Husqvarna T540i XP Chain Brake Hand Guard

This Husqvarna T540i XP chain brake hand guard is the front guard that also works the chain brake on the battery top-handle saw. A cracked or bent guard can keep the brake from engaging properly, so replace it before the saw goes back in the tree.

A key safety part

On a top-handle saw, the hand guard shields your front hand and trips the chain brake. Climbers rely on it when the saw kicks back in tight quarters. Guards get cracked when saws are dropped or swing into a stem on the lanyard, and a damaged guard may not trip the brake reliably.

Top-handle saws are made for trained arborists working aloft. Use them two-handed per ANSI Z133 and keep every safety feature working.

Check the hand guard every time you clean the saw. Look for cracks around the pivot, chips along the edge and play in the mounting. A guard that wobbles, rubs on the housing or does not travel fully forward needs attention. Climbers also tend to grab the guard when moving the saw around in the tree, so wear there shows up sooner than on a ground saw.

Fitting the guard

Remove the battery first. Remove the old guard per the service manual and fit the new one with the correct pivot hardware. If the pivot bushing is worn, replace it as well.

Test the brake before use: it should engage firmly and stop the chain, and release cleanly. For the front handle and other T540i XP parts, see our chainsaw parts section.