Husqvarna 240 Chainsaw Operators Manual

The Husqvarna 240 is a lightweight, gas-powered chainsaw designed for homeowners and occasional users. It features a 40.9cc X-Torq engine for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an inertia-activated chain brake, LowVib anti-vibration system, combined choke/stop control, air injection centrifugal air cleaning, and Smart Start for easier starting. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure safe and efficient use.

1. Safety Information 2. Assembly & Preparation 3. Controls & Components 4. Specifications 5. Starting & Stopping 6. Operation & Cutting Techniques 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 9. Troubleshooting 10. Storage 11. Warranty & Support

Safety Information

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory: safety helmet, hearing protection, protective glasses, gloves, chainsaw protective trousers, and boots. Understand kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Maintain safe distance. Never operate alone.

Hazard	Precaution
Kickback	Hold saw firmly with both hands; do not cut with bar tip.
Chain Brake	Test before each use; engage if kickback occurs or when carrying.
Fuel Safety	Refuel outdoors, engine off and cool. Use fuel/oil mix per manual.
Working Area	Clear area of obstacles, bystanders, and animals.
Fatigue	Take regular breaks to maintain concentration.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assembly typically involves attaching guide bar and chain, and filling fluids.

Attach guide bar and chain: Loosen bar nuts, fit bar over studs, position chain with drive links in bar groove, tension correctly.
Fill chain oil: Use recommended bar & chain oil. Check oiler function.
Prepare fuel mix: Use unleaded gasoline (min 90 octane) with Husqvarna 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio. Shake well.
Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, stop switch, and chain brake function properly.

WARNING! Never use straight gasoline. Always wear gloves when handling chain.

Controls & Components

Front Handle with throttle trigger and lockout. Rear Handle with stop switch. Right Side: Combined choke/stop control, primer bulb (if equipped). Left Side: Chain brake/ front hand guard. Top: Fuel cap, oil cap. Rear: Starter handle.

Key Controls: Throttle trigger, Throttle lockout (must be pressed to access trigger), Stop switch (0=Run, 1=Stop), Choke control (for cold start), Chain brake (manual engagement by front hand guard; inertia-activated).

Specifications

Engine: 40.9cc Husqvarna X-Torq, 2-stroke.
Power Output: 2.2 kW (3.0 hp).
Fuel Consumption: Approx. 470 g/kWh.
Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A).
Vibration Levels: Front handle 3.2 m/s², Rear handle 4.5 m/s².
Recommended Bar Lengths: 13" to 16" (33cm to 40cm).
Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325" / .058" (1.3mm) typically.
Dry Weight (without bar/chain): 4.4 kg (9.7 lbs).
Oil Tank Volume: 0.25 liter.
Fuel Tank Volume: 0.33 liter.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

Place saw on firm ground. Engage chain brake.
Press decompression valve (if equipped).
Set stop switch to (0) run position.
Pull choke control to full choke position.
Press throttle lockout and pull throttle trigger; hold while pushing throttle trigger lock forward to set in start throttle position.
Pull starter handle sharply until engine fires (max 5-6 pulls).
Move choke control to half-throttle position.
Pull starter handle until engine starts. Let run briefly.
Blip throttle to disengage start throttle. Chain brake can be disengaged.

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

Stopping: Release throttle, let engine idle. Move stop switch to (1) stop position.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always use full throttle when cutting. Maintain secure footing and grip.

Felling: Plan escape path (45° behind). Make notch cut (1/3 diameter), then felling cut. Use wedge if needed.
Limbing: Stand on left side of trunk. Cut from top of log, let branch support weight.
Bucking (cross-cutting): Support log. Cut from top, avoid ground contact. For pinched bar, use lever or stop, re-cut.
Kickback Prevention: Keep saw body close to your own. Be aware of tip contact.

CAUTION! Never cut above shoulder height. Beware of falling limbs.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Daily / Before use	Check chain tension, sharpness, brake function, fluids, air filter, general condition.
Weekly / 5 hours	Clean air filter, check spark plug, clean cooling fins, inspect guide bar.
Monthly / 20 hours	Clean fuel filter, check carburetor settings (by dealer), inspect vibration dampeners.
Yearly / 100 hours	Replace spark plug, clean combustion chamber, check clutch and sprocket.

Note: All maintenance with engine off, spark plug disconnected.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts with combination wrench. Adjust tensioning screw until chain fits snug against bar bottom, but can be pulled around by hand. Tighten bar nuts. Re-check tension cold and after warm-up.

Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (e.g., 4.0mm). File at 30° angle, maintaining cutter top plate angle. Equalize strokes per cutter. File depth gauges with flat file and gauge.

WARNING! A loose chain can derail; an over-tightened chain can break.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No spark, flooded, old fuel, clogged filter	Check spark plug; wait if flooded; use fresh fuel mix; clean air/fuel filter.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, carburetor issues	Replace fuel filter; have carburetor serviced.
Poor performance/loss of power	Dirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor, dull chain	Clean air filter and spark arrestor screen; sharpen chain.
Chain does not oil	Empty oil tank, clogged oil channel/holes	Fill tank; clean bar oil holes and saw oil outlet.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, damaged dampeners	Tighten all bolts; inspect anti-vibration mounts.
Chain runs at idle	Carburetor idle speed too high	Adjust idle speed screw (T) – seek dealer if unsure.

Storage

For storage over 30 days:

Empty fuel tank and run carburetor dry.
Remove chain, clean and soak in oil. Clean guide bar groove and oil holes.
Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
Store in dry, cool place, protected from dust.
Before next use, refill fluids, check all functions.

CAUTION! Storing with fuel can cause carburetor varnishing.

Warranty & Support

Husqvarna 240 typically includes a 2-year consumer warranty for private use, covering defects in material and workmanship. Proof of purchase required. Warranty does not cover wear parts (chain, bar, spark plug, filters), damage from misuse, lack of maintenance, or non-genuine parts.

Support: For technical assistance, parts, or dealer location:
Visit www.husqvarna.com
Contact Husqvarna Forest & Garden: 1-800-487-5962

Always use genuine Husqvarna replacement parts.