Husqvarna Chainsaw 576XP Manual

The Husqvarna 576XP is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry work, featuring a high-performance X-Torq engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, robust construction, advanced vibration dampening, and user-centric safety features. Below are key sections covering safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq engine, Air Injection cleaning system, Smart Start ignition, LowVib anti-vibration, combined choke/stop control, inertia-activated chain brake, side-mounted chain tensioner.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chainsaw chaps, safety helmet with face shield, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
2. Work area safety: Clear area of obstacles, ensure secure footing, maintain safe distance from others.
3. Fuel handling: Refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources, with engine stopped and cool.
4. Kickback awareness: Hold saw firmly, avoid contact with bar tip, use reduced-kickback chain.
5. Transport: Engage chain brake, fit scabbard over guide bar.

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

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble with included tools.

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar, adjust tension.
2. Fill with fuel: Use fresh, high-quality gasoline mixed with 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio (Husqvarna XP+ recommended).
3. Fill chain oil tank: Use quality bar and chain oil appropriate for temperature.
4. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function correctly.
5. Check chain sharpness: Sharpen if necessary before first use.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned – should snap back when pulled from bar groove.

Specifications

• Engine displacement: 73.5 cc
• Power output: 4.8 kW (6.5 hp)
• Fuel tank volume: 0.95 L
• Oil tank volume: 0.45 L
• Recommended bar length: 15" to 24" (38 cm to 61 cm)
• Chain pitch: 3/8" or .325"
• Weight (powerhead): 6.6 kg (14.5 lbs)
• Sound pressure level: 114 dB(A)
• Vibration levels: Front handle 3.5 m/s², Rear handle 4.5 m/s²
• Ignition system: Electronic, adjustable

Controls and Components

Front Handle: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, choke/stop control. Rear Handle: Master control lever, start/stop switch. Top Cover: Chain brake lever, inertia brake mechanism. Side Panel: Chain tensioner, air filter cover.

Master Control Lever: Combines choke, start, and stop functions. Positions: STOP (0), RUN (I), CHOKE (full) for cold start, HALF-CHOKE (half) for warm start.

Chain Brake: Manual activation via front hand guard; inertia activation during kickback. Chain Catcher: Prevents broken chain from striking operator. Right-hand guard: Protects from chain on underside of bar. Spark Arrestor: Muffler screen prevents emission of burning particles.

Starting & Operation

Cold Start: Place on flat ground, engage chain brake, set master control to choke, pull starter cord until engine fires, set to half-choke, pull until starts, blip throttle to disengage fast idle.

1. Check chain lubrication: Run saw at high speed, observe oil pattern on surface.
2. Cutting techniques: Use lower part of bar for cutting; avoid pushing tip into wood.
3. Felling trees: Plan escape path, make notch cut, then felling cut with hinge.
4. Limbing: Work from trunk outward, keep saw stable.
5. Buckling: Support log properly, avoid pinching bar.

Tip: Let engine warm up 30-60 seconds before applying load.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Clean air filter, check chain sharpness and tension, inspect bar for wear, clean cooling fins, check all fasteners.

Weekly: Clean spark arrestor screen, check spark plug, clean fuel filter, inspect anti-vibration elements.

Monthly: Check clutch and sprocket wear, inspect starter mechanism, clean carburetor air passage.

Seasonally: Replace fuel filter, inspect fuel lines, check ignition system, replace bar and chain if worn.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain & Bar Care

Chain sharpening: Use correct file size (typically 5.5 mm for 3/8" chain), maintain proper filing angle (30°), equalize file strokes on all cutters.

1. Bar maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly, flip bar weekly for even wear, dress bar rails if burred.
2. Chain tension: Adjust when chain sags from bar – should snap back when pulled.
3. Lubrication: Always use proper bar and chain oil; adjust oil flow for conditions (higher in cold/dusty).
4. Depth gauge setting: Maintain 0.65 mm below cutter top plate; use depth gauge tool.

CAUTION! A dull chain increases kickback risk and operator fatigue.

Storage Guidelines

Long-term storage: Empty fuel tank, run engine until carburetor is dry, remove chain and clean, store in dry place.

Fuel stabilization: For storage up to 3 months, add fuel stabilizer to fresh fuel mix, run 5 minutes to circulate.

Battery (heated handles): Remove and charge periodically if equipped.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods – gum formation can damage carburetor.

Warranty & Support

Husqvarna 576XP includes limited warranty covering defects in materials/workmanship: 2 years consumer, 1 year commercial. Warranty requires proper maintenance and use of genuine Husqvarna parts. Proof of purchase required. For support, visit www.husqvarna.com or contact authorized dealer. Serial number located on crankcase.

Troubleshooting

Professional Service: For complex repairs, contact authorized Husqvarna service center.

Support: 1-800-487-5962; www.husqvarna.com