Echo CS-550P User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

CHAIN SAW

CS-550P

WARNING

Read the instructions carefully and follow the rules for safe operation. Failure to do so could result in serious injury.

ECHO, INCORPORATED

400 Oakwood Road, Lake Zurich, Illinois 60047-1564 Phone : 847-540-8400

X750-015 42 0 X750 328-000 0

Printed in Japan 1012G 1422 ES

WARNING

The engine exhaust from this

product contains chemicals known

to the State of California to cause

cancer, birth defects or other

reproductive harm.

A. Kickback Safety Precautions for Chain Saw Users

WARNING!

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

KICKBACK may occur when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut.

Tip contact in some cases may cause a lightning fast reverse REACTION, Kicking the guide bar up and back towards the operator. Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly back towards the operator. Either of these reactions may cause you to lose control of the saw which could result in serious personal injury.

Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into your saw. As a chain saw user, you should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.

1.With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.

2.Keep a good firm grip on the saw with both hands, the right hand on the rear handle, and the left hand on the front handle, when the engine is running. Use a firm grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the chain saw handles. A firm grip will help you reduce kickback and maintain control of the saw. Don’t let go.

3.Make sure that the area in which you are cutting is free from obstructions. Do not let the nose of the guide bar contact a log, branch, or any other obstruction which could be hit while you are operating the saw.

4.Cut at high engine speeds.

5.Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height.

6.Follow manufacturer’s sharpening and maintenance instructions for the saw chain.

7.Only use replacement bars and chains specified by the manufacturer or the equivalent.

CS-550P

B. Other Safety Precautions

1. Do not operate a chain saw with one

hand! Serious injury to the operator, helpers, bystanders, or any combination of these persons may result from one-handed operation. A chain saw is intended for twohanded use.

2.Do not operate a chain saw when you are fatigued.

3.Use safety footwear, snug-fitting clothing and protective gloves. Wear eye, hearing, and head protection devices.

4.Use caution when handling fuel. Move the chain saw at least 3 m (10 feet) from the fueling point before starting the engine.

5.Do not allow other persons to be near the chain saw when starting or cutting with the chain saw. Keep bystanders and animals out of the work area.

6.Do not start cutting until you have a clear work area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path from the falling tree.

7.Keep all parts of your body away from the saw chain when the engine is running.

8.Before you start the engine, make sure that the saw chain is not contacting anything.

11.Shut off the engine before setting the chain saw down.

12.Use extreme caution when cutting small size brush and saplings because slender material may catch the saw chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off balance.

13.When cutting a limb that is under tension, be alert for spring-back so that you will not be struck when the tension in the wood fibers is released.

14.Keep the handles dry, clean, and free of oil or fuel mixture.

15.Operate the chain saw only in well ventilated areas.

16.Do not operate a chain saw in a tree unless you have been specifically trained to do so.

17.All chain saw service, other than items listed in the Instruction manual maintenance instructions, should be performed by competent service personnel. (For example, if improper tools are used to remove the flywheel or if an improper tool is used to hold the flywheel in order to remove the clutch, structural damage to the flywheel could occur and could subsequently cause the flywheel to burst.)

18.When transporting your chain saw, use the appropriate guide bar scabbard.

9.Carry the chain saw with the engine stopped, the guide bar and saw chain to the rear, and the muffler away from your body.

10.Do not operate a chain saw that is damaged, improperly adjusted, or not completely and securely assembled. Be sure that the saw chain stops moving when the throttle control trigger is released.

CS-550P

19.Spark arrestor mufflers approved to SAE Standard J335 are standard on ECHO chain saws to reduce the possibility of forest fires. Do not operate the chain saw with a loose or defective muffler. Do not remove the spark arrestor screen.

CONTENTS

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION............................................................................. 1

SYMBOLS AND SIGNS ........................................................................................... 3

PACKING LIST ......................................................................................................... 5

NOMENCLATURE OF PARTS ................................................................................. 6

OPERATOR SAFETY............................................................................................... 8

CORRECT USE OF CHAIN BRAKE ........................................................................ 9

PREPARATION FOR USE ....................................................................................... 10

FUEL AND LUBRICANT .......................................................................................... 12

EMISSION DATA ...................................................................................................... 13

OPERATION ............................................................................................................ 14

CUTTING INSTRUCTION ........................................................................................ 17

CHAIN AND GUIDE BAR COMBINATION .............................................................. 22

MAINTENANCE AND CARE.................................................................................... 23

SETTING THE SAW CHAIN..................................................................................... 27

TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................. 29

STORAGE AFTER USE........................................................................................... 30

TECHNICAL DATA ................................................................................................... 30

WARRANTY STATEMENTS..................................................................................... 31

This chain saw is designed for cutting wood or wood products. Do not cut solid metal, sheet metal, plastic or any non-wood materials.

Specifications, descriptions and illustrative material in this literature are as accurate as known at the time of publication, but are subject to change without notice. Illustrations may include optional equipment and accessories, and may not include all standard equipment.

SYMBOLS AND SIGNS

DANGER

The safety alert symbol accompanied by the word “DANGER” calls attention to an act or condition which WILL lead to serious personal injury or death if not avoided.

WARNING

The safety alert symbol accompanied by the word “WARNING” calls attention to an act or condition which CAN lead to serious personal injury or death if not avoided.

CAUTION

The safety alert symbol accompanied by the word “CAUTION” calls attention to an act or condition which may lead to minor or moderate personal injury if not avoided.

NOTE

This enclosed message provides tips for use, care and maintenance of the unit.

IMPORTANT

The enclosed message provides information necessary for the protection of the unit.

CIRCLE AND SLASH SYMBOL

This symbol means the specific action shown is prohibited. Ignoring these prohibitions can result in serious or fatal injury.

CS-550P

SYMBOL FORM

Symbol form/shape Symbol description/application Symbol form/shape Symbol description/application

Carefully read the Instruction manual

Wear eyes, ears and head protection

Emergency stop

Choke control “Cold Start” position (choke closed)

Oil and gasoline mixture

Chain oil fill

Chain oiler adjustment

Decompression deviceChain brake operation

Carburetor adjustment

- Low speed mixture

Carburetor adjustment

- High speed mixture

Carburetor adjustment

- Idle speed

DECALS

16” 16F0LD3366 20LPX66CQ / 20BPX66CQ 18” 18F0LD3372 20LPX72CQ / 20BPX72CQ 20” 20F0LD3378 20LPX78CQ / 20BPX78CQ

Note: There may be other replacement

Part Number X524-003550

REPLACEMENT BAR AND CHAIN

GUIDE BAR* CHAIN*

PART NO. PART NO.

*Or equivalent

components for achieving kickback protection. For details, please refer to the chain and bar combination sheet shown in the instruction manual.

WARNING!! Read and follow all safety precaution in the instruction manual. Failure to follow instructions could result in serious personal injury.

Part Number 890191-30131

TO AVOID KICKBACK

1. Hold the chain saw firmly with both hands.

2. Don’t let the nose of the guide bar contact any obstruction.

3. Tip contact may suddenly move the guide bar upward and backward, which may cause serious injury.

Locate this safety decal on your unit. The complete unit illustration found in the “NOMENCLATURE OF PARTS” section will help you locate them. Make sure the decal is legible and that you understand and follow the instructions on it. If a decal cannot be read, a new one can be ordered from your ECHO dealer.

CS-550P

PACKING LIST

The ECHO product you purchased has been factory pre-assembled for your convenience. Due to packaging restrictions, guide bar and saw chain installation and other assembly may be necessary.

ECHO chain saw

Instruction manual Safety manual

After opening the carton, check for damage. Immediately notify your retailer or ECHO dealer of damaged or missing parts. Use the packing list to check for missing parts.

13 x 19 mmT-wrench,

L-wrench (T27),

Small screwdriver

Guide bar

Saw chain

Warranty registration

card

CS-550P

NOMENCLATURE OF PARTS

Part Number X524-003550

REPLACEMENT BAR AND CHAIN

GUIDE BAR* CHAIN*

PART NO. PART NO. 16” 16F0LD3366 20LPX66CQ / 20BPX66CQ 18” 18F0LD3372 20LPX72CQ / 20BPX72CQ 20” 20F0LD3378 20LPX78CQ / 20BPX78CQ

Note: There may be other replacement

*Or equivalent

components for achieving kickback protection. For details, please refer to the chain and bar combination sheet shown in the instruction manual.

WARNING!! Read and follow all safety precaution in the instruction manual. Failure to follow instructions could result in serious personal injury.

Part Number 890191-30131

TO AVOID KICKBACK

1. Hold the chain saw firmly with both hands.

2. Don’t let the nose of the guide bar contact any obstruction.

3. Tip contact may suddenly move the guide bar upward and backward, which may cause serious injury.

X524-003550

890191-30131

CS-550P

* If a decal cannot be read, a new one can be

ordered from your ECHO dealer.

NOMENCLATURE OF PARTS

1. Instruction manual - Included with unit.

Read before operation and keep for future

reference to learn proper, safe operating

techniques.

2. Safety manual - Describe operating and safety

instructions for this chain saw.

3. Spiked bumper - Device, fitted in front of the

guide bar mounting point, acting as a pivot

when in contact with a tree or log.

4. Spark arrestor muffler - The spark arrestor

muffler controls the exhaust noise and

prevents hot, glowing particles of carbon

from leaving the muffler.

5. Front hand guard - Guard between the front

handle and the saw chain for protecting the

hand from injuries and aiding in control of the

chain saw if the hand slips off the handle.

This guard is used to lock the chain brake

which is to stop the saw chain rotation.

6. Choke control knob - Device for enriching the

fuel/air mixture in the carburetor to aid cold

starting.

7. Rear handle (for the right hand) - Support

handle located towards the rear of the

engine housing.

8. Rear hand guard - Extension on the lower part

of the rear handle for protecting the hand

from the chain if it breaks or degrooves.

11. Chain catcher - A projection designed to

reduce the risk of the operator’s right hand

from being hit by a chain which has broken

or derailed from the guide bar during cutting.

12. Guide bar - The part that supports and guides

the saw chain.

13. Saw chain - Chain, serving as a cutting tool.

14. Oil tank cap - For closing the oil tank.

15. Starter handle - Pull handle slowly until starter

engages then quickly and firmly. When

engine starts, return handle slowly.

DO NOT let handle snap back or damage to

unit will occur.

16. Fuel tank cap - For closing the fuel tank.

17. Ignition switch - Device for connecting and

disconnecting the ignition system and thus

allowing the engine to be started or stopped.

18. Throttle trigger - Device activated by the

operator’s finger, for controlling the engine

speed.

19. Throttle trigger lockout - A safety lever which

must be depressed before the throttle trigger

can be activated in order to prevent the

accidental operation of the throttle trigger.

20. Air cleaner cover - Covers air cleaner.

21. Cleaner cover knob - Device for installing the

air cleaner cover.

9. Clutch cover - Protective cover to the guide

bar, saw chain, clutch and sprocket when the

chain saw is in use.

10. Chain tension adjuster - Device to adjust

chain tension.

22. Decompression device - Device for lowering

the compression in the cylinder, to aid

starting.

23. Front handle (for the left hand) - Support

handle located at the front of the engine

housing.

24. Cylinder cover - The cooling airflow grill.

It covers the cylinder, spark plug and

silencer.

CS-550P

OPERATOR SAFETY

VIBRATION AND COLD

• It is believed that a condition called Raynaud’s Phenomenon, which affects the fingers of certain individuals, may be brought about by exposure to vibration and cold. Exposure to vibration and cold may cause tingling and burning followed by loss of color and numbness in the fingers. The following precautions are strongly recommended because the minimum exposure which might trigger the ailment is unknown.

• Keep your body warm, especially the head and neck, feet and ankles and hands and wrists.

• Maintain good blood circulation by performing vigorous arm exercises during frequent work breaks and also by not smoking.

• Limit the number of hours of operation. Try to fill each day with jobs where operating the chain saw, or other hand-held power equipment is not required.

• If you experience discomfort redness and swelling of the fingers, followed by whitening and loss of feeling, consult your physician before further exposing yourself to cold and vibration.

REPETITIVE STRESS INJURY

• It is believed that over-using the muscles and tendons of the finger, hands, arms and shoulders may cause soreness, swelling, numbness, weakness and extreme pain to the areas just mentioned. Certain repetitive hand activities may put you at a high risk for developing a repetitive stress injury (RSI).

• An extreme RSI condition is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) which could occur when your wrist swells and squeezes a vital nerve that runs through the area. Some believe that prolonged exposure to vibration may contribute to CTS. CTS can cause severe pain for months or even years.

To reduce the risk of RSI/CTS, do the following:

• Avoid using your wrist in a bent, extended or twisted position.

• Take periodic breaks to minimize repetition and rest your hands.

• Reduce the speed and force in which you do the repetitive movement.

• Do exercises to strengthen hand and arm muscles.

• See a doctor if you feel tingling, numbness or pain in your fingers, hands, wrists or arms. The sooner RSI/CTS is diagnosed, the more likely permanent nerve and muscle damage can be prevented.

EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION

• Wear eye protection goggles that meet ANSI Z 87.1 requirements. Goggles meeting the requirements have the mark “Z 87” stamped on them.

• Wear hearing protection. If this guideline is not followed, hearing loss can occur. ECHO recommends wearing hearing protection at all times.

WEAR PROPER CLOTHING

• Snug fitting durable clothing should be worn. Pants should have long legs, DO NOT WEAR SHORTS. Do not wear loose fitting clothing, scarves, neckties, jewelry or any item that may become tangled in surrounding growth or the chain saw itself.

• Wear shoes with non-skid soles. DO NOT wear open toed shoes or operate unit barefooted.

• Wear no-slip, heavy duty work gloves to improve your grip on the chain saw handles. The gloves also help reduce the transmission of machine vibration to your hands.

HOT HUMID WEATHER

• Heavy protective clothing can increase operator fatigue which may lead to heat stroke. Schedule heavy work for early morning, or late afternoon hours when temperatures are cooler.

AVOID HOT SURFACES

• During operation, the muffler or catalytic muffler and surrounding cover become hot.

• Never suspend the saw on a lanyard with the engine running.

• Always use the saw from the right-hand side of your body - NEVER from the left side.

• Always wear proper safety clothing to protect your lower body from sharp saw chain and hot muffler.

• Always keep exhaust area clear of flammable debris during transportation or when storing, otherwise serious property damage or personal injury may result.

CS-550P

SPARK ARRESTOR MUFFLER

• The spark arrestor muffler controls the exhaust noise and prevents hot, glowing particles of carbon from leaving the muffler. Make sure the spark arrestor screen is in good repair and properly seated in the muffler.

• Certain internal combustion engines operated on forest, brush, and/or grass-covered areas in the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Minnesota, New Jersey and Maine, are required to be equipped with a spark arrestor.

CORRECT USE OF CHAIN BRAKE

This requirement also applies to all U.S. Forest Service lands. In some of these areas, the spark arrestor system must be certified per USDA Forest Service Regulation SAE J335. Check with your local or state authorities for specific regulations in your area. Failure to follow these requirements is a violation of the law.

Rotational kickback

Reduced radius belongs on top

DANGER

Kickback safety precaution for chain saw users: Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut.

The installation of a chain brake may be mandatory by law or as stipulated by insurance regulations in your area of operation. You should inquire through local government offices, your employer or your local dealer to ensure that your chain saw conforms to the required safety standard. ECHO chain brakes have been designed and tested to comply with international safety standards as follows. This model needs to use low-kickback chain and bar. Do not use a combination other than those specified on page 22. For your own safety, do not remove the chain brake system.

USA : ANSI Standard B175.1 - 2000

Safety Requirement for chain saws

Chain moving downward at impact

Linear kickback

Kickback

Pinch

Canada : CSA Standard Z 62.1 CHAIN SAWS

WARNING

ANSI Standard B175.1 - 2000 stipulates that the brake shall stop the chain 0.12 seconds at an engine speed of 13500 r/min. It is the responsibility of the owner/operator to ensure that the brake is serviced, adjusted and tested strictly in accordance with the instructions as detailed herein in order to ensure that the brake performance is maintained in compliance with the Standard B175.1 - 2000.

CS-550P

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Echo CS-550P User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual