Husqvarna 240 Chainsaw 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 fuel consumption and emissions, an inertia-activated chain brake for safety, combined choke/stop control for easier starting, air injection for extended air filter life, and low vibration for improved comfort. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Stopping 7. Operating Instructions 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 10. Storage 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq engine, Inertia chain brake, Combined choke/stop control, Air Injection, LowVib anti-vibration system, Side-mounted chain tensioner.

FeatureDescription
X-Torq EngineReduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions
Inertia Chain BrakeAutomatically activates in kickback situations
Combined Choke/Stop ControlSimplifies starting procedure
Air InjectionCentrifugal air cleaning system for longer filter intervals
LowVib SystemReduces vibration for operator comfort
Side-Mounted Chain TensionerAllows easy chain adjustment without tools
Fuel PumpPrimer bulb for easier cold starts
Chain CatcherHelps reduce risk if chain breaks or derails
Right-Hand GuardProtects from rear hand injuries
Spark Arrestor MufflerReduces fire risk in dry conditions

Safety Information

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

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety helmet, hearing protection, eye protection (safety glasses or visor), gloves, chainsaw protective trousers, and sturdy boots with non-slip soles.
  2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders, children, and pets at least 15 meters away. Ensure secure footing. Do not operate in poor light, bad weather, or when fatigued.
  3. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Never cut with this part of the bar.
  4. Chain Brake: Check function before each use. Manually activate by pushing the front hand guard forward.

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. Mix fuel.

  1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Loosen bar nuts. Fit the bar over the studs. Place the chain over the sprocket and onto the bar groove, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Tighten bar nuts finger-tight.
  2. Tension Chain: Using the side-mounted tensioner, adjust until the chain fits snugly against the bar but can be pulled around by hand. Retighten bar nuts securely.
  3. Fuel Mix: Use high-quality 2-stroke engine oil mixed with unleaded gasoline (min 90 octane) at a ratio of 50:1 (2%). Use Husqvarna XP+ or equivalent oil. Shake well in a approved fuel can.
  4. Fill Oil & Fuel: Fill the chain oil tank with special chain oil (not waste oil). Fill the fuel tank with the pre-mixed fuel.

CAUTION! Fuel is highly flammable. Mix and refuel outdoors, away from sparks or flames. Wipe up any spills.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Main Controls: Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Throttle Trigger Lockout: Must be depressed to access throttle. Stop Switch: Moves between RUN and STOP. Combined Choke/Stop Control: Pull out for CHOKE (cold start), push in past STOP for warm start. Front Hand Guard / Chain Brake: Manually activate brake by pushing forward; will activate automatically on kickback. Primer Bulb: Press 5-10 times for cold starts. Master Control Lever: (If equipped) combines choke/stop and decompression valve.

Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, Spark plug, Chain tensioner, Chain catcher, Muffler.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

  1. Place saw on firm, flat ground. Engage chain brake.
  2. Activate decompression valve (if equipped).
  3. Move stop switch to RUN. Pull combined control out to CHOKE position.
  4. Press primer bulb 5-10 times.
  5. Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle. Pull starter handle sharply until engine fires (1-4 pulls).
  6. Push combined control fully in to RUN position.
  7. Pull starter handle again until engine starts. Disengage chain brake.

Warm Start: Follow steps 1, 3 (set control to RUN, not CHOKE), and 7.

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

Operating Instructions

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

  1. Basic Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward. Hold saw firmly with both hands.
  2. Starting a Cut: Apply full throttle before the chain contacts the wood. Let the chain do the work; do not force it.
  3. Kickback Prevention: Never cut with the upper tip of the bar. Be especially cautious when cutting limbs under tension.
  4. Buckling (Cutting felled logs): Support log off ground. Cut from top down. For large logs, cut halfway, roll, and complete from opposite side.
  5. Limbing: Stand on left side of trunk. Cut branches from bottom to top, using the trunk as a barrier between you and the saw.

Tip: Keep the chain sharp. A dull chain requires more force, increases wear, and is more dangerous.

Maintenance Schedule

IntervalTask
Before each useCheck chain tension, chain sharpness, chain brake function, all nuts/bolts for tightness, fuel/oil levels.
Every 5 hoursClean air filter. Check spark plug condition.
Every 10 hoursClean cooling fins. Clean exterior of spark plug. Check fuel filter.
Every 20 hoursClean spark arrestor screen in muffler (if equipped). Grease drive sprocket bearing (if applicable).
Every 50 hoursReplace spark plug. Replace fuel filter. Clean carburetor air intake.
AnnuallyHave saw inspected by an authorized Husqvarna service dealer.

CAUTION! Always disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

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

  1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Turn side tensioner screw clockwise until the chain fits snugly against the bar but can be pulled around by hand (with gloves!). Hold bar tip up while tightening bar nuts securely.
  2. Sharpening: Use a round file matching your chain pitch (e.g., 4.0mm / 5/32"). File each cutter at the factory-set angle (typically 30°). Ensure all cutters are filed to equal length. File depth gauges with a flat file and gauge.

WARNING! A loose chain can derail. An over-tightened chain can break and cause excessive wear.

Storage

Prepare saw for storage if not used for more than 30 days.

  1. Empty the fuel tank and run the engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
  2. Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to distribute oil, reinstall plug.
  3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
  4. Remove chain and bar, clean, and soak in oil. Store chain in oiled bag.
  5. Store in a dry, clean, and locked place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store a chainsaw with fuel in the tank for long periods. Old fuel can damage the engine.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo spark, flooded, old fuel, clogged filterCheck spark plug. Use fresh fuel mix. Pressurize fuel system (primer). Check air filter.
Engine starts but diesClogged fuel filter, carburetor issues, vent blockedReplace fuel filter. Clean carburetor air intake. Check tank vent.
Engine lacks powerDirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor, dull chainClean/replace air filter. Clean spark arrestor screen. Sharpen chain.
Chain does not turnClutch worn, sprocket worn, chain brake engagedDisengage chain brake. Check clutch and drive sprocket for wear.
Chain throws oilOil hole clogged, wrong oil viscosityClean oil outlet hole on bar. Use correct chain oil.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, unbalanced chain, damaged AV mountsTighten all nuts/bolts. Sharpen chain evenly. Check anti-vibration mounts.

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

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

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