Husqvarna 240 Chainsaw Owners 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 emissions, an inertia-activated chain brake, combined choke/stop control, air injection for reduced air filter cleaning, and a low vibration system. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq engine, Inertia-activated chain brake, Combined choke/stop control, Air Injection, LowVib anti-vibration system, Smart Start for easier starting.

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before use. Always wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

1. PPE Required: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, sturdy boots.
2. Work Area: Clear area of bystanders, especially children and pets. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Avoid contact.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in a well-ventilated area, with engine off and cool. Use fresh fuel mix.
5. Carrying: Engage chain brake, carry with guide bar pointing rearward.

WARNING! A chainsaw is a dangerous tool. Failure to follow safety rules 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. Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar.
2. Tension the chain: Use side tensioner to adjust until chain snaps back when pulled from bar. Tighten bar nuts.
3. Fill fluids: Add Husqvarna 2-stroke engine oil (50:1 mix) to fuel tank. Fill bar & chain oil reservoir with appropriate oil.
4. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function correctly.

CAUTION! Never start the saw without proper bar, chain, and lubrication installed.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 40.9 cc
• Engine Power: 2.4 hp
• Fuel Tank Volume: 0.33 US qt (0.31 liter)
• Oil Tank Volume: 0.21 US qt (0.20 liter)
• Recommended Bar Lengths: 16" or 18"
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" LP / .050" (1.3 mm)
• Weight (excl. cutting equipment): 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg)
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels (front/rear handle): 3.5/2.5 m/s²
• Ignition System: Electronic, type SEM

Controls and Components

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger and throttle lockout. Rear Handle: Main grip with stop switch. Top Casing: Chain brake lever, combined choke/stop control, air filter cover.

Key Controls: STOP SWITCH (I/O), CHOKE CONTROL (Cold start), THROTTLE TRIGGER, THROTTLE LOCKOUT (must be pressed to engage throttle), CHAIN BRAKE LEVER (manual activation), INERTIA-ACTIVATED CHAIN BRAKE (automatic), SIDE CHAIN TENSIONER.

Maintenance Points: Air filter, Spark plug, Fuel filter, Bar & chain oil pump adjustment.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

1. Engage chain brake by pushing lever forward.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Move combined control to choke position (full up).
4. Pull starter cord until engine fires (approx. 3-5 pulls).
5. Move combined control to half-throttle position (mid).
6. Pull starter cord again until engine starts. Let idle briefly.
7. Disengage chain brake by pulling lever back towards handle.

Warm Start: Combined control in run position (full down). No choke.

Stopping: Release throttle, let engine idle, press stop switch to "O".

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always use a firm grip, thumbs wrapped around handles. Stand with balanced footing.

1. Basic Cut: Let saw reach full power before engaging wood. Do not force; let chain do the work.
2. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut, then felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
3. Limbing: Cut from top side of log, using the saw's weight. Beware of spring-loaded branches.
4. Bucking: Support log properly. Cut from top side to avoid pinching. Use pivot or plunge cut for tensioned wood.
5. Kickback Prevention: Maintain secure hold. Do not cut with bar tip. Keep chain sharp and tensioned.

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

Maintenance Schedule

Use only genuine Husqvarna replacement parts.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

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

1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Turn side tensioner screw clockwise until chain is snug against bar bottom. Pull up on chain; it should snap back. Tighten bar nuts securely.
2. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 5/32" for 3/8" LP). File each cutter at 30° angle, maintaining equal length on all cutters. File depth gauges (rakers) with flat file to proper height (0.025").
3. Checking: Chain should pull smoothly around bar by hand. No sag on bottom, no binding.

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

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

1. Drain all fuel from tank and run carburetor dry.
2. Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to distribute, reinstall plug.
3. Clean entire saw thoroughly, especially cooling fins and air filter area.
4. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil. Store bar flat to prevent warping.
5. Store in a dry, clean place, out of reach of children.

Tip: Use fuel stabilizer if you cannot drain the fuel system completely.

Troubleshooting

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