Poulan Pro 2250 LE Series, 2450 LE Series, 2550 LE Series Instruction Manual

Poulan

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Please do not return unit to retailer.

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• 1-800-554-6723

www.poulan.com

Instruction Manual

Manual de Instrucciones

Manuel d'lnstructions

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 de instrucciones y siga todas las advertencias e en-

strucciones de seguridad. El no haceflo puede resultar en lesiones
graves.

2250 / 2450 / 2550

LE Series

!For Occasional Use Only

AVERTISSEMENT:

Lire le manuel d'instructions et bien respecter tousles avertisse-

ments et toutes les instructions de s_curit_. Tout d_faut de le faire
pourrait entra_ner des blessures graves.

Electrolux Home Products, Inc. Electrotux Canada Corporation
250 Bobby Jones Expressway 6150 McLaughlin Road
Augusta, GA30907 Mississauga, Ontario L5R 4C2

[] The Ele_otux Group, Ti_ wortd's No.1 choice,

_.JrCH_,,_CLFAt_tr_e_NDOUT,_O0,_Ap,_LJ4_C_,SCOt4_/NJ'D

Copyright 2003 Electrolux Home Products, Inc

530164596 11/12/03

Read and understand the

saw can bedangerous! Care-
less orimproper usecancause

----_ ARNING! This chain _--_

seriousor even fatal injury.

Always wear appropriate ear protection, eye protection and head protection.

'"_' _ Always use two hands when operatthg the chain saw.

instruction manual before
using the chain saw.

WARNING! Contacting the guide bar tip with any object
should be avoided; tip contact may cause the guide bar to

move suddenly upward and backward, which may cause se-
rious injury.

and chain combination on the label
Measured maximum kickback value without chain brake for the bar

,1_ WARNING: Always disconnect

spark plug wire and place wire where it can-
not contact spark plug to prevent accidental

starting when setting up, transporting, ad-
justing or making repairs except carburetor

adjustments.

Because a chain saw is a high-speed wood-
cutting toot, 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

• Read this manual carefully untii you com-

pletely understand and can follow all safety
rules, precautions, and operating instruc-
tions before attempting to use the unit.

• Restrict the use of your saw to adult users

who understand and can follow safety
rules, precautions, and operating instruc-

tions found in this manual.

• Wear protective gear. Always use steel-

toed safety footwear with non-slip soles;
snug-fitting clothing; heavy-duty, non-slip

gloves; eye protection such as non-fog-
ging, vented goggles or face screen; an

approved safety hard hat; and sound barrb
ers (ear plugs or mufflers) to protect your
hearing. Regular usersshould havehear-

ing checked regularly as chain saw noise
can damage hearing. Secure hair above

shoulder length.

Hearing Safety Hat

Protection _Eye

"_d_l qMpiJ_ Protection

Snug

Fittin Heavy Duty

Clothing Gloves

Safety Safety Chaps
Shoes

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

Keep children, bystanders, and animals a
minimum of 30 feet (10 meters) away from

the work area. Do not allow other peopte

or animals to be near the chain saw when
starting or operating the chain saw.
Do not handle or operate a chain saw

when you are fatigued, ill, or upset, or if you

have taken alcohol, drugs, or medication.
You must be in good physical condition
and mentally alert. 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.

• Carefullyplanyoursawingoperationinad-

vance.Donotstartcuttinguntilyouhavea

clearworkarea,securefooting,and,ifyou

arefellingtrees,aplannedretreatpath.

OPERATE YOUR SAW SAFELY

• Do not operate a chain saw with one hand.

Serious injury to the operator, helpers, by-
standers or any combination of these per-
sons may result from one-handed opera-
tion. A chain saw is intended for
two-handed use.

• Operate the chain saw only in a wetbventi-

lated outdoor area.

• Do not operate saw from a ladder or in a

tree.

• MakesurethechainwiH not makecontact

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

• Do not put pressure on the saw at the end

of the cut. Applying pressure can cause
you to lose control when the cut is com-

pleted.

• Stop the engine before setting the saw

down.

• Do not operate a chain saw that is dam-

aged, improperly adjusted, or not com-
pletely and securely assembled. Always
replace bar, chain, hand guard, or chain

brake immediately if it becomes damaged,
broken or is otherwise removed.

• 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.

MAINTAIN YOUR SAW IN GOOD
WORKING ORDER

• Have all chain saw service performed by a

qualified service dealer with the exception
of the items listed in the maintenance sec-

tion oftMs manual. Forexample, if improp-
er tools are used to remove or hold the fly-

wheel when servicing the clutch, structura]
damage to the flywheel can occur and

cause the flywheel to burst.

• Make certain the saw chain stops moving

when the throttle trigger is released. For
correction, refer to CARBURETOR AD_
JUSTMENTS.

• Never modify your saw in any way.

• Keep the handles dry, clean, and free of oil

or fuel mixture.

• Keep fuel and oil caps, screws, and fas-

teners securely tightened.

• Use only Poulan,_'; accessories and re-

placement parts as recommended.

HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION

• Do not smoke while handling fuel or while

operating the saw.

• Eliminate all sources of sparks or flame in

the areas where fuel is mixed or poured.
There should be nosmoking, open flames,
orworkthat could cause sparks. Allow en-

gine to cool before refueling.

• 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.

• Move at least 1g feet (3 meters) from fuel-
ing site before starting engine.

• Turn the engine off and let saw coo] in a
non-combustible area, not on dry leaves,

straw, paper, etc. Slowly remove fuel cap
and refuel unit.

• Storethe unit and fuetin an area wherefuel

vapors cannot reach sparks or open
flames from water heaters, electric motors

or switches, furnaces, etc.

KICKBACK

,_WARNING: Avoid kickback which

can result in serious injury. Kickback is the
backward, upward or sudden forward motion
of the guide bar occurring when the saw

chain near the upper tip of theguide bar con-
tacts any object such as a log or branch, or
when the wood closes in and pinches the

saw chain in the cut. Contactfl/g a foreign ob-
ject in the wood can also result in loss of

chain saw control.

• Rotational Kickback can occur when the
moving chain contacts an object at the up-

per tip of the guide bar. This contact can
cause the chain to dig into the object,

which stops the chain for an instant. The

result is a lightning fast, reverse reaction

which kicks the guide bar up and back to-
ward the operator.

• Pinch-Kickbackcan occur when the the

wood closes in and pinches the moving

saw chain in the cut along the top of the
guide bar and the saw chain is suddenly
stopped. This 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. The saw is driven straight
back toward the operator.

• Pull-In can occur when the moving chain
contacts a foreign object in the wood in the

cut alcng the bottom of the guide bar and the
saw chatn is suddenly stopped. This sudden

stopping pulls the saw forward and away

from the operator and could easily cause the

operator to lose contrc4 of the saw.

Avoid Pinch-Kickback:

• Be extremely aware of situations or ob-
structions that ca n ca use material to pinch

the top of or otherwise stop the chain.

• Do not cut more than one log at a time.

• Do not twist the saw as the bar is with-
drawn from an undercut when bucking.

Avoid Pull-In:

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

• Use wedges made of plastic or wood.
Never use metal to hold the cut open.

Kickback Path

AvoidObstructions

CiearTheWorkingArea

Elbow locked

REDUCE THE CHANCE OF
KICKBACK

• Recognize that kickback can happen.
With a basic understanding of kickback,
you can reduce the element of surpbse

which contributes to accidents.

• Never let the moving chain contact any ob-

ject at the tip of the guide bar.

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

fences, stumps, etc. Eliminate or avoid
any obstruction that your saw chain could
hit while you are cutting. When cutting a

branch, do not let the guide bar contact
branch or other objects around it.

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

crease the chance of kickback occurring.
Follow manufacturer's chain sharpening

and maintenanceinstructions. Checkten-
sion at regular intervals with the engine

stopped, never with the engine running.
Make sure the chain brake nuts are se-

curely tightened after tensioning the chain.

• Begin and continue cutting at full speed, if
the chain is moving at a slower speed,

there is greater chance of kickback occur-
ring.

• Cut one log at a time.

• Use extreme caution when re-entering a
previous cut.

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

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

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

your saw.

MAINTAIN CONTROL

Stand to the left

of the saw _

Thumb on
underside of

handlebar

Never reverse

hand positions

Thumb on underside of

handlebar

• 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 encir-
cling and your left thumb under the front

handlebar. Keep your right hand com-
pletely around the rear handle whether

your are right handed or left handed. Keep
your left arm straight with the elbow

locked.

• Position your left hand on the front handle-
bar 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.

• Stand with your weight evenly balanced on
both feet.

• Stand slightly to the ]eft side of the saw to
keep your body from being in a direct line

with the cutting chain.

• Do not overreach. You could be drawn or

thrown off balance and lose control of the

saw.

• Donotcutaboveshoulderheight. Itisdiffi-
cult to maintain control of saw above

shoulder height.

KICKBACK SAFETY FEATURES

_ WARNING: The followingfeatures

are included on your saw to help reduce the
hazard of kickback; however, such features

will not totally eliminate this danger As a
chain saw user, do not re{y only on safety de-

vices. You must follow all safety precau-
fions, instructions, and maintenance in this
manua{ to help avoid kickback and other

forces which can result in serious injury.

• Reduced-Kickback Guide Bar, designed

with a smalJ 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 re-
duce the number and seriousness of kick-
backs when tested in accordance with

safety requirements for gasoline powered

chain saws as set by ANSI B175.1.

ReducedKickbackSym(_etrica_GuideBar

_t_all RadiusTip

SymmetricalGuideBar _._'_4_

• Low-Kickback Chain, designed with a
contoured deNh gauge and guard link

which deflect kickback force and allow
wood 1ograd ually ride into the cutter. Low-

Kickback Chain has met kickback per-
formance requirements when tested on a

representative sample of chain saws be-
low 3.8 cubic inch displacement specified

in ANSI Bt75.f.

_[k ElongatedGuardLink

Low-Kickback '_ and a_lowswood

Chain to gradually ride

Nota Low-Kickback Chain

• Front Hand Guard, designed to reduce the
chance of your left hand contacting the chain

if your hand slips off the front handlebar.

• Position of front and rear handlebars, de-
signed 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 kick-
back occurs.

CHAIN BRAKE AND CKA ANGLE

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

Contoured Depth Gauge

_Oan Obstruct Material

_I_WARNING: WE DO NOT REP-

RESENT AND YOU SHOULD NOT AS-

SUME THAT THE CHAIN BRAKE WILL

PROTECT YOU IN THE EVENT OF A

KICKBACK. Kickback is a lightning fast ac-
tion which throws the bar and rotating chain
back and up toward the operatoE Kickback

can be ca used by allowing contact of the bar
tip in the danger zone with any hard object.

Kickback can also be caused by pinching the
saw chain along the top ofthe guide bar. This

Computed kickback an£11e (CKA) Table

MODEL P/N Length

2250 LE 952044368 14"

2250LE/2450 LE 952044970 16"

2550 LE 952044418 18"

large Radius Tip

Deflects

iekbackforce

Infocutter

BAR

action may push the guide bar rapidly back
toward the operator. Either of these events

may cause you to lose controt of the saw
which could result in serious injury or even
death. DO NOT RELY UPON ANY OF THE
DEVICES BUILT INTO YOUR SAW. YOU

SHOULD USE THE SAW PROPERLY AND
CAREFULLY TO AVOID KICKBACK. Re-

duced-kickback guide bars and low-kick-
back saw chains reduce the chance and

magnitude of kickback and are recom-
mended. Your saw has a low kickback chain

and bar as original equipment. Repairs on a
chain brake should be made by an autho-

rized servicing dealer. Take your unit to the
place of purchase if purchased from a ser-
vicing dealer, or to the nearest authorized
master service dealer.

• T_pcontact in some cases may cause a light-
ning fast reverse REACTION, kicking the

guide bar up and back toward the operator.

• Pinching the saw chain along the top of the
guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly
back toward the operator.

• Either of these reactions may cause you to
lose controt of the saw which could result

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

,1_ WARNING: Computed kickback

angle (CKA) listed on your saw and listed in
the CKA table below represents angie of

kickback your bar and chain combinations
will have when tested in accordance with

CSA and ANSI standards. When purchasing
replacement bar and chain, considerations

should be given to the lower CKA values.
Lower CKA values represent safer angles to

the user, higher values indicate more angle
and higher kick energies. Computed angles

represented in the non-activated cotumn in-
dicate total energy and angle associated

without activation of the chain brake during
kickback. Activated angle represents chain

stopping time relative to activation angle of
chain brake and resulting kick angle of saw.
In all cases lower CKA values represent a

safer operating environment for the user.
The following guide bar and chain combina-

tions meet kickback requirements of CSA
Z62.1, Z62.3, & ANSI B175.1 when used on

saws listed in this manual. Use of bar and
chain combinations other than those listed is

not recommended and may not meet the
CKA requirements per standard.

CHAIN P/N CKA without chain brake

952051209 24 °

952051211 19 °
952051338 14 °

NOTE:Ifthissawistobeusedforcommer-

cialIcggthg,achainbrakeisrequiredand shall

not be removed or otherwise disabled to com-
ply with Federal OSHA Regulations for Com-
mercial Legging,

SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibrations
through prolonged use of gasoline powered

hand tools could cause b]oed 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 beop]e. If
symptoms occur such as numbness, psin,

loss of strength, change in skin color or texture,
or loss of feelieg in the fingers, bend& or joints,

discontinue the use of this tool and seek
medical attention. An anti-vibration system

does not guarantee the avc_dance of these
problems. Users who operate power tools on

a confinual and regular basis must monitor
closely their physical condition and the

condition of this tool
SPECIAL NOTICE: Your saw is equipped

with a temperaturelimiting muffler and spark
arresting screen which meets the

requirements of California Codes 4442 and

4443. All U.S. forest land and the states of
California, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New
Jersey, Oregon, and Washington require by

law that many internal combustion engines
to be equipped with a spark arresting screen.

Ifyou 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
arresting screen.

Failureto follow all Safety Rules and Precau-

tions can result in serious injury. Ifsituations
occur which are not covered in this manual,

use care and good judgement. If you need
assistance, contact your authorized service

dealer or call 1-800-554-6723.
STANDARDS: This saw is listed by Under-

writer's Laboratories, Inc., and the Canadian
Standards Association in accordance with:

ANSI BI75.1-280g American National
Standard for Powered Toots ~ Gasoline

Powered Chain Saw ~ Safety Requirements

OSA Z62.1-03 Chain Saws ~ Occupational

Health and Safety

CSA Z62.3-96 Chain Saw Kickback Occu-
pational Health and Safety

The chain is sharp and can cut you even when
it is not moving!

1. Loosen and remove the chain brake nuts
and the chain brake from the saw.

2. Remove the plastic shipping spacer (if
present).

Location of shipping spacer

Ch Nuts

a_ Chain Brak_e

Bar Tool

3. An adjusting pin and screw is used to ad-
just the tension of the chain. It is very im-

podant when assembling the bar, that the
pin located on the adjusting screw aligns

into a hole inthe bar. Turning the screw will
move the adjustment pin up and down the
screw. Locate this adjustment before you

begin mounting the bar onto the saw. See
illustration below.

Inside view of

/4 C_ain Brake

Adjustment located on Chain Brake

4. Turn the adjusting screw by hand coun-
teedockwise until the adjusting pin just

touches the stop. This should allow the
pin to be near the correct position.

5. Slide guide bar behind clutch drum uedl
guide bar stops against clutch drum

sprocket.

6. Carofully remove the cbein from the psck-
age. Hold chain with the drive links as

shown.

Protective gloves (not provided) should be

worn during assembly.
ATTACHING THE BAR & CHAIN (If not

already attached)

_]kWARNING: Ifreceived assembled,

repeat all steps to ensure your saw is probedy
assembled and all fasteners are secure. Al-

ways wear gloves when handling the chain.

?Sp of
Bar

DIIRECTION OF ROTATION

Cutters DepthGauge

DriveLinks

PJace chain onto the sprocket

7. Place chain over and behind clutch, fitting
the drive )inks in the clutch drum sprocket.

8. Fit bottom of drive links between the
teeth in the sprocket in the nose of the

guide bar.

9. Fit chain drive links into bar groove.

10. Pul] guide bar forward until chain is snug
in guide bar groove. Ensure ai] drive

links are in the bar groove.

1I. Now, instal] chain brake making surethe

adjusting pin is positioned in the lower

hoiein the guide bar. Remember this pin
moves the bar forward and backward as

the screw is turned.

12. (nstall chain brake nuts and finger tighten

only. Once the chain is tensioned, you
will need to tighten chain brake nuts.

CHAIN TENSION (Including units

with chain already installed)

NOTE: When adjusting chain tension,

make sure the chain brake nuts are finger
tight only. Attempting to tension the chain

when the chain brake nuts are tight can
cause damage.

Checking the tension:

Use the screwdriver end ofthe chain adjust-

ment tool (bar tool) tomove the chain around
the bar. if the chain does not rotate, it is too

tight. Iftoo (oose, thechain will sag be(owthe
bar.

Chain Brake Nuts Tool (Bar Tool)
Adjusting the tension:

Chain tension is very important. Chain
stretches during use. This is especial(y true

during the first few times you use your saw.
A]ways check chain tension each time you
use and refuel your saw.

You can adjust the chain tension by loosen-
ing the chain brake nuts and turning the ad-

justing screw 1/4 of a turn while lifting up on
the bar.

• If chain is tootight, turn adjusfing screw 1/4
turn counterclockwise.

• If chain is too loose, turn adjusting screw

1/4 turn clockwise.

f-_/_jAdjusting / J

® O Screw

Chain Brake Nuts Guide Bar

Adjusting Screw - 1/4 Turn

• Lift up the fip of the bar and securely tight-

en the chain brake nuts with the bar tool.

• Recheck chain tension.

Chain Brake

Nuts

WARNING: if the saw is operated

with a loose chain, the chain could jump off
the guide bar and result in serious injury.

KNOW YOURSAW

READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

CHAIN SAW. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the location of
the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

Chain

Adjustment Tool Front Hand Guard

(Bar Tool)

Chain Muffler

Front Handle

Starter Rope

ON/STOP
Switch

Primer
Bulb

Bar Oil Fill Cap

Cylinder Cover

Throttle
Lockout

Rear
Handle

Throttle Choke/ Chain Chain Chain
Trigger Fast Idle Brake Catcher

ON/STOP SWITCH

The ON/STOP SWITCH is used to stop the
engine.

THROTTLE TRIGGER

The THROTTLE TRIGGER controls engine
speed.

THROTTLE LOCKOUT

The THROTTLE LOCKOUT must be pressed
before you can squeeze the throttle trigger.
This feature prevents you from accidentally

squeezing the trigger.

CHOKE/FAST IDLE LEVER

The choke and fast idle are set by pulling the
CHOKE/FAST iDLE LEVER out to the full ex-

tent for cold starting or after refueling. The
choke provides additional fuel to the engine

during cold starting.

PRIMER BULB

The PRIMER BULB circulates fuet to the
carburetor to provide quicker starting.

Lever

Housing Fuel Mix Fill Cap

Adjusting of Travel

Screw

Brake Nuts Guide Bar

CHAIN BRAKE
The CHAIN BRAKE is a device designed to

stop the chain if kickback occurs. The chain
brake activates automatically in the event of
kickback. The chain brake activates manu-

ally if the front hand guard is pushed forward.
The chain brake is disengaged by pulling the

front hand guard back toward the front han-
dle as far as possible.

CHAIN TENSION

it is normal for a new chain to stretch during first
30 minutes of operation. You should check

your chain tensicn frequently. See CHAIN
TENSION under the ASSEMBLY section.

_I_WARNING: Muffler is very hotdur-
ing and after use. Do not touch the muftler or

allow combustible material such as dry
grass or fuel to do so.

Direction
Chain

_lk WARNING: Remove fuel cap slow-
ly when refueling.

FUELING ENGINE

This engine is certified to operate on
unleaded gasoline. Before operation,
gasoline must be mixed with a good quality

synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil
designed to be mixed at a ratio of 40:1.

Poulan/Weed Eater brand synthetic oil is

recommended. A 40:1 ratio is obtained by
mixing 3.2 ounces (95 m0 ofoil with 1 gallon (4

liters) of unleaded gasotine. Included with this
saw is a 3.2 ounce container of Poulan/Weed

Eater brand synthetic oil. Pour the entire

contents of this container into 1 gallon of
gasoline to achieve the proper fuel mixture.

DO NOT USE automotive or boatoil. These
oils will cause engine damage. When mixing
fuel fotlow the instructions printed on the

container. Always read and follow the safety
rules listed under HANDLE FUEL WiTH
CAUTION.

BAR AND CHAIN LUBRICATION

The bar and chain require continuous lubri-
cation. Lubrication is provided by the auto-

matic oiler system when the oil tank is kept
filled. Lack of oil will quickly ruin the bar and
chain. Too little oil will cause overheatin

shown by smoke coming from the chain and7
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 Poulan_; bar and chain oil is

recommended to protect your unit against
excessive wear from heat and friction.

Poulan®_ oil resists high temperature
thinning, tfPouian_) barandchainoilisnot
available, use a good grade SAE 30 oil

• Never use waste oil for bar and chain lubri-

cation.

• Always stop the engine before removing

the oil cap.

IMPORTANT

Experience indicates that alcohol-blended
fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or

methanol) can attract moisture which leads
to separation and formation of acids during
storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel

system of an engine while in storage. To
avoid engine problems, the fuel system

should be emptied before storage for 30
days or longer. Drain thegns tank, start the
engine and let it run until the fuel lines and

carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next
season. See STORAGE section for addi-

tional information.

,mbWARNING: The chain must not

move when the engine runs at idle speed. If
the chain moves at idle speed refer to CAR-

BURETOR ADJUSTMENT within this
manual Avoid contact with the muffler. A hot

muffler can cause serious burns.
To stop the engine move the ON/STOP

switch to the STOP position.
To start the engine hold the saw firmly on the

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

Use only 15 - 18 inches (38 - 45 cm) of
rope per pull.

Hold saw firmiy while pulling starter rope.

Starter rope handle

/_,6_--Left hand

Right foot through rear handle

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
When pulling the starter rope, do not use the full

extent of the rope as this can cause the rope to
break. Do not let starter rope snap back. Hold

the handle and let the rope rewind slowly.

g

For cold weather starting, start the unit at
FULL CHOKE; allow the engine to warm up

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

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

fuel):
NOTE: In the following steps, when the

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

1. Move ON/STOP switch to the ON posi-

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

3. Slowly press primer buth 6 times.

4. Pull the starter rope sharply 5 times with

NOTE: If the engine sounds as if it is trying
to start before the 5th pull, stop pulling and
immediately proceed to the next step.

5. Push the choke/fast idle lever in to the

ON/STOP SWITCH

(SIDE VIEW)

tion.

(to the FULL CHOKE position).

your right hand. Then, proceed to the
next step.

HALF CHOKE position.

on front

s° op

CHOKE/FAST IDLE LEVER

o_,IEW)

I I

Ch k
fast idle lever OFF HALF FULL

6. Pull the starter rope sharply with your

right hand until the engine starts.

7. Allow the engine to run for approximatety

5 seconds. Then, squeeze and release
throttletdgger to allow engineto returnto

idle speed.

STARTING A WARM ENGINE:

1. Move ON/STOP switch to the ON posi-
tion.

2. Pull the choke/fast idle lever out to the
HALF CHOKE position.

3. Slowly press the primer bulb 6 times.

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

5. Squeeze and release throttle trigger to

allow engine to return to idle speed.

DIFFICULT STARTING (or starting a

flooded engine):

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

Flooded engines can be cleared of excess
fuel by pushing the choke/fast idle lever in
completely (to the OFF CHOKE position)
and then following the warm engine starting

procedure listed above. Ensure the ON/
STOP switch is in the ON position.

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 the TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or call

1-500-554-6723.

CHAIN BRAKE

,_kWARNING: If the brake band is

worn too thin it may break when the chain
brake is triggered. With a broken brake band,

the chain brake will not stop the chain. The
chain brake should be replaced by an autho-

rized service dealer if any part is worn to less
than 0.020" (0.5 ram) thick. Repairs on a

chain brake should be made by an autho-
rized service dealer. Take your unit to the

place of purchase if purchased from a ser-
vicing dea]eh or to the nearest authorized
rnaster service dealer.

• This saw is equipped with a chain brake.

The brake is designed to stop the chain if
kickback occurs.

• The inertia-activated chain brake is

activated if the front hand guard is pushed
forward, either manually (by hand) or

automatically (by sudden movement).

• If the brake is already activated, it is

disengaged by pulling the front hand guard
back toward the front handle as far as

possible.

• When cuttthg with the saw, the chain brake

must be disengaged.

Disengaged

_ Engaged

Braking function control
CAUTION: The chain brake must be

checked several times daily. The engine
must be running when performing this proce-

dure. This is the only instance when the saw
should be placed on the ground with the en-

gine running.
Place the saw on firm ground. Grip the rear

handle with your right hand and the front han-
dle with your left hand. Apply full throttle by

fully depressing the throttle trigger. Activate
the chain brake by turning your ]eft wrist

against the hand guard without releasing
your grip around the front band]e. The chain

should stop immediately.

Inertia activating function control

_I_WARNING: When performing the

following procedure, the engine must be
turned off.

Grip the rear hand]ewith your right hand and
the front handle with your left hand. Hold the
chain saw approximately 14 inches (35 cm)

above a stump or other wooden surface. Re-
lease your grip on the front handle and use

the weight of the saw to let the top of the
gwuidebar fall forward and contact the stump.

hen the tip of the bar hits the stump, the

brake should activate.

IMPORTANT POINTS

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

TENSION in the ASSEMBLY section.

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

• Stop the saw if the chain strikes a foreign
object, thspect the saw and repair or re-

place parts as necessary.

• Keepthechain out of dirt and sand. Even a
small amount of dirt will quickly bah a chain

and thus increase the possibility of kickback.

• Practice cutting a few small logs using the

following techniques to get the "feeF of us-

ing your saw before you begin a major
sawing operation.

• Squeeze the throttle trigger and allow

the engine to reach full speed before
cutting.

• Begin cutting with the saw frame

against the log.

• Keep the engine at full speed the entire

time you are cutting.

• AIIowthechaintocutforyou. ExertonJy

light downward pressure, tf you force
the cut, damage to the bar, chain, or en-

gine can result.

10

• Release the throttle trigger as soon as
the cut is completed, allowing the en-

gine to idle. If you run the saw at full
throttle without a cuttthg load, unneces-

sary wear can occur to the chain, bar,
and engine. It is recommended that

the engine not be operated for lon-
ger than 30 seconds at full throttle,

• To avoid losing controlwhen cut is com-
plete, do not put pressure on saw at end

of cut.

• Stop the engine before setting the saw
down after cutting.

TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES

_I_WARNING: Check for broken or

dead branches which can fall while cutting
causing serious injury. Do not cut near bui_d-

thgs or electrical wires Jfyou do not know the
direction oftreefall, norcut at night since you

will not be ale to see well, nor during bad
weather such as rain, snow, or strong winds,

etc. If the tree makes contact with any utility
line, the utility company should be notified

immediately.

• Carefully plan your sawing operation in ad-
vance.

• Cleartheworkarea. You needacleararea
all around the tree so you can have secure
footing.

• Study the natural conditions that can cause
the tree to fall in a pedicular direction.

Natural conditions that can cause a tree to

fall in a particular direction include:

• The wind direction and speed.

• The lean of the tree. The lean of a tree
might not be apparent due to uneven or

sloping terrain. Use a ptumb or level to de-
termine the direction of tree _ean.

• Weight and branches on one side.

• Surrounding trees and obstacles.

Look for decay and rot. tfthe trunk is rolled, it
can snap and fatl toward the operator. Check
for broken or dead branches which can fail on

you while cL_ting.

Make sure there is enough room for the tree to
fall. Maintath a distance of 2-1/2 tree lengths
from the nearest person or other objects. En-

gine nc4se can drown out a warnthg 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 diag-
onal to the line of fall.

Plan a clear retreat path

:t" ÷- "O" u,,,,,,_ - Direction of Fall

FELLING LARGE TREES
(6 inches (15 cm) in diameter or targer)

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

sired 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: If the tree has large buttress roots,

remove them before making the notch. If us-
ing saw to remove buttress roots, keep saw

chain from contacting ground to prevent dull-
ing of the chain.

NOTCH CUT AND FELLING THE
TREE

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

ofthetree. Next complete the notch bycut-

ting the bottom of the notch. See illustra-
tion. Once the notch is cut remove the

notch of wood from the tree.

Final felling cut here, 2 inches

5 cm above center o notch.

Firstcot\ '!.,_

Notch _

Second cut_

• 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

twoinches (5 cm) higher than the center of
the notch. This will leave enough uncut

wood between the felli ng cut and the notch
to form a hinge. This hinge will help pre-

vent the tree from falling in the wrong direc-
tion.

Hinge holds tree on stump and helps
control fall

Closing of
notch

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

controtthedirection of fall. To avoid kickback
and chain damage, use wood or plastic

wedges, but never steel or iron wedges.

• Be alert to signs that the tree is ready to falh
cracking sounds, widening of the felling cut,

or movement in the upper branches.

• As tree starts to fall, stop saw, put Jtdown,
and get away quickly on your planned re-

treat path.

11

Opening

of felling