Husqvarna 345 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 345 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and arborist work. It features a powerful X-Torq® engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an efficient air injection system, combined choke/stop control, inertia-activated chain brake, and low vibration dampening. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq® engine, Air Injection cleaning system, Combined choke/stop control, Inertia activated chain brake, LowVib® anti-vibration system, Quick-release air filter.

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 outdoors, away from ignition sources. Use approved fuel container.
4. Kickback Awareness: Understand kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Maintain secure grip.
5. Carrying: Always carry with engine stopped, bar pointed backward, and chain brake engaged.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate when fatigued or under influence.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble bar and chain.

1. Attach guide bar: Place bar over studs, align adjustment pin with hole.
2. Install chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Fit chain over sprocket and bar.
3. Tighten bar nuts: Hand-tighten, then adjust chain tension using side tensioner.
4. Final tension: Lift tip of bar, tighten bar nuts to specification (check manual).
5. Fuel mix: Use high-quality 2-stroke oil mixed with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio for Husqvarna XP+ oil).

CAUTION! Chain must move freely when pulled by hand. Overtightening damages bar and chain.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 45.7 cc (2.8 cu in)
• Power Output: 2.4 kW (3.2 hp)
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.5 L (16.9 fl oz)
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.25 L (8.5 fl oz)
• Recommended Bar Length: 13" to 18" (33 cm to 45 cm)
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" or .325" (check model variant)
• Weight (powerhead): 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs) without bar and chain
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: Front handle: 3.2 m/s², Rear handle: 4.5 m/s²
• Emissions: Meets EPA Phase II and EU Stage II standards

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Right Side: Throttle trigger, Throttle lockout, Front hand guard/chain brake, Stop switch.

Left Side: Choke/stop control, Primer bulb, Decompression valve (if equipped), Chain tensioner.

Top/Rear: Fuel cap, Oil cap, Air filter cover, Spark plug cover, Starter handle.

Chain Brake: Engage manually by pushing hand guard forward. Test before each use.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

1. Place on flat, clear surface. Engage chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set choke control to full choke position.
4. Press primer bulb 4-6 times until fuel is visible.
5. Pull starter cord sharply until engine fires (usually 2-3 pulls).
6. Move choke to half-throttle position.
7. Pull starter cord again until engine starts.
8. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle. Disengage chain brake.

Warm Start: Use half-choke or no choke. No priming needed.

Stopping: Release throttle, press stop switch to OFF. Engage chain brake.

Operation Guidelines

Proper technique ensures safety and efficiency.

1. Grip: Hold firmly with both hands, right thumb under handle.
2. Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward.
3. Cutting: Let saw do the work. Avoid forcing. Use appropriate cutting techniques:
   • Notching: For directional felling.
   • Felling cut: Leave hinge wood intact.
   • Bucking: Support logs properly. Beware of tension/compression.
   • Limbing: Work from trunk outward. Stand on opposite side of tree.
4. Kickback Prevention: Never cut with tip. Maintain firm grip. Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned.

Tip: Plan escape path before felling trees.

Maintenance Schedule

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper care extends life and improves performance.

1. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 4.0mm or 4.8mm). Maintain 30° cutting angle. File all cutters evenly.
2. Depth Gauges: File down to maintain proper height (0.025" / 0.65mm below cutter). Use depth gauge tool.
3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly. Flip bar weekly for even wear. Dress bar rails with flat file if burred.
4. Lubrication: Always use high-quality chain oil. Check oiler output. Clean oil holes in bar.
5. Tension: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar. Adjust when cold.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues.

1. Empty fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer.
2. Run engine until carburetor is dry.
3. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil. Clean bar and store separately.
4. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
5. Store in dry, cool place, protected from dust.
6. For long-term storage, remove spark plug and add teaspoon of oil to cylinder. Pull starter slowly to distribute.

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

Troubleshooting

Service: For technical support, contact Husqvarna at 1-800-487-5962 or visit www.husqvarna.com/us