Concerning the chain break on Husqvarna 338 XPT

F

Freeliner

Dear fellows.

Though my climber companions are all using Stihl top-handled saws I thought I´d have a go on the Husqvarna 338 XPT, since I´ve got two other Huskys chainsaw that I´m happy with.

Now, there is something wrong with the chain break on this one, it jumps back into locked position after I´ve released it, in other words, after I´ve pulled it towards me and taken off my hand from it, it goes all the way back to locked position. In order to prevent this I must pull it towards me, keep my hand on it and slowly release it.

I´ve never seen this problem with any other chain saws.

According to safe chainsaw practice the use of the chain break is essential for working safe especially up in the tree, switching it on and off should work smooth and easy.

My dealer says he understands that this is frustrating however it can´t be adjusted. He has spoken to the Husqvarna staff and they are saying that all the 338 XPT´s are more or less this way!!

Now I´ve got two options, either I accept this or I can get my money back and buy another top hand saw.

What do you think? Has anyone seen this problem before? Should you accept this?

( I´d like to ad that I´m talking about the 338 XPT not the Californian version which is not available here in Europe ).
 
Re: Concerning the chain break on Husqvarna 338 XP

I had the same problem with an older 335. It is broken, that is not the way it is supposed to be. They are lying to you that "all the 338 XPT´s are more or less this way!!" There is a small part in the brake mechanism that is broken. Tell them to replace the side cover for free or that the saw back. I've run 2 brand new 338's this year and have not had any problems at all.
 
Re: Concerning the chain break on Husqvarna 338 XP

The saw has been resent to Husqvarna and I´ve got an indication that this has already been corrected. I´ve also had some responding from different sources saying their 338´s are working without this problem.

So there seem to be hope, probably I simply got an old or bad example of it.

I´m now waiting for the respond directly from the Husqvarna lab next week, depending on that I will make my decision.

Sentimental reasons also makes me want to hold on to Husqvarna but there is no way I will deal with a saw not working properly…
 
Re: Concerning the chain break on Husqvarna 338 XP

The 335/8 brakes are weird. Husqvarna has no clue as to how to fix the problem of the brakes starting to activate too easily. I've called them directly as well to discuss the issue. Once, I had new parts sent, that didnt fix that particular brake. I tried shortening the spring, that didnt work either Only solution is to take the plastic plate off and thoroughly clean all the parts.

However, of late, I've had no problems with any of mine.

Just make them replace ANY brake that goes bad, if cleaning it doesn't work, regardless if the warranty is expired or not.
 
Re: Concerning the chain break on Husqvarna 338 XP

I had that problem before and it had to do with a small broken piece of plastic and another time it was worn plastic not allowing the brake to stay on. sometimes just reving it up caused it to activate. look real close at all the plastic components. they aren t normally like that.
 
Re: Concerning the chain break on Husqvarna 338 XP

I got a short report yesterday saying that there seem to be ” variations in the production”. At the moment they are reviewing this thoroughly at the lab.
 
Re: Concerning the chain break on Husqvarna 338 XP

Roger, your right, they seem to be surprisingly unknowing of their own tophandle saws. Fact is, there´s a new version of 338 XPT out on the market since a couple of month ago.

Take a closer look and compare the versions from USA VS Germany at www.husqvarna.com

There is a couple of major improvements on the new one, note the different designed chain brake.

It took a while getting this info out from them, I´m now asking them to send me that new one...
 
Re: Concerning the chain break on Husqvarna 338 XP

Our small tree service has both huskys and stihls. Our local husky dealer is a crabby old guy who always gets results. We buy {and for sure pay more than we would from Baileys] local because when we have a problem he has it purring like a Tom cat in a cramery in no time
 
Re: Concerning the chain break on Husqvarna 338 XP

[ QUOTE ]

Our small tree service has both huskys and stihls. Our local husky dealer is a crabby old guy who always gets results. We buy {and for sure pay more than we would from Baileys] local because when we have a problem he has it purring like a Tom cat in a cramery in no time

[/ QUOTE ]
HA! I wonder if that's a requirement from Husky or something. I had a crabby old guy keeping my 335 going for years. When he died, the shop closed. I wasn't able to get parts or repairs for long enough that I made the switch to an 020T and never looked back.

k
 
Re: Concerning the chain break on Husqvarna 338 XP

Dang it. I'm having trouble releasing the brake on my 338 after starting it. Pull the handle but it doesn't release. Is this the same problem?
 
Re: Concerning the chain break on Husqvarna 338 XP

The thing about brakes is they are located in the dirtiest part of the saw. The inside of the clutch cover is full of oil, dust, heat, woodchips, and they are all flying around at high speeds. There is plenty of opportunity for crud build up under there.
The first thing to do is open it up and blow it all out with compressed air. Even if it doesn't fix the problem, it has to be done to identify what's wrong.
If you really get in there and clean out a saw, I bet you can take out about a pound of crud.
You guys ever pull out an inboard clutch and see how much stuff is stuck behind there?
 
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