Poulan 530087722, 2000-01 User Manual

R

Please do not return unit to retailer.
Por favor, no devuelva el aparato al lugar de compra.
Veuillez ne pas retourner l’outil au détaillant.

1--800--554--6723

www.poulan.com

Operator’s Manual

Manual del Operador

Manuel de L’utilisateur

2250 / 2450 / 2550

ENGLISH ESPAÑOL

U

L

R

WARNING:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions before
using this product. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.

ADVERTENCIA:

Lea el manual del operador y siga todas las advertencias e enstruc­ciones de seguridad. El no hacerlo puede resultar en lesiones
graves.

Electrolux Home Products
North America
Div. of WCI Outdoor Products, Inc.
Augusta, GA 30907

CopyrightE2000 WCI Outdoor Products, Inc.

530087722 1/19/00

SAFETY RULES

WARNING

plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting, ad­justing or making repairs except carburetor
adjustments.
Because a chain saw is a high-speed wood­cutting tool, special safety precautions must
be observed to reduce the risk of accidents.
Careless or improper use of this tool can
cause serious injury.

PLAN AHEAD

S

Read this manual carefully until you com­pletely understand and can follow all safe­ty rules, precautions, and operating in­structions before attempting to use the
unit.

S

Restrict the use of your saw to adult users
who understand and can follow safety
rules, precautions, and operating instruc­tions found in this manual.

Hearing

Protection

Snug
Fitting

Clothing

S

Wear protective gear. Always use steel­toed safety footwear with non-slip soles;
snug-fitting clothing; heavy-duty, non-slip
gloves; eye protection 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.

S

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

S

Keep children, bystanders, and animals a
minimum of 30 feet (10 Meters) away from
the work area. Do not allow other people
or animals to be near the chain saw when
starting or operating the chain saw.

S

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. Chain saw
work is strenuous. If you have any condi­tion that might be aggravated by strenu­ous work, check with your doctor before
operating a chain saw.

S

Carefully plan your sawing operation in
advance. Do not start cutting until you

Always disconnect spark

:

Safety Hat

Safety
Shoes

Safety Chaps

Eye
Protection

Heavy Duty
Gloves

have a clear work area, secure footing,
and, if you are felling trees, a planned re­treat path.

OPERATE YOUR SAW SAFELY

S

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 one­handed operation. A chain saw is in­tended for two-handed use.

S

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

S

Do not operate saw from a ladder or in a
tree, unless you are specifically trained to
do so.

S

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.

S

Do not put pressure on saw at the end of
the cut. Applying pressure can cause you
to lose control when the cut is completed.

S

Stop engine before setting the saw down.

S

Be alert for springback when cutting a
limb that is under tension so you will not
be struck by the limb or saw when the ten­sion in the wood fibers is released.

MAINTAIN YOUR SAW IN GOOD
WORKING ORDER

S

Have all chain saw service performed by a
qualified service dealer with the exception
of the items listed in the maintenance sec­tion of this manual. For example, if im­proper tools are used to remove or hold
the flywheel when servicing the clutch,
structural damage to the flywheel can oc­cur and cause the flywheel to burst.

S

Make certain the saw chain stops moving
when the throttle trigger is released. For
correction, refer to “Carburetor Adjust­ments.”

S

Never modify your saw in any way. Use
only attachments supplied or specifically
recommended by the manufacturer.

S

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

S

With the engine stopped, hand carry the
chain saw with the muffler away from your
body, and the guide bar and chain to the
rear, preferably covered with a scabbard.

S

Keep fuel and oil caps, screws, and fas­teners securely tightened.

S

Use only Poulan accessories and re­placement parts as recommended.

HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION

S

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

S

Eliminate all sources of sparks or flame in
the areas where fuel is mixed or poured.
There should be no smoking, open
flames, or work that could cause sparks.
Allow engine to cool before refueling.

S

Mix and pour fuel in an outdoor area on
bare ground; store fuel in a cool, dry, well
ventilated place; and use an approved,
marked container for all fuel purposes.
Wipe up all fuel spills before starting saw.

S

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

2

S

Turn the engine off and let saw cool in a
non-combustible area, not on dry leaves,
straw, paper, etc. Slowly remove fuel cap
and refuel unit.

S

Store the unit and fuel in an area where
fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open
flames from water heaters, electric motors
or switches, furnaces, etc.

KICKBACK

WARNING

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, 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.
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.

against kickback.
Rotational Kickback

and backward motion of the chain saw that
can occur when moving saw chain near the
upper portion of the tip of the guide bar
contacts an object such as a log or branch.

Pinch-Kickback and Pull-In

the chain is suddenly stopped by being
pinched, caught, or by contacting a foreign
object in the wood. This sudden 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. Pinch-Kickback drives the
saw straight back toward the operator. Pull­In pulls the saw away from the operator. Ei­ther reaction can result in loss of control and
serious injury.

Avoid Pinch---Kickback:

S

Be extremely aware of situations or ob­structions that can cause material to
pinch the top of or otherwise stop chain.

S

Do not cut more than one log at a time.

S

Do not twist the saw as the bar is with­drawn from an undercut when bucking.

A v o i d P u l l --- I n :

S

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

S

Use wedges made of plastic or wood.
Neverusemetaltoholdthecutopen.

Kickback can occur when

:

Guard

is the rapid upward

occur when

Kickback Path

Avoid Obstructions

Clear The Working Area

REDUCETHECHANCEOF
KICKBACK

S

Recognize that kickback can happen.
With a basic understanding of kickback,
you can reduce the element of surprise
which contributes to accidents.

S

Never let the moving chain contact any
object at the tip of the guide bar.

S

Keep the working area free from obstruc­tions such as other trees, branches,
rocks, fences, stumps, etc. Eliminate or
avoid any obstruction that your saw chain
could hit while you are cutting through a
particular log or branch.

S

Keep your saw chain sharp and properly
tensioned. A loose or dull chain can in­crease the chance of kickback occurring.
Follow manufacturer’s chain sharpening
and maintenance instructions. Check
tension at regular intervals with the en­gine stopped, never with the engine run­ning. Make sure bar clamp nuts are se­curely tightened after tensioning chain.

S

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

S

Cutonelogatatime.

S

Use extreme caution when re-entering a
previous cut.

S

Do not attempt cuts starting with the tip of
the bar (plunge cuts).

S

Watch for shifting logs or other forces that
could close a cut and pinch or fall into
chain.

S

Use the Reduced ---Kickback Guide Bar
and Low --- Kickback Chain specified for
your saw.

3

MAINTAIN CONTROL

Stand to the left of
the saw

Never reverse hand positions

Elbow locked

Thumb on underside of
handlebar

S

Keep a good, firm grip on the saw with
both hands when the engine is running
and don’t let go. A firm grip will help you
reduce kickback and maintain control of
the saw. Keep the fingers of your left hand
encircling and your left thumb under the
front handlebar.

S

Keep your right hand completely around
the rear handle whether your are right
handed or left handed. Keep your left arm
straight with the elbow locked.

S

Position your left hand on the front han­dlebar so it is in a straight line with your
right hand on the rear handle when mak­ing bucking cuts. Never reverse right and
left hand positions for any type of cutting.

S

Stand with your weight evenly balanced
on both feet.

S

Stand slightly to the left side of the saw to
keep your body from being in a direct line
with the cutting chain.

S

Do not overreach. You could be drawn or
thrown off balance and lose control of the
saw.

S

Do not cut above shoulder height. It is dif­ficult to maintain control of saw above
shoulder height.

KICKBACK SAFETY FEATURES

WARNING

included on your saw to help reduce the
hazard of kickback; however, such features
will not totally eliminate this dangerous reac­tion. As a chain saw user,do not rely only on
safety devices. You must follow all safety
precautions, instructions, and maintenance
in this manual t o help avoid kickback and
other forces which can result in serious
injury.

The following features are

:

S

Reduced---Kickback Guide Bar,designed
with a small radius tip which reduces the
size of the kickback danger zone on the
bar tip. A Reduced---Kickback Guide Bar
has been demonstrated to significantly
reduce the number and seriousness of
kickbacks when tested in accordance
with safety requirements for gasoline
powered chain saws as set by ANSI
B175.1.

S

Low---Kickback Chain, designed with a
contoured depth gauge and guard link
which deflect kickback force and allow
wood to gradually ride into the cutter.
Low---Kickback Chain has met kickback
performance requirements when tested
on a representative sample of chain saws
below 3.8 cubic inch displacement speci­fied in ANSI B175.1.

S

Handguard, designed to reduce the
chance of your left hand contacting the
chain if your hand slips off the front han­dlebar.

S

Position of front and rear handlebars, de­signed with distance between handles
and “in-line” with each other. The spread
and “in-line” position of the hands pro­vided by this design work together to give
balance and resistance in controlling the
pivot of the saw back toward the operator
if kickback occurs.

Reduced Kickback Symmetrical Guide Bar

Small Radius Tip

Symmetrical Guide Bar

Large Radius Tip

Contoured Depth Gauge

Low--- Kickback Chain

Chain With High Kickback Potential

ANSI B175.1-1991

Standard for Powered Tools --- Gasoline
Powered Chain Saw --- Safety Require-

Elongated Guard Link

Deflects
Kickback Force
And Allows Wood
To Gradually
Ride Into Cutter

Can Obstruct Material

“Am e r i c a n N a t i o nal

ments.”

NOTE:

cial logging, you must order and install a
chain brake to comply with Federal OSHA
Regulations for Commercial Logging. Con­tact your Authorized Service Dealer or call
1-800-554-6723.

If this saw is to be used for commer-

4

SAFETY NOTICE:

through prolonged use of gasoline
powered hand tools could cause blood
vessel or nerve damage in the fingers,
hands, and joints of people prone to
circulation disorders or abnormal swellings.
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-vibration system does not
guarantee the avoidance of these
problems. Users who operate power tools
on a continual and regular basis must
monitor closely their physical condition and
the condition of this tool.

SPECIAL NOTICE

equipped with a temperature limiting
muffler and spark arresting screen which
meets the requirements of California Codes
4442 and 4443. All
states of California, Idaho, Maine,
Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, and
Washington require many internal
combustion engines to be equipped w ith a
spark arrestor screen by law. If you operate
a chain saw in a state or locale where such
regulations exist, you are legally
responsible for maintaining the operating
condition of these parts. Failure to do so is
a violation of the law. Refer to the SERVICE
section for maintenance of the Spark
Arrestor.

Failure to follow all Safety Rules and Precau­tions can result in serious injury. If situations
occur which are not covered in this manual,
use care and good judgement. If you need
assistance, contact your retailer or call
1-800-554-6723.

Exposure to vibrations

Your sa w i s

:

forest land and the

U.S.

ASSEMBLY

The assembly tool provided with your saw is
the only tool needed for assembly. Protec­tive gloves (not provided) should be worn
during assembly.

ATTACHING THE BAR & CHAIN

already attached)

WARNING

step if the saw is received assembled. Al­ways wear gloves when handling the chain.
The chain is sharp and can cut you even
when it is not moving!

S

Loosen and remove the clamp nuts and
the bar clamp from the saw.

S

Remove the plastic shipping spacer (if
present).

Recheck each assembly

:

(If not

Location of shipping spacer

Clamp

Bar Clamp

S

An adjusting pin and screw are used to
adjust the tension of the chain. It is very
important when assembling the bar that
the pin located on the adjusting screw
aligns with a hole in the bar. Turning the
screw will move the adjustment pin up
and down the screw. Locate this adjust­ment pin before you begin mounting the
bar onto the saw. See illustration below.

Adjustment screw

S

Turn the adjusting screw counterclock­wise to move the adjusting pin almost as
far as it will go to the rear. This should al­low the pin to be near the correct position.
Further adjustment may be necessary as
you mount the bar.

S

Mount the bar as illustrated.

S

Slide the bar toward the rear of the saw as
far as possible.

S

Prepare the chain by checking the proper
direction. Without following the illustration
it is easy to place the chain on the saw the
wrong direction. Use the illustration of the
chain to determine the proper direction.

S

Place the chain onto the sprocket located
behind the clutch drum. Fit the chain be­tween the teeth in the sprocket.

S

Start at the top of the bar and fit chain into
groove around the guide bar.

S

Pull the bar forward until the chain is snug
in the groove of the bar.

S

Hold guide bar against the saw frame and
install bar clamp. Make sure the adjusting
pin is aligned with the hole in the bar. Re­member this pin moves the bar forward
and backward as the screw is turned.

S

Replace the bar clamp nuts and tighten
finger tight. Once the chain is tensioned
you will need to tighten bar clamp nuts.

Nuts

Assembly Tool

Inside view of
Bar Clamp

5

Tip of Bar

Mount the Bar

Bar Clamp Nuts

Adjusting

Screw

Guide Bar

Proper chain direction

Place chain onto the sprocket

CHAIN TENSION

chain already installed)

NOTE:

make sure the bar nuts are finger tight only.
Attempting to tension the chain when the
bar nuts are tight can cause damage.

When adjusting chain tension,

(Including units with

Checking the tension:

Use the screwdriver end of the combination
screwdriver/wrench tool to move the chain
around the bar. If the chain does not rotate, it
is too tight. If too loose, the chain will sag be­low the bar.

Adjusting the tension:

Chain tension is very important. Chain
stretches during use. This is especially true
during the first few times you use your saw.
Always check chain tension each time you
use and refuel your saw.
You can adjust chain tension by loosening
the bar clamp nuts and turning the adjust­ing screw 1/4 of a turn while lifting up on bar.

S

If chain is too tight, turn adjusting
screw 1/4 turn counterclockwise.

S

If chain is too loose, turn adjusting
screw 1/4 turn clockwise.

S

Lift up the tip of the bar and tighten the bar
clamp nuts with the combination screw­driver/wrench.

S

Recheck chain tension.

FUELING & LUBRICATION

FUELING ENGINE

This engine is certified to operate on
unleaded gasoline. Before operation,
gasoline must be mixed with a good quality
2-cycle air-cooled engine oil. We
recommend Poulan/Weed Eater brand oil. If
you do not use this oil, use a good quality
2-cycle air-cooled oil designed to be mixed
at a ratio of 40:1 (A 40:1 ratio is obtained by
mixing 3.2 onces of oil with 1 gallon o f
unleaded gasoline). When mixing fuel
follow the instructions printed on the
container. Always read and follow the safety
rules relating to fuel before fueling your unit.

BAR AND CHAIN LUBRICATION

The bar and chain require continuous lubri­cation. Lubrication is provided by the auto­matic oiler system when the oil tank is kept
filled. Lack of oil will quickly ruin the bar and
chain. Too little oil will cause overheating
shown by smoke coming from the chain
and/or discoloration of the bar.

In freezing weather oil will thicken, making it
necessary to thin bar and chain oil with a
small amount (5 to 10%) of #1 Diesel Fuel or
kerosene. Bar and chain oil must be free
flowing for the oil system to pump enough
oil for adequate lubrication.

Genuine
and chain oil is recommended to protect
your unit against excessive wear from heat
and friction. POULAN or POULAN PRO oil
resists high temperature thinning. If
POULAN or POULAN PRO bar and chain oil
is not available, use a good grade SAE 30
oil.

S

S

POULAN

Never use waste oil for bar and chain lu­brication.
Always stop the engine before removing
the oil cap.

or POULAN PRO bar

Chain moves freely

Lifts only 1/8 of an inch from bar.

Fuel mix cap

Oil Cap

6

STARTING

WARNING

when the engine runs at idle speed. If the
chain moves at idle speed refer to CARBU­RETOR ADJUSTMENT within this manual.
Avoid contact with the muffler. A hot muffler
can cause serious burns.

To st o p the e n g ine
STOPorOFF
To s t a rt t h e e n g i n e

the ground as illustrated. Make sure the
chain is free to turn without contacting any
object.

Use only 15” --- 18” of rope per pull.
Hold saw firmly while pulling starter rope

The chain must not move

:

move the switch to the

position.

hold the saw firmly on

S

Allow the engine to run for approximately
five seconds. Then, squeeze and release
throttle trigger t o allow engine to return to
idle speed.

For a warm engine:

S

Pull the choke/fast idle lever out to t he full
extent, then push the choke/fast idle lever
back in completely (to the OFF CHOKE
position).

S

Slowly press the primer bulb six times.

S

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

S

Squeeze and release throttle trigger, al­lowing engine to idle.

Difficult starting or flooded engine:

The engine may be flooded with too much
fuel if it has not started after 10 pulls.

Flooded engines can be cleared of excess
fuel by following the w arm engine starting
procedure listed above. Insure the ignition
switch is in theONor

Starting could require pulling the starter
rope handle many times depending on how
badly the unit is flooded. If engine fails to
start, refer to troubleshooting chart or call
1-800-554-6723.

START

position.

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
theroperewindslowly.
For cold weather starting, start the unit at
FULL CHOKE; allow the engine to warm
up before squeezing the throttle trigger.
Do not cut material with the choke/fast idle
lever at the FULL CHOKE position.

For cold engine or warm engine after
running out of fuel:

NOTE

choke/fast idle lever is pulled out to the full
extent, the correct throttle setting for starting
is set automatically.

S
S

S
S

S

In the following steps, when the

:

ON/STOP
Switch

Primer
Bulb

Move switch to the
Pull the choke/fast idle lever out to t he full
extent.

Choke Lever

Slowly press the primer bulb six times.
Pull the starter rope quickly with your right
hand 5 times, then push the choke/fast
idle lever in completely (to the O FF CHO­KE position).
Pull the starter rope quickly with your right
hand until the engine starts.

STARTorON

position.

CUTTING METHODS

IMPORTANT POINTS

S

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

S

Stop the saw if the chain strikes a foreign
object. Inspect the saw and repair or re­place parts as necessary.

S

Keep the chain out of dirt and sand. Even
a small amount of dirt will quickly dull a
chain and thus increase the possibility of
kickback.

S

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

S

Squeeze throttle trigger and allow engine
to reach full speed before cutting.

S

Begin cutting with saw frame against log.

S

Keep the engine at full speed the entire
time you are cutting.

S

Allow chain to cut for you. Exert only light
pressure. If you force the cut, damage to
bar, chain, or engine can result.

S

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 the chain, bar, and engine.

S

To avoid losing control when cut is com­plete, do not put pressure on the saw at
the end of the cut.

S

Stop the engine before setting the saw
down after cutting.

TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES

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. Study the natural con-

7

ditions that can cause the tree to fall in a par­ticular direction.

Natural conditions that can cause a tree to
fall in a particular direction include:

S

The wind direction and speed.

S

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 direction of tree lean.

S

Weight and branches on one side.

S

Surrounding trees and obstacles.
Look for decay and rot. If the trunk is
rotted, it can snap and fall toward the
operator. C heck for broken or dead
branches which can fall on you while
cutting.

Make sure there is enough room for tree to
fall. Maintain a distance of
from the nearest person or other object. 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 to the rear and diag­onal to the line of fall.

Plan a clear retreat path

2-1/2

tree lengths

Final cut here. 2 inches above
center of notch.

First cut

Notch

Second cut

S

After removing the cutout of wood, make
the felling cut on the opposite side of the
notch. This is done by making a cut about
two inches highe r 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
helps control fall

Opening of
felling cut

Direction of Fall

_

45

WARNING

electrical wires if you do not know t he direc­tion of tree fall, at night since you will not be
able to see well, or during bad weather such
as rain, snow, or strong winds. etc.

Do not cut near buildings or

:

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 into the notch.

NOTE:

remove them before making the notch.

If the tree has large buttress roots,

NOTCH CUT AND FELLING THE
TREE

S

Make notch cut by cutting the top of the

notch first. Cut through

of the tree. Next complete the notch by

cutting the bottom of the notch. See illus-

trated. Once the notch is cut remove the

notch of wood from the tree.

1/3

of the diameter

Closing of
notch

NOTE:

wedges to open the cut when necessary to
control the direction of fall. Use wood or
plastic wedges, but never steel or iron, to
avoid kickback and chain damage.

S

S

S

Before felling cut is complete, use

Be alert to signs that the tree is ready to
fall: cracking sounds, widening of the fell­ing cut, or movement in upper branches.
As tree starts to fall, stop saw, put it down,
and get away quickly on your planned re­treat path.
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.
To avoid injury, do not cut down a partially
fallentreewithyoursaw.

CUTTING A FALLEN TREE

(BUCKING)

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

WARNING

ing cut. Any portion can roll causing loss of
footing and control. Do not stand downhill
of the log being cut.

Do not stand on the log be-

:

IMPORTANT POINTS

S

Cut only one log at a time.

8

S

Cut shattered wood very carefully; sharp

pieces of wood could be flung toward op-

erator.

S

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.

S

Do not cut in an area where logs, limbs,

and roots are tangled such as in a blown

down area. Drag the logs into a clear area

before cutting by pulling out exposed and

cleared logs first.

S

Make the first bucking cut

through the log and finish with a

the opposite side. As the log is being cut,

it will tend to bend. The saw can become

pinched or hung in the log if you make the

first cut deeper than

the log.

S

Give special attention to logs under strain

to prevent the saw from pinching. Make

the first cut on the pressure side to relieve

the stress on the log.

1/3

of the way

2/3

1/3

of the diameter of

cut on

TYPES OF CUTTING USED FOR
BUCKING

WARNING

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. Restart
the saw and carefully reenter the cut. T o
avoid kickback and chain damage, do not
use a metal wedge. Do not attempt to re­start saw when it is pinched or hung in a log.

Overcutting Undercutting

If saw becomes pinched or

:

First cut on pressure side of log

Second cut

Second cut

First cut on pressure side of log

BUCKING USING A LOG OR SUP­PORT STAND

S

Remember your first cut is always on the
pressure side of the log.
(Refer to the illustration below for your first
and second cut)

S

Your first cut should extend
diameter of the log.

S

Finish with your second cut.

Using a log
for support

Using a log
for support

nd

2

st

1

Cut

Cut

1stCut

1/3

of the

Overcutting

log with the bottom of the saw against the
log. When overcutting use light downward

begins on the top side of the

pressure.

Undercutting

derside 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.

WARNING

down to undercut. The saw cannot be con­trolled in this position.

involves cutting on the un -

Never turn saw upside

:

BUCKING WITHOUT A
SUPPORT

S

Overcut through

log.

S

Roll the log over and finish w ith a second

overcut.

S

Watch for logs with a pressure side. See

illustration for cutting logs with a pressure

side.

1/3

of the diameter of the

Using a
support stand

Using a
support stand

9

2ndCut

nd

2

nd

2

Cut

1stCut

1stCut

Cut

REMOVING A PINCHED SAW

(A SAW HUNG IN THE LOG)

S

If saw becomes pinched or hung in a log,

don’t try to force it out. You can lose con-

trol of the saw resulting in personal injury

and/or damage to the saw. Stop the saw

and drive plastic or wooden wedge into

the cut until saw can be removed easily.

S

Restart the saw and carefully reenter the

cut. To avoid kickback and chain dam-

age, 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 s aw
wooden wedge to force cut open.

and use a plastic or

OFF

LIMBING AND PRUN ING

WARNING

limb or prune. Do not stand on ladders, plat ­forms, a log, or in any position which can
cause you to lose your balance or control of
the saw.

Never climb into a tree to

:

IMPORTANT POINTS

S

Work slowly, keeping both hands firmly

gripped on the saw. Maintain secure foot-

ing and balance.

S

Watch out for springpoles. Use extreme

caution when cutting small limbs. Slender

material may catch saw chain and be

whipped toward you or pull you off bal-

ance.

S

Be alert for springback. Watch out for

branches that are bent or under pressure.

Avoid being struck by the branch or saw

when tension in wood fibers is released.

S

Keep a clear work area. Frequently clear

branches out of the way to avoid tripping

over them.

LIMBING

S

Always limb a tree after it is cut down.

Only then can limbing be done safely and

properly.

S

Leave the larger limbs underneath the

felled tree to support the tree as you work.

S

Start at the base of felled tree and work to-

ward the top, cutting branches and limbs.

Remove small limbs with one cut.

S

Keep the tree between you and the chain.

Cut from the side of the tree opposite the

branch you are cutting.

S

Remove larger,supporting branches with

1/3,2/3

the

in the bucking section.

S

Undercut

cutting techniques described

1/3

of the way through log.

S

Finish with an overcut.

S

Always use an overcut to cut small and
freely hanging limbs. Undercutting could
cause limbs to fall and pinch the saw.

PRUNING

WARNING

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. Allowing such contact can
result in serious injury.

S

Limit pruning to limbs shoulder height or
below. Do not cut if branches are higher
than your shoulder. Get a professional to
do the job.

S

See illustration for the pruning
technique.

S

Make your fist cut
through the bottom of the limb.

S

Next make a 2nd cut

through the limb.

overcut leaving a 1 to 2 inch collar
from the truck of the tree.

Be alert for and guard

:

1/3

of the way

all the way

Then cut a third

Second cut

Third cut

Collar

Pruning technique

First cut

SERVICE

We recommend all service and adjustments
not listed in this manual be performed by an
authorized or Master Service Dealer.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Check:

Fuel Mixture Level Before each use..

Bar Lubrication Before each use....

Chain Tension Before each use.....

Chain Sharpness Before each use..
For damaged parts Before each use.

For loose caps Before each use.....

For loose fasteners Before each use

Inspect and Clean:

Bar Before each use..............

Complete saw After each use.....

Air filter Every 5 hours *...........

Spark arrestor Every 25 hours *.....

Replace spark plug
Replace f uel filter

* Hours of Operation

Yearl y.
Yearl y...

10

AIR FILTER
CAUTION:

other flammable solvent to avoid creating a
fire hazard or producing harmful evapora­tive emissions.

Do not clean filter in gasoline or

Cleaning the air filter:

A dirty air filter decreases engine perform­ance and increases fuel consumption and
harmful emissions. Always clean after every
5 hours of operation.

S

Clean cover and area around it to keep

dirt and sawdust from falling into carbure-

tor chamber when cover is removed.

S

Remove the parts as illustrated below.

S

Wash the filter in soap and water.

Air Filter

Cylinder
Cover
Screws

Cylinder
Cover

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS

Your carburetor is equipped with limiter
caps. Carburetor adjustment is a compli­cated task. We recommend that you take
your unit to an Authorized Service Dealer.
Damage will occur if you turn the needles
beyond the limiter stops.

BAR MAINTENANCE

If your saw cuts to one side, has to be forced
through the cut, or has been run with an im­proper amount of bar lubrication it may be
necessary to service your bar. A worn bar
will damage your chain and make cutting
difficult.
Replace your bar if bent or the inside rails of
the bar are worn.

S

Clean the oil holes after each 5 hours of

operation

S

Remove sawdust from bar groove period-

ically with a wire or putty knife.

Guide Bar
Groove

Oil Holes

CHAIN SHARPENING

Chain sharpening is a complicated task that
requires special tools. We recommended
you refer chain sharpening to a professional
chain sharpener. If you choose to perform
your own chain sharpening, call our
toll-free helpline and order a free chain
sharpening instruction guide. (See the back
page of this manual for the toll-free phone
number.)

IGNITION TIMING

Ignition timing is fixed and nonadjustable.

SPARK PLUG

Replace the spark plug yearly.

STORAGE

WARNING

cool, and secure the unit before storing or
transporting in a vehicle. Store unit and fuel
in an area where fuel vapors cannot reach
sparks or open flames from water heaters,
electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.
Store unit with all guards in place. Position
so that any sharp object cannot accidentally
cause injury to passersby. Store the unit out
of reach of children.

S

Before storing, drain all fuel from the
unit. Start engine and allow to run until it
stops.

S

Clean the unit before storing. Pay particu­lar attention to the air intake area, keeping
it free of debris. Use a mild detergent and
sponge to clean the plastic surfaces.

S

Do not store the unit or fuel in a closed
area where fuel vapors can reach sparks
or an open flame from hot water heaters,
electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.

S

Store in a dry area out of the reach of chil­dren.

CAUTION:

deposits from forming in essential fuel sys­tem parts such as the carburetor, fuel filter,
fuel hose, or fuel tank during storage. Alco­hol blended fuels (called gasohol or using
ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture
which leads to fuel mixture separation and
formation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the engine.

Stop engine and allow t o

:

It is important to prevent gum

TROUBLESHOOTING

Engine will not start.

S

Ignition switch off.

S

Engine flooded.

S

Fuel tank empty.

S

Spark plug not firing.

S

Fuel not reaching carburetor.

Engine will not idle properly.

S

Carburetor requires adjustment.

S

Crankshaft seals worn.

Engine will not accelerate, lacks
power, or dies under a load.

S

Air filter dirty.

S

Spark plug fouled.

S

Carburetor requires adjustment.

Engine smokes excessively.

S

Too much oil mixed with gasoline

NEED ASSISTANCE?

Need Assistance?

Call 1-800-554-6723.

Need Service Part?

Contact your retailer.

11

LIMITED WARRANTY

ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS
NORTH AMERICA, Division of WCI Out­door Products, Inc.,

nal purchaser that each new Poulan or Pou­lan PRO brand gasoline chain saw is free
from defects in material and workmanship
and agrees to repair or replace under this
warranty any defective gasoline chain saw
as follows from the original date of pur­chase.

1 Y E A R ---

Household purposes.

6 0 D A Y S ---

Commercial, Professional, or Income Pro­ducing purposes.

3 0 D A Y S ---

al purposes.
This warranty

not

proper handling, improper maintenance, or
the use of accessories and/or attachments
not specifically recommended by

TROLUX HOME PRODUCTS NORTH
AMERICA

this warranty
caused by improper handling, improper
maintenance, or if the saw is altered in any
way which in our judgement affects its con­dition or operation. This warranty does not
cover tune ---up, spark plugs, filters, starter
ropes, starter springs, chain sharpening,
bars, chains, and other parts which wear
and require replacement with reasonable
use during the warranty period. This war­ranty
installation of guide b ar and chain, and nor­mal adjustments explained in the operator’s
manual such as carburetor adjustments
and chain tension adjustments. This war­ranty
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC
LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY HAVE
OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM
STATE TO STATE.
NO CLAIMS FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR
OTHER DAMAGES WILL BE ALLOWED,
AND THERE ARE NO OTHER EXPRES S
WARRANTIES EXCEPT THOSE EXPRESS­LY STIPULATED HEREIN.
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITA­TIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WAR­RANTY LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR
LIMITATIONS OF INCIDENTAL OR CON­SEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE
LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT
APPLY TO YOU.

ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS
NORTH AMERICA’S

ously improve its products. Therefore,

ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS
NORTH AMERICA

change, modify, or discontinue models, de­signs, specifications, and accessories of all
products at any time without notice or obli­gation to any purchaser.

Parts and Labor, when used for

Parts and Labor, when used for

Parts and Labor,if used for rent-

cover damage or liability caused by im-

is not

for this chain saw. Additionally,

does not

does not

warrants to the origi-

transferable and

does not

cover predelivery set ---up,

cover transportation costs.

cover damage

policy is to continu-

reserves the right to

does

ELEC-

U.S. EPA

EMISSION CONTROL

WARRANTY STATEMENT

YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OB­LIGATIONS:

Protection Agency and POULAN/WEED

EATER, DIVISION OF WCI OUTDOOR
PRODUCTS are pleased to explain the

emissions control system warranty on your
lawn and garden equipment engine. All
new utility and lawn and garden equipment
engines must be designed, built, and
equipped to meet the stringent anti ---smog
standards. POULAN/WEED EATER must
warrant the emission control system on
your lawn and garden equipment engine
for the periods of time listed below provided
there has been no abuse, neglect, or im­proper maintenance of your lawn and gar­den equipment engine. Your emission con­trol system includes parts such as the
carburetor and the ignition system. Where a
warrantable condition exits, POULAN/

WEED EATER will repair your lawn and gar-

den equipment engine at no cost to you. Ex­penses covered under warranty include
diagnosis, parts and labor.

TURER’S WARRANTY COVERAGE:

emissions related part on your engine (as
listed under Emissions Control Warranty
Parts List) is defective or a defect in the ma­terials or workmanship of the engine causes
the failure of such an emission related part,
the part will be repaired or replaced by

POULAN/WEED EATER.

RANTY RESPONSIBILITIES:

and garden equipment engine owner, you
are responsible for the performance of the
required maintenance listed in your Own­er’s Manual. POULAN/WEED EATER rec­ommends that you retain all receipts cover­ing maintenance on your lawn and garden
equipment engine, but POULAN/WEED

EATER cannot deny warranty solely for the

lack of receipts or for your failure to ensure
the performance of all scheduled mainte­nance. As the lawn and garden equipment
engine owner, you should be aware that

POULAN/WEED EATER maydenyyouwar-

ranty coverage if your lawn and garden
equipment engine or a part of it has failed
due to abuse, neglect, improper mainte­nance, unapproved modifications, or the
use of parts not made or approved by the
original equipment manufacturer. You are
responsible for presenting your lawn and
garden equipment engine to a POULAN/

WEED EATER authorized repair center as

soon as a problem exists. Warranty repairs
should be completed in a reasonable
amount of time, not to exceed 30 days. If
you have any questions regarding your
warranty rights and responsibilities, you
should contact your nearest authorized ser­vice center or call POULAN/WEED EATER
at 1 --- 800--- 554 --- 6723.

MENCEMENT DATE:

12

The U. S. Environmental

MANUFAC-

OWNER’S WAR-

As the lawn

WARRANTY COM-

The warranty period

If any

begins on the date the lawn and garden
equipment engine is purchased.

OF COVERAGE:

a period of two years from the initial date of
purchase.

OR REPLACEMENT OF PARTS.

replacement of any warranted part will be
performed at no charge to the owner at an
approved POULAN/WEED EATER servic­ing center. If you have any questions re­garding your warranty rights and responsi­bilities, you should contact your nearest
authorized service center or call POULAN/

WEED EATER at 1 --- 800--- 554 --- 6723

RANTY PERIOD:

is not scheduled for replacement as re­quired maintenance, or which is scheduled
only for regular inspection to the effect of
“repair or replace as necessary” shall be
warranted for 2 years. Any warranted part
which is scheduled for replacement as re­quired maintenance shall be warranted for
the period of time up to the first scheduled
replacement point for that part.

DIAGNOSIS:

charged for diagnostic labor which leads to
the determination that a warranted part is
defective if the diagnostic work is performed
at an approved POULAN/WEED EATER
servicing center.

POULAN/WEED EATER may be li-

AGES:

able for damages to other engine compo­nents caused by the failure of a warranted

This warranty shall be for

WHAT IS COVERED: REPAIR

Any warranted part which

The owner shall not be

CONSEQUENTIAL DAM-

LENGTH

Repair or

WAR-

part still under warranty.

COVERED

neglect, or improper maintenance are not
covered.

PARTS:

can be grounds for disallowing a warranty
claim. POULAN/ WEED EATER is not liable to
cover failures of warranted parts caused by
the use of add ---on or modified parts.

TO FILE A CLAIM:

tions regarding your warranty rights and re­sponsibilities, you should contact your
nearest authorized service center or call

POULAN/WEED EATER at
1--- 800 ---554---6723 .

WARRANTY SERVICE:

or repairs shall be provided at all POULAN/

WEED EATER service centers. call:
1---800---554 ---6723

PLACEMENT AND REPAIR OF EMISSION
RELATED PARTS

EATER approved replacement part used in

the performance of any warranty mainte­nance or repair on emission related parts
will be provided without charge to the owner
if the part is under warranty.

CONTROL WARRANTY PARTSLIST:

buretor, Ignition System: Spark Plug (cov­ered up to maintenance schedule), Ignition
Module.
The owner is responsible for the perfor­mance of all required maintenance as de­fined in the owner’s manual.

: All failures caused by abuse,

ADD---ON OR MODIFIED

The use of add---on or modified parts

MAINTENANCE STATEMENT:

WHAT IS NOT

If you have any ques-

WHERE TO GET

Warranty services

MAINTENANCE, RE-

:AnyPOULAN/WEED

HOW

EMISSION

Car-

13