Jonsered 52e Chainsaw Manual

The Jonsered 52e is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and arborist work. It features a powerful 52cc engine, advanced anti-vibration system, ergonomic design for extended use, automatic chain oiling, quick-release air filter, and safety features including 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 & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Operation 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Chain & Bar Care 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 52cc 2-stroke engine, 16" or 18" guide bar options, automatic chain oiler, decompression valve, side-mounted chain tensioner, quick-release air filter, and advanced anti-vibration system.

FeatureDescription
Engine Displacement52cc professional 2-stroke engine
Guide Bar LengthStandard 16" (40cm) or optional 18" (45cm)
Chain Pitch/Gauge.325" pitch, .058" gauge (standard)
Automatic OilerAdjustable flow rate for chain lubrication
Anti-Vibration SystemReduced vibration handles for operator comfort
Air FiltrationQuick-release filter for easy cleaning
Safety FeaturesChain brake, throttle lockout, right-hand guard
Weight (powerhead)5.7 kg (12.6 lbs) without bar and chain
Fuel Capacity550 ml (18.6 oz)
Oil Tank Capacity300 ml (10.1 oz)

Safety Information

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

  1. Pre-operation check: Verify chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication before each use.
  2. Clear work area: Ensure no obstacles, bystanders, or animals within 15 feet.
  3. Proper stance: Maintain secure footing with feet shoulder-width apart.
  4. Kickback awareness: Never cut with bar tip; be aware of pinch points.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Always keep both hands on saw during operation.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all components. Assemble on clean, flat surface.

  1. Attach guide bar: Remove clutch cover, position bar over studs, align chain with sprocket.
  2. Install chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar.
  3. Tension chain: Adjust with side tensioner until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
  4. Fuel mixture: Use 50:1 gasoline to 2-stroke oil ratio (Jonsered recommended oil).
  5. Fill tanks: Add fuel mix to fuel tank, bar/chain oil to oil tank.

CAUTION! Never use automotive oil or fuel with more than 10% ethanol. Ensure chain brake is engaged during assembly.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main controls: Front handle with throttle trigger, rear handle with throttle lockout, choke control, decompression valve, master control lever, chain brake handle.

Right Side: Chain brake handle, throttle lockout, choke lever, decompression valve. Left Side: Master control lever (stop/run/choke), air filter cover, fuel/oil caps. Rear: Rear handle with anti-vibration mounts, spark plug access.

Chain brake: Manual activation via front guard or inertial activation during kickback. Throttle lockout: Must be depressed before throttle trigger engages. Decompression valve: Reduces compression for easier starting.

Starting & Operation

Cold start procedure (with decompression valve):

  1. Engage chain brake by pushing forward guard toward bar.
  2. Set master control lever to choke position (full down).
  3. Press decompression valve to reduce cylinder pressure.
  4. Place saw on ground, secure with right foot in rear handle.
  5. Pull starter cord briskly 3-5 times until engine "pops."
  6. Move master control to half-throttle position (middle).
  7. Pull starter cord until engine starts (1-2 pulls typically).
  8. Briefly blip throttle to disengage choke, allow 30-second warm-up.

Cutting Techniques: Use lower quadrant of bar for felling, full bar length for bucking. Let saw do the work - don't force. Maintain steady throttle in cut.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily (before each use): Check chain tension/sharpness, inspect bar for wear, verify oiler function, clean air filter, check all fasteners.

Weekly (10 hours): Clean spark arrestor screen, inspect fuel filter, check anti-vibration mounts, verify chain brake function.

Monthly (40 hours): Replace spark plug, clean carburetor air intake, inspect clutch and sprocket, check ignition system.

Seasonal (100 hours): Replace fuel filter, inspect piston through exhaust port, check crankshaft seals, replace air filter if damaged.

Note: Maintenance intervals vary based on usage conditions. Increase frequency in dusty environments.

Chain & Bar Care

Chain sharpening: Use 4.0mm round file with guide. Maintain 30° top plate angle, 10° down angle. File all cutters evenly.

  1. Secure bar in vise or filing clamp.
  2. Match file size to chain (4.0mm for .325" pitch).
  3. Maintain consistent angle and pressure - 2-3 strokes per cutter.
  4. Check depth gauges with gauge tool; file to 0.025" below cutter.
  5. Rotate bar regularly to ensure even wear on both sides.

Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly, flip bar monthly for even wear, dress rails with flat file when burred.

Storage Guidelines

Long-term storage (over 30 days):

  1. Drain fuel tank completely and run carburetor dry.
  2. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil.
  3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
  4. Remove spark plug, add 1 tsp of oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to distribute.
  5. Store in dry, cool place with bar and chain separately.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Modern ethanol-blended fuel can damage carburetor components.

Warranty Information

Jonsered 52e includes 2-year consumer warranty for personal use, 90-day commercial warranty. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, use of non-genuine parts. Proof of purchase required. For warranty claims, contact authorized Jonsered dealer or Husqvarna Group.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startFuel issues, spark, compressionCheck fuel freshness, spark plug gap (0.020"), decompression valve function.
Engine starts then diesCarburetor adjustment, fuel filterClean/replace fuel filter; adjust H/L jets (factory: H=1, L=1).
Chain doesn't oilClogged oiler, empty tankClean oil passages with wire; verify oil pump function; use correct viscosity oil.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, worn mountsTighten all fasteners; inspect anti-vibration mounts for wear.
Chain won't stay tightWorn bar, stretched chainInspect bar for wear; replace chain if stretched beyond adjustment range.
Loss of powerClogged filter, exhaust screenClean air filter and spark arrestor screen; check piston through exhaust port.

Service: For technical support, contact authorized Jonsered dealer or Husqvarna Group at 1-800-487-5962.

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