Husqvarna 445 Chainsaw Owners Manual

The Husqvarna 445 is a professional-grade gasoline chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful X-Torq® engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an ergonomic design with LowVib® anti-vibration system, combined choke/stop control, air injection centrifugal air cleaning, and inertia activated chain brake. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

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

Safety Instructions

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

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear chainsaw protective trousers, safety boots, gloves, eye and hearing protection, and a helmet system.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 meters away. Ensure secure footing.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only, with engine stopped and cooled. Use clean, fresh fuel mix.
4. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar nose). Use reduced kickback chain and maintain proper chain sharpness.
5. Carrying & Transport: Always engage chain brake and fit 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 guide bar and chain.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Remove bar cover. Fit bar onto studs. Loop chain over bar with cutting teeth facing forward on top. Adjust tension.
2. Fill Fuel Tank: Use Husqvarna 2-stroke oil mixed with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio). Shake well before filling.
3. Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use Husqvarna chain oil or equivalent. Check oiler function.
4. Check Chain Brake: Ensure brake engages and releases properly.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is correctly installed and tensioned before starting. Loose chain can derail.

Technical Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 45.7 cm³ (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: 0.26 L (8.8 fl.oz)
• Recommended Bar Lengths: 40 cm (16"), 45 cm (18")
• Chain Pitch: 3/8"
• Chain Gauge: 0.050" (1.3 mm)
• Weight (excl. cutting equipment): 4.9 kg (10.8 lbs)
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels (front/rear handle): 3.2/2.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Front Handle with throttle trigger and throttle trigger lockout. Rear Handle with stop switch. Left Side: Combined choke/stop control, decompression valve (if equipped), primer bulb. Right Side: Chain brake/hand guard, side-mounted chain tensioner.

Safety Features: Chain brake (manual/inertia activated), throttle trigger lockout, right-hand guard, chain catcher.

Maintenance Points: Quick-release air filter cover, spark plug, cylinder cover, fuel and oil caps, chain tensioning screw.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on flat ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set combined control to choke position (full down).
4. Press primer bulb 4-6 times until fuel is visible.
5. Pull starter handle until engine fires (1-4 pulls).
6. Set combined control to half throttle position (middle).
7. Pull starter handle to start. Let engine idle briefly.
8. Disengage chain brake. Saw is ready.

Warm Start: Combined control in run position (up). No choke or priming needed.

Stopping: Release throttle. Press stop switch to OFF position.

Basic Operation & Cutting

Always use both hands. Maintain secure footing and balance.

1. Basic Cutting: Hold saw firmly. Let chain cut at its own speed; do not force.
2. Felling Trees: Plan escape path (45° behind). Make notch cut (1/3 diameter), then felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
3. Limbing: Stand on left side of trunk. Cut from top of log. Beware of springback.
4. Bucking: Support log properly. Cut from top. For pinched bar, stop and use wedge.
5. Kickback Prevention: Keep saw at waist level or below. Do not cut with bar nose. Keep chain sharp and tensioned.

WARNING! Beware of kickback. Never cut above shoulder height.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Perform daily maintenance before use. Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

1. Air Filter: Clean daily in dusty conditions. Remove, tap clean, or wash in warm soapy water.
2. Spark Plug: Check and clean every 25 operating hours. Replace if electrode worn.
3. Fuel Filter: Replace every season or if clogged.
4. Chain Oiler: Check output daily. Clean oil holes in bar.
5. Exterior Cleaning: Clean saw with brush. Avoid water near air intake and controls.
6. Cylinder Fins: Keep cooling fins clean for proper engine cooling.

CAUTION! Always stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire before maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is essential for safety and performance.

Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 5.5 mm). File at 30° angle. Maintain equal length on all cutters. File depth gauges with depth gauge tool.

Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely. Adjust with side-mounted tensioner when chain is cold. Correct tension: tie straps should not pull out of bar groove when lifting chain from bar.

Tip: Rotate bar regularly for even wear.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

1. Empty fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
2. Empty chain oil tank.
3. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil. Clean bar groove and oil holes.
4. Clean entire saw thoroughly.
5. Store in dry, cool place, protected from dust.
6. For very long storage: Remove spark plug, add teaspoon of engine oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to distribute.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods. Fuel can deteriorate and damage engine.

Troubleshooting

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

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