Husqvarna L65 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna L65 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and arborist work. It features a powerful 65cc engine, robust construction, advanced anti-vibration system, automatic chain oiling, and safety features like a chain brake and throttle lockout. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Operation Guide 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 65cc 2-stroke engine, 20-inch guide bar, automatic chain oiler, inertia-activated chain brake, combined choke/stop control, and anti-vibration system.

FeatureDescription
Engine65cc, 2-stroke, air-cooled engine for high power output
Guide Bar20-inch professional-grade bar (standard)
Chain BrakeInertia-activated for kickback protection
Chain OilerAutomatic and manual override for consistent lubrication
Anti-VibrationLowVib® system reduces operator fatigue
Air FiltrationCentrifugal air cleaning system for longer engine life
StarterEasy-start system with decompression valve
Fuel Tank0.95 liter capacity
Oil Tank0.5 liter capacity for chain lubrication
Weight7.2 kg (without bar and chain)

Safety Information

Always wear proper PPE: helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.

  1. Pre-Operation Check: Inspect chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication before each use.
  2. Clear Work Area: Ensure no obstacles or people within 15 feet.
  3. Secure Workpiece: Never cut free-hand; secure logs with proper supports.
  4. Two-Hand Operation: Always maintain firm grip with both hands.
  5. Kickback Awareness: Avoid contact with bar nose; use reduced-kickback chain.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Read entire manual before operation.

Assembly & First-Time Setup

Unpack and inspect all components. Assembly requires mounting guide bar and chain, and filling fluids.

  1. Mount Guide Bar: Place bar on studs, align chain groove, tensioning pin in bar hole.
  2. Install Chain: Place chain over sprocket, ensure cutting teeth face forward on top.
  3. Adjust Chain Tension: Loosen bar nuts, adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled.
  4. Fill Fluids: Use Husqvarna HP 2-stroke oil mixed 50:1 with 90+ octane gasoline. Fill chain oil with SAE 30.
  5. Initial Start: Set master control to choke, pull starter cord 3-4 times, move to run position, start engine.

CAUTION! Never operate without proper chain tension and lubrication. Always mix fuel in approved container.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Right Side: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, front handle. Left Side: Master control (choke/stop/run), rear handle, chain brake lever.

Master Control Positions: STOP (engine off), RUN (normal operation), CHOKE (cold start).

Chain Brake: Manual activation via hand guard; inertia activation during kickback. Chain Tensioner: Located near bar nuts; clockwise to tighten. Chain Oiler Adjustment: Screw near oil tank; turn clockwise for more oil flow. Decompression Valve: Reduces starting effort; press before pulling starter.

Operation Guide

Starting Procedure: Engage chain brake. Set master control to choke. Pull starter cord 3-4 times until engine fires. Move control to run. Pull starter to start. Release chain brake.

  1. Warm-up: Allow 30-60 seconds at idle before cutting.
  2. Cutting Technique: Use full throttle when cutting; let chain do the work.
  3. Bucking: Support log at both ends; cut from top down.
  4. Limbing: Work from trunk outward; beware of springback.
  5. Felling: Notch face cut 1/3 diameter, back cut 2 inches above notch.

Tip: Keep chain sharp; a dull chain increases effort and kickback risk.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Check chain tension/sharpness, clean air filter, check oil levels, inspect bar for wear.

IntervalTask
Every 10 hoursClean spark arrestor screen
Every 20 hoursReplace air filter, check spark plug
Every 50 hoursClean cooling fins, check fuel filter
Every 100 hoursReplace spark plug, clean carburetor
SeasonallyReplace fuel lines, check anti-vibration mounts

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Sharpening: Use 7/32 inch round file with guide. Maintain 30° top plate angle, 10° down angle. File all cutters to equal length.

  1. Secure bar in vise.
  2. Match file diameter to chain specification.
  3. File from inside out, maintaining consistent angle.
  4. Check depth gauges; file to 0.025 inch below cutter.
  5. Tensioning: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar; adjust when cool.

CAUTION! Wear gloves when handling chain. A loose chain can derail; overtightening damages bar.

Storage & Winterization

Long-term storage: Empty fuel tank. Run engine until carburetor is dry. Remove chain, clean and oil. Store in dry, cool place.

Winter Operation: Use winter bar oil (SAE 10). Allow extra warm-up time. Keep air intake clear of snow.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Use fuel stabilizer if necessary.

Warranty Information

Husqvarna L65 comes with 2-year consumer warranty for private use, 1-year professional warranty. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, or use of non-genuine parts. For warranty claims, contact authorized Husqvarna dealer with proof of purchase. For support, visit www.husqvarna.com or contact 1-800-487-5962.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark/flooded/old fuelCheck spark plug; set control to run; use fresh fuel mix.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter/carburetorReplace fuel filter; clean carburetor jets.
Poor cutting performanceDull chain/improper tensionSharpen chain; adjust tension; check bar groove.
Chain won't oilEmpty tank/clogged oil holeFill oil tank; clean oil ports in bar; check pump.
Excessive vibrationLoose components/worn mountsTighten all bolts; replace anti-vibration mounts.
Chain throws off barWorn drive sprocket/loose chainReplace sprocket; adjust chain tension; check bar wear.

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

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

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