Husqvarna Chainsaw 268 Manual

The Husqvarna Chainsaw 268 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and tree service work. It features a powerful 66.7cc engine, X-Torq technology for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, an inertia-activated chain brake, combined choke/stop control, air injection centrifugal air cleaning, and low vibration system. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 66.7cc X-Torq engine, 20-inch guide bar, inertia-activated chain brake, combined choke/stop control, air injection system, side-mounted chain tensioner, and low vibration handles.

Safety Information

Always read and understand the manual before operation. Wear proper protective equipment.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety helmet, hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, chainsaw protective trousers, and safety boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear work area of obstacles; ensure secure footing; never work alone.
3. Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly with both hands; maintain proper chain tension and sharpness; use reduced kickback chain.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine stopped and cool; use proper fuel/oil mix.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools that can cause serious injury or death if not used properly. Always follow safety procedures.

Assembly & First Use

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain before first use.

1. Mount guide bar: Place bar on mounting studs with chain in bar groove.
2. Install chain: Fit chain over sprocket and onto bar, ensuring cutting teeth face forward.
3. Tension chain: Adjust tension screw until chain fits snugly against bar (should lift slightly from bar).
4. Fuel mix: Use high-quality 2-stroke oil mixed with unleaded gasoline at 50:1 ratio (2%).
5. Starting procedure: Set chain brake; set master control lever to cold start position; pull starter cord until engine fires.

CAUTION! Never start the chainsaw unless the chain brake is engaged and you're in a clear area.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 66.7 cc
• Power Output: 3.8 kW (5.1 hp)
• Fuel Capacity: 0.85 L (0.22 US gal)
• Oil Tank Capacity: 0.35 L (0.09 US gal)
• Recommended Bar Length: 15-24 inches
• Chain Pitch: 3/8 inch
• Chain Gauge: 0.050 inch (1.3 mm)
• Drive Links: 72 (for 20-inch bar)
• Idle Speed: 2,700 rpm
• Maximum Power Speed: 9,000 rpm
• Sound Power Level: 121 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: Front handle: 3.5 m/s²; Rear handle: 4.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Main controls located on top and side of saw body.

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, and front hand guard with chain brake.

Top Controls: Master control lever (stop/choke/run), decompression valve, air purge bulb, and start/stop switch.

Right Side: Chain tensioning screw, chain catcher, and muffler.

Left Side: Rear handle with vibration dampening, fuel and oil tank caps, and spark plug access.

Chain brake: Manual activation via front hand guard; inertia activation during kickback. Throttle lockout: Must be depressed before throttle trigger can be engaged. Decompression valve: Reduces compression for easier starting.

Operation Guide

Proper cutting techniques ensure safety and efficiency.

1. Starting: Engage chain brake; set master control to cold start; pull starter cord until engine fires; push master control to run position; pull starter cord to start.
2. Warm-up: Allow engine to idle for 30-60 seconds before cutting.
3. Basic cutting: Use full throttle when cutting; let chain do the work without forcing.
4. Felling trees: Plan escape path; make notch cut first; then make felling cut.
5. Limbing: Work from trunk outward; be aware of spring-loaded branches.
6. Bucking: Support log properly; cut from top down for tension wood; from bottom up for compression wood.

Tip: Always cut at full throttle and maintain sharp chain for safest operation.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance is critical for safety and performance.

1. Chain tensioning: Loosen bar nuts; adjust tension screw until chain fits snugly against bar (should lift slightly when pulled); tighten bar nuts while lifting bar tip.
2. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 5.5mm); maintain 30° cutting angle; file all cutters to equal length.
3. Depth gauge setting: Use depth gauge tool to maintain proper height (0.025 inch/0.65 mm below cutting edge).
4. Filing direction: Always file from inside to outside of cutter.
5. Sharpening frequency: Sharpen when chain produces fine dust instead of chips.

CAUTION! Wear gloves when handling chain. A dull chain is dangerous and increases kickback risk.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Short-term (under 30 days): Empty fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer; run engine to distribute through system.
2. Long-term: Empty fuel tank completely; run engine until it stops from fuel starvation; remove spark plug and add teaspoon of oil; pull starter cord slowly to distribute oil.
3. Chain storage: Clean chain with kerosene; coat with oil; store in sealed container.
4. General: Clean entire saw; store in dry, cool place; cover to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Never store chainsaw with fuel in tank for extended periods without stabilizer.

Warranty Information

Husqvarna 268 comes with limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Commercial use: 90 days from date of purchase. Consumer use: 1 year from date of purchase. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, or use of non-genuine parts. For warranty claims, contact authorized Husqvarna dealer with proof of purchase. For support, visit www.husqvarna.com or contact 1-800-487-5962.

Troubleshooting

Reset: For electronic ignition models, disconnect spark plug wire for 30 seconds to reset system.

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