Husqvarna 240 Chainsaw Owners Manual

The Husqvarna 240 is a lightweight, gas-powered chainsaw designed for homeowners and occasional users. It features a 38.2cc X-Torq engine for reduced emissions, Smart Start for easier starting, LowVib anti-vibration system, Air Injection air cleaning, and an inertia-activated chain brake. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure safe and efficient use.

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq engine, guide bar, cutting chain, front hand guard with chain brake, throttle trigger, stop switch, fuel and oil tanks.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation. Always wear appropriate PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety helmet, hearing protection, eye protection (visor or goggles), protective gloves, chainsaw protective trousers, and sturdy boots with non-slip soles.
2. Work Area Safety: Ensure no persons or animals are within a 15-meter radius. Be aware of your surroundings, including overhead power lines, unstable trees, and uneven ground.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only when engine is cold. Use approved fuel container. Wipe off any spillage. Move at least 3 meters from refueling point before starting.
4. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Do not let this part contact wood or other objects during operation.

WARNING! A chainsaw is a dangerous tool. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate when tired, ill, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble on a clean, stable surface.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on mounting studs. Loop chain over bar sprocket, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Fit chain tensioning pin into bar hole. Place clutch cover and tighten nuts finger-tight.
2. Tension Chain: Use side-mounted tensioning screw to adjust chain. Pull up on tip of bar. Tighten chain until it snaps back when pulled from guide bar groove. Fully tighten clutch cover nuts.
3. Fill Fluids: Add Husqvarna 2-stroke engine oil to fuel at a 50:1 ratio (2%). Use high-quality, unleaded gasoline (min 90 octane). Fill chain oil tank with special chain oil (not waste oil).
4. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, stop switch, and chain brake function correctly before starting.

CAUTION! The chain is extremely sharp. Always wear protective gloves during assembly.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 38.2 cc
• Engine Power: 1.8 kW (2.4 hp)
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.33 liter (0.87 US pt)
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.25 liter (0.53 US pt)
• Recommended Bar Length: 40 cm (16")
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" Low Profile
• Chain Gauge: 0.050" (1.3 mm)
• Weight (excl. cutting equipment): 4.4 kg (9.7 lbs)
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Level (front/rear handle): 3.5/2.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Right Side: Throttle trigger, Throttle lockout (must be pressed to access trigger), Stop switch (I=Run, 0=Stop), Front hand guard/Chain brake lever, Choke/Stop control lever.

Left Side: Combined choke/stop control, Decompression valve (optional), Side-mounted chain tensioner, Air filter cover release, Fuel and oil tank caps.

Chain Brake: Can be engaged manually by pushing the front hand guard forward. It activates automatically (inertia-activated) during a kickback. To disengage, pull the hand guard back towards the front handle.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on firm ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Press the fuel pump (primer) 4-6 times until fuel is visible.
3. Set the combined control lever to choke position (full up).
4. Pull starter handle until engine fires (usually 2-4 pulls).
5. Immediately set control lever to half-throttle position (middle).
6. Pull starter handle again to start engine.
7. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle. Disengage chain brake.

Warm Start: Set control lever to run position (down). Pull starter cord.

Stopping: Release throttle. Press stop switch to "0".

Emergency Stop: Activate chain brake by pushing hand guard forward. Press stop switch.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always maintain a firm grip with both hands. Keep saw below shoulder height.

1. Basic Stance: Stand with feet apart for balance. Hold saw close to body.
2. Felling (Cutting Down a Tree): Plan escape path (45-degree angle behind tree). Make notch cut (1/3 of tree diameter). Make felling cut from opposite side, leaving a hinge.
3. Limbing (Removing Branches): Work from base of tree towards top. Let the weight of the branch support the cut. Use the underside of the guide bar for top branches.
4. Bucking (Cutting Logs): Support log off ground. Cut from top down. For logs under tension, cut from tension side first to avoid pinching.
5. Avoiding Kickback: Do not cut with the upper tip of the bar. Maintain a firm grip. Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned.

WARNING! Never operate the chainsaw with one hand. Kickback can occur suddenly and violently.

Maintenance Schedule

CAUTION! Always disconnect the spark plug boot before performing any maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is essential for safety and performance.

1. Sharpening: Use a round file matching chain pitch (5/32" for 3/8" LP). Secure bar. File each cutter from inside out at a 30-degree angle. Maintain equal length on all cutters. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge.
2. Tensioning: Chain should be cold. Loosen clutch cover nuts. Turn side-mounted tensioning screw clockwise until chain is snug against bar underside. Pull up on bar tip; chain should snap back. Chain should move freely by hand. Tighten clutch cover nuts.
3. Lubrication: Always check oil flow before cutting. Run saw at high idle and hold tip over light-colored surface (cardboard). A fine line of oil should appear within seconds.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Long-term (>30 days): Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to empty carburetor. Remove chain and bar, clean, and coat with oil. Clean entire saw. Store in a dry, cool place, out of reach of children.
2. Short-term: Store with full fuel tank treated with fuel stabilizer. Engage chain brake.

CAUTION! Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. Store fuel in an approved container away from living areas.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Husqvarna service dealer.

Support: Husqvarna AB, SE-561 82 Huskvarna, Sweden. www.husqvarna.com