Husqvarna 142 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 142 is a lightweight, professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a high-performance 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. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Stopping 7. Operating Instructions 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain & Bar Care 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/StopSingle lever for choke, start, and stop positions
Inertia Chain BrakeAutomatically activates in kickback situations
Side-mounted TensionerEasy chain adjustment without tools
Quick-release Air FilterEasy access for cleaning and replacement
Transparent Fuel TankAllows easy fuel level monitoring
Ergonomic HandleDesigned for comfortable grip and control
Chain CatcherSafety feature to catch broken chain

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders at least 15 feet away. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly with both hands. Do not cut with tip of bar.
  4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine stopped and cool.
  5. Transport: Engage chain brake and use scabbard when carrying.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble following these steps.

  1. Attach Guide Bar: Place bar on studs, align chain with sprocket, adjust tension.
  2. Install Chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar.
  3. Add Bar Nut: Hand-tighten, then use combination wrench to secure.
  4. Fuel Mix: Use 50:1 gasoline to 2-cycle oil (Husqvarna XP+ recommended).
  5. Chain Oil: Fill oil reservoir with quality bar and chain oil.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned - should snap back when pulled from bar.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with chain brake, Rear handle with throttle trigger, Throttle lockout, Stop switch, Choke control, Decompression valve.

Controls: 1. Chain brake handle - Push forward to engage, pull back to disengage 2. Throttle trigger - Controls engine speed 3. Throttle lockout - Must be depressed to operate throttle 4. Stop switch - Moves between run and stop positions 5. Choke control - For cold starting 6. Decompression valve - Reduces compression for easier starting 7. Fuel primer bulb - For easier starting (if equipped) 8. Side-mounted chain tensioner - Adjusts chain tension

Starting & Stopping

Follow proper starting procedure to ensure safety and engine longevity.

  1. Cold Start: Engage chain brake. Set choke to full choke. Press decompression valve. Pull starter cord until engine fires. Move choke to half choke. Pull until engine starts. Warm up for 30 seconds.
  2. Warm Start: Engage chain brake. Set choke to run position. Pull starter cord.
  3. Stopping: Release throttle. Press stop switch to stop position.

Tip: Always engage chain brake before starting. Ensure saw is on firm ground.

Operating Instructions

Proper cutting techniques ensure efficiency and safety.

  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.
  3. Starting Cut: Apply light pressure, let chain do the work.
  4. Bucking: Cut from top of log, support log properly.
  5. Limbing: Work from trunk outward, keep saw stable.
  6. Felling: Notch cut first, then felling cut. Use wedges if needed.

WARNING! Never operate above shoulder height. Watch for kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip).

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

IntervalTask
DailyCheck chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication
DailyClean air filter (more often in dusty conditions)
WeeklyCheck all nuts and bolts for tightness
MonthlyClean spark arrestor screen
SeasonallyReplace spark plug
SeasonallyClean cooling fins
AnnuallyProfessional servicing recommended

Chain & Bar Care

Proper chain maintenance is critical for performance and safety.

  1. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch. Maintain 30° cutting angle. File all cutters evenly.
  2. Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely. Adjust when chain sags from bar.
  3. Bar Maintenance: Flip bar regularly for even wear. Clean bar groove weekly.
  4. Lubrication: Ensure oil port is clear. Check oil flow before each use.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Dull chains are dangerous and inefficient.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

  1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
  2. Remove chain, clean and oil it, store separately.
  3. Clean entire saw, especially air filter and cooling fins.
  4. Store in dry place, protected from moisture.
  5. For long-term storage: Remove spark plug, add teaspoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to distribute.

Tip: Use fuel stabilizer if storing with fuel for short periods.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark, flooded, stale fuelCheck spark plug, wait if flooded, use fresh fuel mix
Engine runs poorlyDirty air filter, clogged fuel filterClean/replace air filter, replace fuel filter
Chain doesn't turnBrake engaged, clutch wornDisengage chain brake, check clutch assembly
Chain throws oilOverfilled, wrong oil typeCheck oil level, use correct bar and chain oil
Excessive vibrationLoose components, unbalanced chainTighten all fasteners, balance chain cutters
Chain dulls quicklyHitting ground, dirty woodAvoid ground contact, clean wood before cutting

Service: For professional service, contact authorized Husqvarna dealer.

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

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