Husqvarna K970 User Manual

							English – 11
FUEL HANDLING
General
Fuel
Gasoline
•Use good quality unleaded gasoline.
• The lowest recommended octane grade is 87 
((RON+MON)/2). If you run the engine on a lower octane 
grade than 87 so-called knocking can occur. This gives 
rise to a high engine temperature and increased bearing 
load, which can result in serious engine damage.
• When working at continuous high revs a higher octane 
rating is recommended.
Environment fuel
HUSQVARNA recommends the use of alkylate fuel or 
environment fuel for four-stroke engines blended with two-
stroke oil as set out below. Note that carburetor adjustment 
may be necessary when changing the type of fuel (see 
instructions under the heading Carburetor).
Two-stroke oil
•For best results and performance use HUSQVARNA two-
stroke engine oil, which is specially formulated for our air-
cooled two stroke-engines.
• Never use two-stroke oil intended for water-cooled 
engines, sometimes referred to as outboard oil (rated 
TCW).
• Never use oil intended for four-stroke engines.
Mixing
•Always mix the gasoline and oil in a clean container 
intended for fuel.
• Always start by filling half the amount of the gasoline to be 
used. Then add the entire amount of oil. Mix (shake) the 
fuel mixture. Add the remaining amount of gasoline.
• Mix (shake) the fuel mixture thoroughly before filling the 
machine’s fuel tank.
• Do not mix more than one month’s supply of fuel at a time.
Mixing ratio
1:50 (2%) for all engines.
Fueling
Never start the machine:
• If you have spilled fuel or chain oil on the machine. Wipe 
off the spillage and allow remaining fuel to evaporate.
• If you have spilled fuel on yourself or your clothes, change 
your clothes. Wash any part of your body that has come in 
contact with fuel. Use soap and water.
• If the machine is leaking fuel. Check regularly for leaks 
from the fuel cap and fuel lines.
Transport and storage
•Store and transport the machine and fuel so that there is 
no risk of any leakage or fumes coming into contact with 
sparks or naked flames, for example, from electrical 
machinery, electric motors, electrical relays/switches or 
boilers.
• When storing and transporting fuel always use approved 
containers intended for this purpose.
Long-term storage
•When storing the machine for long periods the fuel tank 
must be emptied. Contact your local gas station to find out 
where to dispose of excess fuel.
!
WARNING! Running an engine in a confined 
or badly ventilated area can result in death 
due to asphyxiation or carbon monoxide 
poisoning. Use fans to ensure proper air 
circulation when working in trenches or 
ditches deeper than one meter (3 foot).
Fuel and fuel fumes are highly inflammable 
and can cause serious injury when inhaled 
or allowed to come in contact with the skin. 
For this reason observe caution when 
handling fuel and make sure there is 
adequate ventilation.
The exhaust fumes from the engine are hot 
and may contain sparks which can start a 
fire. Never start the machine indoors or near 
combustible material!
Do not smoke and do not place any hot 
objects in the vicinity of fuel.
NOTICE! The machine is equipped with a two-stroke 
engine and must always been run using a mixture of 
gasoline and two-stroke engine oil. It is important to 
accurately measure the amount of oil to be mixed to ensure 
that the correct mixture is obtained. When mixing small 
amounts of fuel, even small inaccuracies can drastically 
affect the ratio of the mixture.
Gasoline, litreTwo-stroke oil, litre
2% (1:50)
50,10
100,20
150,30
200,40
US gallonUS fl. oz.
12 1/2
2 1/26 1/2
512 7/8
!
WARNING! Always stop the engine and let it 
cool for a few minutes before refuelling. The 
engine should be switched off, and the stop 
switch in STOP position.
When refuelling, open the fuel cap slowly so 
that any excess pressure is released gently.
Clean the area around the fuel cap.
Tighten the fuel cap carefully after refuelling. 
Negligence may lead to the start of a fire.
Move the machine at least 10 ft (3 m) from 
the refuelling point before starting it. 
						

							12 – English
OPERATING
Protective equipment
General
•Do not use the machine unless you are able to call for help 
in the event of an accident.
Personal protective equipment
You must use approved personal protective equipment 
whenever you use the machine. Personal protective 
equipment cannot eliminate the risk of injury but it will reduce 
the degree of injury if an accident does happen. Ask your 
dealer for help in choosing the right equipment.
Always wear:
• Approved protective helmet
• Hearing protection
• Approved eye protection. If you use a face shield then you 
must also wear approved protective goggles. Approved 
protective goggles must comply with standard ANSI Z87.1 
in the USA or EN 166 in EU countries. Visors must comply 
with standard EN 1731.
• Breathing mask
• Heavy-duty, firm grip gloves.
• Tight-fitting, heavy-duty and comfortable clothing that 
permits full freedom of movement.
• Boots with steel toe-caps and non-slip sole
Other protective equipment
•Fire Extinguisher
• Always have a first aid kit nearby.
General safety precautions
This section describes basic safety directions for using the 
machine. This information is never a substitute for 
professional skills and experience.
• Please read the operator’s manual carefully and make 
sure you understand the instructions before using the 
machine.
• Keep in mind that it is you, the operator that is responsible 
for not exposing people or their property to accidents or 
hazards.
• The machine must be kept clean. Signs and stickers must 
be fully legible. 
Always use common sense
It is not possible to cover every conceivable situation you can 
face. Always exercise care and use your common sense. If 
you get into a situation where you feel unsafe, stop and seek 
expert advice. Contact your dealer, service agent or an 
experienced user. Do not attempt any task that you feel 
unsure of!
!
WARNING! The use of products such as 
cutters, grinders, drills, that sand or form 
material can generate dust and vapours 
which may contain hazardous chemicals. 
Check the nature of the material you intend 
to process and use an appropriate breathing 
mask.
Long-term exposure to noise can result in 
permanent hearing impairment. So always 
use approved hearing protection. Listen out 
for warning signals or shouts when you are 
wearing hearing protection. Always remove 
your hearing protection as soon as the 
engine stops.
!
CAUTION! Sparks may appear and start a 
fire when you work with the machine. Always 
keep fire fighting equipment handy.
!
WARNING! The machine can be a dangerous 
tool if used incorrectly or carelessly, which 
can cause serious or fatal injury to the 
operator or others.
Never allow children or other persons not 
trained in the use of the machine to use or 
service it.
Never allow anyone else to use the machine 
without first ensuring that they have 
understood the contents of the operator’s 
manual.
Never use the machine if you are fatigued, 
while under the influence of alcohol or 
drugs, medication or anything that could 
affect your vision, alertness, coordination or 
judgement. 
!
WARNING! Unauthorized modifications and/
or accessories may lead to serious injury or 
death to the user or others. Under no 
circumstances may the design of the 
machine be modified without the permission 
of the manufacturer.
Do not modify this product or use it if it 
appears to have been modified by others.
Never use a machine that is faulty. Carry out 
the checks, maintenance and service 
instructions described in this manual. Some 
maintenance and service measures must be 
carried out by trained and qualified 
specialists. See instructions under the 
heading Maintenance.
Always use genuine accessories.
Your warranty may not  cover damage or 
liability caused by the use of non-authorized 
accessories or replacement parts. 
						

							English – 13
OPERATING
Work area safety
•Observe your surroundings to ensure that nothing can 
affect your control of the machine.
• Ensure that no one/nothing can come into contact with the 
cutting equipment or be hit by parts if the blade breaks.
• Do not use the machine in bad weather, such as dense 
fog, heavy rain, strong wind, intense cold, etc. Working in 
bad weather is tiring and can lead to dangerous 
conditions, e.g. slippery surfaces.
• Never start to work with the power cutter before the 
working area is clear and you have a firm foothold. Look 
out for any obstacles with unexpected movement. Ensure 
when cutting that no material can become loose and fall, 
causing operating injury.Take great care when working on 
sloping ground.
• Ensure that the working area is sufficiently illuminated to 
create a safe working environment.
• Make sure that no pipes or electrical cables are routed in 
the working area or in the material to be cut.
Basic working techniques
•The machine is designed and intended for cutting with 
abrasive blades or diamond blades intended for high 
speed handheld machines. The machine shall not be 
used with any other type of blade, or for any other type of 
cutting.
• Maintain a safe distance from the cutting blade when the 
engine is running.
• Never move the machine when the cutting equipment is 
rotating. The machine is equipped with a friction retarder 
to shorten the stop time.
• The guard for the cutting equipment should be adjusted so 
that the rear section is flush with the work piece. Spatter 
and sparks from the material being cut are then collected 
up by the guard and led away from the user. The guards 
for the cutting equipment must always be fitted when the 
machine is running.
• Never use the kickback zone of the blade for cutting. See 
instructions under the heading Kickback.
• Keep a good balance and a firm foothold.
• Never cut above shoulder height. Never cut from a ladder. 
Use a platform or scaffold when working at high altitude.
• Always hold the machine in a firm grip with both hands. 
Hold it so that the thumbs and fingers grip round the 
handles.
• Stand at a comfortable distance from the work piece.
• Check that the blade is not in contact with anything when 
the machine is started
• Apply the cutting blade gently with high rotating speed (full 
throttle) Maintain full speed until cutting is complete.
• Let the machine work without forcing or pressing the 
blade.
!
WARNING! This machine produces an 
electromagnetic field during operation. This 
field may under some circumstances 
interfere with active or passive medical 
implants. To reduce the risk of serious or 
fatal injury, we recommend persons with 
medical implants to consult their physician 
and the medical implant manufacturer 
before operating this machine.
!
WARNING! The safety distance for the power 
cutter is 15 metres (50 foot). You are 
responsible to ensure that animals and 
onlookers are not within the working area. 
Do not start cutting until the working area is 
clear and you are standing firmly.
!
WARNING! Do not pull the power cutter to 
one side, this can cause the blade to jam or 
break resulting in injury to people.
Under all circumstances avoid grinding 
using the side of the blade; it will almost 
certainly be damaged, break and can cause 
immense damage. Only use the cutting 
section.
Cutting plastics with a diamond blade can 
cause kickback when the material melts due 
to the heat produced when cutting and 
sticks to the blade. Never cut plastic 
materials with a diamond blade! 
						

							14 – English
OPERATING
•Feed down the machine in line with the blade. Pressure 
from the side can damage the blade and is very 
dangerous.
• Move the blade slowly forwards and backwards to achieve 
a small contact area between the blade and the material 
to be cut. This reduces the temperature of the blade and 
ensures effective cutting.
Kickback
Kickback is the sudden upward motion that can occur if the 
blade is pinched or stalled in the kickback zone. Most 
kickbacks are small and pose little danger. However a 
kickback can also be very violent and throw the power cutter 
up and back towards the user in a rotating motion causing 
serious or even fatal injury.
Reactive force
A reactive force is always present when cutting. The force 
pulls the machine in the opposite direction to the blade 
rotation. Most of the time this force is insignificant. If the blade 
is pinched or stalled the reactive force will be strong and you 
might not be able to control the power cutter.
Kickback zone
Never use the kickback zone of the blade for cutting. If the 
blade is pinched or stalled in the kickback zone, the reactive 
force will push the power cutter up and back towards the user 
in a rotating motion causing serious or even fatal injury.
Climbing kickback
If the kickback zone is used for cutting the reactive force 
drives the blade to climb up in the cut.  Do not use the 
kickback zone. Use the lower quadrant of the blade to avoid 
climbing kickback.
Pinching kickback
Pinching is when the cut closes and pinches the blade. If the 
blade is pinched or stalled the reactive force will be strong and 
you might not be able to control the power cutter.
If the blade is pinched or stalled in the kickback zone, the 
reactive force will push the power cutter up and back towards 
the user in a rotating motion causing serious or even fatal 
injury.
Pipe cutting and pinching
Special care should be taken whet cutting in pipes. If the pipe 
is not properly supported and the cut kept open through out 
the cut the blade might be pinched in the kickback zone and 
cause a severe kickback.
!
WARNING! Kickbacks are sudden and can 
be very violent. The power cutter can be 
thrown up and back towards the user in a 
rotating motion causing serious or even fatal 
injury. It is vital to understand what causes 
kickback and how to avoid it before using 
the machine. 
						

							English – 15
OPERATING
How to aviod kickback
Avoiding kickback is simple.
• The work piece must always be supported so that the cut 
stays open when cutting through. When the cut opens 
there is no kickback. If the cut closes and pinches the 
blade ther is always a risk of kickback.
• Take care when inserting the blade in an existing cut.
• Be alert to movement of the work piece or anything else 
that can occur, which could cause the cut to close and 
pinch the blade.
Transport and storage
•Secure the equipment during transportation in order to 
avoid transport damage and accidents.
• For transport and storage of cutting blades, see the 
section Cutting blades.
• For transport and storage of fuel, see the section Fuel 
handling.
• Store the equipment in a lockable area so that it is out of 
reach of children and unauthorized persons. 
						

							16 – English
STARTING AND STOPPING
Before starting
•Perform daily maintenance. See instructions in the section 
Maintenance.
Starting
•Decompression valve: Press in the valve to reduce the 
pressure in the cylinder, this is to assist starting the power 
cutter. The decompression valve should always be used 
when starting. The valve automatically returns to its initial 
position when the machine starts.
•Stop switch: Make sure that the stop switch (STOP) is in 
the left position.
•Start throttle position - cold engine: Start throttle 
position and choke is obtained by pulling out the choke 
completely.
•Start throttle position - warm engine: The correct 
choke/start throttle setting is obtained by pulling the choke 
control to the choke position and then pushing it in again. 
This only engages the start throttle setting without any 
choke.
•Air purge: Press the air purge diaphragm repeatedly until 
fuel fills the diaphragm (at least 6 times). The diaphragm 
need not be completely filled.
Start the engine
•Grip the front handle with your left hand. Put your right foot 
on the lower section of the rear handle pressing the 
machine against the ground. 
Never wrap the starter 
cord around your hand
•Grip the starter handle, slowly pull out the cord with your 
right hand until you feel some resistance (the starter pawls 
grip), now quickly and powerfully pull the cord.
!
WARNING! Please read the operator’s 
manual carefully and make sure you 
understand the instructions before using the 
machine.
Wear personal protective equipment. See 
instructions under the heading ”Personal 
protective equipment”.
Make sure no unauthorised persons are in 
the working area, otherwise there is a risk of 
serious personal injury.
Check that the fuel cap is properly secured, 
and that there is no fuel leakage. Risk of fire.
!
WARNING! The cutting blade rotates when 
the engine is started. Make sure it can rotate 
freely.
NOTICE! Do not pull the starter cord all the way out and do 
not let go of the starter handle when the cord is fully 
extended. This can damage the machine. 
						

							English – 17
STARTING AND STOPPING
•With a cold engine: The machine stops when the engine 
fires becase the chokel control is pulled out.
Press the choke control and the decompression valve.
Pull the starter handle until the engine starts.
• When the engine starts, quickly apply full throttle to 
automatically disengage fast idle.
Stopping
•Stop the engine by moving the stop switch (STOP) to the 
right.
!
CAUTION! The cutting blade continues to 
rotate up to a minute after the motor has 
stopped.  (Blade coasting.) Make sure that 
the cutting blade can rotate freely until it is 
completely stopped. Carelessness can 
result in serious personal injury. 
						

							18 – English
MAINTENANCE
General
•Let your Husqvarna dealer regularly check the machine and make essential adjustments and repairs.
Maintenance schedule
In the maintenance schedule you can see which parts of your machine that require maintenance, and with which intervals it should 
take place. The intervals are calculated based on daily use of the machine, and may differ depending on the rate of usage.
*See instructions in the section Machine’s safety equipment.
** See instructions in the section Cutting blades and Assembly and settings.
!
WARNING! The user must only carry out the 
maintenance and service work described in 
this manual. More extensive work must be 
carried out by an authorized service 
workshop.
The engine should be switched off, and the 
stop switch in STOP position.
Wear personal protective equipment. See 
instructions under the heading ”Personal 
protective equipment”.
The life span of the machine can be reduced 
and the risk of accidents can increase if 
machine maintenance is not carried out 
correctly and if service and/or repairs are 
not carried out professionally. If you need 
further information please contact your 
nearest servicing dealer.
Daily maintenanceWeekly maintenanceMonthly maintenance
CleaningCleaningCleaning
External cleaningSpark plug
Cooling air intakeFuel tank
Functional inspectionFunctional inspectionFunctional inspection
General inspectionVibration damping system*Fuel system
Throttle lockout*Muffler*Air filter
Stop switch*Drive beltDrive gear, clutch
Guard for the blade*Carburetor
Cutting blade**Starter 
						

							English – 19
MAINTENANCE
Cleaning
External cleaning
•Clean the machine daily by rinsing it with clean water after 
the work is finished.
Cooling air intake
•Clean the cooling air intake when needed.
Spark plug
•If the machine is low on power, difficult to start or runs 
poorly at idle speed: always check the spark plug first 
before taking other steps.
• Ensure that the spark plug cap and ignition lead are 
undamaged to avoid the risk of electric shock.
• If the spark plug is dirty, clean it and at the same time 
check that the electrode gap is 0.5 mm. Replace if 
necessary.
These factors cause deposits on the spark plug electrodes, 
which may result in operating problems and starting 
difficulties.
• An incorrect fuel mixture (too much or incorrect type of 
oil).
• A dirty air filter.
Functional inspection
General inspection
•Check that nuts and screws are tight.
Drive belt
Check the tension of the drive belt
•For correct tensioning of the drive belt, the square nut 
should be positioned opposite the marking on the belt 
cover.
Tensioning the drive belt
•The tension of a new drive belt must be readjusted after 
one or two tanks of fuel have been used.
• When the machine is equipped with a friction retarder, a 
scraping sound can be heard from the bearing housing 
when the blade is turned by hand. This is quite normal. 
Please contact an accredited Husqvarna workshop if you 
have any questions.
• The drive belt is enclosed and well protected from dust 
and dirt.
• When the drive belt is to be tensioned, release the bolts 
holding the cutting arm.
• Screw the adjuster screw so that the square headed nut 
comes opposite the marking on the cover. This 
automatically ensures that the belt has the correct 
tension.
• Tighten both of the screws holding the cutting head using 
a T-wrench.
NOTICE! A dirty or blocked air intake results in the machine 
overheating which causes damage to the piston and 
cylinder.
NOTICE! Always use the recommended spark plug type! 
Use of the wrong spark plug can damage the piston/
cylinder. 
						

							20 – English
MAINTENANCE
Replacing the drive belt
•First release the two bolts and then the adjuster screw to 
release the belt tension.
• Now unscrew the bolts and dismantle the belt guard.
• Remove the belt from the belt pulley.
• The cutting head is now loose and can be removed from 
the machine. Remove the rear belt guard by releasing the 
two screws holding the guard.
• Replace the drive belt.
• Assemble in the reverse order as set out for dismantling.
Carburetor
The carburettor is equipped with fixed needles to ensure the 
machine always receives the correct mixture of fuel and air. 
When the engine lacks power or accelerates poorly, do the 
following:
• Check the air filter and replace if necessary. When this 
does not help, contact an authorised service workshop.
Adjusting the idle speed
Start the engine and check the idling setting. When the 
carburettor is set correctly the cutting blade should be still 
while engine is idling.
• Adjust the idle speed using the T screw. When an 
adjustment is necessary, first turn the screw clockwise 
until the blade starts to rotate. Now turn the screw anti-
clockwise until the blade stops rotating.
Rec. idle speed: 2700 rpm
!
WARNING! Never start the engine when the 
belt pulley and clutch are removed for 
maintenance. Do not start the machine 
without the cutting arm or cutting head 
fitted. Otherwise the clutch could come 
loose and cause personal injuries.
!
CAUTION! If the idle speed cannot be 
adjusted so that the cutting attachment 
stops, contact your dealer/service 
workshop. Do not use the machine until it 
has been correctly adjusted or repaired.
T