Husqvarna 137 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 137 is a lightweight, professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful X-Torq® engine for reduced fuel consumption and emissions, an air injection system for extended air filter life, LowVib® anti-vibration system, combined choke/stop control, and inertia-activated chain brake for enhanced safety. 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, Air Injection, LowVib® system, Combined choke/stop control, Inertia-activated chain brake, Side-mounted chain tensioner.

FeatureDescription
X-Torq® EngineReduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions
Air InjectionCentrifugal air cleaning system for longer filter life
LowVib® SystemReduces vibration for operator comfort
Combined Choke/Stop ControlSimplifies starting procedure
Inertia-Activated Chain BrakeAutomatically engages in kickback situations
Side-Mounted Chain TensionerEasy chain adjustment without tools
Quick-Release Air FilterFor easy cleaning and maintenance
Transparent Fuel TankAllows easy fuel level inspection
Front Hand GuardProtects hands from debris and branches
Spark Arrestor MufflerReduces fire risk in dry conditions

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions 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. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine stopped and cool. Use fuel mix ratio 50:1 (Husqvarna XP+ oil).
  4. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with upper quadrant of guide bar tip.
  5. Chain Brake: Test function before each use.

WARNING! Improper use can cause serious injury or death. Never operate when fatigued or under influence.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

  1. Attach guide bar: Place bar on studs, align chain with sprocket, fit chain around bar.
  2. Install clutch cover: Position over studs, tighten nuts finger-tight.
  3. Tension chain: Use side-mounted tensioner to achieve proper tension (check frequently during first use).
  4. Add fuel/oil: Fill fuel tank with 50:1 mix. Fill chain oil tank with Husqvarna chain oil.
  5. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Chain must be properly tensioned—snug against bar but pull freely by hand.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with chain brake, Rear handle, Throttle trigger, Throttle lockout, Stop switch, Choke control, Decompression valve (if equipped), Fuel primer bulb.

Right Side: Chain brake lever, Chain catcher, Muffler, Chain tensioner. Left Side: Combined choke/stop control, Air filter cover, Fuel and oil caps.

Safety Features: Chain brake (manual/inertia), Throttle lockout, Right-hand guard, Chain catcher.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

  1. Place saw on flat ground, clear of debris.
  2. Activate chain brake (push forward).
  3. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
  4. Set choke control to full choke.
  5. Press fuel primer bulb 4-6 times.
  6. Pull starter handle until engine fires (1-4 pulls).
  7. Move choke to half-throttle position.
  8. Pull starter handle until engine starts.
  9. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.

Warm Start: Use half-choke position, no priming needed.

Stopping: Release throttle, press stop switch to OFF.

Operating Instructions

Proper cutting techniques for safety and efficiency.

  1. Basic Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward.
  2. Grip: Hold front handle with left hand, rear handle with right hand. Thumbs wrapped around handles.
  3. Starting Cut: Apply light pressure, let chain do the work. Avoid forcing saw.
  4. Kickback Prevention: Maintain secure grip, be aware of bar tip contact.
  5. Bucking: Support log properly. Cut from top down, avoid ground contact.
  6. Limbing: Stand on left side of trunk, cut downward branches from top.
  7. Felling: Not recommended for inexperienced users. Consult professional.

Tip: Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned for best performance.

Maintenance Schedule

IntervalTask
Daily/Before UseCheck chain tension, sharpness, brake function; Clean air filter; Check fuel/oil levels
WeeklyClean cooling fins; Check spark plug; Clean chain brake band
MonthlyClean fuel filter; Check carburetor adjustment; Inspect anti-vibration elements
SeasonallyReplace spark plug; Clean muffler; Check clutch and sprocket
AnnuallyProfessional servicing recommended

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 4.0mm). Maintain 30° cutting angle, 10° top plate angle. File all cutters equally.

Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts, turn tensioning screw clockwise until chain fits snug against bar (lift slightly from center). Tighten bar nuts, recheck tension.

Depth Gauges: File to 0.025" (0.65mm) below cutter top plate using depth gauge tool.

WARNING! Wear gloves when handling chain. Proper tension prevents derailment and excessive wear.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

  1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
  2. Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of engine oil through spark plug hole. Pull starter 2-3 times to distribute oil.
  3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
  4. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil. Store separately.
  5. Store in dry, cool place, protected from dust.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods—fuel deteriorates and damages carburetor.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark, flooded, old fuelCheck spark plug; Use fresh 50:1 mix; Follow cold start procedure
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter, dirty air filterReplace fuel filter; Clean air filter
Poor performanceDull chain, clogged mufflerSharpen chain; Clean spark arrestor screen
Chain doesn't turnBrake engaged, clutch wornDisengage chain brake; Inspect clutch
Excessive vibrationLoose components, worn AV mountsTighten all fasteners; Replace anti-vibration elements
Chain throws oilOil port clogged, wrong oil viscosityClean oil ports; Use recommended chain oil
OverheatingDirty cooling fins, lean mixtureClean fins; Check carburetor adjustment

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

Support: Husqvarna AB, SE-561 82 Huskvarna, Sweden. US: 1-800-487-5962. www.husqvarna.com

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