The Husqvarna 42 is a 42cc chainsaw model that was produced from 1988 to 1995.
Versions include:
- Husqvarna 42
- Husqvarna 42 Special
- Husqvarna 42 300th anniversary edition (1989)
There are no major differences between the 42 and 42 special, and ‘special’ wasn’t on the tags. It’s more of a marketing term than anything else. However, there are minor regional differences between model 42s. You can read guys arguing about this on Facebook here.
| General Information | |
| Manufacturer | Husqvarna Vapenfabriks AB – Huskvarna, Sweden |
| Years produced | 1988–1995 |
| Operator configuration | One-man operation |
| Construction | Die-cast magnesium & injection-molded polymer |
| Colour scheme | Husqvarna Orange |
| Engine Specification | |
| Cylinder displacement | 42 cc (2.5–2.6 cu in) |
| Number of cylinders | 1 |
| Cylinder bore | 42 mm (1.65 in) |
| Stroke | 30 mm (1.18 in) |
| Piston ring thickness | 1.5 mm |
| Cylinder type | Aluminum with chrome-plated bore |
| Intake method | Piston ported |
| Power output (advertised) | 2.1 kW (2.9 hp) @ 9,300 rpm |
| Idle speed | 2,700 rpm |
| Maximum engine speed (free) | 14,500 rpm |
| Maximum engine speed (under load) | 9,300 rpm |
| Ignition System | |
| Magneto type | SEM AM7 electronic |
| Ignition timing | Fixed |
| Flywheel/coil air gap | 0.30 mm (0.012 in) |
| Spark plug | Champion RCJ7Y / Bosch WS7F |
| Spark plug gap | 0.5 mm (0.020 in) |
| Fuel & Lubrication System | |
| Carburetor | Walbro HDA-34A / 84 / 98 / 108 series |
| Fuel tank capacity | 0.52 L (17.6 fl oz / 1.1 US pt approx.) |
| Fuel mix ratio | 50:1 |
| Recommended fuel | Regular grade gasoline |
| Oil specification | Electrolux-approved or Husqvarna mix oil |
| Oil pump | Automatic, worm-gear driven |
| Oil pump capacity @ 8,500 rpm | 3–7 ml/min |
| Oil tank capacity | 0.27 L (0.57 US pt) |
| Drive & Clutch | |
| Clutch type | Centrifugal |
| Drive type | Direct |
| Chain brake | Inertia activated |
| Handle system | Anti-vibration |
| Crankshaft main bearings | Ball bearings |
| Cutting Equipment | |
| Chain pitch | .325 in (8.25 mm) |
| Chain type | Oregon 20LP / 21LP |
| Bar mount pattern | 01 |
| Shortest guide bar supplied | 33 cm (13 in) |
| Longest guide bar supplied | 45 cm (18 in) |
| Standard bar length | 33 cm (13 in) |
| Recommended bar lengths | 28–45 cm (11–18 in) |
| Usable cutting length | 28–46 cm (11–18 in) |
| Chain speed at max power | 17.9 m/s |
| Drive sprocket teeth | 7 |
| Drive link thickness | 1.3 mm (0.050 in) / 1.5 mm (0.058 in) |
| Noise & Vibration Data | |
| Sound pressure level (operator’s ear) | 99.5 dB(A) |
| Sound power level | 106.5 dB(A) |
| Vibration level (front handle) | 3.6 m/s² |
| Vibration level (rear handle) | 5.4 m/s² |
| Weight | |
| Powerhead only | 4.7 kg (10.4 lb) |
| Without bar & chain | 4.7 kg (10.3 lb approx.) |
Download the Husqvarna 42 user manual here.
This post in the Husqvarna Saws FB group has some helpful comments:
- Samuel said, “That was the first Husqvara saw I bought over 20 years ago and it still runs like a champ!”
- Greg said, “Screaming Demon. But also 30 years old. Definitely a collection item.”
- Matt said, “Perfect little saw to bring out on adventures with the atv / utv.”
And Conner said:
My uncle has one in good shape, I just got him new plastics. I shaved out ports and transfers. The little thing is comfy and runs great.
Evan said:
It is not. The XP version is the 242. Special is a name they have put on so many different saws of different categories that it really doesn’t mean any one thing. On the 42, it was pretty much just an addition to the name with no real changes in the saw.
Not everyone agrees on the version differences, and you can find more info in these threads:
- The Husky 42/42 special/242/246 thread – OPE Forum
- Husqvarna 42/42 special – The Forestry Forum
- Husqvarna Special 42 – ArboristSite.com
