Husqvarna chainsaws (Husqvarna) - general characteristics, repair, fake and original
The chainsaw market in Russia is so oversaturated with products from various brands that it is almost impossible for an ordinary person to understand their abundance.
Let's be honest that most experts will not be able to fully characterize this or that saw from even one manufacturer, because it is almost impossible to operate each model long enough in different conditions to form a more or less complete impression about it.
We won’t do this either, but will try to understand the features of the most popular chainsaws from the Swedish company Husqvarna, specifically models 137, 236, 240, 135 and 365, which are most loved by Russians.
General characteristics of Huskvara chainsaws
Of course, this manufacturer, known for over 300 years, has its own identity. In Husqvarna chainsaws it has a pleasant bright orange color.
By the way, deviations in color, as well as excessive glossiness or dullness of the covering may indicate a fake. Just like the rich black color of the handles and shield, the original products are rather dark gray. And the sheer number of fakes is further evidence of the brand’s popularity.
All brands of these saws have a digital marking of 3 or 4 digits, in which the first is the serial number of the generation of the saw, and the two following it are the rounded volume of a two-stroke gasoline engine. Also, letters can appear after numbers:
- e – indicates the presence of the SmartStart easy start function;
- XP – indicates the presence of an AirInjection air pre-cleaning system;
- G – have heated handles and carburetor.
There are also notations:
- more economical engine - X-Torq;
- increased ability to work in bad weather conditions and on low-quality fuel - AutoTune are professional saws;
- improved vibration protection - Low Vib.
Weaknesses of Husqvarna chainsaws
Despite the fact that more than 80% of all user reviews of Husqvarna chainsaws are definitely positive, we have selected some problems that are typical for generations 1 and 2, most often used by Russians in the household.
In the first place is the problem of slight oil leakage from the chain lubrication system; sometimes this happens even on idle saws.
The second common unpleasant feature characteristic of Husqvarna is what the owners call a starter that is much stiffer than that of other chainsaws.
This becomes especially noticeable if the saw has a habit of not starting the first or second time, which happens in some cases if the owner did not check this function upon purchase.
This most often occurs due to poor-quality factory settings of the carburetor, which is the problem with quite a few household Husqvarnas.
Absolutely all users who left unflattering reviews about these saws note the disgusting translation into Russian of the instructions for the chainsaw. In addition to the fact that it is written in an incomprehensible language and in many cases requires further thought and semantic correction, it sometimes contains obvious inaccuracies.
Sometimes complaints are also caused by Husqvarn chains, which require frequent tightening at the initial stage of operation until they stretch.
Some models sometimes stall when turning 90° when cutting down trees.
But the biggest complaints are caused by the prices of branded oil, the replacement of which with cheaper brands causes refusal of warranty service and repairs.
Positive aspects of a chainsaw
It must be said that there are not so many similar reviews about Husqvarna chainsaws and they are clearly offset by the overall positive impression of their work. Everyone notes:
- excellent balance of instruments;
- low vibration and low noise during operation;
- sufficient power reserve to perform the functions provided for each specific model.
If a thick oak log is being sawed with a lopper, then the power may not be enough.
Of the listed models, only the semi-professional 365 can cope with such work, but even after 40 - 50 minutes of work it needs to be given a rest.
When choosing a specific Husqvarna model, determine for what purpose you need it, and only then compare its price with your capabilities. A properly selected saw can easily last 5 years or more with fairly intense use, which saws from lesser-known brands are unlikely to boast of.
Husqvarna 137
This is a household saw with a power of 1.64 kW, which can cope with most household tasks.
Chainsaws 137 were equipped with tires from 33 to 38 cm in length and, weighing just over 4.5 kg, delighted owners with their performance and ease of use.
This model has not been produced for several years, so if you are offered a new Husqvarna-137 in any store, you can be sure that they are offering you a fake.
This saw of original production can only be purchased in an online store that sells used tools or second-hand. Its cost at the time of termination of sales was around 6.5 thousand rubles.
and for most users it honestly earned every penny.
Husqvarna-236
This model replaced the much-loved 137.
Having slightly less power (1.4 kW), it added 100 g in weight, gained a 40-centimeter saw bar and, most importantly, a new engine, 20% more economical than its predecessor, with higher torque and a wider speed range, which did the job with this saw it is even more comfortable and has slightly expanded the range of its applications.
True, its cost has increased somewhat and today amounts to almost 11 thousand rubles, but if you recalculate to the current dollar exchange rate (and these saws are produced in Sweden and the USA), then everything will fall into place.
Husqvarna-240
It is very close in its performance to the previous one and is only 100 watts more powerful.
But this 0.1 kW is felt by its users. There is evidence that this model could easily cope with 60-centimeter tree trunks. However, we should not forget that this is a household tool and should not be used for more than 25-30 minutes without rest. Its weight is the same as that of the 236th - 4.7 kg.
Globally, they are distinguished by the presence of the 240th easy start system and an additional 1000 rubles. cost.
Husqvarna-135
This is a new household saw from Husqvarna. It also has an X-Torq engine and a lightweight starting system. But with its one and a half kilowatts of power, it weighs 4.4 kg, which is important for a home chainsaw.
At the same time, its tire length is also 40 cm. But the cost is about 14 thousand rubles.
All of the above saws have approximately the same technical characteristics and are designed to perform the same type of work. They occupy the lion's share of the market among all Husqvarna sawing equipment. The next saw from our mini-review belongs to the semi-professional class.
Husqvarna-365
And, of course, it has completely different characteristics. With a power of 3.4 kW, it is capable of carrying a saw bar up to 70 cm long, which speaks for itself.
And even a weight of 6 kg does not seem excessive. The same cannot be said about the price of 36 thousand.
You may need such a saw in your household only if, in addition to sawing trunks into logs, you are also engaged in felling these trunks, which is quite doubtful.
Repair of Husqvarna saws
Let’s make a reservation right away: this equipment, despite not having a very large number of parts, is high-tech, and spare parts for it are very expensive, so it is advisable to carry out any repairs at a Husqvarna service center. Simply, independent intervention can not only void your warranty, but also lead to disastrous results.
Although there are a few areas you can tamper with without fear of harming your chainsaw.
1. Carburetor adjustment. We will look at it using the 137th model as an example.
For this:
- screw L to set the highest speed;
- after warming up the engine for 15 - 20 seconds. use screw H to set the quality of the mixture (if it smokes, it’s rich and tighten the screw, and if it squeals, it’s lean, unscrew it);
- Use screw T to adjust the idle speed, rotating it clockwise until the chain begins to move, then slowly unscrew it until the chain stops completely.
2. Ignition . There is nothing to install in it; its repair (except for physical damage to the flywheel) comes down to replacing the coil (aka magneto). Here you need to choose a spare part with the same markings as on your saw, even if it fits the seat. The ignition timing may not match.
3. Clutch repair. There is an unspoken rule: after replacing 2 saw chains, the tire should be replaced, and after replacing 2 tires, the clutch should be replaced. Of course, this is not a dogma, and in each individual case it is worth checking the functionality of the unit before changing it, but you can carry out the procedure for replacing the clutch (as well as the chain or tire) yourself.
It's easy to do:
- remove the tire;
- fix the piston through the spark plug hole;
- unscrew the clutch;
- install the new one by performing the steps in reverse order.
How to distinguish a fake Husqvarna chainsaw?
We can with a high degree of probability assume that a significant part of the negative reviews about Husqvarna chainsaws apply specifically to them. And new saws sold second-hand for ridiculous money are 99.9% exactly like that.
On all original Husqvarnas, a metal nameplate is installed on the body.
Photographs of the saws described in the article can also serve to verify authenticity: in addition to the color and texture, the shape of the cases on the fakes is different, there are no cast markings on the casing, the bodies of individual components, etc.
These and other moments are in the video:
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