Ever found yourself struggling to change the blade on your Husqvarna chainsaw, unsure where to start or what to do next? Maybe you’ve spent more time wrestling with the blade than actually cutting wood. It happens to the best of us, but fret not – we’ve got your back!
Step 1: Gather Necessary Tools
When changing the blade on your Husqvarna chainsaw, having the right tools on hand makes the process smoother. Here are the tools you’ll need:
- Safety gloves: to protect your hands
- Protective eyewear: to shield your eyes
- Chainsaw wrench: for loosening the bolts
- Flathead screwdriver: for certain models
- Replacement chain: if needed
Now that you have everything ready, let’s move on to the next step in changing the blade on your Husqvarna chainsaw.
Step 2: Safety Precautions
When working with your Husqvarna chainsaw, it’s vital to prioritize safety. Here are some key precautions to keep in mind:
- Wear protective gear: Before starting the blade-changing process, put on safety gloves and protective eyewear to shield yourself from any potential hazards.
- Work in a well-lit area: Ensure you have ample lighting to see what you are doing clearly, minimizing the risk of accidents.
- Switch off the chainsaw: Before handling the blade, make sure your chainsaw is completely turned off to avoid any accidental starts.
- Wait for the chainsaw to cool: Give the chainsaw some time to cool down before changing the blade to prevent burns.
- Inspect the area: Check your work environment for any obstacles or hazards that may interfere with the blade-changing process.
Remember, taking these safety precautions will help you have a smooth and incident-free experience while changing the blade on your Husqvarna chainsaw.
Step 3: Release the Chain Tension
Releasing the chain tension is a crucial step when changing the blade on your Husqvarna chainsaw. To do this:
- Locate the Tensioning Screw: Find the tensioning screw on the side of the chainsaw. It’s usually near the guide bar.
- Loosen the Tension: Using the appropriate tool, turn the tensioning screw counterclockwise to loosen the chain. Make sure not to overtighten or fully remove the screw.
- Check the Tension: Gently pull the chain to ensure it moves freely along the guide bar. Adjust the tension if needed for smooth operation.
- Safe Positioning: After releasing the tension, carefully handle the chain to avoid any accidental contact with the sharp edges.
Remember, releasing the chain tension properly ensures a safe and effective blade-changing process for your Husqvarna chainsaw.
Step 4: Remove the Side Cover
When it’s time to remove the side cover of your Husqvarna chainsaw, follow these steps:
- Locate the side cover secured by a few screws near the rear handle.
- Using the appropriate tool, carefully remove the screws holding the side cover in place.
- Once the screws are off, gently pull the side cover away from the chainsaw body.
- Be mindful of any attached components that may come loose with the side cover.
Remember, taking this step correctly ensures you have access to the chain and bar for a safe and successful blade replacement process.
Now that you’ve removed the side cover, you’re ready to move on to the next stage of changing the blade on your Husqvarna chainsaw.
Step 5: Uninstall the Old Blade
To uninstall the old blade on your Husqvarna chainsaw, follow these steps:
- Loosen the bar nuts on the side cover
- Remove the bar nuts completely
- Take off the side cover and chain
- Disconnect the chain from the guide bar
- Slide out the old blade gently
| Steps |
|---|
| Loosen bar nuts |
| Remove bar nuts |
| Take off cover |
| Disconnect chain |
| Slide out old blade |
Step 6: Install the New Blade
- Place the new blade onto the guide bar, ensuring the cutter teeth face forward.
- Slide the guide bar and new blade back into the chainsaw body, making sure the chain is properly aligned with the guide bar groove.
- Reconnect the chain to the guide bar and sprocket.
- Put the side cover back on, ensuring the chain tension is correctly set.
- Tighten the bar nuts to secure the side cover in place.
- Double-check the chain tension before starting the chainsaw.
| Important Facts |
|---|
| Always refer to your chainsaw’s manual for specific instructions and safety precautions. |
| Ensure the new blade is compatible with your Husqvarna chainsaw model. |
| Regularly inspect and maintain your chainsaw blade for optimal performance and safety. |
Step 7: Adjust Chain Tension
When adjusting the chain tension on your Husqvarna chainsaw, it’s essential to ensure proper functionality and safety. Here’s how to adjust the chain tension correctly:
Steps to Adjust Chain Tension:
- Locate the chain tensioning screw on the chainsaw’s side cover.
- Use a screwdriver to turn the tensioning screw clockwise to tighten the chain or counterclockwise to loosen it.
- Proper chain tension is when you can pull the chain around the guide bar but not to the extent that the drive links lift completely out of the bar groove.
- Check for the correct tension by gently pulling the chain at the bottom-center of the guide bar. It should snap back into place without sagging excessively.
Why Proper Chain Tension Matters:
- Over-tightened Chain: Causes premature wear on the chainsaw’s components and can lead to a broken chain.
- Under-tightened Chain: Increases the risk of kickback and chain derailment, posing a safety hazard to the operator.
Maintenance Tip:
- Regularly Check: Ensure to check the chain tension before each use to prevent accidents and prolong the lifespan of your chainsaw.
By following these steps, you’ll maintain optimal chain tension on your Husqvarna chainsaw, promoting safe and efficient operation.
Step 8: Reassemble the Chainsaw
To reassemble your Husqvarna chainsaw after changing the blade, follow these simple steps:
- Secure the Cover Plate:
- Place the cover plate back onto the chainsaw’s body.
- Make sure it aligns properly with the housing.
- Tighten the Nuts:
- Use the appropriate tool to tighten the nuts securely.
- Confirm that the cover plate is snugly in place, ensuring safety during operation.
- Reattach the Side Cover:
- Slide the side cover back onto the chainsaw.
- Ensure it fits securely for proper functionality.
- Double-check the tension of the chain to prevent any issues while reattaching the side cover.
- Inspect the Chainsaw:
- Give your chainsaw a quick visual inspection to verify that all parts are correctly reassembled.
- Ensure there are no loose components that could pose a safety risk.
Remember, proper reassembly is crucial for the safe and effective operation of your Husqvarna chainsaw after changing the blade.
Conclusion
You’ve now learned the essential steps to successfully reassemble your Husqvarna chainsaw after adjusting the chain tension. By following the instructions to secure the cover plate, tighten the nuts, reattach the side cover, and inspect the chainsaw for proper reassembly, you can ensure safe and effective operation. Remember, proper reassembly is key to avoiding safety hazards and keeping your chainsaw in top working condition after changing the blade. Happy chainsaw maintenance!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is proper reassembly of a chainsaw important after adjusting the chain tension?
Proper reassembly ensures safe and effective operation of the chainsaw. If not reassembled correctly, it can pose safety risks and affect the functionality of the chainsaw.
2. What steps are involved in reassembling a Husqvarna chainsaw after adjusting the chain tension?
The steps include securing the cover plate, tightening the nuts, reattaching the side cover, and inspecting the chainsaw to ensure all parts are correctly reassembled.
3. How crucial is inspecting the chainsaw after reassembly?
Inspecting the chainsaw after reassembly is crucial to verify that all parts are correctly assembled, ensuring safe and efficient operation of the chainsaw.
4. Why should one pay attention to the reassembly process when changing the blade?
Emphasizing proper reassembly when changing the blade helps prevent safety risks and ensures the chainsaw’s functionality remains intact for future use.
Jackson Hill is a passionate arborist with years of experience in the field of trees. He developed his fascination with trees at a young age, spending countless hours exploring the forests and climbing trees. Jackson went on to study arboriculture and horticulture at Michigan State University and later earned a degree in forestry from the University of Michigan.
With his extensive knowledge and expertise, Jackson has become a trusted authority on trees and their impact on the environment. His work has helped shape the field of arboriculture and he continues to be a leading voice in the industry.