Husqvarna Chainsaw 261 Owner's Manual

The Husqvarna Chainsaw 261 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and arborist work. It features a high-performance X-Torq® engine for reduced fuel consumption and emissions, an efficient air filtration system, LowVib® anti-vibration dampeners, an inertia-activated chain brake, combined choke/stop control, and an ergonomic design for superior handling. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq® engine, Air Injection™ cleaning system, Centrifugal air cleaning, Combined choke/stop control, Inertia activated chain brake, LowVib® system, Side-mounted chain tensioner, Quick-release air filter.

Safety Instructions

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

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chainsaw protective pants, safety helmet with visor and hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and animals at a safe distance (at least 15 feet/5 meters). Ensure secure footing.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors only, with engine stopped and cooled. Use clean, fresh fuel mix (see Specifications).
4. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of guide bar tip). Use reduced-kickback chain and maintain sharp chain.

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 the guide bar and chain: Place bar over studs, loop chain around sprocket and bar, adjust tension with side screw.
2. Fill with fuel: Use a clean fuel can. Mix high-quality 2-stroke oil with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio for Husqvarna XP+ oil).
3. Fill chain oil tank: Use environmentally adapted chain oil. Check oil flow before starting.
4. Check chain brake: Ensure it engages and disengages freely.

CAUTION! Ensure the chain is correctly installed with cutting teeth facing forward on the top of the bar. Incorrect installation can cause immediate kickback.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 60.3 cm³ (3.68 cu.in).
• Power Output: 3.5 kW (4.7 hp).
• Fuel Consumption: Approx. 470 g/kWh.
• Recommended Bar Length: 15" to 20" (38 cm to 50 cm).
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" or .325".
• Chain Gauge: .050" (1.3 mm) or .058" (1.5 mm).
• Dry Weight (without bar & chain): 5.4 kg (11.9 lbs).
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A).
• Vibration Levels (front/rear handle): 3.2/2.8 m/s².
• Fuel/Oil Mix Ratio: 50:1 (Husqvarna XP+ oil) or as per oil manufacturer.

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Front Handle with chain brake, Throttle trigger, Throttle trigger lockout, Stop switch, Choke control, Decompression valve (if equipped), Primer bulb (if equipped).

Right Side: Chain tensioner screw, Chain catcher, Muffler. Left Side: Fuel tank cap, Chain oil tank cap, Air filter cover.

Safety Features: Chain brake (manual/inertia activated), Right-hand guard, Throttle trigger lockout, Chain catcher, Vibration dampening system.

Starting & Stopping the Engine

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on firm, flat ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Activate decompression valve (if equipped). Press primer bulb 6 times (if equipped).
3. Set stop switch to start position. Pull choke control fully out.
4. Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle. Pull starter handle until engine fires (approx. 2-5 pulls).
5. Push choke control fully in. Pull starter handle again until engine starts.
6. Disengage chain brake before applying throttle.

Warm Start: Do not use choke. Follow steps 1, 3 (with choke in), and 6.

Stopping: Release throttle, let engine idle briefly, press and hold stop switch until engine stops.

Basic Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always use a firm grip with both hands. Maintain secure footing and balance.

1. Felling (Cutting down a tree): Plan escape path (45-degree angle behind fall direction). Make notch cut (1/3 of tree diameter), then felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
2. Limbing: Stand on left side of trunk. Let chain do the work; avoid forcing bar.
3. Bucking (Cutting felled tree): Support log properly. Cut from top side to avoid pinching. For logs under tension, make relief cuts first.
4. General Tips: Operate at full throttle during cuts. Never cut with the upper quarter of the bar tip (kickback zone).

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

Maintenance Schedule

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

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

1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts with combination wrench. Turn tensioning screw clockwise until chain fits snugly against bar (can be pulled by hand from underside). Tighten bar nuts. Re-check tension.
2. Sharpening: Use correct round file size for chain (typically 4.0mm or 4.8mm). Secure bar. File each cutter from inside out at specified angle (usually 30°). Maintain equal length on all cutters. File depth gauges with flat file.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. A loose chain can derail; an over-tightened chain can break.

Storage Guidelines

For storage longer than 30 days:

1. Empty fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
2. Remove chain and guide bar. Clean and oil them.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter area.
4. Store in a dry, cool, and locked place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store saw 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: 1-800-487-5952; www.husqvarna.com