Manual for Husqvarna 142 E Series Chainsaw

The Husqvarna 142 E Series is a lightweight, gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for occasional users and homeowners. It features a 40.9cc X-Torq engine for reduced emissions, an inertia-activated chain brake, combined choke/stop control, air injection for reduced air filter cleaning, and low vibration. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Stopping 7. Basic Operation 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 10. Storage 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq engine, inertia-activated chain brake, combined choke/stop control, air injection, side-mounted chain tensioner, and low vibration handles.

FeatureDescription
X-Torq EngineReduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions
Inertia-Activated Chain BrakeStops the chain instantly in case of kickback
Combined Choke/Stop ControlSimplifies starting and stopping
Air InjectionCentrifugal air cleaning system for longer filter intervals
Side-Mounted Chain TensionerEasy chain adjustment without tools
Low VibrationReduces user fatigue during operation
Fuel Level WindowAllows visual check of fuel without opening cap
Chain Oil PumpAutomatic lubrication (adjustable)
Front Hand GuardProtects hands from debris and branches
Spark Arrestor MufflerReduces spark emission for safer operation

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before use. Always wear appropriate PPE.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip.
  4. Chain Brake: Test function before each use. Engage when carrying or moving short distances.
  5. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area, with engine off and cool. Use fresh fuel mix.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate a chainsaw while tired, under the influence, or in poor weather conditions.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

  1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on mounting studs. Loop chain over sprocket and onto bar groove, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Install bar nut and tighten.
  2. Adjust Chain Tension: Use side-mounted tensioner to achieve proper tension (chain should snap back when pulled from bar).
  3. Fill Fluids: Add Husqvarna 2-stroke engine oil (50:1 mix) to fuel tank. Fill separate chain oil tank with bar & chain oil.
  4. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function correctly.

CAUTION! Always wear protective gloves when handling the chain. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before starting.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and hand guard. Rear Handle: Contains start/stop switch, choke control, and fuel primer bulb.

Main Controls: - Start/Stop Switch: Toggle between start (I) and stop (0). - Combined Choke/Stop Control: Pull out for choke (cold start), push in for run. - Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. - Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed to engage throttle. - Chain Brake Lever: Manual engagement; also inertia-activated. - Chain Tensioner: Located on side for easy adjustment. - Fuel Primer Bulb: Press several times to fill carburetor with fuel for cold starts.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

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

Warm Start: Follow steps above but do not use choke. Use half-choke position if needed.

Stopping: Release throttle. Set start/stop switch to (0).

Basic Operation

Always maintain a firm grip with both hands. Keep body to the left of the cutting plane.

  1. Felling (Cutting Down a Tree): Plan escape path (45° angle behind tree). Make notch cut (1/3 tree diameter). Make felling cut from opposite side, leaving hinge wood.
  2. Limbing (Removing Branches): Work from base to top. Let saw weight do the work. Beware of spring-loaded branches.
  3. Bucking (Cutting Logs): Support log off ground. Cut from top side to avoid pinching. Use wedges for large logs.
  4. Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly. Do not cut with bar tip. Maintain high chain speed when entering cut.

Tip: Let the chain do the cutting; do not force the saw. Maintain proper chain sharpness and tension.

Maintenance Schedule

IntervalTask
Daily (Before Use)Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check all controls and fasteners.
Every 5 HoursClean air filter. Check spark plug condition.
Every 10 HoursClean cooling fins. Check fuel filter.
Every 20 HoursClean spark arrestor screen in muffler.
Seasonally/AnnuallyReplace fuel filter. Clean carburetor (if needed). Check anti-vibration elements.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance. Use only Husqvarna recommended parts and fluids.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 5/32" or 4.0mm). Maintain 30° filing angle. File all cutters to equal length. Check depth gauges with gauge tool and file down if necessary.

Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely. Adjust with side tensioner when chain is cool. Proper tension: chain should snap back when pulled from bar, with drive links not fully out of bar groove.

WARNING! A loose chain can derail. An overtightened chain can break or damage the engine. Always check tension frequently during first use of a new chain.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

  1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to empty carburetor.
  2. Remove chain and guide bar. Clean and coat with oil.
  3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
  4. Store in a dry, cool place, out of reach of children.

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

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo spark, flooded engine, old fuel, clogged filterCheck spark plug. Wait if flooded. Use fresh fuel mix. Clean/replace air filter.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter, carburetor issues, vent blockedReplace fuel filter. Clean carburetor screen. Check tank vent.
Chain does not turnChain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket damagedDisengage chain brake. Inspect clutch and sprocket for wear.
Chain throws off barLoose chain, worn bar, damaged drive linksTension chain properly. Inspect bar rails and sprocket nose. Replace damaged chain.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, unbalanced chain, damaged AV mountsTighten all fasteners. Sharpen chain evenly. Check anti-vibration elements.
Poor cutting performanceDull chain, improper filing, low chain speedSharpen chain correctly. Maintain full throttle during cut.
Chain not oilingEmpty oil tank, clogged oil holes, faulty pumpFill tank. Clean oil passages on bar. Check oil pump function.

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

Support: Husqvarna USA, 1-800-487-5962, www.husqvarna.com/us

Manual for Husqvarna 142 E Series Chainsaw © - All Rights Reserved 2025