Husqvarna 137 chainsaw - a legend of the last decade

The discontinued Husqvarna 137 household chainsaw still competes with modern models from leading manufacturers of similar power and purpose. The reason for this success is the successful design of the tool, efficiency, reliability of component systems and assemblies, and long service life.

When creating the project, valuable experience in the versatile application of previous developments, feedback from service specialists and ordinary users was used.

Photo: Husqvarna 137 chainsaw

As a result of modernization, effective measures were taken:

• to improve the cost-effectiveness of maintenance;
• improving the comfort and safety of work;
• extending the service life between overhauls of the engine and component systems.

Operational advantages

The popularity of this model is largely based on its affordable cost, easy maintenance, comfortable operation and high maintainability.

Using the spare parts available in the assortment, the owner can carry out a full repair of the product with his own hands with minimal expenditure of material resources and time.

The operating instructions included with the kit contain useful information about the features of preparing the tool for the first and previous starts, the maintenance sequence, technologies for finding and independently eliminating possible faults.

The detailed details given in the description allow you to clarify the installation sequence when performing repair work of increased complexity.

The use of spare parts from the branded repair stock provides the owner with the opportunity to restore the performance characteristics of worn components and assemblies to almost 100%.

Chainsaw malfunctions and their elimination

There are typical faults that owners of the Husqvarna 137 model most often encounter. In order to be able to fix them yourself, you need to study the signs of their occurrence and effective methods for repairing them.

The chainsaw stalls at full throttle - how to solve the problem?

The cause of this breakdown is most often the spark plug flooding at the moment when the engine begins to quickly gain speed. To fix the damage, you should unscrew and clean the spark plug, and then dry it completely. Next, you need to drain the remaining fuel through the spark plug hole. At the end, you need to screw the spark plug back into place and try to start the tool again.

Another common cause of failure is lack of spark. Repairs should begin by inspecting the contact between the high-voltage wire and the tip of the spark plug. If the contact is not broken, and the saw still stalls when you press the gas, then you should inspect the electronic ignition unit. This unit cannot be repaired, so it will have to be replaced entirely.

Replacing the Husqvarna 137 sprocket

It is necessary to change the Husqvarna 137 sprocket if, when the engine reaches medium speed, the engine begins to stall.

As indicated in the operating instructions, the procedure should look like this:

1. First you need to remove the cylinder cover and unscrew the spark plug;
2. Next, you need to take a plastic or metal stopper for the motor piston, as well as a key for dismantling the centrifugal mechanism. Using a key, you need to twist the centrifugal mechanism in the direction in which the chain rotates;
3. Then you need to inspect the clutch disc. If only the sprocket is faulty, then only it needs to be replaced. If the entire clutch disc is completely broken, along with the springs and cams, then the entire disc will have to be replaced;
4. After this, you need to install a new clutch disc. To clamp the centrifugal mechanism on the motor shaft, you will need to unscrew the piston stopper and pull the starter cord towards you. Then you need to screw the stopper all the way;
5. Next, you will need to clamp the centrifugal mechanism with a key in the direction against the rotation of the chain.

After completing all of the above steps, you will need to start the saw and let it idle for 1-2 minutes. This is necessary to warm up the engine and grind in the new clutch disc. You can then continue working with the tool.

Device

The Husqvarna 137 saw combines elements of classic mechanical engineering design with modern technical and technological solutions. The design is a block containing a two-stroke internal combustion engine with an air cleaner, clutch kinematics, containers with a fuel mixture and oil for lubricating the cutting chain.

The guide bar and cutting chain belong to the category of replaceable equipment, therefore, after the end of their service life, they are replaced with identical analogues. The design of the connecting unit does not exclude the use of the tool with components from other brands, 13 and 15 inches long.

The advantages of this model:

• affordable price;
• light weight and compact overall dimensions;
• excellent balancing;
• convenient access to adjusting and tuning elements of the structure;
• carburetor adjustment that does not require special equipment;
• economical and durable high-speed internal combustion engine with a large reserve of torque.

Model description

Evidence of the popularity of the saw is the fact that today almost complete copies of this model are produced. The issue is available in Polish and Chinese. Leaving aside the question of the legal basis for such copying, it is worth saying that such “production” is only the exploitation of the good name of Husquarna 137. In terms of its operational capabilities, not a single copy has yet reached the original, although unscrupulous sellers sometimes hush up the fact that the product is not original.

The reason for the favorable attitude from users was a combination of characteristics:

• Reliability

One of the main indicators that both amateurs and professionals focus on. Thanks to this indicator, many had the opportunity to actively use the unit without experiencing problems with breakdowns. Over several years of regular work, it was necessary to change only the tire and drive sprocket, without taking into account such consumables as the chain itself. The first two years of operation were generally problem-free.

• Light weight

This parameter was especially valued by those users who dealt with bulky Soviet-made units. Compared to them, Husqvarna 137 offered good traction and power characteristics with a weight of up to 5 kg. But when working on a ladder when cultivating a garden or on a roof during construction, the importance of light weight comes to the fore.

• Good power availability

Considering that the length of the bar is a very modest 38 cm, the scope of use of the saw is quite easy to read. This includes work in the garden, everyday life, repairs, and individual low-rise construction. However, there were often cases when the 137th was successfully used in logging, although not as the main one, but as an additional one, for small jobs where it was inconvenient to work with a heavy tool with a long tire and a large body. A power of 2.1 horsepower with little contact between a relatively short chain and the material made it possible to work with solid hardwoods and spread trunks over the entire length of the tire.

• High maintainability

Connoisseurs of gasoline chain saws know the value of quality. A well-made tool not only lasts a long time, but is also easy to repair. The unknown legion of Chinese goods is bad not only because of its careless execution - this was also typical for Soviet saws - but because of its disposable nature of use. In the case of Husqvarna 137, most non-critical faults were repaired by do-it-yourself repairs. With experience and skill, even disassembling the engine and replacing piston rings can be done at home if you have the appropriate tools.

Evaluation parameters and scope of application

The tool's high center of gravity, narrow configuration and flat body bottom contribute to the slow accumulation of fatigue. The user rating obtained during the survey is evidence of the high reliability, power and versatility of the model.

For a 10-point scale, the average was 8.3.

The characteristics of the tool determine its use in a wide range of household works, including:

• firewood preparation;
• preparation for installation of construction timber;
• formation of crowns of ornamental and fruit trees;
• independent production of wooden items for interior design and landscape design.

The saw successfully copes with single-pass, standard, longitudinal and diagonal sawing of hardwood with a diameter of up to 30 cm. The compact design makes it possible to work in hard-to-reach places, which is especially valued in construction technologies.

Specifications

The Husqvarna chainsaw model 137 is equipped with a compact carburetor internal combustion engine with a displacement of 36.3 cm3, developing a power of 2.2 hp in operating mode.

The engine runs on a dosed gasoline-oil mixture, which enters the float chamber of the best-in-class Walbro carburetor from a built-in 410 ml tank.

Confident starting of the power unit in winter is facilitated by a convenient manual starter, an electronic ignition system and proper carburetor tuning. The 137e series version of the basic chainsaw is equipped with an easy start system.

Operator comfort is increased through the use of an effective vibration damper, low background noise, convenient grip and access to the air intake.

Chainsaw Husqvarna 137: characteristics

The engine is the main thing in a chainsaw, so the model is based on a power plant with a 2.2 horsepower or 1.6 kW motor. There is a gas tank with a capacity of 0.4 liters, which together gave the 137 a weight of 4.6 kg. The original uses an H30 tire and is available in a length of 34-38 cm. It is recommended to operate the chainsaw in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

The declared engine capacity is 36.3 cc, the oil is poured into a separate tank with a capacity of 200 ml. If you use a standard bar, the chain pitch will be 0.325 inches or 8.25 mm.

Carburetor adjustment

The factory settings of the fuel equipment bring the engine to operating modes that are optimal in terms of power and efficiency.

The need for additional correction arises when switching the tool to summer or winter operating modes, when traction characteristics decrease or the fuel octane number changes.

• Following the instructions in the instructions, you can adjust the carburetor yourself. To do this, after warming up the engine, you need to tighten the quality screw all the way and unscrew it 4.5 turns.
• If the chain moves while the engine is running, you must use the services of a service center specialist.
• If, with the fuel equipment adjusted, the engine does not start or starts and stalls, you should make sure that there is gasoline in the supply tank, that the spark plug is in good condition, and that the air intake filter is clean.
• The engine stalls under load - the cause may be a lean mixture due to a clogged main jet.

Traction characteristics and stability of engine operating conditions are largely dependent on the quality of fuel and engine oil. Old gasoline or gasoline stored for a long time in a plastic canister can cause a number of characteristic failures and malfunctions.

Headset

Replacement equipment consists of a 15-inch guide bar and 0.325-inch pitch chain driven by a drive sprocket. The chain tension is adjusted using a special device.

Cooling and lubrication of the chain is realized by dosed supply of oil to the working area. Oil is supplied to the pump inlet from an internal reservoir with a volume of 200 ml.

Replacing a worn tire-chain set is not technically difficult. In order to independently remove the chain drive sprocket, you must use the universal key included in the factory kit.

The use of recommended chain oils has a positive effect on the efficiency and durability of removable equipment as a whole.

Review and features of Husqvarna 137

Many interesting systems allow the owner to easily use the chainsaw for various purposes. Light weight and compact dimensions allow the tool to be used by people working on the roads. With its help, they could get rid of unnecessary branches or cut down a small tree. A thoughtful design and proprietary assembly ensured it a minimal failure rate. Previously, a chainsaw could be bought in special services, but now it is available to anyone. Some lumberjacks even bought a Husqvarna 137 for work; they felled trees with the main powerful saw, and harvested the Husqvarna.

Among the many advantages, it is worth mentioning the presence of an air injection system, called “Air Injection”. In addition, the latest versions are manufactured with a modern ignition unit.

Chainsaw chain Husqvarna 137

Many people wonder what chain to use in this chainsaw? Owners of such models recommend using a 15-inch long tire with 64 links. With a pitch of 0.325”, the chainsaw obtained a groove width of 1.3 mm. The most optimal chains for these characteristics are Oregon and Stihl brands. There should be several chain models in stock in stores, so you can choose any one. The main thing is that they have the appropriate pitch and groove width. The circuit can be configured independently (visually) or with the help of a specialist. To adjust the chain, just turn the special adjusting screw with a screwdriver.

Benefits of a chainsaw

• despite the budget cost, the design of the tool is identical in many respects to semi-professional class models;
• the saw differs from prototypes in the optimal ratio of power, weight and overall dimensions;
• the instrument is characterized by modern ergonomics of the body, handles, placement of main and auxiliary controls;
• high-quality and durable materials were used to manufacture critical parts and systems;
• the durability of the engine crank assembly has been increased by the use of special processing technologies and the application of durable wear-resistant coatings;
• The presence of a reliable and high-speed emergency brake virtually eliminates the possibility of injury to the operator in the event of a chain jump, kickback, or other unusual situations.

Owner reviews

I am a four year owner of a used 137. I can’t say anything bad; the chainsaw is reliable, productive and versatile in all respects. There are no problems with spare parts, tires and chains for any price. I earn money for gasoline from neighbors and acquaintances by dumping relatively small trees and sawing firewood. The machine is low-cost to operate, the oils are expensive, but you can save a little on chain lubrication. Towards the end of each chain’s life, I fill it with a mixture of diesel oil and a spindle that is uniform in density. Zhenya

In practice, I compared the work of the Shtil 180 and the Husqvarna model 137. Despite the small remaining service life, both machines deserve the highest rating. In my opinion, Husqvarna is more flexible, the grip is comfortable and reliable. An engine with stable traction in summer and winter, but sensitive to fuel quality and precise dosage of engine oil. I would love to buy a new device, but this model is no longer for sale. They advise me to buy the next model 236, but I’m afraid to buy a fake, especially since in the practice of my friends such cases are not uncommon. Vasily Viktorovich

I heard a lot of good things about the survivability and reliability of the Husqvarna 137 model of motor saws, so there were no doubts when purchasing its improved version 137e. The machine pleased us with its light weight, effective operation of the vibration compensator and easy start system. After about 20 hours of operating time, a leak opened in the oil pump area, the equipment was under warranty, I had to take it to a service center. It turns out that all that was needed was to tighten the fasteners. In all other respects, the saw is impeccable; in 5 years of operation there has not been a single serious failure. Valery Nikolaevich