Husqvarna Chainsaw 385XP Manual

The Husqvarna 385XP is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and logging applications. It features a high-performance 85cc engine, X-Torq technology for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, robust construction, and advanced safety features. This manual covers essential safety instructions, technical specifications, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage procedures to ensure safe and efficient use.

1. Safety Instructions 2. Technical Specifications 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Controls & Components 5. Starting & Stopping 6. Basic Operation 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Chain & Bar Care 9. Fuel & Lubrication 10. Troubleshooting 11. Storage

Safety Instructions

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory. Always wear chainsaw protective trousers, safety boots, gloves, eye protection (goggles/visor), and hearing protection. Never operate the saw alone. Be aware of kickback zones and maintain a secure grip.

Hazard	Precaution
Kickback	Hold saw firmly with both hands; use a chain brake; avoid contact with bar nose.
Noise & Vibration	Wear hearing protection; take regular breaks to reduce vibration exposure.
Falling Objects	Clear work area; be aware of overhead hazards like dead branches.
Fuel Handling	Refuel in a well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Use fuel mix specified in manual.
Electrical Lines	Assume all lines are live. Maintain a minimum distance of 10 meters (33 feet).

Technical Specifications

Engine Displacement: 85 cc (5.2 cu. in.)
Power Output: 5.8 kW (7.8 hp)
Fuel Tank Volume: 1.0 L (33.8 fl. oz.)
Oil Tank Volume: 0.5 L (16.9 fl. oz.)
Recommended Bar Lengths: 50 cm (20") to 75 cm (30")
Chain Pitch/Gauge: .404" / .058" (1.6 mm) or 3/8" /.058" (1.6 mm)
Weight (Powerhead): 7.2 kg (15.9 lbs) excluding bar and chain
Ignition System: Electronic, SEM
Emissions Technology: X-Torq

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble the chainsaw before first use. Ensure all parts are present and undamaged.

Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on mounting studs. Fit chain over sprocket and onto bar rails, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Adjust tension.
Fill Fluids: Add Husqvarna 2-stroke engine oil (50:1 mix ratio) to fuel. Fill bar/chain oil tank with specified chain oil.
Check Controls: Verify throttle trigger, throttle lockout, stop switch, and chain brake function correctly.
Tension Chain: Adjust tensioning screw so chain sits snug against bar but can be pulled around by hand. Re-tighten bar nuts.

WARNING! Never start the saw without the bar, chain, and clutch cover properly installed. Ensure chain brake is disengaged before starting.

Controls & Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before operation.

Main Components: Front Hand Guard / Chain Brake, Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Stop Switch, Choke/Start Control, Decompression Valve, Fuel Cap, Oil Cap, Muffler, Spark Plug, Air Filter Cover, Rear Handle, Side-mounted Chain Tensioner.

Control Functions: Chain Brake: Stops chain instantly if activated manually or by inertia (kickback). Test before each use. Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed to allow throttle trigger movement. Decompression Valve: Reduces cylinder pressure for easier starting. Press before pulling starter cord. Stop Switch: Moves to STOP position to shut off engine.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

Place saw on firm, level ground. Engage chain brake.
Activate decompression valve (if equipped).
Set choke control to full choke position.
Press throttle lockout and pull throttle trigger. Press and hold stop switch in RUN position.
Pull starter handle briskly until engine fires (usually 3-5 pulls).
Move choke control to half-throttle position. Pull starter handle again until engine starts.
Blip throttle to disengage fast idle. Disengage chain brake. Saw is ready.

Warm Start: Do not use choke. Follow steps 1, 4, and 6-7.

Stopping: Release throttle. Move stop switch to STOP position.

Basic Operation

Maintain a stable stance. Grip front handle with left hand and rear handle with right hand. Let the saw do the work; do not force it.

Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut and felling cut. Use wedges if necessary.
Limbing: Work from trunk outwards. Support saw with trunk; cut with top of bar.
Bucking: Support log properly. Cut from top side. Beware of tension and compression wood.
Kickback Prevention: Always grip handles firmly. Never cut with the nose of the guide bar. Be aware of the kickback danger zone (upper quadrant of bar tip).

Tip: Keep the chain sharp. A dull chain increases effort, wear, and risk of kickback.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Daily / Before Use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and brake function. Check fluid levels. Inspect for loose parts/damage.
Every 10 Hours	Clean air filter. Check spark plug condition.
Every 50 Hours	Clean cooling fins. Check fuel filter. Clean spark arrestor screen in muffler (if equipped).
Every 100 Hours	Replace fuel filter. Check carburetor settings (by qualified technician). Inspect anti-vibration elements.
Annually / 300 Hours	Replace spark plug. Thoroughly clean entire saw. Have piston/cylinder condition checked by dealer.

Chain & Bar Care

Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 7.0 mm / .404" chain or 5.5 mm / 3/8" chain). Maintain 30° filing angle. File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge to maintain proper height difference (approx. 0.65 mm / .025").

Bar Maintenance: Regularly clean bar groove and oil holes. Flip bar weekly for even wear. Dress bar rails with a flat file if burred.

Tensioning: Chain should be tensioned when cold. Correct tension: chain should snap back against bar when pulled from groove, with no sag on the underside.

Fuel & Lubrication

Fuel Mix: Use high-quality unleaded gasoline (min. 90 octane) mixed with Husqvarna 2-stroke oil at a 50:1 ratio (2% oil). For example: 5 liters fuel + 0.1 liters oil. Shake container well before refueling.

Chain Oil: Use a high-quality, biodegradable chain oil with good adhesive properties. Do not use waste oil. Check oil flow by pointing bar tip at a light surface and running saw at high speed; a line of oil should appear.

CAUTION! Fuel is highly flammable. Store in approved container away from sparks, heat, and sunlight. Never refuel a running or hot engine.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No spark, flooded, old fuel, clogged filter	Check spark plug; use fresh fuel mix; clean/replace air/fuel filter; do not flood.
Engine starts but dies	Clogged fuel filter/tank vent, dirty carburetor	Replace fuel filter; clean tank vent; have carburetor serviced.
Poor performance/loss of power	Dirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor, dull chain	Clean air filter & spark arrestor; sharpen chain; check fuel quality.
Chain does not oil	Empty oil tank, clogged oil holes, faulty pump	Fill tank; clean bar oil holes; check oil pump drive and lines.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, damaged anti-vibration mounts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all nuts/bolts; inspect mounts; check chain for damaged/welded cutters.

Storage

Long-term (>30 days): Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor. Run engine until it stops to clear fuel system.
Chain & Bar: Remove, clean, and coat with oil. Store in a dry place.
Clean: Thoroughly clean saw of dirt, sap, and wood chips.
Spark Plug: Remove plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to distribute, reinstall plug.
Storage Location: Store in a dry, cool, and locked place out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store a chainsaw with fuel in the tank for extended periods. Old fuel can gum up the carburetor.