plug, wait if flooded, check fuel mix and filter
Engine starts then diesFuel filter clogged, carburetor issuesReplace fuel filter, clean carburetor, check fuel lines
Poor performanceDirty air filter, dull chainClean/replace air filter, sharpen chain
Chain won't oilEmpty oil tank, clogged outletFill oil tank, clean oil outlet hole in bar
Chain comes off barLoose chain, worn barTension chain properly, replace worn bar
Excessive vibrationLoose components, worn dampenersTighten all bolts, replace vibration dampeners
Chain brake not workingWorn brake band, dirty mechanismReplace brake band, clean mechanism
OverheatingDull chain, insufficient oilSharpen chain, check oil flow, clean cooling fins

Service Intervals: Professional servicing recommended every 12 months or 100 operating hours.

Support: Contact authorized Husqvarna dealer or visit www.husqvarna.com

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