Craftsman 358350481 Owner’s Manual

Instruction Manual

2.6 cu.in./42cc 2-Cycle

GASOLINE CHAIN SAW

Model No.

358.350481 - 18 in. Bar

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

• Espahol

For Occasional Use Only

WARNING:

&

_1_ For answers to your questions about this product:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating
Instructions before first use of this product.

Call 7 am-7 pm, Mon-Sat; Sun, 10 am-7 pm

• 1-800-235-5878 (Hours listed are Centra, Time)

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

530088472 2/27/02

Warranty 2 Storage 19
Safety Rules 2 Troubleshooting Table 20
Assembly 6 Emissions Statement 21

Operation 7 Parts List 23

Maintenance 14 Spanish 26

Service and Adjustments 17 Parts & Ordering Back Cover

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ® GAS CHAIN SAW
For one year from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Gas Chain Saw is

maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the instruction manual, Sears
will repair, free of charge, any defect in material or workmanship.
This warranty excludes the bar, chain, spark plug and air filter, which are
expendable parts and become worn during normal use.

If this Gas Chain Saw is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty
applies for 30 days from the date of purchase.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THIS CHAIN SAW TO THE

NEAREST SEARS STORE OR SERVICE CENTER IN THE UNITED STATES.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights

which vary from state to state.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

WARNING: Always disconnect

spark plug wire when making repairs ex-
cept for carburetor adjustments. Be-

cause a chain saw is a high-speed
woodcutting tool, special safety precau-
tions must be observed to reduce risk of

accidents. Careless or improper use of
this tool can cause serious injury.

PLAN AHEAD

• Restrict the use of your saw to adult

users who understand and can follow

the safety rules, precautions, and op-

erating instructions found in this
manual.

Hearing _ Safety Hat

Protection "_1",_--- Eye
Snug Protection
Fitting _ Heavy Duty

Clothing _'_oves

S_fety _/_i,!i J Safety Chaps

mqm

• Wear protective gear. Always use
steel4oed safety footwear with non-

slip soles; snug-fitting clothing;

heavy-duty, non-slip gloves; eye pro-

tection such as non-fogging, vented

goggles or face screen; an approved
safety hard hat; and sound barriers

(ear plugs or mufflers) to protect your
hearing. Regular users should have
hearing checked regularly as chain

saw noise can damage hearing.

• Secure hair above shoulder length. Do
not wear loose clothing or jewelry; they

can get caught in moving parts.

• Keep all parts of your body away

from the chain when the engine is

running.

• Keep children, bystanders, and ani-
mals at least 30 feet (10 meters)
away from the work area when start-

ing and using the saw.

• Do not handle or operate a chain saw

when you are fatigued, ill, or upset, or

if you have taken alcohol, drugs, or
medication. You must be in good

physical condition and mentally alert. If

you have any condition that might be

aggravated by strenuous work, check

with doctor before operating.

• Do not start cutting until you have a
clear work area, secure footing, and
especially if you are felling a tree, a

retreat path.

2

OPERATE YOUR SAW SAFELY

• DO not operate with one hand. Seri-

ous injury to the operator, helpers, or
bystanders may result from one-

handed operation. A chain saw is in-

tended for two-handed use.

• Operate the chain saw only in a well-
ventilated outdoor area.

• Do not operate saw from a ladder or

in a tree.

• Make sure the chain will not make

contact with any object while starting
the engine. Never try to start the saw
when the guide bar is in a cut.

• Do not put pressure on the saw, es-
pecially at the end of the cut. Doing

so can cause you to lose control

when the cut is completed.

• Stop engine before setting saw down.

• Hand carry saw only when engine is
stopped. Carry with muffler away

from body; guide bar & chain project-

ing behind you; guide bar preferably
covered with a scabbard.

• Do not operate a chain saw that is
damaged, improperly adjusted, or not

completely and securely assembled.

Always replace bar, chain, hand

guard, chain brake, or other parts im-
mediately if they become damaged,
broken, or are otherwise removed.

MAINTAIN YOUR SAW IN GOOD

WORKING ORDER

• Have all chain saw service per-

formed by a qualified service dealer

except the items listed in the MAINTE-
NANCE section of this manual.

• Make certain the saw chain stops
moving when the throttle trigger is
released. For correction, refer to
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS.

• Keep the handles dry, clean, and

free from oil or fuel mixture.

• Keep caps and fasteners securely

tightened.

• Nonconforming replacement compo-
nents or the removal of safety devices

may cause damage to the unit and
possible injury to the operator or by-

standers. Use only Craftsman acces-
sories and replacement parts as rec-

ommended. Never modify your saw.

• Maintain chain saw with care.

• Keep unit sharp and clean for better
and safer performance.

• Follow instructions for lubricating and
changing accessories.

• Check for damaged parts. Before fur-
ther use of the chain saw, a guard or

other part that is damaged should be
carefully checked to determine that it

will operate properly and perform its

intended function. Check for alignment
of moving parts, binding of moving

parts, breakage of parts, mounting and
any other conditions that may affect its

operation. A guard or other part that is
damaged should be properly repaired

or replaced by a Sears Service Center
unless otherwise indicated elsewhere

in the instruction manual.

• When not in use, chain saws should

be stored in a dry, high or locked-up
place out of the reach of children.

• When storing saw, use a scabbard or

carrying case.

HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION

• Do not smoke while handling fuel or
while operating the saw.

• Eliminate all sources of sparks or
flame in areas where fuel is mixed or

poured.

• Mix and pour fuel in an outdoor area

and use an approved, marked con-

tainer for all fuel purposes. Wipe up

all fuel spills before starting saw.

• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) from
fueling site before starting.

• Turn the engine oft and let saw cool

in a non-combustible area, not on
dry leaves, straw, paper, etc. Slowly

remove fuel cap and refuel unit.

• Store the unit and fuel in a cool, dry
well ventilated space where fuel va-

pors cannot reach sparks or open

flames from water heaters, electric

motors or switches, furnaces, etc.

GUARD AGAINST KICKBACK

Follow all safety rules to help avoid
kickback and other forces which can

result in serious injury.

_k Path

Clear The Working Area

QWARNING:Avoidkickbackwhich
canresultinseriousinjury.Kickback

isthebackward,upwardorsuddenfor-

wardmotionoftheguidebaroccurring
whenthesawchainneartheuppertip

oftheguidebarcontactsanyobject
suchasalogorbranch,orwhenthe

woodclosesinandpinchesthe saw

chain in the cut. Contacting a foreign
object in the wood can also result in

loss of chain saw control.

• Rotational Kickback can occur
when the moving chain contacts an

object at the upper tip of the guide
bar. This contact can cause the

chain to dig into the object, which
stops the chain for an instant. The

result is a lightning fast, reverse
reaction which kicks the guide bar up

and back toward the operator.

• Pinch-Kickback can occur when the
the wood closes in and pinches the

moving saw chain in the cut along

the top of the guide bar and the saw

chain is suddenly stopped. This sud-
den stopping of the chain results in a

reversal of the chain force used to
cut wood and causes the saw to
move in the opposite direction of the

chain rotation. The saw is driven
straight back toward the operator.

• Pull-In can occur when the moving

chain contacts a foreign object in the

wood in the cut along the bottom of
the guide bar and the saw chain is

suddenly stopped. This sudden stop-
ping pulls the saw forward and away

from the operator and could easily

cause the operator to lose control of

the saw.

REDUCE THE CHANCE OF
KICKBACK

• Recognize that kickback can happen.
With a basic understanding of kick-

back, you can reduce the element of
surprise which contributes to acci-

dents.

• Never let the moving chain contact

any object at the tip of the guide bar.

• Keep working area free from obstruc-
tions such as other trees, branches,

rocks, fences, stumps, etc. Eliminate
or avoid any obstruction that your

saw chain could hit while cutting.

• When cutting a branch, do not let the

guide bar contact another branch or
other objects around it.

• Keep saw chain sharp and properly
tensioned. A loose or dull chain can

increase the chance of kickback.
Follow manufacturer's chain sharp-

ening and maintenance instructions.
Check tension at regular intervals,
but never with engine running. Make
sure chain brake nuts are securely

tightened.

• Begin and continue cutting at full
speed. If the chain is moving at a
slower speed, there is greater
chance of kickback occurring.

• Use extreme caution when reenter-
ing a cut.

• Do not attempt cuts starting with the

tip of the bar (plunge cuts).

• Watch for shifting logs or other forces

that could close a cut and pinch or
fall into chain.

• Use the specified Reduced-Kickback
Guide Bar and Low-Kickback Chain.

Avoid Pinch-Kickback:

• Be extremely aware of situations or
obstructions that can cause material

to pinch the top of or otherwise stop
the chain.

• Do not cut more than one log at a

time.

• Do not twist saw as bar is withdrawn

from an undercut when bucking.

Avoid Pull-In:

• Always begin cutting with the engine
at full speed and the saw housing
against wood.

• Use wedges made of plastic or

wood. Never use metal to hold the

cut open.

MAINTAIN CONTROL

Stand to the left of the saw

underside

Thumb on 'il

_ # II

Elbow
locked

Never reversehand ]ositions

• A good, firm grip on the saw with both
hands will help you maintain control.
Don't let go. Grip the rear handle with

your right hand whether you are right

or left handed. Wrap the fingers of

your left hand over and around the
front handlebar, and your left thumb

under the front handlebar. Keep your
left arm straight with the elbow locked.

• Position your left hand on the front
handlebar so it is in a straight line

with your right hand on the rear han-

dle when making bucking cuts.

4

Standslightlytotheleftsideofthe
sawtokeepyourbodyfrombeingin
adirectlinewiththecuttingchain.

• Standwithyourweightevenlybal-
ancedonbothfeet.

• Donotoverreach.Youcouldbe
drawnorthrownoffbalanceandlose
control.

• Donotcutaboveshoulderheight.It
isdifficulttomaintaincontrolofsaw

aboveshoulderheight.

KICKBACKSAFETYFEATURES

_IbWARNING:Thefollowingfeatures
areincludedonyoursawtohelpreduce

hazardofkickback;however,suchfea-

tureswillnottotallyeliminatethisdanger.

Donotrelyonlyonsafetydevices.Fol-
lowallsafetyrulestohelpavoidkick-
backandotherforceswhichcanresult

_nsenous_nlury.

• FrontHandGuard:designedtore-
ducethechanceofyourlefthand

contactingthechainifyourhand
slipsoffthefronthandlebar.

• Positionoffrontandrearhandlebars:
designedwithdistancebetween

handlesand"in-line"witheachother.

Thespreadand"in-line"positionof
thehandsprovidedbythisdesign
worktogethertogivebalanceand

resistanceincontrollingthepivotof

thesawbacktowardtheoperatorif

kickbackoccurs.

• Reduced-KickbackGuideBar:de-
signedwithasmallradiustipwhich

reducesthesizeofthekickback
dangerzoneonthebartip.Thistype

barhasbeendemonstratedtosignif-
icantlyreducethenumberandseri-

ousnessofkickbackswhentestedin
accordancewithANSIB175.1.

"_ SmallRadius

TipGuideBar

• Low-KickbackChain:hasmetkick-
backperformancerequirementswhen

testedonarepresentativesampleof

chainsawsbelow3.8cubicinch
displacementspecifiedinANSI

B175.1.

Low-Kickback Chain

Contoured Depth Gauge

deflects kickback
force and allows

__ longated Guard Link

wood to gradually
ride into Cutter

CHAIN BRAKE

• Chain Brake: designed to stop the
chain in the event of kickback.

oWARNINL_: WE DO NOT REP-

RESENTAND YOU SHOULD NOTAS-
SUME THAT THE CHAIN BRAKE WILL
PROTECT YOU INTHE EVENT OF A

KICKBACK. Kickback is a lightning fast
action which throws the bar and rotat-

ing chain back and up toward the op-
erator. Kickback can be caused by al-

lowing contact of the bar tip in the
danger zone with any hard object.

Kickback can also be caused by
pinching the saw chain along the top

of the guide bar. This action may push

the guide bar rapidly back toward the

operator. Either of these events may
cause you to lose control of the saw

which could result in serious injury or

even death. DO NOT RELY UPONANY
OF THE DEVICES BUILT INTOYOUR

SAW. YOU SHOULD USE THE SAW
PROPERLYAND CAREFULLY TO AVOID

KICKBACK. Reduced-kickback guide
bars and low-kickback saw chains re-

duce the chance and magnitude of
kickback and are recommended. Your

saw has a low kickback chain and bar
as original equipment. Repairs on a
chain brake should be made by an au-

thorized Sears Service Center. Take
your unit to the place of purchase or to

your nearest Sears Service Center.

• Tip contact in some cases may cause
a lightning fast reverse REACTION,

kicking guide bar up and back toward
operator.

• Pinching the saw chain along the top
of the guide bar may push the guide

bar rapidly back toward the operator.

• Either of these reactions may cause

you to lose control of the saw which

could result in serious injury. Do not
rely exclusively upon safety devices
built into your saw.

SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibra-
tions through prolonged use of gaso-

line powered hand tools could cause
blood vessel or nerve damage in the

fingers, hands, and oints of people

prone to circulation disorders or

abnormal swelling. Prolonged use in
cold weather has been linked to blood

vessel damage in otherwise healthy

people. If symptoms occur such as

numbness, pain, loss of strength,
change in skin color or texture, or loss
of feeling in the fingers, hands, or
joints, discontinue the use of this tool

and seek medical attention. An anti-vi-

bration system does not guarantee the
avoidance of these problems. Users
who operate power tools on a continu-
al and regular basis must closely

monitor their physical condition and
the condition of this tool.
CHAIN BRAKE: Ifthis saw is to be

used for commercial logging, a chain

brake is required and shall not be re-

moved or otherwise disabled to com-

ply with Federal OSHA Regulations for
Commercial Logging.

SPARK ARRESTING SCREEN: Your
saw is equipped with a temperature

limiting muffler and spark arresting
screen which meets the requirements

of California Codes 4442 and 4443. All

U.S. forest land and the states of Cali-
fornia, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New
Jersey, Oregon, and Washington re-

quire by law that many internal com-

bustion engines be equipped with a

spark arresting screen. If you operate

a chain saw in a state or locale where

such regulations exist, you are legally

responsible for maintaining the operat-

ing condition of these parts. Failure to

do so is a violation of the law. Refer to

Customer Responsibilities chart in the

MAINTENANCE section.

STANDARDS: This chain saw is listed

by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. in

accordance with American National

Standards for Gasoline-Powered

Chain Saws Safety Requirements

(ANSI B175.1-2000).

_I!_WARNING: Before using chain
saw, ensure all fasteners are secure.

CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-

lowing list.

Model 358.350481

• Chain Saw (fully assembled)

• Bar tool

• 2-cycle engine oil

• Carrying case
Examine parts for damage. Do not use

damaged parts.

If you need assistance or find that
parts are missing or damaged, please

call 1-800-235-5878.

NOTE: It is normal to hear the fuel filter
rattle in an empty fuel tank.

Your unit has been factory tested and
the carburetor precisely adjusted. As a

result you may smell gasoline or find a
drop of oil/fuel residue on the muffler

when you unpack the unit.

ASSEMBLY

Your saw is fully assembled; no

assembly is necessary.

KNOW YOUR SAW

READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

CHAIN SAW. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the

location of the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future ref-

erence.

Chain

Adjustment Tool

Front Hand Guard

Front Handle

(Bar Tool)

,/ ON/STOP

p/_, Switch

Chain MuffIer

_4/_ Primer

--t'_c_.._ Bulb

_'_ Starter Rope

2

Bar Oil Fill Cap _$1

Cylinder Cover

£r

Housin_

Fuel Mix Fill Cap

Throttle

Rear Lockout
Handle

Throttle Choke/ Chain
Trigger Fast Idle Brake

Lever

Chain Brake Nuts Guide Bar

Chain
Catcher Sprocket

ON/STOP SWITCH
The ON/STOP SWITCH is used to stop

the engine.
THRO'n'LE TRIGGER

The THROTTLE TRIGGER controls en-
gine speed.

THRO'FrLE LOCKOUT
The THROTTLE LOCKOUTmust be

pressed before you can squeeze the

throttle trigger. This feature prevents you
from accidentally squeezing the trigger.

CHOKE/FAST IDLE LEVER

The choke and fast idle are set by pull-

ing the CHOKE/FAST IDLE LEVER out

fully for cold or refueled starting. The
choke provides additional fuel to the

engine during cold starting.

Chain
Direction

of Travei

Hole

PRIMER BULB

The PRIMER BULB circulates fuel to the

carburetor to provide quicker starting.
CHAIN BRAKE

The CHAIN BRAKE is a device de-

signed to stop the chain if kickback oc-
curs. The chain brake activates auto-

matically in the event of kickback. The

chain brake activates manually if the
front hand guard is pushed forward.
The chain brake is disengaged by pull-

ing the front hand guard back toward
the front handle as far as possible.

CHAIN TENSION

It is normal for a new chain to stretch

during first 30 minutes of operation. You

should check your chain tension fre-

quently. See CHAINTENSION under the

SERVICEAND ADJUSTMENTSsection.

•_IbWARNING:Mufflerisveryhot
duringandafteruse.Donottouchthe

mufflerorallowcombustiblematerial

suchasdrygrassorfueltodoso.

BEFORESTARTING ENGINE

• _IbWARNING: Be sure to read the
fuel handling information in the safety

rules section of this manual before you
begin. If you do not understand the

fuel handling information do not at-
tempt to fuel your unit. Seek help from
someone that does understand the in-
formation or call the customer assis-

tance help line at 1-800-235-5878.
GUIDE BAR AND CHAIN OIL
The bar and chain require lubrication.

The chain oiler provides continuous

lubrication to the chain and guide bar.
Be sure to fill the bar oil tank when you

fill the fuel tank (Capacity = 6.8 fl. oz.).

Lack of oil will quickly ruin the bar and

chain. Too little oil will cause overheat-

ing shown by smoke coming from the

chain and/or discoloration of the bar.

For maximum guide bar and chain life,

we recommend you use Craftsman
chain saw bar oil. If Craftsman bar oil

is not available, you may use a good

grade SAE 30 oil until you are able to
obtain Craftsman brand. The oil output

is automatically metered during opera-

tion. Your saw will use approximately
one tank of bar oil for every tank of fuel

mix. Always fill the bar oil tank when

you fill the fuel tank.

FUELING ENGINE

_IkWARNING: Remove fuel cap
slowly when refueling.

This engine is certified to operate on

unleaded gasoline. Before operation,

gasoline must be mixed with a good
quality synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled en-
gine oil. We recommend Craftsman

brand synthetic oil. Mix gasoline and

oil at a ratio of 40:1. A 40:1 ratio is ob-
tained by mixing 3.2 ounces of oil with

1 gallon of unleaded gasoline. In-

cluded with this saw is a 3.2 ounce
container of oil. Pour the entire con-
tents of this container into 1 gallon of

gasoline to achieve the proper fuel

mixture.

DO NOT USE automotive oil or boat oil.
These oils will cause engine damage.

When mixing fuel follow the instructions

printed on the oil containen

Once oil is added to the gasoline,

shake container momentarily to assure
that the fuel is thoroughly mixed. Al-

ways read and follow the safety rules

relating to fuel before fueling your unit.

IMPORTANT

Experience indicates that alcohol

blended fuels (called gasohol or using

ethanol or methanol) can attract mois-
ture which leads to separation and

formation of acids during storage. Acidic

gas can damage the fuel system of an

engine while in storage. To avoid engine

problems, the fuel system should be

emptied before storage for 30 days or

longer. Drain the gas tank, start the en-

gine and let it run until the fuel lines and

carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

next season. See STORAGE instructions
for additional information.

Never use engine or carburetor clean-

er products in the fuel tank or perma-

nent damage may occur.

See the STORAGE section for addition-

al information.

CHAIN BRAKE

Ensure chain brake is disengaged by

pulling the front hand guard back to-
ward the front handle as far as pos-

sible. The chain brake must be disen-

gaged before cutting with the saw.
_!_WARNING: The chain must not

move when the engine runs at idle

speed. If the chain moves at idle

speed, refer to CARBURETOR ADJUST-

MENTwithin this manual. Avoid con-
tact with the muffler. A hot muffler can

cause serious burns.

STOPPING YOUR ENGINE

• Move ON/STOP switch to the STOP
position.

ON/STOP SWITCH

ON

STARTING POSITION

• To start the engine, hold the saw

firmly on the ground as illustrated.

Make sure the chain is free to turn

without contacting any object.

Starter Rope Handle

CHOKE/FAST IDLE LEVER

= (SIDE VIEW)

Chok I_
Fast Idle Lever OFF FULL

Right Foot Throuc

h Rear Handle

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

When pulling the starter rope, do not

use the full extent of the rope as this

can cause the rope to break. Do not

let starter rope snap back. Hold the
handle and let the rope rewind slowly.

For cold weather starting, start the unit

at FULL CHOKE; allow the engine to
warm up before squeezing the throttle

trigger.

NOTE: Do not cut material with the
choke/fast idle lever at the FULL
CHOKE position.

STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or a
warm engine after running out of

fuel)

NOTE: In the following steps, when
the choke/fast idle lever is pulled out to

the full extent, the correct throttle set-
ting for starting is set automatically.

1. Move ON/STOP switch to the ON
position.

2. Pull choke/fast idle lever out to the
full extent.

3. Slowly press primer bulb 6 times.

4. Pull the starter rope quickly with
your right hand 5 times. Then, pro-

ceed to the next step.

NOTE: If the engine sounds as if it is

trying to start before the 5th pull, stop

pulling and immediately proceed to the
next step.

5. Push the choke/fast idle lever in

completely (to the OFF CHOKE
position).

6. Pull the starter rope quickly with your

right hand until the engine starts.

7. Allow the engine to run for approxi-

mately 5 seconds. Then, squeeze
and release throttle trigger to allow
engine to return to idle speed.

._ ON/STOP /_/

Choke/Fast Idle

Lever

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

1. Move ON/STOP switch to the ON
position.

2. Pull the choke/fast idle lever out to
the full extent, then push the lever

back in completely (to the OFF
CHOKE position).

3. Slowly press primer bulb 6 times.

4. Pull the starter rope quickly with your
right hand until the engine starts.

5. Squeeze and release throttle trig_
ger, allowing engine to idle.

DIFFICULT STARTING (or starting a
flooded engine)
The engine may be flooded if it has not

started after 10 pulls.

Flooded engines can be cleared of ex-

cess fuel by following the warm engine

starting procedure listed above. Insure
the ON/STOPswitch is in the ON position.

Starting could require many pulls de-

pending on how badly the unit is
flooded. If engine still fails to start, refer
to the TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or

call 1-800-235-5878.

CHAIN BRAKE
_h, WARNING: If the brake band is

worn too thin it may break when the

chain brake is triggered. With a broken

brake band, the chain brake will not

stop the chain. The chain brake must

be replaced if any part is worn to less
than 0.020 inch (0.5 ram) thick. Re-

pairs on a chain brake should be made

by your Sears Service Center. Take
your unit to the place of purchase or to

the nearest Sears Service Center.

• This saw is equipped with a chain
brake. The brake is designed to stop

the chain if kickback occurs.

• The inertia-activated chain brake is
activated if the front hand guard is
pushed forward, either manually (by
hand) or automatically (by sudden

movement).

• If the brake is already activated, it is
disengaged by pulling the front hand
guard back toward the front handle

as far as possible.

• Whencuttingwiththesaw,thechain
brakemustbedisengaged.

Disengaged

Braking function control

CAUTION: The chain brake must be
checked several times daily. The engine

must be running when performing this
procedure. This is the only instance

when the saw should be placed on the
ground with the engine running.

Place the saw on firm ground. Grip the
rear handle with your right hand and

the front handle with your left hand.
Apply full throttle by fully depressing

the throttle trigger. Activate the chain

brake by turning your left wrist against

the hand guard without releasing your
grip around the front handle. The chain

should stop immediately.

Inertia activating function control

_IbWARNING: When performing the
following procedure, the engine must

be turned off.

Grip the rear handle with your right

hand and the front handle with your left
hand. Hold the chain saw approxi-

mately 14 inches (35 cm) above a

stump or other wooden surface. Re-

lease your grip on the front handle and
use the weight of the saw to let the tip

of the guide bar fall forward and con-
tact the stump. When the tip of the bar

hits the stump, the brake should acti-

vate.
OPERATING TIPS

• Check chain tension before first use
and after 1 minute of operation. See

CHAIN TENSION in the MAINTENANCE
section.

• Cut wood only. Do not cut metal,
plastics, masonry, non-wood building

materials, etc.

• Stop the saw if the chain strikes a

foreign object. Inspect the saw and

repair parts as necessary.

• Keep the chain out of dirt and sand.
Even a small amount of dirt will

quickly dull a chain and increase the
possibility of kickback.

• Practice cutting a few small logs us-
ing the following steps. This will help

you get the "feel" of using your saw

before you begin a major sawing op-
eration.

• Squeeze the throttle trigger and al-

low the engine to reach full speed
before cutting.

• Begin cutting with the saw frame

against the log.

• Keep the engine at full speed the

entire time you are cutting.

• Allow the chain to cut for you. Exert

only light downward pressure.

• Release the throttle trigger as soon

as the cut is completed, allowing
the engine to idle. If you run the

saw at full throttle without a cutting
load, unnecessary wear can occur.

• To avoid losing control when cut is

complete, do not put pressure on
saw at end of cut.

• Stop engine before setting saw down.

TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES

zl, _

_LWARNING: Check for broken or

dead branches which can fall while
cutting causing serious injury. Do not
cut near buildings or electrical wires if

you do not know the direction of tree
fall, nor cut at night since you will not

be able to see well, nor during bad
weather such as rain, snow, or strong
winds, etc.

• Carefully plan your sawing operation
in advance.

• Clear the work area. You need a
clear area all around the tree so you

can have secure footing.

• The chain saw operator should keep
on the uphill side of the terrain as the

tree is likely to roll or slide downhill

after it is felled.

• Study the natural conditions that can
cause the tree to fall in a particular

direction. These conditions include:

• The wind direction and speed.

• The lean of the tree. The lean of a

tree might not be apparent due to
uneven or sloping terrain. Use a

plumb or level to determine the di-
rection of tree lean.

• Weight and branches on one side.

• Surrounding trees and obstacles.

• Look for decay and rot. If the trunk is
rotted, it can snap and fall toward the

operator.

10

• Make sure there is enough room for
the tree to fall. Maintain a distance of

2-1/2 tree lengths from the nearest
person or other objects. Engine
noise can drown out a warning call.

• Remove dirt, stones, loose bark,

nails, staples, and wire from the tree

where cuts are to be made.

Plan a clear retreat path

.... £)--""""_- Direction of Fall

/÷#"

FELLING LARGE TREES
(6 inches in diameter or larger)

The notch method is used to fell large
trees. A notch is cut on the side of the

tree in the desired direction of fall After
a felling cut is made on the opposite

side of tree, the tree will tend to fall in
the direction of the notch.

NOTE: If tree has large buttress roots,
remove them before making the notch.
If using saw to remove buttress roots,
keep saw chain from contacting

ground to prevent dulling of the chain.

NOTCH CUT AND FELLING TREE

• Make notch cut by cutting the top of
the notch first. Cut through 1/3 of the

diameter of the tree. Next complete

the notch by cutting the bottom. See

illustration. Once the notch is cut, re-
move the wedge of wood from tree.

Felling cut here

Notch -.._.._ .__.

First cut_'_"i_-

• After removing the wood from the

notch, make the felling cut on the op-
posite side of the notch. This is done

by making a cut about two inches
higher than the center of the notch.

This will leave enough uncut wood

between the felling cut and the notch

to form a hinge. This hinge will help

prevent the tree from falling in the

wrong direction.

Hinge holds tree on
stump and heips

control fall

Opening of
felling cut

Closing
of notch

NOTE: Before felling cut is complete,
use wedges to open the cut when

necessary to control the direction of

fall. To avoid kickback and chain

damage, use wood or plastic wedges,
but never steel or iron wedges.

• Be alert to signs that the tree is
ready to fall: cracking sounds, widen-

ing of the felling cut, or movement in

the upper branches.

• As tree starts to fall, stop saw, put it
down, and get away quickly on your

planned retreat path.

• DO NOT use your saw to cut down a
partially fallen tree. Be extremely

cautious with partially fallen trees

that may be poorly supported. When

a tree doesn't fall completely, set the
saw aside and pull down the tree

with a cable winch, block and tackle,

or tractor.

CUTTING A FALLEN TREE
(BUCKING)

Bucking is the term used for cutting a

fallen tree to the desired log size.
_IlbWARNING: Do not stand on the

log being cut. Any portion can roll
causing loss of footing and control. Do

not stand downhill of the log being cut.
IMPORTANT POINTS

• Cut only one log at a time.

• Cut shattered wood very carefully;
sharp pieces of wood could be flung

toward operator.

• Use a sawhorse to cut small logs.
Never allow another person to hold

the log while cutting and never hold
the log with your leg or foot.

• Do not cut in an area where logs,
limbs, and roots are tangled. Drag logs

into a clear area before cutting them
by pulling out exposed and cleared

logs first.

11

BUCKING TECHNIQUES

_I_WARNING: If saw becomes

pinched or hung in a log, don't try to

force it out. You can lose control of the
saw resulting in injury and/or damage
to the saw. Stop the saw, drive a

wedge of plastic or wood into the cut

until the saw can be removed easily. Re-

start saw and carefully reenter the cut.

Do not use a metal wedge. Do not at-

tempt to restart your saw when it is

pinched or hung in a log.

Use a wedge to remove pinched saw

×\_

\

Turn saw OFF and use a plastic or
wooden wedge to force cut open.

Overcutting begins on the top side of
the log with the bottom of the saw

against the log. When overcutting use

light downward pressure.

Overcutting Undercutting

Undercutting involves cutting on the
underside of the log with top of saw

against the log. When undercutting

use light upward pressure. Hold saw
firmly and maintain control. The saw
will tend to push back toward you.

Second cut

First cut on compression side of log

BUCKING WITHOUT A SUPPORT

• Overcut through 1/3 of the diameter
of the log.

• Roll the log over and finish with a
second overcut.

• Watch for logs with a compression
side to prevent the saw from pinch-

ing. See illustrations for cutting logs

with a compression side.
BUCKING USING A LOG OR
SUPPORT STAND

• Remember your first cut is always on

the compression side of the log. (Re-

fer to the illustrations below for your

first and second cut).

• Your first cut should extend 1/3 of the

diameter of the log.

• Finish with your second cut.
Using a log for support

2 na Cut

_st Cul

1s_Cut

41¢I_WARNING: Never turn saw up-
side down to undercut. The saw can-

not be controlled in this position.

Always make your first cut on the
compression side of the log. The com-

pression side of the log is where the
pressure of the log's weight is concen-

trated.

First cut on co_ression side of log

Second cut

Using a support stand

/_ 2 nd Cut

L ts, out

2ndCut __

12

LIMBING AND PRUNING

€;II),WARNING: Be alert for and
guard against kickback. Do not allow

the moving chain to contact any other

branches or objects at the nose of the

guide bar when limbing or pruning. Al-

lowing such contact can result in seri-

ous injury.
_ISWARNING: Never climb into a

tree to limb or prune. Do not stand on

ladders, platforms, a log, or in any po-

sition which can cause you to lose
your balance or control of the saw.

IMPORTANT POINTS

• Watch out for springpoles.
Springpoles are small size limbs

which can whip toward you, or pull
you off balance. Use extreme cau-
tion when cutting small size limbs.

• Be alert for springback from any
branches that are bent or under

pressure. Avoid being struck by the
branch or the saw when the tension

in the wood fibers is released.

• Frequently clear branches out of the

way to avoid tripping over them.

LIMBING

• Limb a tree only after it is cut down.

• Leave the larger limbs underneath

the felled tree to support the tree as
you work.

• Start at the base of the felled tree
and work toward the top, cutting

branches and limbs. Remove small
limbs with one cut.

• Keep the tree between you and the
chain.

• Remove larger branches with the
cutting techniques described in

BUCKING WITHOUT A SUPPORT.

• Always use an overcut to cut small
and freely hanging limbs. Undercut-

ting could cause limbs to fall and

pinch the saw.

PRUNING

_I_WARNING: Limit pruning to limbs

shoulder height or below. Do not cut if
branches are higher than your shoul-

der. Get a professional to do the job.

• Make your first cut 1/3 of the way

through the bottom of the limb. This

cut will make the limb sag so that it

falls easily on the second cut.

• Next make the second cut an over-
cut all the way through the limb.

• Finish the pruning operation by using
an overcut so that the stump of the

limb protrudes 1to 2 inches from the

trunk of the tree.

Second cut

_ ard cut 1 to 2 in,

from trunk of tree

13

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

_kWARNING: Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance

except for carburetor adjustments.

Fill in dates as you complete Before
regular service Use

Check for damaged/worn parts
Check for loose fasteners/parts

Check chain tension

Check chain sharpness _'
Check guide bar _'
Check fuel mixture level _"

Check guide bar and chain oil _'

Inspect and clean unit & decals
Check chain brake

Clean guide bar groove

Clean air filter
Clean/inspect muffler and spark

arresting screen

Replace spark plug and fuel filter

After Every Every Service

Use 5 hrs. 25 hrs. Yearly Dates

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this unit does not cov-
er items that have been subjected to

operator abuse or negligence. To re-
ceive full value from the warranty, the

operator must maintain unit as instruct-
ed in this manual. Various adjustments

will need to be made periodically to

properly maintain your unit.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug,
air filter element, and check guide par

and chain for wear. A new spark plug
and air filter element assures proper

air-fuel mixture and helps your engine
run better and last longer.

CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR
WORN PARTS
Contact Sears Service Center for re-

placement of damaged or worn parts.
NOTE: It is normal for a small amount

of oil to appear under the saw after en-
gine stops. Do not confuse this with a

leaking oil tank.

• ON/STOP Switch - Ensure ON/STOP
switch functions properly by moving

the switch to the STOP position.

Make sure engine stops; then restart
engine and continue.

• Fuel Tank - Do not use saw if fuel
tank shows signs of damage or

leaks.

• Oil Tank - Do not use saw if oil tank

shows signs of damage or leaks.

CHECK FOR LOOSE
FASTENERS AND PARTS

• Chain Brake Nuts

• Chain

• Muffler

• Cylinder Shield

• Air Filter

• Handle Screws

• Vibration Mounts

• Starter Housing

• Front Hand Guard

CHECK CHAIN TENSION

_II, WARNING: Wear protective

gloves when handling chain. The
chain is sharp and can cut you even

when it is not moving.

Chain tension is very important.
Chains stretch during use. This is es-

pecially true during the first few times

you use your saw. Always check

chain tension each time you use and
refuel your saw.

14

1. Usethescrewdriverendofthe
chainadjustmenttool(bartool)to

movechainaroundguidebarto
ensurekinksdonotexist.The

chainshouldrotatefreely.

Bar

Chain Brake Screw (Bar Tool)

Nuts

2. Loosen chain brake nuts until they
are finger tight against the chain

brake.

3. Turn adjusting screw clockwise un-

til chain solidly contacts bottom of

guide bar rail.

4. Using bar tool, roll chain around
guide bar to ensure all links are in
bar groove.

5. Lift up tip of guide bar to check for
sag. Release tip of guide bar, then

turn adjusting screw until sag does

not exist.

6. While lifting tip of guide bar, tighten
chain brake nuts securely with the

bar tool.

7. Use the screwdriver end of the bar

tool to move chain around guide bar.

8. If chain does not rotate, it is too

tight. Slightly loosen chain brake

nuts and loosen chain by turning

the adjusting screw counterclock-
wise. Retighten chain brake nuts.

9. If chain is too loose, it will sag be-
low the guide bar. DO NOT operate

the sawif the chain is loose.

_I_WARNING: If the saw is operated
with a loose chain, the chain could

jump off the guide bar and result in se-

rious injury.

Adjusting Tool

__ Adjusting Screw

Chain Adjustment

Chain Brake

Nuts

CHECK CHAIN SHARPNESS

A sharp chain makes wood chips. A

dull chain makes a sawdust powder
and cuts slowly. See CHAIN SHARP-

ENING in the SERVICE AND ADJUST-
MENTS section.

CHECK GUIDE BAR
Conditions which require guide bar

maintenance:

• Saw cuts to one side or at an angle.

• Saw has to be forced through the cut.

• Inadequate supply of oil to bar/chain.
Check the condition of guide bar each

time chain is sharpened. A worn guide

bar will damage the chain and make
cutting difficult.

After each use, ensure ON/STOP

switch is in the STOP position, then
clean all sawdust from the guide bar

and sprocket hole.

To maintain guide bar:

• Move ON/STOP switch to STOP.

• Loosen and remove chain brake
nuts and chain brake. Remove bar

and chain from saw.

• Clean the oil holes and bar groove
after each 5 hours of operation.

Re_°Vc'_SBaaWdUStoFr°m_k_o__,,_

Oil Hotes o °J

• Burring of guide bar rails is a normal
process of rail wear. Remove these

burrs with a flat file.

• When rail top is uneven, use a flat file

to restore square edges and sides.

_L_ File Rail Edges_r] [1

andSides I U

Square I I

Worn Groove Correct Groove

Replace guide bar when the groove is

worn, the guide bar is bent or cracked,

or when excess heating or burring of

the rails occurs. If replacement is nec-

essary, use only the guide bar speci-

fied for your saw in the repair parts list

or on the decal located on the chain
saw.

15