Husqvarna 55 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 55 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and tree care work. It features a powerful 2-stroke engine, X-Torq technology for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an inertia-activated chain brake, combined choke/stop control, and an ergonomic design for reduced vibration and user fatigue. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-stroke engine with X-Torq, Air Injection cleaning system, combined choke/stop control, inertia-activated chain brake, side-mounted chain tensioner, and low-vibration handles.

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear appropriate PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety helmet, hearing protection, protective glasses, gloves, chainsaw protective trousers, and boots with steel toe caps.
2. Work Area Safety: Ensure a clear work area. Keep bystanders and animals at least 15 meters away.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only, with engine stopped and cooled. Use clean, fresh fuel mix (50:1 gasoline to 2-stroke oil).
4. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Avoid contact in this area.

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

Assembly & First Use

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach the guide bar: Loosen bar nuts, fit bar over studs, ensure chain is correctly routed in bar groove.
2. Fit the chain: Place chain over sprocket and onto guide bar. Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar.
3. Tension the chain: Use side-mounted tensioner to adjust. Correct tension allows chain to be pulled by hand with light resistance.
4. Fill fluids: Add fuel mix to fuel tank and chain oil to oil tank. Use recommended oils only.
5. Perform pre-start check: Verify chain brake functions, throttle trigger and lockout move freely, all nuts are tight.

CAUTION! Never start the saw unless the bar and chain are correctly assembled and the chain brake is disengaged.

Technical Specifications

• Model: Husqvarna 55
• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled
• Displacement: 55.5 cm³
• Cylinder Bore: 45 mm
• Piston Stroke: 35 mm
• Power at Rated RPM: 3.2 kW at 9000 rpm
• Idle Speed: 2700 rpm
• Max Recommended Speed: 13000 rpm
• Ignition: SEM electronic
• Spark Plug: Champion RCJ7Y or equivalent, gap 0.5 mm
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (Husqvarna HP or equivalent 2-stroke oil)
• Carburetor: Walbro HDA
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" or .325" (depending on configuration)
• Chain Gauge: 0.050" or 1.3 mm

Controls and Functions

Master Control Lever: Combined choke, start, and stop functions. Throttle Trigger Lockout: Must be depressed to access throttle. Chain Brake Lever: Front hand guard; activates brake manually or by inertia. Decompression Valve: Reduces compression for easier starting. Primer Bulb: For cold starts. Side-Mounted Chain Tensioner: For adjusting chain tension.

Right Side: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, rear handle. Left Side: Chain brake lever (hand guard), choke/stop control, decompression valve (if equipped).

Starting & Stopping Procedure

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on firm, level ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set Master Control Lever to choke position (full up).
4. Press primer bulb 4-6 times until fuel is visible.
5. Pull starter handle sharply until engine fires (usually 1-3 pulls).
6. Immediately move Master Control Lever to half-throttle position (mid position).
7. Pull starter handle again until engine starts.
8. Blip throttle to disengage start setting. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Warm Start: Master Control Lever in half-throttle position. No priming needed.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Move Master Control Lever to stop position.

Cutting Techniques

Use a firm grip with both hands. Maintain secure footing.

1. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 of tree diameter), then felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
2. Limbing: Stand on left side of trunk. Cut branches from bottom to top. Let the saw's weight do the work.
3. Bucking (Cross-cutting): Support log properly. Cut from top, avoid pinching bar. For logs under tension, cut compression side first.
4. Kickback Prevention: Always hold saw firmly. Do not cut with bar tip. Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned.

Tip: Let the saw run at full speed before entering the cut. Do not force the saw.

Maintenance Schedule

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 4.0mm or 4.8mm). Maintain 30° filing angle on top plate. File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges (rakers) with flat file and gauge.

Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Turn tensioning screw clockwise until chain fits snugly against bar. Chain should pull freely by hand but not sag from bar. Tighten bar nuts while lifting tip of bar. Re-check tension after tightening.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. A sharp chain is safer and more efficient than a dull one.

Storage Guidelines

For storage longer than 30 days:

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
2. Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of 2-stroke oil into cylinder. Pull starter cord slowly to distribute oil, then refit plug.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
4. Remove chain, clean in solvent, oil lightly, and store separately.
5. Store in a dry, cool place, protected from dust.

CAUTION! Old fuel can gum up carburetor. Always use fresh fuel mix.

Troubleshooting

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

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