Husqvarna 240 Chainsaw Operation Manual

The Husqvarna 240 is a lightweight, high-performance chainsaw designed for homeowners and occasional users. It features a powerful 38.2cc X-Torq engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an inertia-activated chain brake for safety, LowVib anti-vibration system, Smart Start for easier starting, combined choke/stop control, and an air injection system for longer air filter life. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq engine, Inertia chain brake, LowVib system, Smart Start, Combined choke/stop control, Air Injection, Side-mounted chain tensioner.

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear proper PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety helmet, hearing protection, eye protection (visor or goggles), protective gloves, chainsaw protective trousers, and boots with steel toe caps and non-slip soles.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 meters away. Ensure secure footing. Do not operate in poor weather or low light.
3. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Do not let this part contact wood or other objects.
4. Chain Brake: Test function before each use. Engage when carrying the saw more than a few steps or when not cutting.

WARNING! A chainsaw is a dangerous tool if used improperly. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Loosen bar nuts. Fit the chain around the sprocket and guide bar, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Tighten bar nuts hand-tight.
2. Fuel Mix: Use high-quality 2-stroke engine oil mixed with unleaded gasoline (min 90 octane) at a ratio of 1:50 (2%). Shake well before filling.
3. Fill Fuel Tank: Clean area around cap. Fill to 80% capacity to allow for expansion.
4. Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use special chain oil (or SAE 30 in mild temperatures). Check oil flow before cutting.
5. Check Chain Tension: Chain should be snug against the bar but pull freely by hand. Adjust using side-mounted tensioner.

CAUTION! Fuel is highly flammable. Refuel outdoors, with engine off and cool. Wipe up spills immediately.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 38.2 cc.
• Engine Power: 1.8 kW (2.4 hp).
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.33 liters.
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.2 liters.
• Recommended Bar Length: 40 cm (16 inches).
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" Low Profile.
• Chain Gauge: 0.050" (1.3 mm).
• Dry Weight (excl. cutting equipment): 4.4 kg.
• Sound Pressure Level: 104 dB(A).
• Vibration Level (front/rear handle): 3.5/2.5 m/s².

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Main Components: Front Handle, Rear Handle, Throttle Trigger, Throttle Trigger Lockout, Stop Switch, Choke Control, Chain Brake Lever (Front Hand Guard), Decompression Valve (if equipped), Primer Bulb (if equipped), Fuel Cap, Oil Cap, Side-mounted Chain Tensioner.

Operation: The throttle trigger lockout must be pressed before the throttle trigger can be activated. The chain brake lever (front hand guard) is pushed forward to engage the brake, pulled back to disengage.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on flat ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set stop switch to start position.
4. Pull choke control to full choke.
5. Press primer bulb 6-8 times (if equipped).
6. Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle. Pull starter handle sharply until engine fires.
7. Push choke control to half-throttle position.
8. Pull starter handle again until engine starts.
9. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle. Disengage chain brake.

Warm Start: Follow steps but start from half-throttle position (no choke).

Stopping: Release throttle, let engine idle briefly, then press stop switch to stop position.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always use a firm grip with both hands. Keep body to the left of the cutting plane.

1. Basic Felling: Plan escape path (45-degree angle behind felling direction). Make notch cut (1/3 of tree diameter). Make felling cut from opposite side, 2-5 cm above notch hinge.
2. Limbing: Stand on left side of trunk. Cut branches from top side. Use the guide bar's underside for cutting when possible.
3. Bucking (Cross-cutting): Support log properly. Cut from top side. For logs under tension, cut from the tension side first to avoid pinching.
4. Kickback Prevention: Maintain a firm grip. Do not cut with the tip. Keep chain sharp and tensioned.

WARNING! Never operate the saw above shoulder height or with one hand. Be extremely cautious of kickback.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Perform daily maintenance before operation. Ensure engine is off and cool.

1. Air Filter: Clean daily in dusty conditions. Remove, tap clean, or wash in warm soapy water. Dry completely before refitting.
2. Spark Plug: Check electrode gap (0.5 mm / 0.020"). Clean or replace if fouled.
3. Fuel Filter: Replace once per season or if clogged.
4. Chain Oil System: Check oil flow by running saw at idle over light-colored surface (splatter should appear). Clean oil outlet hole on guide bar.
5. Exterior Cleaning: Use a brush to remove sawdust and dirt from cooling fins, air intake, and clutch area. Never use high-pressure water.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug cap before performing any maintenance to prevent accidental starting.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

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

1. Sharpening: Use a round file matching chain pitch (typically 4.0 mm). File each cutter from the inside out, maintaining original angle (typically 30°). File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges with a flat file to specified height (0.65 mm / 0.025").
2. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Turn tensioning screw clockwise until chain is snug against bar bottom but can be pulled freely by hand. Tighten bar nuts while lifting tip of bar. Re-check tension.

Tip: Tension chain when cold. It will expand when warm; re-check tension after a few minutes of operation.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

1. Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor by running engine until it stops.
2. Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to distribute, refit plug.
3. Clean entire saw thoroughly.
4. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil. Store guide bar and chain in a dry place.
5. Store in a dry, locked location out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Old fuel can cause starting problems and damage the engine. Never store saw with fuel in the tank.

Troubleshooting

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

Support: 1-800-487-5962; www.husqvarna.com