Husqvarna 135 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 135 is a lightweight, professional-grade chainsaw designed for homeowners and occasional users. It features a powerful X-Torq® engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an inertia-activated chain brake for safety, LowVib® anti-vibration system, combined choke/stop control, air injection for extended air filter life, and an ergonomic design for comfortable handling. 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 & Stopping 7. Operating Instructions 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 10. Storage 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq® engine, inertia-activated chain brake, LowVib® system, combined choke/stop control, side-mounted chain tensioner, air injection, and ergonomic handles.

FeatureDescription
X-Torq® EngineReduces exhaust emissions and fuel consumption
Inertia-Activated Chain BrakeAutomatically engages in kickback situations
LowVib® Anti-Vibration SystemReduces vibration for operator comfort
Combined Choke/Stop ControlSimplifies starting and stopping
Side-Mounted Chain TensionerAllows easy chain adjustment without tools
Air InjectionCentrifugal air cleaning extends filter life
Ergonomic HandlesDesigned for comfort and reduced fatigue
Transparent Fuel TankEasy fuel level monitoring
Quick-Release Air FilterFacilitates easy cleaning and replacement
Chain CatcherSafety feature to catch broken chain

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chainsaw chaps, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children and pets. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip.
  4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources. Use fresh fuel mix (50:1).
  5. Chain Brake Test: Test function before each use by engaging manually.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. The chain brake does not prevent kickback; proper technique is essential.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble on a clean, flat surface.

  1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on mounting studs. Fit chain with cutting teeth facing forward. Adjust tension.
  2. Fill Oil & Fuel: Fill chain oil reservoir with Husqvarna chain oil. Mix fuel (50:1 gasoline to 2-stroke oil) and fill tank.
  3. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.
  4. Initial Run: Start saw and let idle for a few minutes to circulate oil.

CAUTION! Never operate without proper chain lubrication. Always use the correct fuel mixture to avoid engine damage.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Access controls via handles and side panels.

Right Side: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, front handle, chain brake lever, stop switch.

Left Side: Rear handle, choke/stop control, fuel tank cap, oil tank cap, decompression valve (if equipped).

Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, spark plug, cylinder cover, chain tensioner, muffler.

Safety Features: Chain brake, throttle lockout, chain catcher, right-hand guard.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

  1. Engage chain brake by pushing lever forward.
  2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
  3. Set choke control to full choke position.
  4. Pull starter cord slowly until resistance is felt, then pull briskly.
  5. After engine fires, move choke to half-throttle position.
  6. Pull starter cord again until engine starts.
  7. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Warm Start: Use half-throttle position; do not use choke.

Stopping: Release throttle; press stop switch.

Tip: Always start on ground or solid surface, holding saw firmly.

Operating Instructions

Supports cutting of logs, pruning, and limbing.

  1. Basic Cutting: Hold saw firmly; let chain do the work. Avoid forcing.
  2. Kickback Prevention: Maintain secure grip; never cut with bar tip.
  3. Bucking: Support log properly; cut from top side.
  4. Limbing: Stand on left side of trunk; cut downward branches first.
  5. Pruning: Use light touch; avoid cutting above shoulder height.
  6. Pinched Bar: Stop engine; use lever to free bar.

WARNING! Never operate with one hand. Always plan escape path from falling tree or branch.

Maintenance Schedule

IntervalTask
DailyCheck chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication
WeeklyClean air filter, check spark plug
MonthlyClean cooling fins, check fuel filter
Every 3 MonthsReplace spark plug, clean carburetor air filter
AnnuallyInspect anti-vibration mounts, check clutch
As NeededReplace guide bar, chain, sprocket

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance ensures safety and performance.

  1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Adjust tensioning screw until chain fits snugly against bar. Retighten nuts.
  2. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 4.0 mm). File each cutter at 30° angle. Maintain equal length on all cutters.
  3. Depth Gauge: Check and file depth gauges with flat file to maintain proper height difference.

Tip: Rotate bar regularly to ensure even wear.

Storage

Prepare chainsaw for storage to prevent damage.

  1. Empty fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer.
  2. Run engine until carburetor is dry.
  3. Clean entire saw, especially air filter and cooling fins.
  4. Remove chain; clean and soak in oil.
  5. Store in dry, cool place away from children.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark, flooded, old fuelCheck spark plug; use fresh fuel mix; follow cold start procedure.
Engine runs poorlyDirty air filter, clogged fuel filterClean/replace air filter; replace fuel filter.
Chain doesn't turnBrake engaged, low oil, worn sprocketDisengage brake; check oil level; inspect clutch and sprocket.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, worn mountsTighten all bolts; check anti-vibration mounts.
Chain throws oilOverfilled oil tank, wrong oil typeDrain excess; use recommended chain oil.
Chain dulls quicklyCutting dirty wood, improper filingAvoid ground contact; sharpen correctly.

Reset: For electronic ignition issues, disconnect spark plug wire for 30 seconds.

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

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