340 Husqvarna Chainsaw Manual
The Husqvarna 340 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and arborist work. It features a powerful X-Torq engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, combined with LowVib anti-vibration system, air injection cleaning system, and inertia-activated chain brake. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical specifications.
Features at a Glance
Key components: X-Torq engine, LowVib system, Air Injection, Combined choke/stop control, Inertia activated chain brake, Side-mounted chain tensioner.
| Feature | Description |
| Engine Type | 2-stroke, single cylinder, X-Torq technology |
| Displacement | 40.9 cc |
| Power Output | 2.0 kW (2.7 hp) |
| Fuel Tank Volume | 0.47 liters |
| Oil Tank Volume | 0.26 liters |
| Recommended Bar Length | 13" to 16" (33 cm to 40 cm) |
| Chain Pitch | 3/8" or .325" |
| Weight (excl. cutting equipment) | 4.7 kg (10.4 lbs) |
| Sound Pressure Level | Typically 106 dB(A) |
| Vibration Level (front/rear handle) | LowVib system reduces vibration |
Safety Instructions
Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear proper PPE.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chainsaw protective trousers, safety boots, gloves, eye protection (visor/goggles), and hearing protection.
- Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and animals at least 15 meters away. Ensure secure footing. Never operate on a ladder or unstable surface.
- Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only, with engine stopped and cool. Use clean, fresh fuel mix (50:1 Husqvarna XP+ oil with 90+ octane gasoline). Wipe off spills.
- Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar nose. Never cut with this part of the bar.
- Chain Brake: Test function before each use by pushing forward on front hand guard.
WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. The chainsaw is a dangerous tool if misused.
Assembly & Preparation
Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.
- Mount Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, fit chain with drive links in bar groove and cutting teeth facing forward on top. Adjust tension.
- Fill Fluids: Add fuel mix to fuel tank. Add Husqvarna chain oil to oil tank.
- Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, stop switch, and chain brake function correctly.
- Check Chain Tension: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Re-tension when cold.
CAUTION! Always use correct fuel mix. Never use straight gasoline or automotive oil.
Technical Specifications
- Model: Husqvarna 340
- Engine Displacement: 40.9 cc
- Power Output: 2.0 kW (2.7 hp)
- Max Recommended Bar Length: 16" (40 cm)
- Fuel Consumption: Approx. 470 g/kWh
- Idle Speed: 2700 rpm
- Max Power Speed: 9600 rpm
- Ignition System: Electronic, SEM
- Spark Plug: Champion RCJ7Y or equivalent, gap 0.5 mm (0.020")
- Carburetor: Walbro HDA-175
- Chain Oil Pump: Automatic, adjustable
Controls and Components
Main components: Front handle with chain brake, Rear handle with throttle trigger, Throttle lockout, Stop switch, Choke control, Decompression valve (if equipped), Side-mounted chain tensioner.
Controls:
- Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Release to idle.
- Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed to allow throttle operation. Safety feature.
- Stop Switch: Move to STOP position to stop engine.
- Combined Choke/Stop Control: Pull out for cold start (choke). Push in past stop for engine stop.
- Chain Brake/Front Hand Guard: Push forward manually to engage brake, or inertia-activated by kickback.
- Chain Tensioner: Screw located by bar nuts. Turn to adjust chain tension.
Starting & Stopping Procedure
Cold Start:
- Place saw on firm, flat ground. Engage chain brake.
- Activate decompression valve (if equipped).
- Set choke control to full choke position.
- Press purge bulb (if equipped) 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
- Hold saw firmly, place right foot through rear handle. Pull starter cord briskly 2-3 times until engine fires.
- Move choke control to half-throttle position. Pull starter cord until engine starts.
- Blip throttle to disengage fast idle. Release chain brake.
Warm Start: Do not use choke. Use half-throttle position.
Stopping: Release throttle, allow to idle briefly, move stop switch to STOP.
Basic Operation & Cutting Techniques
Always use full throttle when cutting. Maintain secure grip with both hands.
- Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 of tree diameter), then felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
- Limbing: Work from trunk outwards. Support saw with trunk. Beware of spring-loaded branches.
- Bucking (Cross-cutting): Support log. Cut from top. For logs under tension, cut compression side first.
- Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly, do not overreach. Never cut with bar nose. Keep chain sharp and tensioned.
WARNING! Never operate chainsaw above shoulder height or with one hand.
Maintenance Schedule
| Interval | Task |
| Daily / Before Use | Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check all controls, nuts, bolts. Clean air filter. Check for loose parts. |
| Weekly / 10 Hours | Clean cooling fins, spark arrestor screen (muffler). Check spark plug condition and gap. |
| Monthly / 50 Hours | Clean fuel filter. Check fuel lines. Clean carburetor air intake. |
| Annually / 100 Hours | Replace spark plug. Clean cylinder and exhaust port (professional service recommended). Check anti-vibration elements. |
Chain Sharpening & Tensioning
A sharp, properly tensioned chain is essential for safety and performance.
- Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Turn tensioning screw clockwise until chain is snug against bar but can be pulled around by hand. Tighten bar nuts. Re-check tension when chain is warm.
- Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 4.0 mm or 5/32"). Maintain 30° filing angle. File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges with flat file to maintain correct height (0.65 mm / .025").
Tip: Sharpen chain frequently; a few strokes often is better than heavy filing when dull.
Storage Guidelines
For storage longer than 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, especially cooling fins and air filter.
- Store in a dry, cool place, protected from dust.
CAUTION! Old fuel can cause starting problems and damage the engine. Always use fresh fuel mix.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
| Engine will not start | No spark, flooded, old fuel, clogged filter | Check spark plug. Use fresh fuel. Clean air/fuel filters. Do not flood. |
| Engine starts but dies | Clogged fuel filter, carburetor issues, vent blocked | Replace fuel filter. Clean carburetor screen. Check tank vent. |
| Poor performance/loss of power | Dull chain, clogged air filter, spark arrestor, carb adjustment | Sharpen chain. Clean air filter & spark arrestor. Check carb settings. |
| Chain does not oil | Empty oil tank, clogged oil holes, pump issue | Fill tank. Clean bar oil holes. Check oil pump and line. |
| Excessive vibration | Loose parts, damaged anti-vibration mounts, unbalanced chain | Tighten all nuts/bolts. Check anti-vibration elements. Sharpen chain evenly. |
| Chain throws off bar | Loose bar nuts, worn bar, incorrect chain | Tighten bar nuts. Check bar for wear. Ensure correct chain type. |
Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Husqvarna service dealer.
Support: Husqvarna AB, SE-561 82 Huskvarna, Sweden. www.husqvarna.com
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