Brand New Husqvarna 345

[CRSWA]

I just bought my first chain saw.

I live in a semi-rural part of western Washington and have rented chain saws in the past as the occasion warranted, so I'm familiar with normal operation and safety precautions. The recent storm to hit our area and the three 90-foot trees now laying across my front lawn convinced me it was time to invest in one of my very own. Since all of the local dealers were sold out, I purchased my Husky (with 18" bar) online from Norwalk.

Naturally, I'll follow all of the manufacturer recommendations for preparation and break-in. What other tips, tricks, tools, and resources can you guys recommend, though, for getting the most from this saw?

 

[Freakingstang]

don't store it for long periods with fuel in it... Most common problems with saws not starting after sitting a yea or so are fuel related.

Other than that, keep the chain sharp and use a good two stroke oil. Leave the boat oil for the boats

 

[Urbicide]

Rule #1. Don't ever loan out your saw(s)! Saws are very personal items, kind of like your tooth brush.

 

[Adkpk]

Rule #1. Don't ever loan out your saw(s)! Saws are very personal items, kind of like your tooth brush.

I'm going to second rule # 1. That is very good advise.

Don't cut when your tired. Very easy way to make mistakes. When my saw starts to pull me off balance then it's quitting time.

 

[wdchuck]

Welcome to AS, and welcome to your first new chainsaw.

What they said, and get some PPE; chaps, good gloves, hearing/eye protection.

Should you desire to sharpen/file your own chain, this is a very good primer:http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=20869

Do a lot of reading on this site.

Take your time, work smart/safe.

 

[Urbicide]

Use fresh premium grade gas, perferably with little or no alcohol blended into it. Use top quality 2 cycle oil mix. When you are cutting, try not to run the saw out of gas completely. You are leaning the saw out when you do. Do not cut barb wire, insulators, nails, screws, sand, rocks, or dirt with your saw. Learn how to sharpen your chains. A sharp chain makes it easier on you and on your saw. Keep the air filter clean. Most air filters can be tossed into the washing machine or dishwasher (Hi Niko).

 

[Urbicide]

Workshop Manual

This is a link to Husqvarna's Workshop Manual for the following models.

• 340
• 345
• 346XP
• 350
• 351
• 353

http://weborder.husqvarna.com/order_static/doc/HWEN/HWEN2003/HWEN2003_1140147-26.pdf

 

[CRSWA]

Good advice, all!

Thanks for the great pointers. Rule #1 will come in handy. I didn't realize you aren't supposed to loan out your toothbrush.

I've heard mention on this board and others that some saws run lean when fresh from the factory. Is that the case with Husqvarna? If so, is it likely to be a problem?

 

[maveric944]

hello CRSWA, before rule number one there is the most important one!
Rule No 0.5 listen to these guys on here and you wont go far wrong, best thing i ever did joining AS, but beware it will get you, it did me

mav

 

[TimberPig]

Thanks for the great pointers. Rule #1 will come in handy. I didn't realize you aren't supposed to loan out your toothbrush.

I've heard mention on this board and others that some saws run lean when fresh from the factory. Is that the case with Husqvarna? If so, is it likely to be a problem?

The issue of saws running lean from the factory mostly has to do with running the saw without correctly adjusting the carb for the conditions in your locale. Lower elevations and colder temperatures require the carb be adjusted to provide more fuel to the mix, due to the greater air density and thus higher oxygen content. If you're unsure if it is set correctly, try a search on here for carb tuning, or have it checked by a knowledgeable person you trust.

Running the saw lean will lead to burning the engine up due to lack of lube and excessive temperatures. It is imperative to correctly adjust the cabruretor to ensure the saw lives and doesn't get burnt up prematurely.

 

[Engineeringnerd]

Welcome to the forum. I think you'll pick up a bunch of good info, although you will probably buy a saw a month for the first year!

I add Stabil gas treatment to my gas/oil mixture and am able to keep it in the saw for 6 months without any problems. I usually take the saws out once or twice to crank them and refresh the fuel in the carbs. I use any gas that is 6 months or older in the lawnmower (Lawnboy 2 cycle) and mix fresh at my next outing.

I second the PPE advice, might as well make sure you avoid getting hurt while you're having fun.

 

[Gologit]

Welcome to the site...theres a wealth of information available here. Use the Search feature you'll find answers to almost every question. To fine tune your information just get on here like you did and ask.
The most important part of running a saw is keeping yourself safe. PPE is a given...there shouldn't even be any discussion on that. Take your time and really focus on what you're doing while you cut. Watch the saw and watch the wood...they're both out to get you. Have fun and let us know how you make out.

 

[Hard Knocks]

Good Choice

Welcome to AS. The 345 is an awesome saw and well suited for the work that you have described. We sell more 345's than any other single model in our area and they never come back with problems. They have a lot of quality features packed into a light and ergonomic saw. It has already been said but, fresh gas with good quality oil mix and a sharp chain are the secrets to success!

 

[oldsaw]

Rule #1. Don't ever loan out your saw(s)! Saws are very personal items, kind of like your tooth brush.

+2

I'm more likely to loan out my toothbrush than my saw. My buddy Lester can borrow one of the Homies because I trust him. The Stihl and Husky...no. Okay, Chopwood could come here and use either of them. Okay, so, maybe for certain people, since I wouldn't loan my toothbrush to either of them.

Mark

 

[Freakingstang]

people sharing toothbrushes is gross...

i have a couple beater saws just for loaners. I'll let my best friend run any of them, as I know he took chainsaw safetly classes as part of his ranger training. Other than him, no one uses my babies...

 

[oldsaw]

people sharing toothbrushes is gross...

Yes it is.

Mark

 

[Freakingstang]

My g'f wore my boxers once. Is that gross?

 

[Urbicide]

My g'f wore my boxers once. Is that gross?

Do you have a picture of her wearing them?opcorn:Steve, you wearing her panties would be gross.:hmm3grin2orange:

 

[maveric944]

Do you have a picture of her wearing them?opcorn:Steve, you wearing her panties would be gross.:hmm3grin2orange:

depends what colour they are :jawdrop: lol

 

[maveric944]

mind u if i put my wife pants on it would be like wearing a pair of "chaps", imagine the scene from the film shallow hal when she throws her pants to him and he catches them on the bed,,, i'll leave the rest to your imagination