Husqvarna 345 Chainsaw Owners Manual

The Husqvarna 345 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and tree care work. It features a powerful X-Torq engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, a robust construction for durability, and ergonomic design for operator comfort and control. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq engine, Air Injection cleaning system, Combined choke/stop control, Inertia activated chain brake, Side-mounted chain tensioner, LowVib anti-vibration system.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation. Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

1. PPE Requirements: Wear helmet, hearing protection, eye protection (visor/goggles), protective gloves, chainsaw protective trousers, and boots with steel toe caps.
2. Work Area Safety: Ensure a clear work area. Keep bystanders and pets at a safe distance (at least 10 meters/30 feet).
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only, with engine stopped and cool. Use clean, fresh fuel mix (gasoline and 2-stroke oil).
4. Kickback Danger: Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of guide bar tip). Never cut with this part of the bar.

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

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain. Prepare fuel mix.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Loosen bar nuts. Fit the chain around the sprocket and onto the guide bar rails. Position the bar onto the studs. Ensure chain direction is correct (cutting teeth facing forward on top). Tension chain and tighten bar nuts.
2. Fill Fuel Tank: Use a clean fuel can. Mix high-quality unleaded gasoline (min. 90 octane) with Husqvarna 2-stroke engine oil at a 50:1 ratio (2%). Shake well before filling.
3. Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use Husqvarna chain oil or a good quality biodegradable oil. Do not use waste oil.
4. Check Chain Tension: New chains stretch. Check and adjust tension frequently during first hours of use.

CAUTION! Ensure the chain brake is disengaged (pushed forward) before starting the engine.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 45.7 cm³ (2.79 cu.in).
• Power Output: 2.2 kW (3.0 hp).
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.5 L (16.9 fl.oz).
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.26 L (8.8 fl.oz).
• Recommended Bar Length: 40 cm (16") or 45 cm (18").
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" Low Profile or .325".
• Weight (excl. cutting equipment): 4.9 kg (10.8 lbs).
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A).
• Vibration Level (front/rear handle): 3.5/2.5 m/s².

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Main Components: Front Handle, Rear Handle, Throttle Trigger, Throttle Trigger Lockout, Stop Switch, Choke Control, Primer Bulb, Chain Brake Handle, Chain Catcher, Side-Mounted Chain Tensioner, Fuel Cap, Oil Cap, Air Filter Cover, Spark Plug, Muffler.

Control Functions:
Throttle Trigger Lockout: Must be pressed to allow throttle trigger movement.
Chain Brake: Engages (stops chain) if activated manually (by hand) or automatically by inertia during kickback.
Stop Switch: Moves to STOP position to shut off engine.
Choke Control: Used for cold starting.
Combined Choke/Stop Control: Pull out for choke, push in past neutral for stop.

Starting & Stopping the Engine

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on firm ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Activate decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set stop switch to start position.
4. Pull choke control fully out.
5. Press primer bulb 4-6 times until fuel is visible.
6. Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle. Pull starter handle sharply until engine fires.
7. Push choke control fully in.
8. Pull starter handle again until engine starts.
9. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle. Disengage chain brake.

Warm Start: Do not use choke. Follow steps 1-3 and 6, 8-9.

Stopping: Release throttle. Move stop switch to STOP position.

Operating the Chainsaw

Always maintain a firm grip with both hands. Keep saw body close to your body for better balance.

1. Basic Cutting: Let the chain do the work. Apply light pressure. Use full throttle just before and during the cut.
2. Felling a Tree: Plan escape path (45-degree angle behind fall direction). Make notch cut and felling cut. Use wedges if necessary.
3. Limbing: Cut branches from bottom to top. Use the saw body as a lever. Beware of spring-loaded branches.
4. Bucking (Cutting Logs): Support log properly. Cut from top. For logs under tension, cut from the tension side first to avoid pinching.
5. Avoiding Pinch: Do not cut with the guide bar's upper tip in wood. Plan cuts to prevent the guide bar from getting pinched.

WARNING! Never operate the chainsaw above shoulder height or with one hand.

Maintenance Schedule

CAUTION! All maintenance should be performed with the engine off, spark plug wire disconnected, and the chain brake engaged.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp and properly tensioned chain is essential for safe and efficient operation.

1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Turn tensioning screw clockwise until the chain fits snugly against the bar (can be pulled by hand from underside but not from top). Tighten bar nuts. Re-check tension.
2. Sharpening: Use a round file matching your chain pitch (e.g., 4.0mm for 3/8" LP). Secure the bar. File each cutter from the inside out, maintaining the original filing angle (typically 30°). File all cutters to the same length. File depth gauges with a flat file and gauge.

Tip: Sharpen the chain frequently (every 1-2 tanks of fuel) for best performance.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days, prepare the chainsaw to prevent fuel system issues.

1. Run the engine to empty the carburetor of fuel.
2. Drain all fuel from the tank into an approved container.
3. Start the engine and let it run until it stops to use up remaining fuel.
4. Remove the chain and guide bar. Clean and oil them. Store separately.
5. Clean the entire saw. Check for loose parts.
6. Store in a dry, clean, and secure place, out of reach of children.

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

Troubleshooting

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

Support: Husqvarna AB, SE-561 82 Huskvarna, Sweden. www.husqvarna.com