Husqvarna 246 Chainsaw Manual

The Husqvarna 246 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and arborist work. It features a powerful 2-stroke engine, X-Torq technology for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an inertia-activated chain brake, LowVib anti-vibration system, and an ergonomic design for extended use. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine with X-Torq, Guide bar, Saw chain, Chain brake, Throttle trigger, Throttle trigger lockout, Stop switch, Front hand guard, Rear handle, Fuel tank, Oil tank.

Safety Instructions

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

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear helmet, hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, chainsaw protective trousers, and safety boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 meters away. Ensure secure footing.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, with engine stopped and cool. Use fuel/oil mix as specified.
4. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Never cut with this area.
5. Chain Brake: Test function before each use. Engage when carrying the saw more than a few steps.

WARNING! A chainsaw is a dangerous tool. 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: Place bar over studs. Fit chain around bar sprocket and onto drive sprocket. Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar.
2. Install Bar Cover/Nuts: Fit bar cover and tighten nuts hand-tight.
3. Tension Chain: Use side-mounted tensioner screw to adjust until chain fits snug against bar. Tighten bar nuts fully. Check tension again.
4. Fill Fluids: Add fuel mix (50:1 Husqvarna 2-stroke oil with unleaded gasoline) to fuel tank. Add bar & chain oil to oil tank.

CAUTION! Always wear protective gloves when handling the saw chain. It is extremely sharp.

Specifications

• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled.
• Displacement: 45.7 cm³ (2.79 cu. in.).
• Power Output: 2.4 kW (3.2 hp).
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (Husqvarna 2-stroke oil).
• Recommended Bar Lengths: 13" to 18".
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" LP, .050".
• Weight (excl. cutting equipment): 4.7 kg (10.4 lbs).
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A).
• Vibration Levels (Front/Rear Handle): 3.5/2.5 m/s².

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Main Controls: Throttle trigger, Throttle trigger lockout (must be pressed to access throttle), Stop switch (0=Run, 1=Stop), Choke control (for cold start), Decompression valve (reduces starting effort), Chain brake lever (front hand guard), Inertia release button (resets chain brake).

Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, Spark plug, Cylinder cover, Chain tensioner screw, Bar nuts, Fuel cap, Oil cap.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on flat ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set choke control to full choke position.
4. Press throttle trigger lockout and throttle trigger, then set stop switch to start (0) position.
5. Pull starter handle sharply until engine fires (usually 3-5 pulls).
6. Move choke control to half-throttle position.
7. Pull starter handle again until engine starts. Let run for 10 seconds.
8. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle. Disengage chain brake.

Warm Start: Follow steps 1, 4, 5, 8. Do not use choke.

Stopping: Release throttle. Press stop switch (1).

Operating Techniques

Always maintain a firm grip with both hands.

1. Basic Cutting: Let the chain do the work. Apply light feed pressure. Do not force the saw.
2. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut and felling cut. Use felling wedges if needed.
3. Limbing: Work from trunk outwards. Keep trunk between you and the saw. Beware of spring-loaded branches.
4. Bucking: Support log properly. Cut from top side. Beware of binding. Use pivot or undercut techniques.
5. Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly. Do not cut with bar tip. Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned.

Tip: Regularly check chain lubrication by pointing bar tip at a light surface and running at full throttle. A line of oil should appear.

Maintenance Schedule

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 (can be pulled by hand from underside). Tighten bar nuts. Re-check tension.
2. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 4.0mm). Maintain factory filing angle (usually 30°). File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges with a flat file and gauge.

WARNING! Always wear gloves. Secure the bar in a vise. File in one direction only, from inside cutter to outside.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
2. Remove chain, clean in solvent, dry, and coat with oil.
3. Clean entire saw thoroughly.
4. Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to distribute, reinstall plug.
5. Store in a dry, cool place, protected from dust.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in the tank for extended periods. Old fuel can damage engine components.

Troubleshooting

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

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