Husqvarna Chainsaws 240 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, LowVib anti-vibration system, Smart Start for easier starting, combined choke/stop control, and an air injection system for longer air filter life. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: X-Torq engine, inertia-activated chain brake, combined choke/stop control, air injection, Smart Start, LowVib system.

FeatureDescription
X-Torq EngineReduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions
Inertia-Activated Chain BrakeStops chain instantly in kickback situations
Combined Choke/Stop ControlSimplifies starting procedure
Air InjectionCentrifugal air cleaning system for longer filter life
Smart StartReduces resistance in starter cord for easier starting
LowVib Anti-VibrationReduces vibration for user comfort
Chain TensioningSide-mounted tensioner for easy adjustment
Fuel and Oil CapsLarge, easy-to-open caps with retaining chains
Front Hand GuardProtects hands from debris and branches
Chain CatcherPrevents broken chain from hitting operator

Safety Information

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

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety helmet, hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, chainsaw protective pants, and sturdy boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Kickback Awareness: Hold saw firmly with both hands. Do not cut with tip of bar. Be aware of kickback zone.
  4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources. Use fresh fuel mix (50:1 Husqvarna 2-stroke oil).

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous. Failure to follow safety rules can result in serious injury or death.

Assembly & First Use

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

  1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain around sprocket and bar, adjust tension.
  2. Fill Fluids: Add fuel mix to fuel tank. Add bar & chain oil to oil tank.
  3. Check Chain Brake: Ensure brake functions by pulling guard forward toward bar tip.
  4. Initial Start: Follow cold start procedure. Allow saw to warm up at idle.

CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is disengaged before starting. Keep hands away from chain.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Front Handle, Rear Handle, Throttle Trigger, Throttle Trigger Lockout, Stop Switch, Choke/Stop Control, Chain Brake Lever, Decompression Valve (if equipped).

Right Side: Combined Choke/Stop Control, Air Filter Cover, Muffler, Chain Catcher.
Left Side: Chain Brake Lever, Chain Tensioner, Fuel and Oil Caps, Spark Plug.
Rear: Starter Handle, Rear Handle with anti-vibration mounts.

Operation: Press throttle lockout and squeeze trigger to engage throttle. Push chain brake lever forward to engage brake; pull toward rear handle to disengage.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

  1. Place saw on flat ground. Engage chain brake.
  2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
  3. Set choke control to full choke position.
  4. Pull starter cord until engine fires (approx. 3-5 pulls).
  5. Move choke control to half-throttle position.
  6. Pull starter cord again until engine starts.
  7. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle. Disengage chain brake.

Warm Start: Set choke control to run position. Pull starter cord.

Stopping: Release throttle. Press stop switch to OFF.

Tip: Always engage chain brake when starting or carrying saw over short distances.

Cutting Techniques

Basic Cuts: Felling, Limbing, Bucking, Pruning.

  1. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut and felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
  2. Limbing: Stand on left side of trunk. Cut limbs from bottom to top. Beware of springback.
  3. Bucking: Support log. Cut from top. For pinched bar, stop and use wedge.
  4. Pruning: Use light touch. Do not cut above shoulder height.

WARNING! Never cut with the upper tip of the bar. This is the primary kickback zone.

Maintenance Schedule

IntervalTask
Before each useCheck chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check for loose parts.
DailyClean air filter. Check fuel and oil lines for leaks.
WeeklyClean cooling fins. Check spark plug condition and gap.
MonthlyClean spark arrestor screen in muffler. Inspect anti-vibration elements.
SeasonallyReplace fuel filter. Clean carburetor air intake. Check clutch and sprocket.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance is critical for performance and safety.

  1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Turn tensioning screw until cutters just contact bar rail. Tighten bar nuts. Re-check tension.
  2. Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 5/32" or 4.0mm). Maintain 30° filing angle. File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges with flat file.
  3. Lubrication: Always use high-quality bar & chain oil. Check oil flow by pointing bar tip at light surface and running at full throttle; oil should appear as a line.

Tip: A sharp chain cuts faster, produces less strain on the saw, and is safer to use.

Storage

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

  1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to empty carburetor.
  2. Remove chain, clean in solvent, dry, and soak in oil. Clean guide bar groove.
  3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
  4. Store in a dry, clean place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store saw with fuel in the tank for extended periods. Fuel can degrade and damage engine components.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo spark, old fuel, flooded engine, clogged filterCheck spark plug; use fresh fuel mix; wait if flooded; clean air filter.
Engine starts but diesClogged fuel filter, carburetor issues, vent blockedReplace fuel filter; clean carburetor; check tank vent.
Chain does not turnChain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket damagedDisengage brake; inspect clutch and sprocket; replace if necessary.
Poor cutting performanceDull chain, improper tension, low chain oilSharpen chain; adjust tension; fill oil tank; check oiler.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, damaged anti-vibration mounts, unbalanced chainTighten all fasteners; inspect mounts; sharpen chain evenly.
Chain throws oilOver-oiling, wrong oil viscosityCheck oil pump setting; use correct bar & chain oil.

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

Support: Husqvarna USA: 1-800-487-5962; www.husqvarna.com/us

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