Husqvarna Chainsaw 562XP Manual

The Husqvarna 562XP is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and arborist work. It features a powerful X-Torq engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an air injection system for extended air filter life, a combined choke/stop control, inertia-activated chain brake, and low vibration technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Stopping 7. Operating Instructions 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 10. Storage 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, Smart Start ignition system.

FeatureDescription
X-Torq EngineReduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions
Air InjectionCentrifugal air cleaning system for longer filter life
Combined Choke/StopSingle lever for choke, start, and stop functions
Inertia Chain BrakeAutomatically activates in kickback situations
LowVib SystemReduces vibration for operator comfort
Quick-release Air FilterTool-less access for easy cleaning
Smart StartReduces resistance in starter cord
Adjustable Oil PumpManual adjustment of chain oil flow
Side-mounted TensionerEasy chain tension adjustment
Fuel Level WindowVisual check of fuel quantity

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chainsaw protective pants, safety boots, gloves, eye and hearing protection, and a helmet.
  2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and animals at least 15 meters away. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only when engine is cool. Use fuel mix 50:1 (2% Husqvarna HP oil or equivalent).
  4. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip.
  5. Chain Brake: Test function before each use.

WARNING! Improper use can cause serious or fatal injury. Never operate when tired or under influence.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

  1. Mount guide bar: Loosen bar nuts, fit bar over studs with tension pin in bar hole.
  2. Fit chain: Place chain over sprocket and bar, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top.
  3. Tension chain: Lift bar tip, tighten chain using side tensioner until snug against bar.
  4. Tighten bar nuts: Hold bar tip up, tighten front nut first, then rear.
  5. Fill fluids: Add fuel mix to tank and Husqvarna chain oil to oil tank.

CAUTION! Chain must be properly tensioned. Loose chain can derail; overtightened chain can damage bar.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Front Handle: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, choke/stop control. Rear Handle: Start/stop switch. Top Cover: Air filter cover, spark plug cover. Side: Chain brake handle, side tensioner, oil filler cap.

Controls: Throttle trigger (speed control), Throttle trigger lockout (must be pressed to activate throttle), Choke/stop control (Cold start: Set to choke. Stop: Push fully in), Chain brake handle (Manual activation; inertia-activated), Decompression valve (Reduces cylinder pressure for easier starting), Primer bulb (Pumps fuel to carburetor).

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

  1. Activate chain brake by pulling handle forward.
  2. Set choke/stop control to full choke position.
  3. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
  4. Press primer bulb 4-6 times until fuel is visible.
  5. Place saw on ground, hold rear handle with right foot.
  6. Pull starter cord until engine fires (1-4 pulls).
  7. Move choke/stop control to half-throttle position.
  8. Pull starter cord again until engine starts.
  9. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.

Warm Start: Set choke/stop control to run position. Pull starter cord.

Stopping: Release throttle, push choke/stop control fully in to STOP position.

Operating Instructions

Proper cutting techniques for safety and efficiency.

  1. Basic Stance: Stand with feet apart, left foot slightly forward. Hold handles firmly.
  2. Starting Cut: Apply light throttle, let chain touch wood gradually.
  3. Kickback Prevention: Keep a firm grip, do not cut with bar tip.
  4. Felling Trees: Plan escape path. Make notch cut, then felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
  5. Limbing: Stand on opposite side of tree from branches being removed.
  6. Buckling: Support log properly. Cut from top down, avoid ground contact.

Tip: Let the chain do the work; do not force the saw.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

  1. Daily: Clean air filter, check chain tension and sharpness, inspect guide bar for wear.
  2. Weekly: Clean cooling fins, check spark plug, clean fuel filter.
  3. Monthly: Clean carburetor air intake, check all nuts and bolts for tightness.
  4. Chain Oil: Use only biodegradable chain oil. Adjust oil flow as needed.
  5. Cleaning: Use brush to remove sawdust from exterior. Never use water or pressure washer.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Sharp chain reduces effort and improves safety.

  1. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 5.5 mm). Maintain 30° filing angle. File all cutters to equal length.
  2. Depth Gauge: Check and file depth gauges with flat file. Maintain 0.025" (0.65 mm) below cutter top plate.
  3. Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely. Re-tension when chain feels loose (every 10-15 minutes when new).
  4. Guide Bar Maintenance: File bar rails if burred. Rotate bar regularly for even wear.

WARNING! Wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure chain brake is engaged.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues.

  1. Empty fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer.
  2. Run engine until carburetor is dry.
  3. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil.
  4. Clean entire saw thoroughly.
  5. Store in dry, cool place away from ignition sources.
  6. Cover to prevent dust accumulation.

Long-term Storage: For over 30 days, completely empty fuel system.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo spark, flooded, stale fuelCheck spark plug; wait if flooded; use fresh fuel mix.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter, air filterReplace fuel filter; clean air filter.
Poor performanceDirty air filter, dull chainClean air filter; sharpen chain.
Chain does not oilEmpty oil tank, clogged oil holesFill oil tank; clean oil holes in bar.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, unbalanced chainTighten all nuts/bolts; sharpen chain evenly.
Chain throws off barLoose chain, worn bar, damaged drive sprocketTension chain properly; replace worn bar or sprocket.

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

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