Husqvarna 55 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 55 is a professional-grade chainsaw featuring a 50.1cc engine, automatic chain oiling, combined choke/stop control, inertia-activated chain brake, anti-vibration system, and a 15-18 inch bar length. Designed for demanding cutting tasks, it requires proper handling, maintenance, and safety precautions. Below are key sections covering safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 50.1cc X-Torq engine, Chain brake, Combined choke/stop control, Automatic chain oiler, Anti-vibration system, Quick-release air filter, Side-mounted chain tensioner.

Feature	Description
Engine displacement	50.1cc, 3.1 cu.in.
Power output	2.8 kW (3.8 hp)
Fuel tank volume	0.55 liters (18.6 fl.oz)
Oil tank volume	0.26 liters (8.8 fl.oz)
Recommended bar length	15-18 inches
Chain pitch	0.325 inches
Weight (excl. cutting equipment)	5.2 kg (11.5 lbs)
Ignition system	Electronic, capacitor discharge
Vibration dampening	Front and rear handles isolated
Safety features	Chain brake, throttle lock, right hand guard

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operation. Wear protective equipment.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety helmet, hearing protection, protective glasses, gloves, chainsaw protective trousers, and boots.
2. Work area safety: Keep bystanders and animals at least 15 meters away. Ensure secure footing.
3. Fuel safety: Refuel outdoors only with engine stopped. Use clean fuel container.
4. Chain brake: Test function before each use by pulling front hand guard toward front handle.
5. Kickback prevention: Maintain secure grip; do not cut with tip of bar.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble bar and chain.

1. Mount guide bar: Remove clutch cover. Place bar over studs with tensioning pin in bar hole.
2. Install chain: Place chain over sprocket and bar with cutting edges facing forward on top.
3. Tension chain: Tighten chain tensioning screw until chain fits snugly against bar.
4. Secure clutch cover: Replace cover and tighten nuts evenly.
5. Final tension: Adjust chain tension after tightening cover nuts.
6. Fuel mixture: Use high-quality 2-stroke oil mixed with unleaded gasoline at 50:1 ratio.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned. Loose chain can derail; overtightened chain can damage bar.

Specifications

• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled.
• Displacement: 50.1 cm³ (3.1 cu.in).
• Power Output: 2.8 kW (3.8 hp) at 9,000 rpm.
• Idle Speed: 2,700 rpm.
• Maximum Power Speed: 9,500 rpm.
• Fuel Consumption: Approx. 470 g/kWh.
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A).
• Vibration Levels: Front handle 4.2 m/s², Rear handle 5.6 m/s².
• Spark Plug: Champion RCJ7Y or equivalent, gap 0.5 mm.
• Carburetor: Walbro HDA-159 or equivalent.

Controls and Functions

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger and throttle lockout. Rear Handle: Contains stop switch. Right Side: Chain brake lever, combined choke/stop control, primer bulb (if equipped).

Control Locations: 1. Throttle trigger, 2. Throttle lockout, 3. Stop switch, 4. Chain brake lever, 5. Choke control, 6. Primer bulb, 7. Chain tensioner, 8. Oil filler cap, 9. Fuel filler cap.

Chain Brake: Manual activation via front hand guard; inertia-activated during kickback. Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed before throttle trigger can be engaged. Combined Choke/Stop Control: Three positions - Run (fully in), Half-throttle (middle), Choke (fully out).

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start Procedure:

1. Place chainsaw on flat ground, clear of debris.
2. Activate chain brake by pulling front hand guard forward.
3. Set combined control to choke position (fully out).
4. Press primer bulb 4-6 times until fuel is visible (if equipped).
5. Pull starter handle until engine fires (usually 2-5 pulls).
6. Move combined control to half-throttle position.
7. Pull starter handle until engine starts.
8. Briefly apply throttle to return control to run position.

Warm Start: Set combined control to half-throttle position, pull starter handle.

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

Tip: Always engage chain brake when starting or carrying chainsaw.

Operating Instructions

Basic Cutting Techniques:

1. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut, then felling cut. Leave hinge wood.
2. Limbing: Work from trunk outward. Support logs when possible.
3. Bucking: Support log properly. Cut from top unless log is under tension.
4. Pruning: Use pulling chain (bottom of bar) for better control.

Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip, do not cut with upper tip of bar, keep chain sharp, maintain proper chain tension.

Chain Oiling: Automatic system delivers oil proportional to engine speed. Check oil flow before use.

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

Maintenance & Cleaning

Daily Maintenance:

1. Clean air filter: Remove filter cover, clean filter with compressed air or soapy water.
2. Check chain sharpness: Sharpen when chain produces fine dust instead of chips.
3. Inspect chain tension: Adjust when chain sags from bar.
4. Clean cooling fins: Remove debris from cylinder cooling fins.
5. Check all fasteners: Ensure nuts and bolts are tight.

Weekly Maintenance: Clean spark arrestor screen, check spark plug, clean fuel filter, inspect anti-vibration elements.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain & Bar Care

Chain Sharpening:

1. Secure bar in vise.
2. Use correct round file size (typically 4.0 mm for 0.325" pitch).
3. Maintain 30° filing angle on top plate.
4. File all cutters to equal length.
5. Check depth gauges with gauge tool; file down if necessary.

Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly, flip bar monthly for even wear, check for wear on rails and sprocket nose.

Chain Tension: Proper tension allows chain to be pulled around bar by hand with slight resistance. Adjust when chain is warm.

Storage Guidelines

Long-term Storage:

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
2. Remove spark plug and add 1 teaspoon of oil to cylinder. Pull starter 2-3 times to distribute.
3. Clean entire chainsaw thoroughly.
4. Remove chain and bar; clean and oil both.
5. Store in dry, dust-free location.
6. Cover to prevent dust accumulation.

Short-term Storage: Empty fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer. Clean air filter and exterior.

CAUTION! Never store chainsaw with fuel in tank for more than 30 days.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No spark, fuel issues, flooded	Check spark plug; ensure fresh fuel; wait if flooded; check air filter.
Engine starts then dies	Fuel filter clogged, carburetor issues	Replace fuel filter; clean carburetor; check fuel line.
Poor performance	Dirty air filter, dull chain, spark arrestor clogged	Clean/replace air filter; sharpen chain; clean spark arrestor screen.
Chain does not oil	Empty oil tank, clogged oil passages	Fill oil tank; clean oil holes in bar; check oil pump.
Chain comes off bar	Loose chain, worn bar, damaged drive links	Properly tension chain; replace worn bar; inspect chain for damage.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, damaged anti-vibration elements	Tighten all fasteners; replace anti-vibration mounts.
Chain brake not working	Dirty mechanism, worn parts	Clean brake mechanism; replace worn springs or bands.

Service Intervals: Refer to maintenance schedule in manual. Major repairs should be performed by authorized Husqvarna service center.

Customer Support: Contact Husqvarna at 1-800-487-5962 or visit www.husqvarna.com