The Husqvarna 38 is a small, homeowner-class gas chainsaw introduced in 1989, built around a 38 cc (2.32 cu in) single-cylinder engine and commonly spec’d at about 5.5 kg (11.9 lb) with a 33 cm / 13″ bar & chain, with features like anti-vibration and an inertia + manual chain brake listed in period specs.
It’s also directly related to the Husqvarna 33—Husqvarna published a combined “33/38” operator’s manual, and parts references often group them together (e.g., “Husqvarna 33 and 38 Chainsaws” parts documentation), as they share a common platform and service/parts overlap.
| General Information | |
| Manufacturer | Husqvarna Vapenfabriks AB – Huskvarna, Sweden |
| Year introduced | 1989 |
| Operator configuration | One-man operation |
| Construction | Die-cast magnesium & injection-molded polymer |
| Colour scheme | Husqvarna Orange |
| Engine Specification | |
| Cylinder displacement | 38 cc (2.32 cu in) |
| Number of cylinders | 1 |
| Stroke | 32.5 mm (1.26 in) |
| Cylinder type | Aluminum with chrome-plated bore |
| Intake method | Piston ported |
| Idle speed | 3,000 rpm |
| Maximum engine speed | 8,000 rpm |
| Ignition System | |
| Magneto type | Phelon electronic |
| Ignition timing | Fixed |
| Flywheel/coil air gap | 0.3 mm (0.012 in) |
| Spark plug | Champion CJ6 |
| Spark plug gap | 0.63 mm (0.025 in) |
| Fuel & Lubrication System | |
| Carburetor | Walbro WT-79 |
| Fuel tank capacity | 0.30 L (10.5 fl oz) |
| Fuel mix ratio | 40:1 |
| Recommended fuel | Regular grade gasoline |
| Oil specification | Husqvarna chain saw mix oil |
| Oil pump | Automatic, worm-gear driven (under flywheel) |
| Drive & Clutch | |
| Clutch type | Centrifugal |
| Drive type | Direct |
| Chain brake | Inertia and manual operation |
| Handle system | Anti-vibration |
| Crankshaft main bearings | Caged needle roller |
| Cutting Equipment | |
| Chain pitch | .325 in |
| Chain type | Oregon 34SL |
| Bar mount pattern | 01 |
| Shortest guide bar supplied | 33 cm (13 in) |
| Longest guide bar supplied | 40 cm (16 in) |
| Weight | |
| With 33 cm (13 in) bar & chain | 5.5 kg (11.9 lb) |
There’s a great series of pictures of the Husqvarna 38 here on chainsawcollectors.se.
There is also another version, the Husqvarna 38 VR, which has a different handlebar setup.
