The Husqvarna 285 CD is an 85 cc petrol chainsaw. The production of this model began in 1977.
It’s a powerful chainsaw, that’s popular for the usual tasks – cutting firewood, felling trees, and similar jobs. Some also use it in the mill.
Its disadvantages are that it’s quite heavy, isn’t comfortable and safety features of the current models, such as chain brake, and it’s getting increasingly harder to find spare parts.
The CD in the model name means “Capacitator Discharge”, which refers to the ignition system. This ignition is a pain to find and most owners of this saw will go for an alternative. You’ll need to figure out whether you need the SEM or Bosch ignition.
Where to look for?
- eBay – spare parts
- HLS Pro Parts – advice on interchangeable ignition systems
- Husqvarna FB group – requests for parts
You can also find other, easier-to-find parts such as clutch covers, fuel lines, and air filters through the links above.
As with any second-hand tool, the price will depend on the condition, but you won’t need to spend more than two hundred bucks. The price keeps falling as time goes on because fewer people are willing to deal with finding spare parts.
Husqvarna 285 CD Specs and Features
The most common use case for this saw would be cutting thick logs and even hardwoods.
The range for guide bars is 16″ – 36″, but bear in mind that the saw itself is already pretty heavy, so the biggest one may wear you down real fast.
The 285 CD lacks any of the modern features and is only rocking an adjustable oiler and a mechanical chain brake.
| SERIES OR ASSEMBLY NUMBER: | |
| YEAR INTRODUCED: | 1977 |
| YEAR DISCONTINUED: | |
| ENGINE DISPLACEMENT: | 85cc (5.2 cu. in.) |
| NUMBER OF CYLINDERS: | 1 |
| CYLINDER BORE: | 52mm (2.05 in.) |
| PISTON STROKE: | 40mm (1.57 in.) |
| PISTON RING THICKNESS: | |
| CYLINDER TYPE: | Aluminum with chrome plated bore |
| INTAKE METHOD: | Piston ported |
| MANUFACTURER ADVERTISED H.P.: | not advertised |
| WEIGHT: | 9.7 kg with 50 cm bar & chain |
| OPERATOR CONFIGURATION: | One Man operation |
| HANDLEBAR SYSTEM: | Anti-vibration |
| CHAIN BRAKE: | Mechanical |
| CLUTCH: | Centrifugal |
| DRIVE TYPE: | Direct |
| CONSTRUCTION: | Die cast magnesium |
| MAGNETO TYPE: | Capacitor discharge system |
| CARBURETOR: | Tillotson HS-136B, C, D series |
| MAJOR REPAIR KIT: | RK-23HS |
| MINOR REPAIR KIT: | DG-5HS/T |
| AIR FILTER SYSTEM: | Nylon mesh cartridge |
| STARTER TYPE: | Husqvarna automatic rewind |
| OIL PUMP: | Automatic, adjustable |
| MAXIMUM ENGINE RPM: | |
| IDLE RPM: | |
| IGNITION TIMING: | Mark on stator should align with mark on crankcase |
| BREAKER POINT SETTING: | none |
| FLYWHEEL/COIL AIR GAP: | 0.3 mm (0.012 in.) |
| SPARK PLUG TYPE: | Bosch WS7F or Champion CJ7Y |
| SPARK PLUG GAP: | 0.5mm (0.020 in.) |
| CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS: | Ball |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY: | 800 ml |
| FUEL OIL RATIO: | 40:1 |
| RECOMMENDED FUEL OCTANE: | Regular |
| MIX OIL SPECIFICATION: | Two-stroke chain saw mix oil |
| CHAIN PITCH: | 3/8 in. |
| CHAIN TYPE: | |
| BAR MOUNT PATTERN: | 17 link |
| SHORTEST GUIDE BAR SUPPLIED: | 40cm (16 in.) |
| LONGEST GUIDE BAR SUPPLIED: | 91cm (36 in.) |
| COLOUR SCHEME: | Husqvarna Orange enamel |
| PAINT CODES: | |
| ILLUSTRATED PARTS LIST: | |
| SERVICE MANUAL: |
Husqvarna 285 CD Review
The main benefit of the Husqvarna 285 CD these days is the price you get it for. You can get pick it up for as little as $30.
The downside is the lack of features, especially the safety ones. Also as mentioned before, the parts are hard to come by, especially the ignition system, though it can be substituted from other models (the 2100 CD for example).
It’s also heavy, with over 20 lbs. Nowadays, you can get more power with that weight, but for someone that uses it once in a blue moon, it should be ok.
Pros
- Powerful
- Easy to service
- Durable
Cons
- No safety and comfort features
- Difficult to find parts
- Heavy