Husqvarna 240 38.2cc Gas Chainsaw Manual

Safety Instructions

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Safety helmet with face shield and hearing protection
Cut-resistant chainsaw chaps or pants
Steel-toed boots with non-slip soles
Gloves with good grip
High-visibility clothing

Essential Safety Rules

Read Manual: Read and understand this manual completely before operating the chainsaw.
Fuel Safety: Always refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources. Use only fresh, unleaded gasoline mixed with 2-stroke oil (50:1 ratio).
Chain Brake: Always engage the chain brake when carrying the saw or when not actively cutting.
Kickback Zone: Avoid cutting with the upper quadrant of the bar tip to prevent dangerous kickback.
Clear Work Area: Ensure work area is clear of obstacles, people, and animals before starting.
Proper Stance: Maintain secure footing with feet shoulder-width apart. Never operate above shoulder height.
Emergency Preparedness: Always have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher nearby when operating.

Warning: Chainsaws are dangerous power tools that can cause serious injury or death. Always follow safety procedures and wear appropriate protective equipment.

Specifications

Model	Husqvarna 240
Engine Type	2-stroke, single cylinder
Displacement	38.2 cc
Power Output	1.8 kW / 2.4 hp
Fuel Capacity	0.33 L (0.87 US pt)
Oil Tank Capacity	0.25 L (0.53 US pt)
Bar Length Options	14", 16", 18"
Chain Pitch	3/8" Low Profile
Chain Gauge	0.050" (1.3 mm)
Weight (dry)	4.4 kg (9.7 lbs)
Sound Power Level	112 dB(A)
Vibration Level	Front Handle: 3.5 m/s², Rear Handle: 4.0 m/s²

Warranty Information

Consumer Warranty: 2 years for private users
Professional Warranty: 1 year for professional users
Extended Warranty: Available with product registration

For warranty service, contact Husqvarna Customer Service at 1-800-487-5962 or visit Husqvarna.com

Assembly Guide

Tools Needed:

Combination wrench (13 mm)
Screwdriver (flat head)
Chain tensioning tool
Bar nut wrench (included)
Gloves

Step-by-Step Assembly

Unpacking: Remove all packaging materials and verify all parts are included: chainsaw body, guide bar, chain, bar nuts, and manual.
Handle Installation: If handles are detached, secure them using provided bolts and washers. Tighten securely but do not overtighten.
Bar and Chain Installation: Place the chain around the bar with cutting teeth facing forward. Align bar with mounting studs and position chain drive links into bar groove.
Tension Adjustment: Adjust chain tension so it snaps back when pulled away from bar. There should be approximately 2-3mm of play.
Bar Nut Tightening: Tighten bar nuts securely using the combination wrench. Re-check chain tension after tightening.
Chain Oil: Fill oil tank with Husqvarna chain oil or equivalent. Check oil flow by holding saw over light surface and running at idle.
Fuel Mix: Prepare fuel mixture: 50 parts unleaded gasoline (min 90 octane) to 1 part Husqvarna 2-stroke oil. Shake well before filling.

Important: Always check chain tension before each use. A loose chain can derail, while an overly tight chain can damage the bar and engine.

Operation Guide

Starting Procedure

1. Engage chain brake. 2. Set choke to cold start position. 3. Press decompression valve. 4. Pull starter cord until engine fires. 5. Move choke to run position. 6. Pull starter cord to start.

Warm Starting

For warm engine: Set choke to run position, press decompression valve, and pull starter cord. Engine should start within 3 pulls.

Basic Cutting Techniques

Always use full throttle when cutting. Let the chain do the work - don't force it. Maintain secure footing and be aware of kickback zone.

Felling Trees

1. Plan escape path. 2. Make notch cut on falling side. 3. Make felling cut from opposite side. 4. Use wedges for trees over 10" diameter.

Limbing

Work from trunk outward. Stand on opposite side of tree from limbs being cut. Use pulling chain for better control.

Bucking Logs

Support log properly. Cut from top down for logs under tension. Use sawhorses for elevated cutting. Never cut with tip of bar.

Controls Overview

Throttle Trigger

Controls engine speed. Release to return to idle. Combined with safety throttle lock.

Chain Brake

Front hand guard that stops chain within milliseconds if activated by kickback or manually.

Decompression Valve

Reduces compression for easier starting. Automatically closes when engine starts.

Choke Control

Three positions: Run, Cold Start, and Choke. Use choke for cold starts only.

Master Control Lever

Combines choke, stop switch, and decompression control for simplified operation.

Chain Tensioner

Tool-less adjustment system for quick chain tensioning without removing bar nuts.

Maintenance

Maintenance Task	Frequency	Procedure
Chain Sharpening	Every 2-3 hours of use	Use round file matching chain pitch. Maintain 30° cutting angle. File all cutters evenly.
Air Filter Cleaning	Daily in dusty conditions	Remove filter, tap clean, wash in warm soapy water if very dirty. Dry completely before reinstalling.
Spark Plug Check	Every 25 hours	Check electrode gap (0.020"/0.5mm). Clean with wire brush. Replace if worn or fouled.
Bar Maintenance	Weekly	Clean bar groove, flip bar regularly for even wear. File rails if burred.
Chain Oil System	Before each use	Check oil flow. Clean oil ports. Use only recommended chain oil.
Fuel Filter	Every 3 months	Replace fuel filter to prevent carburetor issues. Use Husqvarna genuine parts.

Winter Storage

Drain all fuel from tank and run engine until it stops
Remove spark plug and add 1 teaspoon of 2-stroke oil to cylinder
Pull starter cord slowly to distribute oil
Clean entire saw thoroughly
Store in dry place, protected from moisture
Loosen chain tension to relieve pressure on bar

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Engine won't start	Old fuel, flooded engine, spark plug issue	Use fresh fuel mix, wait 10 minutes if flooded, check/replace spark plug
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, carburetor issues, air leak	Replace fuel filter, clean carburetor, check fuel lines
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, incorrect filing, low chain speed	Sharpen chain properly, check filing angle, ensure full throttle when cutting
Chain won't stay tight	Worn bar, stretched chain, improper tensioning	Replace worn components, tension chain properly when warm
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced chain, loose components, engine issues	Balance chain, tighten all bolts, check engine mounts
Chain oil not flowing	Clogged oil ports, wrong oil, pump failure	Clean oil ports, use proper chain oil, check oil pump

Common Error Indicators

Hard Starting: Usually indicates fuel system issues - check fuel age, filter, and carburetor
Loss of Power: Check air filter, spark arrestor, and fuel quality
Chain Throwing: Indicates improper tension, worn sprocket, or damaged bar
Exhaust Smoke: Blue smoke is normal for 2-stroke, excessive white smoke indicates oil mixture issues
Overheating: Check air flow, proper fuel mixture, and chain sharpness
Oil Leaks: Check tank seals, oil lines, and bar oiler connections

Husqvarna 240 38.2cc Gas Chainsaw