A Comprehensive Review of the Husqvarna 240 Chainsaw
Husqvarna needs no introduction to woodworkers and gardeners. It is a well-known manufacturer in the home-maintenance world.
In this ten-minutes read, we’ll examine the Husqvarna 240 chainsaw, one of the handy power tools in the market. We’ll cover everything from its specifications, pros and cons, and our thoughts about the chainsaw. Then, we’ll round off with a buying guide you might find useful.
So, if it’s important to find the right product and you’re thinking of getting the 240 unit, then continue reading this complete review.
Table of Contents
Husqvarna 240 Chainsaw
Key Features
- Air injection
Cleaning dust and debris on air filters is tough work. You might have to completely wash the filter to make sure it is dirt-free.
The air injection system of the Husqvarna 240 prevents these particles from getting to its air filter.
- X-torq
X-torq is Husqvarna’s trademark engine. The 2-cycle engine works on a mixture of gasoline and oil. It helps to reduce air pollution while increasing the torque output and delivering maximum power.
Husqvarna states that these engines should help reduce the waste from the chainsaw’s exhaust by up to 60%.
- LowVib design
This is trademarked design protects you from getting tired by reducing the vibration of the chainsaw. It uses springs to separate the vibrating engine of the chainsaw from its handle.
- Combined choke/ stroke controls
Another key feature of the 240 unit is its choke/stop controls that help to reduce the chances of the chainsaw’s engine flooding. They make the chainsaw easy to operate.
- Air purge
The 240 model purges air from the carburetor and other parts of the fueling system, which makes the chainsaw easy to start. There’s a small hole at the side of the engine where air passes out from.
Our Thoughts
We’ve researched a lot of chainsaws, and the Husqvarna 240 sits among the top ones to get. It is simple to use, and you should have no problem starting the power tool each time you want to use the chainsaw. When you consider that it was made for light work, you’d agree that the 240 unit does a good job of cutting down and pruning trees.
This chainsaw comes with a 16-inch bar. However, you could use any bar from the manufacturer that measures between 13 to 16 inches on it. We can classify it as a relatively quiet power tool because this chainsaw produces only a little above 100 db of noise when switched on.
If you need a safe chainsaw for your woodwork, then the Husqvarna 240 might be what you’ve been looking for. It comes with a transparent cover for the bar, but you could also get a complete guard for it. Also, it is designed to reduce kickback and you can use it even if it is placed upside down.
Keeping its performance, durability, and ease of use in mind, you might not find a better and more affordable product than the Husqvarna 240.
PROS
- It has a powerful performance.
- The engine is easy to start and suitable for beginners.
- It is fuel-efficient.
- It is environmentally friendly.
- The chainsaw is portable.
CONS
- You can’t use it for heavy-duty work.
Buyers Guide Questions
Types of Chainsaws
Chainsaws fall into three categories, and we’ll explain each type below:
- Gas-powered chainsaws
Gas-powered chainsaws are the most popular type, and the Husqvarna 240 falls into this category. Most have two-stroke engines that use a gas-oil mixture as fuel. While the gas helps to start the engine, the oil assists it to run.
When compared to other types of chainsaws, gas-powered units are usually the most powerful. Their bars are longer, which makes them a handy power tool for cutting through tough obstacles from a distance.
On the downside, gas-powered units are usually noisy and heavy. However, recent models are more comfortable to use and handle.
- Battery-powered chainsaw
Batteries could also power chainsaws. These units are the easiest to maintain because all you have to do is to swap out batteries when the old ones get used up. However, this can be limiting because the running time of the chainsaw depends on how long the battery lasts.
Battery-powered chainsaws usually cost more than other types. However, they do not vibrate or make as much noise as any other type. They deliver above-average power output but are a lot more portable than their counterparts.
- Corded Chainsaws
The last type of chainsaws based on their power output are corded electric chainsaws. They fall in the middle of the spectrum in terms of their power output and are not as sophisticated as gas-powered units. Nevertheless, you can use these models for heavy-duty and light work.
These saws don’t pollute the air. So, they are one of the most environmentally friendly options. However, you’d have to use them close to a power outlet.
Corded chainsaws are also comfortable to hold for long hours.
Factors to consider before getting a chainsaw
You’d need to consider some things before getting a chainsaw. Here are a some:
- Power output and sawing performance
The first question you should ask your retailer is, ‘how much power does this chainsaw deliver?’. This factor is measured in horsepower, and powerful units have higher horsepower values.
Based on the power output, we can classify these power tools as heavy-duty, medium, or light. If you are a complete beginner, then we’d advise that you pick a unit that offers averagely high-power performance. However, your decision should ultimately rest on what you intend to use the chainsaw to do.
- Comfort
Chainsaws make it easier to get woodwork and gardening jobs done. But this should not come at the expense of your comfort.
As you know, there’s no direct way to measure comfort. But you can use the chainsaw’s weight, length, and shape of the handle to determine whether the unit will be comfortable to hold for many hours or not.
Getting a model that has a unique design for this comfort is definitely a plus.
- Safety features
Another thing you should consider before you get a chainsaw is whether it is safe to use or not. Check if the handle is properly positioned so that you won’t interfere with the revolving bar. Also, ask if there are safety features on the chainsaw or guards to protect you from cutting yourself. For example, some chainsaws have chain brakes. This would help prevent accidents when using a chainsaw.
You could be putting yourself at grave risk if you don’t find out about the safety features in the chainsaw before getting one. So, also look out for units with low kickback chains and guide bars.
- Noise level and vibration
A noisy chainsaw usually vibrates excessively. So, these factors complement each other.
While the noise level is measured in decibels, vibrations are measured in meter per square seconds. You should consider the noise level and vibration of the unit you intend to get. If you decide to get a noisy chainsaw that vibrates a lot, then you should use gloves and hearing protection anytime you want to operate it.
However, we recommend you get a unit with features that prevent the engine from vibrating excessively. For example, some chainsaws like the 240 have springs to cushion the effect on operators. However, other units have heated handles to prevent injuries.
- Portability
You should also consider whether the chainsaw you intend to get is easy to carry around or not. You’d likely not want to live this power tool in your garden or yard. So, your best bet is to store it in your garage or shed. If the unit is heavy, then carrying it about might be stressful.
The weight of a chainsaw is an excellent indicator of its portability.
- Brand and model
Lastly, before you get a chainsaw, ensure you find out who the manufacturer is. There might also be newer models from this manufacturer.
Husqvarna 240 vs. Husqvarna 240e: What sets them apart?
The 240e is a similar but slightly different chainsaw from the same brand. Both units look identical, but you should not get the 240e thinking that you’ve chosen the 240 chainsaw.
Here’s the primary difference between the two types of chainsaws:
Tool adjustment
Sometimes, you might need to adjust the chain to suit your sawing needs. You can do this with a tool (usually a wrench and a screwdriver). However, there are some chainsaws that you can adjust the chain without using tools.
The 240e unit has a tool-less chain adjuster, while the 240 requires that you use a tool to adjust the chain.
FAQs
Q1. Is there a warranty for this product?
Yes. There’s a warranty for the Husqvarna 240 chainsaw. It lasts for two years from the time of purchase. However, you could extend the warranty to a total of three or five years.
To get this offer, you’d need to get at least 96 fluid oz of the brand’s unique fuel or six bottles of the 2-stroke oil alongside your chainsaw.
Q2. Can I use premixed oil in this chainsaw?
Yes. You can use premixed oil on this unit. However, you must stick to the 50:1 gas-to oil ratio when mixing it by yourself. The chainsaw cannot work on any other ratio of gas and oil.
Q3. What size of wood can I cut with the 240 unit?
You should be able to get through a 12-inch wood easily with its 16-inch chain bar. Make sure you abide by all the safety rules when you use this chainsaw.
Q4. What is the pitch and chain gauge of the 240 chainsaw?
This product has a 3/8-inch pitch. Its chain gauge measures 0.05 inches.
Q5. What do I do when the chainsaw refuses to start?
Husqvarna has made this model a lot easier to start than previous units. However, if you still experience difficulties cold starting the chainsaw, then we’d recommend you take it to a service center.
Final Words
The Husqvarna 240 is a decent chainsaw for its price. It is suitable for light works and packs safety and anti-vibration features that make it easy to start, use, and hold.
Therefore, if you’ve been looking for an excellent chainsaw to get from one of the top brands in the market, then consider investing in this quality product.