Husqvarna Chainsaw Manual 142

The Husqvarna Chainsaw 142 is a lightweight, gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for homeowners and occasional users. It features a 40.9cc engine, a 16-inch guide bar, an inertia-activated chain brake, LowVib anti-vibration system, and an air injection cleaning system. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 40.9cc X-Torq engine, 16" guide bar and chain, combined choke/stop control, inertia-activated chain brake, LowVib system, air injection, side-mounted chain tensioner.

FeatureDescription
Engine40.9cc 2-stroke X-Torq engine for lower emissions
Guide Bar16-inch Oregon bar, standard
Chain BrakeInertia-activated for kickback protection
Anti-VibrationLowVib system reduces operator fatigue
Air CleaningAir Injection centrifugal cleaning system
StarterSmart Start for easier starting
Fuel Tank0.33 US gal (1.25 L) capacity
Oil Tank0.21 US gal (0.8 L) chain oil capacity
Weight10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) without bar and chain
Chain TensioningSide-mounted, tool-less adjustment

Safety Information

Always wear protective gear: helmet, goggles, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.

  1. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quarter of the guide bar tip.
  2. Chain Brake: Test before each use. Engage when carrying or not cutting.
  3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, engine off and cool. Use fuel/oil mix precisely.
  4. Working Area: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away.

WARNING! A chainsaw is a dangerous tool. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Read and understand the entire manual before operation.

Assembly & First Use

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

  1. Attach the guide bar and chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar, adjust tension.
  2. Fill fuel tank: Use fresh, high-quality 2-stroke engine oil mixed with unleaded gasoline at a 50:1 ratio (2%).
  3. Fill chain oil tank: Use Husqvarna chain oil or equivalent.
  4. Starting the saw: Place on flat ground, engage chain brake, set master control to choke, pull starter cord.

CAUTION! Ensure the chain brake is engaged when starting. Never drop-start the saw.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger and throttle trigger lockout. Rear Handle: Contains master control lever (stop/choke/run).

Master Control Lever: Choke position (cold start), Run position (operation), Stop position (engine off).

Chain Brake/Hand Guard: Push forward to engage brake manually. Inertia activates it during kickback.

Combination Wrench: Located on the side of the saw for spark plug access and bar nuts.

Side-mounted Chain Tensioner: Turn clockwise to tighten chain, counter-clockwise to loosen.

Operation

Starting, cutting techniques, and stopping procedure.

  1. Starting (Cold): Engage chain brake. Set master control to choke. Pull starter cord until engine fires. Set control to run. Pull to start.
  2. Starting (Warm): Set master control directly to run position.
  3. Cutting: Use full throttle when cutting. Let the chain do the work; do not force it.
  4. Stopping: Release throttle, let engine idle briefly, set master control to STOP.

Tip: Always cut at waist level or below. Maintain a firm grip with both hands.

Maintenance

Daily and periodic maintenance schedule.

  1. Daily: Clean air filter, check chain tension and sharpness, check chain brake function, clean saw exterior.
  2. Weekly/After 10 hrs: Clean cooling fins, check spark plug, clean fuel filter.
  3. Monthly/After 50 hrs: Clean carburetor air intake, check all nuts and bolts, replace spark plug.
  4. Chain Oil: Check flow before each use. Adjust flow rate via screw near oil tank (if equipped).

WARNING! Perform all maintenance with the engine off, spark plug wire disconnected, and chain brake engaged.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain tension is critical for safety and performance.

  1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts with combination wrench. Turn side tensioner clockwise until chain is snug against bar bottom. Tighten bar nuts. Chain should pull freely around bar.
  2. Sharpening: Use a round file (5/32" or 4.0mm) and file guide. Maintain factory 30° cutting angle and 10° top plate angle. File all cutters to equal length.
  3. Depth Gauges: File down depth gauges (raker) with a flat file and gauge tool to maintain proper height difference (approx. 0.025").

CAUTION! A loose chain can derail. An over-tightened chain can break and cause excessive wear.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days, prepare the saw to prevent fuel system damage.

  1. Drain all fuel from the tank and run the engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
  2. Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to distribute, reinstall plug.
  3. Clean entire saw. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil. Store chain and bar separately.
  4. Store in a dry, cool place, out of reach of children.

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

Regulatory Information

This product complies with relevant safety and emissions standards. The engine meets EPA Phase 2 and CARB Tier III emission regulations. The X-Torq engine technology reduces harmful exhaust emissions. For warranty information and service, contact an authorized Husqvarna dealer. Husqvarna is a registered trademark of Husqvarna AB. © 2025 Husqvarna. All rights reserved.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo spark, old fuel, flooded engineCheck spark plug; use fresh fuel mix; set control to run and pull with throttle open to clear flood.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, carburetor issuesReplace fuel filter; clean air filter; have carburetor serviced by dealer.
Chain does not turnChain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket wornDisengage chain brake; inspect clutch and sprocket for wear; replace if necessary.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, unbalanced chain, damaged AV mountsTighten all nuts/bolts; balance chain; inspect anti-vibration mounts.
Chain throws oil or no oilWrong oil viscosity, clogged oil passages, pump issueUse correct chain oil; clean oil holes in bar; check oil pump function.
Poor cutting performanceDull chain, incorrect filing, low chain speedSharpen chain correctly; ensure chain tension is proper; check engine RPM.

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

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

Husqvarna Chainsaw Manual 142 © - All Rights Reserved 2025