Husqvarna 240

Professionals are no strangers to the Husqvarna chainsaw brand, and the Husqvarna 240 chainsaw delivers a modest bite with its 16-inch bar and fuel-efficient engine. During our test, the 240 took a few attempts to start, but it managed to cut through our test log in about seven seconds. While this chainsaw’s cutting capability is slightly above average, its power overall is about average when compared with other saws in our reviews. Despite this, we couldn't help but notice that the 240 is loud. During our test, it cut at a noise level of 77 decibels at its lowest and topped out at 93 decibels.

Husqvarna is a trusted brand for professionals, but homeowners can also benefit from the quality parts used to build these chainsaws. The 240 has a 38.2 cc two-cycle engine, and the clean X-Torq gas engine consumes low volumes of fuel and produces low exhaust levels. Inside this gas chainsaw, the air injection system also keeps emissions low while preventing dust and wood particles from entering the air filter. With proper and regular maintenance, these features extend engine life.

Compared to other chainsaws we tested, the 240’s 38.2 cc engine is petite. The most powerful engine we encounted was on the Craftsman 41BY429S799. One advantage of a smaller engine is less vibration. This, in addition to the anti-vibration system, makes for smooth sawing during long jobs, minimizing hand fatigue.

As chainsaw bar sizes increase, so does the chance of kickback, and the Husqvarna 240 ( as POULAN PRO 42CC )has a specialized feature to handle this problem. If the chainsaw kicks back, the inertia-activated chain brake stops the chain’s rotation around the saw. Kickback, especially rotational kickback, propels the saw bar in an upward arc toward the user. This feature won't save you from kickback but prevents further injury if it occurs.

One of the best ways to cut efficiently and safely is by keeping the chains well maintained. Some saws allow you to conveniently tighten or loosen chains with a knob or slide, but this Husqvarna model requires a chain-tensioning tool to make any adjustments. The tensioner is easy to reach, and the 240 comes with a scrench to adjust the chain tension.

The Husqvarna 240 is the little brother to the company’s professional models. Its modest 38.2 cc two-cycle engine delivers plenty of power for basic cleanup and firewood jobs while maintaining fuel efficiency, and it has several features to help prevent kickback. While it varies from attempt to attempt, the number of tries it took to start the chainsaw was unimpressive.