Owners Manual for Husqvarna 55

The Husqvarna 55 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and tree care work. It features a powerful 50.1cc engine, X-Torq technology for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, air injection centrifugal cleaning system, combined choke/stop control, inertia activated chain brake, and low vibration system. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Technical Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Stopping 7. Operating Instructions 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain & Bar Care 10. Storage Guidelines 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine with X-Torq technology, Air Injection system, combined choke/stop control, inertia activated chain brake, low vibration handles, side-mounted chain tensioner.

FeatureDescription
Engine displacement50.1cc professional engine
X-Torq technologyReduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions
Air InjectionCentrifugal air cleaning system for longer air filter life
Combined choke/stop controlSimplified starting procedure
Inertia activated chain brakeAutomatic safety feature during kickback
Low vibration systemReduces operator fatigue
Side-mounted chain tensionerEasy chain adjustment without tools
Fuel tank capacity0.55 liters (0.15 US gallons)
Oil tank capacity0.3 liters (0.08 US gallons)
Recommended bar length13-18 inches (33-45 cm)

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

  1. Always wear protective equipment: helmet, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
  2. Inspect chainsaw before each use: check chain tension, sharpness, and all components.
  3. Maintain secure footing and clear work area of obstacles.
  4. Never operate with damaged or missing safety devices.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools that can cause serious injury or death. Proper training and safety equipment are essential.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble according to instructions.

  1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on mounting studs, fit chain around sprocket and bar, adjust tension.
  2. Fill with fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (min 90 octane) mixed with 2-stroke oil (50:1 ratio for Husqvarna XP oil).
  3. Fill chain oil: Use quality bar and chain oil in separate oil tank.
  4. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Fuel is highly flammable. Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine stopped and cool.

Technical Specifications

Controls and Components

Main controls: Front handle with throttle trigger, rear handle, throttle lockout, chain brake lever, choke/stop control, decompression valve.

Components: Engine, air filter cover, fuel tank cap, oil tank cap, spark plug, muffler, chain catcher, right hand guard, chain tensioner, guide bar, saw chain.

Safety devices: Chain brake (manual and inertia activated), throttle lockout, right hand guard, chain catcher, vibration dampening system.

Starting & Stopping

Starting procedure for cold engine:

  1. Place chainsaw on firm ground, clear of obstacles.
  2. Activate chain brake by pushing forward.
  3. Set choke control to full choke position.
  4. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
  5. Pull starter handle until engine fires (1-4 pulls).
  6. Move choke control to half-throttle position.
  7. Pull starter handle until engine starts.
  8. Release chain brake before cutting.

Stopping: Release throttle, push stop switch to OFF position.

Operating Instructions

Proper cutting techniques for safety and efficiency.

  1. Always use both hands on handles with thumbs wrapped around.
  2. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart for stability.
  3. Let chain do the cutting - don't force the saw.
  4. For felling: Plan escape path, make notch cut, then felling cut.
  5. For limbing: Work from trunk outward, support saw on trunk.
  6. For bucking: Support logs properly, cut from top side when possible.
  7. Avoid cutting with tip of bar to prevent kickback.

Tip: Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned for best performance.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

IntervalMaintenance Task
Daily/Before useCheck chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication
Daily/Before useClean air filter (more often in dusty conditions)
WeeklyClean cooling fins and external surfaces
WeeklyCheck all nuts and bolts for tightness
MonthlyClean spark arrestor screen in muffler
Every 3 monthsReplace spark plug
Every 6 monthsClean fuel filter and check fuel lines
AnnuallyProfessional inspection and carburetor adjustment

Chain & Bar Care

Proper chain and bar maintenance extends life and improves safety.

  1. Chain tension: Should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand.
  2. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 3/8" or .325").
  3. Filing angle: Maintain 30° cutting angle, 10° top plate angle.
  4. Depth gauges: File to proper height (0.025" / 0.65mm below cutter).
  5. Bar maintenance: Clean groove regularly, flip bar monthly for even wear.
  6. Lubrication: Always use quality bar and chain oil; adjust oiler as needed.

WARNING! Always wear gloves when handling chain. A dull chain requires more force and increases kickback risk.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

  1. For short-term storage (under 30 days): Fill fuel tank to prevent condensation.
  2. For long-term storage: Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor.
  3. Run engine until it stops to clear fuel system.
  4. Remove chain, clean and oil it, store separately.
  5. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
  6. Store in dry, protected area away from children.

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

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark, fuel issues, floodedCheck spark plug, fuel quality, use correct starting procedure
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter, carburetor issuesReplace fuel filter, clean carburetor, check fuel lines
Poor performanceDirty air filter, clogged spark arrestorClean/replace air filter, clean spark arrestor screen
Chain doesn't turnBrake engaged, clutch issues, chain too tightDisengage brake, check clutch springs, adjust chain tension
Excessive vibrationLoose components, unbalanced chainTighten all bolts, check chain for damage, balance chain
Chain throws oilOver-oiling, wrong oil viscosityAdjust oiler, use proper bar and chain oil
Chain dulls quicklyCutting dirty wood, hitting ground, improper filingAvoid cutting dirty wood, keep chain out of dirt, sharpen correctly

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

Owners Manual for Husqvarna 55 © - All Rights Reserved 2025