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.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Technical Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Stopping Procedure 7. Basic Operation & Cutting Techniques 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 10. Storage Guidelines 11. Troubleshooting

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.

FeatureDescription
Engine Type2-stroke, single cylinder, X-Torq technology
Displacement40.9 cc
Power Output2.0 kW (2.7 hp)
Fuel Tank Volume0.47 liters
Oil Tank Volume0.26 liters
Recommended Bar Length13" to 16" (33 cm to 40 cm)
Chain Pitch3/8" or .325"
Weight (excl. cutting equipment)4.7 kg (10.4 lbs)
Sound Pressure LevelTypically 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.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chainsaw protective trousers, safety boots, gloves, eye protection (visor/goggles), and hearing protection.
  2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and animals at least 15 meters away. Ensure secure footing. Never operate on a ladder or unstable surface.
  3. 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.
  4. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar nose. Never cut with this part of the bar.
  5. 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.

  1. 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.
  2. Fill Fluids: Add fuel mix to fuel tank. Add Husqvarna chain oil to oil tank.
  3. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, stop switch, and chain brake function correctly.
  4. 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

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:

Starting & Stopping Procedure

Cold Start:

  1. Place saw on firm, flat ground. Engage chain brake.
  2. Activate decompression valve (if equipped).
  3. Set choke control to full choke position.
  4. Press purge bulb (if equipped) 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
  5. Hold saw firmly, place right foot through rear handle. Pull starter cord briskly 2-3 times until engine fires.
  6. Move choke control to half-throttle position. Pull starter cord until engine starts.
  7. 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.

  1. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 of tree diameter), then felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
  2. Limbing: Work from trunk outwards. Support saw with trunk. Beware of spring-loaded branches.
  3. Bucking (Cross-cutting): Support log. Cut from top. For logs under tension, cut compression side first.
  4. 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

IntervalTask
Daily / Before UseCheck chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check all controls, nuts, bolts. Clean air filter. Check for loose parts.
Weekly / 10 HoursClean cooling fins, spark arrestor screen (muffler). Check spark plug condition and gap.
Monthly / 50 HoursClean fuel filter. Check fuel lines. Clean carburetor air intake.
Annually / 100 HoursReplace 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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:

  1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to empty carburetor.
  2. Remove chain and bar, clean, and coat with oil.
  3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
  4. 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

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo spark, flooded, old fuel, clogged filterCheck spark plug. Use fresh fuel. Clean air/fuel filters. Do not flood.
Engine starts but diesClogged fuel filter, carburetor issues, vent blockedReplace fuel filter. Clean carburetor screen. Check tank vent.
Poor performance/loss of powerDull chain, clogged air filter, spark arrestor, carb adjustmentSharpen chain. Clean air filter & spark arrestor. Check carb settings.
Chain does not oilEmpty oil tank, clogged oil holes, pump issueFill tank. Clean bar oil holes. Check oil pump and line.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, damaged anti-vibration mounts, unbalanced chainTighten all nuts/bolts. Check anti-vibration elements. Sharpen chain evenly.
Chain throws off barLoose bar nuts, worn bar, incorrect chainTighten 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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