Husqvarna 136 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 136 is a lightweight, high-performance chainsaw designed for homeowners and occasional users. It features a powerful 38.2cc X-Torq engine for reduced fuel consumption and emissions, an ergonomic design with low vibration, an inertia-activated chain brake, combined choke/stop control, and an air injection system for extended air filter life. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

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

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all instructions before use. Always wear proper protective equipment.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety helmet, hearing protection, protective glasses, gloves, chainsaw protective trousers, and boots with steel toe caps.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders, children, and pets at least 15 meters away. Ensure secure footing. Do not operate in poor weather or low light.
3. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Never cut with this part of the bar.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only, with engine stopped and cool. Use clean, fresh fuel mix. Wipe off spills.

WARNING! A chainsaw is a dangerous tool if used incorrectly. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble the guide bar and chain.

1. Attach the guide bar and chain: Place the bar over the studs, fit the chain around the bar sprocket and onto the drive sprocket. Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of the bar.
2. Fit the bar cover: Place the cover and tighten the nuts finger-tight.
3. Tension the chain: Use the side-mounted tensioning screw to adjust. Correct tension is achieved when the chain snaps back after being pulled away from the bar.
4. Final tightening: Hold the bar tip up and fully tighten the bar nuts.
5. Fuel and oil: Fill the fuel tank with a 50:1 mixture of unleaded gasoline and 2-stroke oil. Fill the chain oil tank with special chain oil.

CAUTION! Ensure the chain brake is disengaged (pulled back towards the front handle) before starting.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 38.2 cc
• Engine Power: 1.8 kW / 2.4 hp
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.33 liter
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.25 liter
• Recommended Bar Length: 15" (38 cm) or 16" (40 cm)
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" Low Profile
• Chain Gauge: 0.050" (1.3 mm)
• Dry Weight (excl. cutting equipment): 4.4 kg
• Sound Pressure Level: 104 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels: Front Handle: 3.5 m/s², Rear Handle: 4.5 m/s²

Controls and Functions

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Front Handle: Contains the throttle trigger and throttle trigger lockout. The inertia-activated chain brake lever is located forward of the handle.

Rear Handle: Contains the start/stop switch (combined with choke control).

Other Controls: Side-mounted chain tensioning screw, primer bulb (on some models), decompression valve (for easier starting), and manual fuel pump.

Chain Brake: Can be engaged manually by pushing the front hand guard forward. It activates automatically (inertia-activated) upon kickback.

Starting & Stopping

Always start the chainsaw on the ground in a clear area.

1. Cold Start: Engage the chain brake. Set the start/stop switch to choke position (full down). Press the primer bulb 5-6 times. Pull the starter handle until the engine fires. Move the switch to the half-throttle position. Pull again to start. Briefly apply throttle to disengage start setting.
2. Warm Start: Set switch to run position (middle). Pull starter cord.
3. Stopping: Release the throttle and move the start/stop switch to the STOP (up) position.

Tip: Always hold the rear handle down with your right foot and grip the front handle firmly with your left hand when starting.

Basic Operation

Use correct cutting techniques to maintain control and reduce fatigue.

1. Basic Stance: Stand with feet apart for balance. Hold the saw firmly with both hands.
2. Cutting with the Bottom of the Bar: This is the preferred method for felling and bucking. Let the saw do the work; do not force it.
3. Kickback Awareness: Never cut with the upper quadrant of the bar tip. Be especially careful when the tip is near other wood or obstacles.
4. Felling a Tree: Plan escape paths. Make notch cut and felling cut. Use a wedge if necessary. Never cut above shoulder height.
5. Bucking (Cutting Logs): Support the log properly. Be aware of tension and compression in the wood to avoid pinching the bar.

WARNING! Always be prepared for kickback. Keep a firm grip with thumbs wrapped around handles.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures safety, performance, and long life.

1. Daily: Clean the air filter. Check chain tension and sharpness. Check all nuts and bolts for tightness. Clean the saw, especially the cooling fins and chain brake area.
2. Weekly/Monthly: Clean the spark plug. Check the fuel filter. Clean the carburetor air intake. Check the chain catcher and right-hand guard for damage.
3. Chain Oil System: Check oil flow by running the saw at full throttle over a light surface (paper/cardboard). A fine line of oil should appear.
4. Spark Arrestor Screen: Clean periodically (if equipped) to prevent exhaust blockage.

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

Chain Sharpening

A sharp chain is safer and more efficient. Sharpen regularly.

1. Secure the bar in a vice. Identify the cutter that is most worn; this will set the length for all others.
2. Use a round file of the correct diameter (typically 4.0mm / 5/32" for 3/8" Low Profile chain). Maintain the specified filing angle (usually 30°).
3. File from inside the cutter outward. Apply equal pressure on forward strokes. Give each cutter the same number of strokes.
4. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and depth gauge tool to maintain correct height difference (approx. 0.65mm / 0.025").

Tip: Rotate the file slightly during each stroke to prevent grooving.

Storage

Prepare the chainsaw for storage if it will not be used for more than 30 days.

1. Clean the entire saw thoroughly.
2. Drain the fuel tank and run the engine until it stops to empty the carburetor.
3. Remove the chain and guide bar. Clean and oil them. Store loosely.
4. Remove the spark plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into the cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to distribute oil, then refit plug.
5. Store in a dry, clean, and secure place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store a chainsaw with fuel in the tank for long periods. Old fuel can damage engine components.

Troubleshooting

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

Support: Visit www.husqvarna.com or contact your local Husqvarna dealer.