Husqvarna 266 XP Chainsaw Owners Manual

The Husqvarna 266 XP is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and logging work. It features a powerful 65.1cc engine with XP (Extra Power) technology, a robust construction, and advanced safety features. Below are key sections covering safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 65.1cc XP engine, Anti-Vibration System (AVS), Combined choke/stop control, Inertia activated chain brake, Side-mounted chain tensioner, Quick-release air filter.

Safety Information

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

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety helmet, hearing protection, eye protection (visor or goggles), protective gloves, chainsaw protective trousers, and sturdy boots with steel toe caps.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 meters away. Ensure secure footing. Be aware of your surroundings.
3. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Use a reduced-kickback chain and guide bar.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped and cool. Use approved fuel mix (see Specifications).

WARNING! A chainsaw is a dangerous tool. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate when tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar pad on studs. Loop chain over sprocket and onto guide bar, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Fit guide bar and secure with bar nuts (hand-tight).
2. Tension Chain: Use side-mounted tensioner to adjust until chain fits snugly against the bar but can be pulled around by hand. Retighten bar nuts.
3. Fill Fluids: Add fuel mix to fuel tank and bar & chain oil to oil tank. Use recommended oils only.
4. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function correctly.

CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is disengaged (pulled back toward front handle) before starting.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 65.1 cc.
• Engine Power: Approximately 4.4 kW (6.0 hp).
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.85 L.
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.40 L.
• Fuel/Oil Mix Ratio: 50:1 (2% oil) using high-quality 2-stroke oil (e.g., Husqvarna HP).
• Ignition System: Electronic (CDI).
• Spark Plug: Champion RCJ7Y or equivalent, gap 0.5 mm (0.020").
• Idle Speed: 2,700 rpm.
• Maximum Power Speed: 9,000 rpm.
• Sound Pressure Level: Typically 106 dB(A).
• Vibration Levels: Front handle: 4.5 m/s²; Rear handle: 5.5 m/s².

Controls and Components

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and hand guard/chain brake lever. Rear Handle: Contains stop switch. Main Body: Housing for engine, fuel, and oil tanks.

Key Controls: Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed to engage throttle. Stop Switch: Moves to STOP position to shut off ignition. Combined Choke/Stop Control: Pull out for choke (cold start), push in for run. Chain Brake Lever: Located on front handle; manually engage by pushing forward. Automatically engages via inertia during kickback. Decompression Valve: Reduces compression for easier starting (if equipped). Purge Pump (Bulb): Press to prime fuel system (if equipped).

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on firm, flat ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Activate decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set combined control to choke position (fully out).
4. Press purge bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible (if equipped).
5. Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle. Pull starter handle sharply until engine fires.
6. Move combined control to half-throttle position (middle detent). Pull starter handle again until engine starts.
7. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Warm Start: Combined control in run position (pushed in). No choke needed.

Stopping: Release throttle. Move stop switch to STOP position.

Operation Guidelines

Always use proper cutting techniques to maintain control and reduce fatigue.

1. Felling Trees: Plan escape path. Make notch cut and felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
2. Limbing: Stand on left side of trunk. Cut branches from top side. Beware of spring-back.
3. Bucking (Cross-cutting): Support log properly. Cut from top, avoid pinching bar.
4. Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip. Do not cut with bar tip. Keep chain sharp and tensioned.

Tip: Let the saw do the work; do not force it. Maintain a steady, high engine speed during cuts.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance, longevity, and safety.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

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

1. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 4.8mm / 3/16"). File each cutter at the manufacturer's specified angle (usually 30°). Maintain equal length on all cutters. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge.
2. Tensioning: Chain should be snug against the bar but pull freely by hand. Adjust with side tensioner when saw is cold. Re-tension after first few minutes of operation (hot chain expands).

WARNING! Always wear protective gloves when handling chain. A loose chain can derail; an overtightened chain can break or damage the engine.

Storage

Prepare saw for storage to prevent fuel system issues.

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to empty carburetor.
2. Remove chain and guide bar. Clean and oil them. Store separately.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter area.
4. Store in a dry, clean place, protected from dust and moisture.

CAUTION! Never store saw with fuel in the tank for more than 30 days. Old fuel can gum up the carburetor.

Troubleshooting

Service: For major repairs or carburetor adjustment, contact an authorized Husqvarna service dealer.

Support: Husqvarna AB, SE-561 82 Huskvarna, Sweden. For dealer locator and manuals: www.husqvarna.com.