Kobalt KCS 120-06 User Manual

ITEM #0506890

40 V LITHIUM-ION CORDLESS 12 IN. CHAIN SAW

ATTACH YOUR RECEIPT HERE

Serial Number Purchase Date

Questions, problems, missing parts? Before returning to your retailer, call our customer

service department at 1-888-3KOBALT (1-888-356-2258) 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., EST,
Monday - Friday.

AB13804C

MODEL #KCS 120-06

Français p. 32
Español p. 63

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1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

.......... 2

Package Contents...................................................................................................................... 3

Symbols...................................................................................................................................... 4

Safety Information...................................................................................................................... 5

Preparation.................................................................................................................................9

Operating Instructions.............................................................................................................. 12

Care and Maintenance............................................................................................................. 22

Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................ 30

Warranty................................................................................................................................... 30

Replacement Parts List............................................................................................................ 31

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Bar length
Chain pitch
Chain gauge
Chain type
Guide bar type
Chain oil tank capacity
Unit weight (without 4A battery)

SPECIFICATIONS

12 in. (30.4 cm)
3/8 in. (9.5 mm)

0.05 in. (1.27 mm)
91PJ045X
120SDEA041

6.8 oz (200 ml)

7.1 lbs.

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PACKAGE CONTENTS

C

D

A

B

PART DESCRIPTION QUANTITY

A Chain saw 1

B Scabbard 1
C Battery 1
D Charger 1

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SYMBOLS

Some of the following symbols may be used on this product. Please study them and learn their
meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the product better and safer.

SYMBOLS DESIGNATION EXPLANATION

V Volts Voltage
A Amperes Current

Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)

W Watts Power

hrs Hours Time

n

o

No Load Speed Rational speed, at no load
Class II Construction Double-insulated construction

/ min

Per Minute

Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling

Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc., per
minute.

Designates that this tool is in compliance with
Lithium-Ion battery recycling program requirements.

Safety Alert Symbol Precautions that involve your safety.

Read the Operator’s Manual

Eye and Head Protection

Gloves

Safety Footwear

To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and
understand operator’s manual before using this product.

Wear eye and head protection when operating this
equipment.

Wear non-slip, heavy-duty protective gloves when
handling the chain saw and the blade.

Wear non-slip safety footwear when using this
equipment.

Kickback DANGER! Beware of kickback.

Operate With Two Hands Hold and operate the saw properly with both hands.

One Handed Do not operate the saw using only one hand.

Bar Nose Contact Avoid bar nose contact.

Keep Bystanders Away Keep all bystanders at least 50 ft. (15 m) away.

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SYMBOLS

Save these Instructions

The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with

this product.

SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING

DANGER

WARNING

CAUTION

CAUTION

Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury.

(Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may result in
property damage.

WARNING

• To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt to use this product until you have read this
Owner’s Manual thoroughly and understand it completely. If you do not understand the warnings and
instructions in this Owner’s Manual, do not use this product. Call 1-888-356-2258 for assistance.

The operation of any power tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation, always wear
safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields and, when needed, a full face shield. We
recommend a wide vision safety mask for use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with
side shields. Always use eye protection which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.

SAFETY INFORMATION

IMPORTANT

Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in

electric shock, re, and/or serious personal injury.

WARNING

When using an cordless chain saw, basic safety precaution should be always followed to reduce the

risk of re, electric shock, and injury to persons, including the following:

• Do not start cutting until you have a clear work area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path

from the falling tree. Cluttered areas invite accidents.

• Keep all children, bystanders, visitors, and animals out of the work area while starting or cutting

with the chain saw.

• Do not operate chain saw in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of ammable liquids,

gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.

• Wear snug tting clothing. Always wear heavy, long pants, overalls, jeans or chaps made of cut

resistant material or ones that contain cut resistant inserts. Wear non-slip safety footwear. Wear
non-slip heavy duty gloves to improve your grip and to protect your hands. Do not wear jewelry,

short pants, sandals, or go barefoot. Do not wear loose tting clothing, which could be drawn into

the motor or catch the chain or underbrush. Secure hair so it is above shoulder level.

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SAFETY INFORMATION

• Heavy protective clothing may increase operator fatigue, which could lead to heat stroke. During

weather that is hot and humid, heavy work should be scheduled for early morning or late afternoon
hours when temperatures are cooler.

• Wear eye protection which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 as well as hearing and head

protection when operating this equipment.

• Always be aware of what you are doing when using the chain saw. Use common sense. Do not

operate the chain saw when you are tired, ill, or under the inuence of alcohol, drugs, or

medication.

• Do not expose the chain saw to rain.

• Do not use the chain saw in damp or wet locations.

• Stay alert and pay attention to what you are doing. Use common sense when using this unit.

• Keep all parts of your body away from the saw chain when the unit is running.

• Always carry the chain saw by the front handle with the battery removed and the guide bar and saw

chain positioned to the rear.

• Never let anyone use your chain saw who has not received adequate instructions in its proper use.

• Before you start the unit, make sure the saw chain is not contacting any object.

• Stop the chain saw before setting it down.

• To avoid accidental starting, never carry the unit with your nger on the trigger switch.

• Maintain the unit with care. Keep the cutting edge sharp and clean for best performance and to

reduce the risk of injury. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.

• Keep handles dry, clean, and free of oil and grease.

• Use only Kobalt 40 V batteries.

• Do not dispose of batteries in a re, the cell may explode, check with local codes for possible

special disposal instruction.

• Do not open or mutilate the batteries; released electrolyte is corrosive and may cause damage to

the eyes or skin, and may be toxic if swallowed.

• Exercise care in handling battery in order not to short the battery with conducting material such as

rings, bracelets and keys. The battery or conductor may overheat and cause burns.

• Do not operate a chain saw with one hand. Use a rm grip with thumbs and ngers encircling the

chain saw handles. 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 two handed use.

• Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as metal pipes and wire fences. There is an

increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.

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

assembled. The chain should slow to a stop when the trigger switch is released. If the chain
continues to turn after the trigger switch has been released, have the unit serviced by an authorized
service center.

• Check for damaged parts. 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 an authorized service dealer unless
otherwise indicated elsewhere in this manual.

• All chain saw service, other than the items listed in the operation and maintenance sections, should

be performed by your authorized service center.

• Always maintain a proper stance.

• Do not use chain saw if switch does not turn it on and off. Have defective switch replaced by

authorized service center.

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SAFETY INFORMATION

• Remove the battery when not in use, before servicing, and when making adjustments and changing

attachments, such as saw chain and bar.

• Do not cut vines and/or small underbrush.

• Do not operate a chain saw in a tree, on a ladder, or scaffold; this is extremely dangerous.

Note: The size of the work area depends on the job being performed as well as the size tree or work

piece involved. For example, felling a tree requires a larger work area than making bucking cuts.

• Use extreme caution when cutting small size brush and saplings because the small material may

catch the saw chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off balance.

• 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 bers is released.

• Do not force the chain saw. The job can be performed better and safer at the rate for which it was

intended.

• Always use the right product for your application. The chain saw should be used for cutting wood

only. Never use the chain saw to cut plastic, masonry or non-wood building materials.

• Do not use the chain saw for purposes not intended.

• Store chain saw when not in use. Chain saw should be stored in a dry and high or locked area out

of the reach of children.

• Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and use them to instruct others who may use this

tool. If you loan someone this tool, loan them these instructions also.

WARNING Proposition 65

Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities

contain chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples
of these chemicals are:

• Lead from lead-based paints,

• Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and

• Arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.

Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce
your exposure to these chemicals, work in a well-ventilated area, and work with approved safety
equipment, such as those dust masks that are specially designed to lter out microscopic particles.

Kickback

WARNING

Kickback may occur when the moving chain contacts an object at the upper portion of the tip of the
guide bar or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Contact at the upper
portion of the tip of the guide bar can cause the chain to dig into the object and stop the chain for an
instant. The result is a lightning fast reverse reaction which kicks the guide bar up and back toward
the operator. If the saw chain is pinched along the top of the guide bar, the guide bar can be driven
rapidly back toward the operator. Either of these reactions can cause loss of saw control which can

result in serious injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into the saw. As a chain

saw user, you should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.

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SAFETY INFORMATION

The following precautions should be followed to minimize

kickback:

• Always grip the saw rmly with both hands. Place your

right hand on the rear handle and your left hand on the

front handle with your thumbs and ngers encircling
the chain saw handles. A rm grip together with a stiff

left arm will help you maintain control of the saw if
kickback occurs.

• 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, fence, or any other obstruction
that could be hit while you are operating the saw.

• Always cut with the unit running. Fully squeeze the

trigger switch and maintain cutting speed.

• Use only the replacement guide bars and low

kickback chains specied by the manufacturer for the

saw.

• With a basic understanding of kickback, you can

reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden
surprise contributes to accidents.

• Keep proper footing and balance at all times.

• Do not cut above shoulder height or overreach when

cutting.

• Follow the sharpening and maintenance instructions

for the saw chain.

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SAFETY INFORMATION

• Push and Pull - This reaction force is always

opposite to the direction the chain is moving where
wood contact is made. Thus, the operator must be
ready to control the PULL when cutting on the bottom
edge of the bar, and PUSH when cutting along the top
edge.

Understanding your chain saw safety devices
Low kickback saw chain

The rakers (depth gauges) ahead of each cutter can
minimize the force of a kickback reaction by preventing
the cutters from digging in too deeply at the kickback
zone. Only use replacement chain that is equivalent to

original chain or has been certied as low kickback chain

per ANSI B175.1. Low kickback/skip tooth saw chain is a
chain that has met the kickback performance
requirements of ANSI B175.1 - 1991. (American National
Standard for Power Tools - Gasoline-Powered Chain
Saws-Safety Requirements) when tested on the
representative sample of chain saws below 3.8 c.i.d.
specied in ANSI B175.1 - 1991. As saw chains are
sharpened during their useful life, they lose some of the

low kickback qualities and extra caution should be used.

Service

Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge and should be performed only by a qualied service

technician. For service we suggest you return the product to your nearest AUTHORIZED SERVICE
CENTER for repair. When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.

PREPARATION

Before beginning to operate this product, make sure all parts are present. Compare parts with
package contents list. If any part is missing or damaged, do not attempt to operate the product.

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SAFETY INFORMATION

UNPACKING

This product has been shipped completely assembled.

• Carefully remove the product and any accessories from the box. Make sure that all items listed in

the package contents section are included.

• Inspect the product carefully to make sure no breakage or damage occurred during shipping.

• Do not discard the packing material until you have carefully inspected and satisfactorily operated

the product.

• If any parts are damaged or missing, please call 1-888-3KOBALT (1-888-356-2258) for assistance.

WARNING

• If any parts are damaged or missing, do not operate this product until the parts are replaced.

Failure to heed this warning could result in serious personal injury.

• Do not attempt to modify this product or create accessories not recommended for use with this
product. Any such alteration or modication is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition

leading to possible serious personal injury.

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KNOW YOUR CHAIN SAW

Read this operator’s manual and safety rules before operating your chain saw. Compare the
illustration below to your chain saw in order to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls
and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

G

H

I

M

N

E

J

L

K

F

PART DESCRIPTION

E Safety lock
F Trigger switch
G Front handle
H Low kickback chain

I Guard

J Guide bar

K Chain tension knob

L Chain cover lock knob
M Battery release button
N Oil cap

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

• If any parts are damaged or missing, do not operate this product until the parts are replaced.

Failure to heed this warning could result in serious personal injury.

• Do not attempt to modify this product or create accessories not recommended for use with this
product. Any such alteration or modication is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition

leading to possible serious personal injury.

• Do not allow familiarity with this product to make you careless. Remember that a careless fraction
of a second is sufcient to inict serious injury.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating power tools.

Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes, resulting in possible serious
injury.

• Do not use any attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this product.

The use of attachments or accessories not recommended can result in serious personal injury.

Adding bar and chain lubricant

Use a bar and chain lubricant (not included) with this

product. It is designed for chains and chain oilers,
and is formulated to perform over a wide temperature
range with no dilution required.

Note: Chain saw comes from the factory with no bar

N

and chain oil added.

The level should also be checked after every 20

minutes of use and relled as needed.

• Remove oil cap (N).

• Carefully pour the bar and chain oil into the tank.

• Wipe off excess oil and replace cap.

• Check and ll the oil tank when quick view oil

Oil indicator

indicator is below the MIN. line.

• Repeat as needed.

Note:

• Do not use dirty, used or otherwise contaminated oils. Damage may occur to the bar or chain.

• It is normal for oil to seep from the saw when not in use. To prevent seepage, empty the oil tank
after each use then run for one minute. When storing the unit for a long period of time (three
months or longer) be sure the chain is lightly lubricated; this will prevent rust on the chain and bar
sprocket.

IMPORTANT

To preserve natural resources, please recycle or dispose of oil properly. Consult your local waste
authority for information regarding available recycling and/disposal options.

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Battery

IMPORTANT

The battery may not be charged when it is purchased. Before using the chain saw for the rst time,

place the battery in the battery charger and charge it fully. Be sure to read all safety precautions
and follow the instructions in the battery and charger manuals. When storing the chain saw for a
prolonged period of time, remove the battery. When the chain saw is going to be used again, charge
the battery for at least a full charging period. The battery has no memory effect.

To install the battery:

1. Align the battery (C) with the battery opening.

2. Insert the battery into the battery opening until the
battery release button (M) locks into place.

3. Push down on the battery until it locks into place. You
should hear a “click” once it is installed.

C

M

To remove the battery:

1. Press the battery release button (M) on the chain saw.
This will cause the battery to raise out of the tool

slightly.

2. Grasp the chain saw rmly and pull the battery out of
the handle.

WARNING

Follow these instructions in order to avoid injury and to reduce the risk of electric shock or re:

• Replace the battery or the charger immediately if the battery case or charger cord is damaged.

• Verify that the switch is in the OFF position before inserting or removing the battery.

• Verify that the battery is removed and the switch is in the OFF position before inspecting,

adjusting, or performing maintenance on any part of the chain saw.

• Read, understand, and follow the instructions contained in the charger manual.

IMPORTANT

This Lithium-ion battery is equipped with an internal circuit breaker which will automatically shut off
the power to the tool and then reset itself once cooled. Follow these steps if an overload occurs while

under heavy use:

1. Release the power switch and restart tool by depressing switch.

2. The battery may need to be removed for approximately 1 minute, allowed to cool and then
reinstalled for use.

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Starting and stopping the chain saw

WARNING

Keep body to the left of the chain line. Never straddle the saw or chain, or lean over past the chain line.

A. To start the chain saw:

• Make sure chain tension is at desired setting. Refer to

adjusting the chain tension in the Care and
Maintenance section of this manual.

• Make sure the chain cover lock knob is tight to the

chain cover.

E

• Make sure no objects or obstructions are in the

immediate vicinity which could come in contact with
the bar and chain.

• Fit the battery into the chain saw.

• Press in the safety lock (E). This makes the trigger

switch (F) operational.

F

• Press and hold the trigger switch (F) and keep it

pressed for continued operation.

B. To stop the chain saw:

• Release the trigger switch (F).

Upon release of the trigger switch, the safety lock will be automatically reset to the lock position.

Note: It is normal for the chain to coast to a stop once the trigger switch is released.

Preparing for cutting
A. Proper grip on handles

See General Safety Rules for appropriate safety equipment.

• Wear non-slip gloves for maximum grip and protection.

• Hold the saw rmly with both hands. Always keep your

left hand on the front handle and your right hand on
the rear handle so that your body is to the left of the
chain line.

• Maintain a proper grip on the saw whenever the motor

is running. The ngers should encircle the handle and

the thumb is wrapped under the handlebar. This grip is
least likely to be broken by a kickback or other sudden
reaction of the saw. Any grip in which the thumb and
ngers are on the same side of the handle is
dangerous because a slight kick of the saw can cause
loss of control.

Proper hand
grip position

Chain line

Proper grip

Improper grip

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

• DO NOT operate the trigger switch with your left hand and hold the front handle with your right hand.

Never allow any part of your body to be in the chain line while operating a saw.

• Never use a left-handed (cross-handed) grip or any stance that would place your body or arm across

the chain line.

Proper cutting stance

• Balance your weight with both feet on solid ground.

• Keep left arm with elbow locked in a “straight arm”

position to withstand any kickback force.

• Keep your body to the left of the chain line.

Thumb on

underside of

Handle Bar

Chain Line

Straight Arm

• Keep your thumb on underside of front handle.

Basic operating/cutting procedures

Practice cutting a few small logs using the following
technique to get the “feel” of using the saw before you
begin a major sawing operation.

• Take the proper stance in front of the wood.

• Press the safety lock and squeeze the trigger switch

then release the safety lock and let the
chain accelerate to full speed before entering the cut.

• Begin cutting with the saw against the log.

• Keep the unit running the entire time you are cutting, maintain a steady speed.

• Allow the chain to cut for you; exert only light downward pressure. Forcing the cut could result

in damage to the bar, chain, or motor.

• Release the trigger switch as soon as the cut is completed, allowing the chain to stop. If you

run the saw without a cutting load, unnecessary wear can occur to the chain, bar, and unit.

• Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of the cut.

Work area precautions

• Cut only wood or materials made from wood; no sheet

metal, no plastics, no masonry, no nonwood building
materials.

• Never allow children to operate the saw. Allow no

person to use this chain saw who has not read this
operator’s manual or received adequate instructions
for the safe and proper use of this chain saw.

• Keep everyone – helpers, bystanders, children, and

animals – a SAFE DISTANCE from the cutting area.

During felling operations, the safe distance should be
at least twice the height of the largest trees in the
felling area. During bucking operations, keep a
minimum distance of 15 ft. (4.6 m) between workers.

• Always cut with both feet on solid ground to prevent

being pulled off balance.

• Do not cut above chest height as a saw held higher is difcult to control against kickback forces.

• Do not fell trees near electrical wires or buildings. Leave this operation for professionals.

• Cut only when visibility and light are adequate for you to see clearly.

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Felling trees
Hazardous conditions

WARNING

Do not fell trees during periods of high wind or heavy precipitation. Wait until the hazardous weather has
ended.
When felling a tree, it is important that you heed the following warnings to prevent possible serious injury.

• Do not cut down trees having an extreme lean or large trees with rotten limbs, loose bark, or

hollow trunks. Have these trees pushed or dragged down with heavy equipment, then cut them up.

• Do not cut trees near electrical wires or buildings.

• Check the tree for damaged or dead branches that could fall and hit you during felling.

• Periodically glance at the top of the tree during the backcut to assure the tree is going to fall in the

desired direction.

• If the tree starts to fall in the wrong direction, or if the saw gets caught or hung up during the fall,

leave the saw and save yourself.

Removing buttress roots

A buttress root is a large root extending from the trunk of

the tree above the ground. Remove large buttress roots
prior to felling. Make the horizontal cut into the buttress

rst, followed by the vertical cut. Remove the resulting

loose section from the work area. Follow the correct tree
felling procedure as stated in Proper Procedure For Tree
Felling after you have removed the large buttress roots.

Vertical Cut

Proper procedure for tree felling

• Felling a tree — When bucking and felling operations

are being performed by two or more persons at the
same time, the felling operation should be separated
from the bucking operation by a distance of at least
twice the height of the tree being felled. Trees should
not be felled in a manner that would endanger any
person, strike any utility line or cause any property
damage. If the tree does make contact with any utility
line, the utility company should be notied
immediately.

• Operator should keep on the uphill side of terrain as

the tree is likely to roll or slide after it is felled.

• Pick your escape route (or routes in case the intended

route is blocked). Clear the immediate area around the
tree and make sure there are no obstructions in your
planned path of retreat. Clear the path of safe retreat

approximately 135° from the planned line of fall.

PLANNED LINE
OF FALL

135° FROM

PLANNED
LINE
OF FALL

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90°

PATH OF
SAFE
RETREAT

Planned
Line of
fall

Loose
section

Horizontal
Cut

135°

45°

45°

135°

Path of
safe
retreat

90°

16

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

• Consider the force and direction of the wind, the lean

and balance of the tree, and the location of large

limbs. These things inuence the direction in which the

tree will fall. Do not try to fell a tree along a line
different from its natural line of fall.

• Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and

wire from the tree where felling cuts are to be made.

• Notched Undercut. Cut a notch about 1/3 the diameter

of the trunk on the side of the tree. Make the notch
cuts so they intersect at a right angle to the line of fall.
This notch should be cleaned out to leave a straight
line. To keep the weight of the wood off the saw,
always make the lower cut of the notch before the
upper cut.

• Felling Backcut. As the felling cut gets close to the

hinge, the tree should begin to fall. If there is any
chance the tree may not fall in the desired direction or
it may rock back and bind the saw chain, stop cutting
before the felling cut is complete and use wedges of
wood, plastic or aluminum to open the cut and drop
the tree along its desired line of fall. Make the backcut
level and horizontal, and at a minimum of 2 in. (5 cm)
above the horizontal cut of the notch.

2 in. (5 cm) OR 1/10 DIA

HINGE

Notch-

Approx.

1/3
Diameter
of trunk

Back cut

2” (5cm)

Back cut

Hinge

Note: Never cut through to the notch. Always leave a
band of wood between the notch and back cut

(approximately 2 in. (5 cm) or 1/10 the diameter of the

tree). This is called “hinge” or “hingewood.” It controls the
fall of the tree and prevents slipping or twisting or shoot
back of the tree off the stump.

• On large diameter trees, stop the back cut before it is

deep enough for the tree to either fall or settle back on
the stump. Then insert soft wooden or plastic wedges
into the cut so they do.

• As tree starts to fall, stop the chain saw and put it

down immediately. Retreat along the cleared path, but
watch the action in case something falls your way.

Wedge

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Bucking

Bucking is the term used for cutting a fallen tree to the
desired log length.

• Always make sure your footing is secure and your

weight is distributed evenly on both feet.

• Cut only one log at a time.

• Support small logs on a saw horse or another log while

bucking.

• Keep a clear cutting area. Make sure that no objects

can contact the guide bar nose and chain during
cutting as this can cause kickback. Refer to Kickback
earlier in this manual.

• When bucking on a slope, always stand on the uphill

side of the log. To maintain complete control of the
chain saw when cutting through the log, release the
cutting pressure near the end of the cut without

relaxing your grip on the chain saw handles. Do not

let the chain contact the ground. After completing the
cut, wait for the saw chain to stop before you move the
chain saw. Always stop the motor before moving from
tree to tree.

Bucking with a wedge

If the wood diameter is large enough for you to insert
a soft bucking wedge without touching the chain, you
should use the wedge to hold the cut open to prevent
pinching.

Bucking logs under stress

When the log is supported on one end, cut 1/3 the

diameter from the underside. Then make the nished cut
by overbucking to meet the rst cut. When the log is

supported on both ends, cut 1/3 of the diameter from the

top overback. Then make the nished cut by under
bucking the lower 2/3 to meet the rst cut.

LOG SUPPORTED AT ONE END

LOAD

FINISHING CUT

1ST CUT 1/3 DIA

LOG SUPPORTED AT BOTH ENDS

LOAD

1ST CUT 1/3 DIA

FINISHING CUT

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Overbucking

Begin on the top side of the log with the bottom of the saw

against the log; exert light pressure downward. Note that

the saw will tend to pull away from you.

Underbucking

Begin on the under side of the log with the top of the saw

against the log; exert light pressure upward. During under

bucking, the saw will tend to push back at you. Be
prepared for this reaction and hold the saw rmly to
maintain control.

Avoid cutting earth
overbucking

Limbing

Limbing is removing branches from a fallen tree.

• Work slowly, keeping both hands on the chain saw
with a rm grip. Always make sure your footing is

secure and your weight is distributed evenly on both
feet.

• Leave the larger support limbs under the tree to keep
the tree off the ground while cutting.

• Limbs should be cut one at a time. Remove the cut
limbs from the work area often to help.

• Keep the work area clean and safe.

• Branches under tension should be cut from the bottom

up to avoid binding the chain saw.

• Keep the tree between you and the chain saw while
limbing. Cut from the side of the tree opposite the
branch you are cutting.

Push
underbucking

LOAD

First Cut
1/3 Diameter

Finishing
Cut

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Second
cut

19

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Pruning

Pruning is trimming limbs from a live tree.

• Work slowly, keeping both hands on the chain saw
with a rm grip. Always make sure your footing is

secure and your weight is distributed evenly on both
feet.

• Do not cut from a ladder. This is extremely dangerous.

Leave this operation for professionals.

• Do not cut above chest height as a saw held higher is
difcult to control against kickback.

• When pruning trees it is important not to make the
nishing cut next to the main limb or trunk until you

have cut off the limb further out to reduce the weight.
This prevents stripping the bark from the main
member.

• Underbuck the branch 1/3 through for your rst cut.

• Your second cut should overbuck to drop the branch

off.

• Now make your nishing cut smoothly and neatly

against the main member so the bark will grow back to
seal the wound.

CUT LIMBS ONE AT A TIME AND

LEAVE SUPPORT LIMBS

UNDER TREE UNTIL LOG IS CUT

WARNING

If the limbs to be pruned are above chest height, hire a professional to perform the pruning.

When bucking on a slope always stand on the uphill side
of the log. when cutting through to maintain

complete

Bucking a log

control release the cutting pressure near the end of the cut

without relaxing your grip on the chainsaw handle. Don’t let

the chain contact the ground. After completing the cut wait
for the saw chain to stop before you move the chainsaw.
Always stop the motor before moving from tree to tree.

Stand on uphill side when
cutting because log may roll

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Cutting springpoles

A springpole is any log, branch, rooted stump, or
sapling which is bent under tension by other wood so that
it springs back if the wood holding it is cut or removed.
On a fallen tree, a rooted stump has a high potential of
springing back to the upright position during the bucking
cut to separate the log from the stump. Watch out for

springpoles — they are dangerous.

SPRINGPOLE

WARNING

Springpoles are dangerous and could strike the operator, causing the operator to lose control of the
chain saw. This could result in severe or fatal injury to the operator.

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CARE AND MAINTENANCE

WARNING

• When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard

or cause product damage.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields during power tool operation or

when blowing dust. If the operation is dusty, also wear a dust mask.

General maintenance

Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics are susceptible to damage from
various types of commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use clean cloths to remove

dirt, dust, lubricant, grease, etc., rmly to maintain control.

• Do not at any time let brake uids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, penetrating oils, etc.,

come in contact with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken, or destroy plastic, which may
result in serious personal injury.

Lubrication

• All of the bearings in this product are lubricated with a sufcient amount of high grade lubricant

for the life of the unit under normal operating conditions. Therefore, no further lubrication is re­quired.

Replacing the guide bar and chain

DANGER

Never start the motor before installing the guide bar, chain, chain cover, and chain cover lock knob.

Without all these parts in place, the clutch can y off or explode, exposing the user to possible serious

injury.

WARNING

• To avoid serious personal injury, read and understand all the safety instructions in this section.

• Before performing any maintenance, make sure the battery is removed. Failure to heed this warn-

ing could result in serious personal injury.

CAUTION

Always wear gloves when handling the bar and chain; these components are sharp and may contain
burrs.

WARNING

Never touch or adjust the chain while the motor is running. The saw chain is very sharp; always wear
protective gloves when performing maintenance to the chain to avoid possible serious lacerations.

Note: When replacing the guide bar and chain, always use the specied bar and chain listed in the

bar and chain combinations section later in this manual.

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CARE AND MAINTENANCE

• Remove the battery from the chain saw.

• Rotate the chain cover lock knob counterclockwise

and remove the chain cover.

• Remove the bar and chain from the mounting surface.

• Remove the old chain from the bar.

• Lay out the new saw chain in a loop and straighten

any kinks. The cutters should face in the direction of
chain rotation. If they face backwards, turn the loop
over.

• Place the chain drive links into the bar groove.

Mounting
Surface

Chain Cover

Chain

BAR

Cutters Chain Rotation

Sleeve

Chain Cover
Lock Knob

Note: Make certain of direction of the chain.

• Position the chain so there is a loop at the back of
the bar.

• Hold the chain in position on the bar and place the

loop around the sprocket.

• Fit the bar ush against the mounting surface so that

the bar studs are in the long slot of the bar.

Note: When placing the bar on the bar studs, ensure

that the adjusting pin is in the chain tension pin hole.

• Replace the chain cover.

Chain Drive Links

Bar
Groove

Chain Drive Links

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CARE AND MAINTENANCE

• Remove all slack from the chain by turning the chain

tensioning knob clockwise until the chain seats snugly
against the bar with the drive links in the bar groove.

• Lift the tip of the guide bar up to check for sag.

• Release the tip of the guide bar and turn the chain ten-

sioning knob 1/2 turn clockwise. Repeat this process

until sags does not exist.

• Hold the tip of the guide bar up and tighten the chain

cover lock knob. The chain is correctly tensioned when
there is no sag on the underside of the guide bar, the
chain is snug, but it can be turned by hand without
binding.

Note: If the chain is too tight, it will not rotate. Loosen
the chain cover lock knob slightly and turn the chain
tensioning knob 1/4 turn counterclockwise. Lift the tip of
the guide bar up and retighten the chain cover lock knob.
Ensure that the chain will rotate without binding.

Adjusting the chain tension

WARNING

Never touch or adjust the chain while the motor is
running. The chain saw is very sharp. Always wear
protective gloves when performing maintenance on the
chain.

Flats on drive links

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CARE AND MAINTENANCE

• Rotate the chain cover lock knob clockwise to secure.
Re-tension the chain whenever the ats on the drive

links hang out of the bar groove.

Note: During normal saw operation, the temperature

of the chain increases. The drive links of a correctly
tensioned warm chain will hang approximately 1/16 in.
(1.3 mm) out of the bar groove.

Note: New chains tend to stretch; check the chain

tension frequently and tension as required.

CAUTION

A chain tensioned while warm may be too tight upon

cooling. Check the “cold tension” before next use.

Chain maintenance

Use only a low-kickback chain on this saw. This
fast-cutting chain provides kickback reduction when
properly maintained. For smooth and fast cutting,
maintain the chain properly. The chain requires
sharpening when the wood chips are small and powdery,
the chain must be forced through the wood during cutting,
or the chain cuts to one side. During maintenance of the

chain, consider the following:

• Improper ling angle of the side plate can increase the

risk of severe kickback

• Raker (depth gauge) clearance.

• Too low increases the potential for kickback.

• Not low enough decreases cutting ability.

• If the cutter teeth hit hard objects such as nails or

stones, or are abraded by mud or sand on the wood,
have an authorized service center sharpen the chain.

1/16 in. (1.3 mm)

Raker (Depth Gauge) Clearance

1/32 in. (0.6 mm)

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CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Note:

• Inspect the drive sprocket for wear or damage when replacing the chain. If signs of wear or dam­age are present in the areas indicated, have the drive sprocket replaced by an authorized service
center.

• If you do not fully understand the correct procedure for sharpening the chain after reading the
instructions that follow, have the saw chain sharpened by an authorized service center or replace
with a recommended low-kickback chain.

Sharpening the cutters

Be careful to le all cutters to the specied angles and

to the same length, as fast cutting can be obtained only
when all cutters are uniform.

PARTS OF A CUTTER

CAUTION

Make sure the battery is removed from the chain saw
before you work on the saw.

WARNING

The saw chain is very sharp. Always wear protective
gloves when performing maintenance to the chain to
prevent serious personal injury.

• Tension the chain prior to sharpening. Refer to
Adjusting The Chain Tension.

• Use a 5/32 in. (4 mm) diameter round le and holder.
Do all of your ling at the midpoint of the bar.

• Keep the le level with a top plate of the tooth. Do not
let the le dip or rock.

• Using light but rm pressure. Stroke towards the front

corner of the tooth.

• Lift the le away from the steel on each return stroke.

• Put a few rm strokes on every tooth. File all left hand

cutters in one direction. Then move to the other side

and le the right hand cutters in the opposite direction.

• Remove lings from the le with a wire brush.

Top Place

Rivet Hole

Heel

Gullet

Cutting Corner

Side Plate

Depth Gauge

Toe

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26

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

CAUTION

A dull or improperly sharpened chain can cause excessive

motor speed during cutting, which may result in severe
motor damage.

WARNING

• Improper chain sharpening increases the potential of

kickback.

• Failure to replace or repair a damaged chain can

cause serious injury.

Left hand
Cutters

Topplatelingangle

• CORRECT 30° – le holders are marked with guide
marks to align le properly to produce correct top plate

angle.

• LESS THAN 30° – for cross cutting.

• MORE THAN 30° – feathered edge dulls quickly.

Right hand
Cutters

TOP PLACE FILLING ANGLE

30°

SIDE PLATE FILLING ANGLE

CORRECT INCORRECT

LESS THAN 30° MORE THAN 30°

80°

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CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Side plate angle

• Correct 80° – Produced automatically if you use the
correct diameter le in the le holder.

• Hook – “Grabs” and dulls quickly; increases the
potential of kickback. Results from using a le with a
diameter too small or a le held too low.

• Backward Slope – Needs too much feed pressure;
causes excessive wear to the bar and chain. Results
from using a le with a diameter too large or le held

too high.

Hook

Backward Slope

Incorrect

Raker (Depth Gauge) Clearance

(0.6 mm)

1/32”

Side plate angle

• Maintain the depth gauge at a clearance of 1/32 in.
(0.6 mm). Use a depth gauge tool for checking the
depth gauge clearances.

• Every time the chain is led, check the depth gauge

clearance.

Depth Gauge Jointer

Flat le

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28

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

• Use a at le and a depth gauge jointer to lower

all gauges uniformly. Use a 1/32 in. (0.6 mm) depth
gauge jointer. After lowering each depth gauge, restore
original shape by rounding the front. Be careful not to

damage adjoining drive links with the edge of the le.

• Depth gauges must be adjusted with the at le in the
same direction the adjoining cutter was led with the
round le.

• Use care not to contact cutter face with at le when

adjusting depth gauges.

Maintaining the guide bar

Every week of use, reverse the guide bar on the saw to

distribute the wear for maximum bar life. The bar should

be cleaned every day of use and checked for wear and
damage. Feathering or burring of the bar rails is a normal
process of bar wear. Such faults should be smoothed

with a le as soon as they occur. A bar with any of the
following faults should be replaced:

• Wear inside the bar rails that permits the chain to lay

over sideways

• Bent guide bar

• Cracked or broken rails

• Spread rails

Lubricate guide bars weekly with a sprocket at their tip.
Using a grease syringe, lubricate weekly in the
lubricating hole. Turn the guide bar and check that the
lubrication holes and chain groove are free from
impurities.

Restore
Original
shape by
Rounding the
front

Lubricating hole

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29

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION

Bar and chain
running hot and
smoking.

1. Check chain tension for
overtightened condition.

2. Chain oil tank empty.

1. Tension chain. Refer to Chain
Tension earlier in this manual.

2. Check oil tank.

Motor runs, but
chain is not
rotating.

Motor runs, chain

1. Chain tension too tight.

2. Check guide bar and chain
assembly.

3. Check guide bar and chain for
damage.

1. Dull chain.

1. Re-tension chain. Refer to
Chain Tension earlier in this
manual.

2. Refer to Replacing the Bar and
Chain earlier in this manual.

3. Inspect guide bar and chain for
damage.

1. Sharpen chain.

rotates but does
not cut.

2. Chain on backwards.

2. Reverse direction of chain.

WARRANTY

5-YEAR HASSLE-FREE WARRANTY

This 40 V Lithiuim-Ion Cordless 12 in. Chain saw is warranted to the original purchaser from the

original purchase date for ve (5) years subject to the warranty coverage described herein.

This 40 V Lithiuim-Ion Cordless 12 in. Chain saw is warranted for the original user to be free from
defects in material and workmanship.
If you believe that the 40 V Lithiuim-Ion Cordless 12 in. Chain saw is defective at any time during the

specied warranty period, simply return the 40 V Lithiuim-Ion chain saw along with proof of purchase

to the place of purchase for a free replacement or refund, or call 1-888-3KOBALT (1-888-356-2258)
for warranty service.

This warranty is void if: defects in materials or workmanship or damages result from repairs or

alterations which have been made or attempted by others or the unauthorized use of nonconforming
parts; the damage is due to normal wear, damage is due to abuse (including overloading of the tool
beyond capacity), improper maintenance, neglect or accident; or the damage is due to the use of the
tool after partial failure or use with improper accessories or unauthorized repair or alteration.

This warranty excludes bar and chain.
This warranty gives you specic legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state

to state.

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REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

For replacement parts, call our customer service department at 1-888-3KOBALT (1-888-356-2258),
8 a.m. - 8 p.m., EST, Monday - Friday.

BA C D E

PART DESCRIPTION PART #

A Charger 29413

B Side cover 341101072
C Tension knob 341091072
D Screw 32206590
E Tightening knob 341081072

Printed in China

Kobalt® is a registered trademark of LF, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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