Chainsaw chain won’t install correctly or move freely? Check for the plastic shipping spacer
If your new Husqvarna chainsaw arrives unassembled and the chain will not install properly, feels tight, binds during rotation or refuses to move freely, the issue may be caused by a plastic shipping spacer that was not removed before assembly.
Many chainsaws include a temporary plastic spacer near the guide bar mounting area to help protect components during shipping and transport.
While this spacer is important for packaging stability, it must be removed before installing the guide bar and chain.
Leaving the spacer in place can prevent proper chain installation and interfere with normal chain movement.
What is the plastic shipping spacer?
What is the plastic shipping spacer?
The plastic shipping spacer is commonly found on Husqvarna 400 series chainsaws that are shipped unassembled.
Its purpose is to:
- stabilise internal components during shipping
- protect the mounting area from damage
- reduce movement inside the packaging during transport
The spacer is not part of the operational chainsaw setup and should always be removed before use.
Where is the spacer located?
Where is the spacer located?
The shipping spacer is typically found:
- near the guide bar mounting studs
- behind the clutch cover
- between the clutch cover and the chainsaw body
After removing the clutch cover, the spacer is usually visible around or near the bar stud area.
Common issues caused by the shipping spacer
Learn more about the common issues related to shipping spacers
Learn more about the common issues related to shipping spacers
If the spacer remains installed, users may experience several assembly problems.
Chain will not fit correctly
The guide bar may not sit flush against the chassis, preventing proper chain alignment.
Chain keeps jumping off the guide bar
If the plastic shipping spacer is left installed, the guide bar may not seat correctly against the chainsaw chassis.
This can affect chain alignment and tension, increasing the likelihood of the chain coming off or jumping off the guide bar during operation.
If your chainsaw chain repeatedly comes off the bar after assembly, inspect the bar stud area and ensure the shipping spacer has been completely removed.
Chain binds or feels tight
The chain may not rotate freely because the guide bar is not mounted correctly.
Guide bar installation problems
The clutch cover may be difficult to reinstall or may not tighten evenly.
Chain tension cannot be adjusted properly
Incorrect spacing can interfere with normal chain tensioning procedures.
How to remove the plastic shipping spacer
Learn how to remove the plastic shipping spacer
Learn how to remove the plastic shipping spacer
Before installing the guide bar and chain:
- Remove the clutch cover.
- Locate the plastic spacer near the bar studs.
- Remove the spacer completely from the mounting area.
- Ensure the guide bar mounting surface is clear.
- Install the guide bar and chain in accordance with the operator’s manual.
Once removed, the guide bar should mount properly and the chain should move freely when correctly tensioned.
Proper guide bar and chain installation tips
Learn basic guide bar and chain installation tips
Learn basic guide bar and chain installation tips
After removing the shipping spacer:
- confirm the chain direction is correct
- place the chain fully into the guide bar groove
- align the chain with the drive sprocket
- adjust chain tension in accordance with the operator’s manual
- verify the chain rotates freely by hand before operation
Always wear protective gloves when handling a chainsaw chain.