Poulan 380, 330 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

Manual del Operador

Manuel de L'utilisateur

330/380

WARNING:

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

ADVERTENClA:

Lea el manual del operador ysiga todas las advertencias e enstruc-
clones de seguridad. El no hacerlo puede resultar en lesiones

graves.

AVERTISSEMENT:

Lire le manuel de I'utilisateur et bien respecter tousles avertisse-
ments et toutes les instructions de securit& Tout defaut de le faire

pourrait entraTner des blessures graves.

Electrolux Home Products, Augusta, GA 30907
wcI Outdoor Products, Inc. 530088753 9/18/00

WARNING! This chain saw can be dangerous! Careless or improper

use can cause serious or even fatal injury.

Read and understand the Operator's Manual before using the chain saw.

Always use two hands when operating the chain saw.

WARNING? Contactingthe guidebartipwithanyob-
jectshould be avoided; tip contact may cause the guide

bar to move suddenly upward and backward, which may
cause serious injury.

Measured maximum kickback value, without chain brake,

for the bar and chain combination on the label.

_ 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 h_p.roper use of this tool can
cause serious injury.

PLAN AHEAD

• Read this manual carefully until you com-

pletely understand and can follow atl safe-
ty rules, precautions, and operating in-

structions 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.

Hearing Safety Hat

Protection _-J"

Eye

Snug
Fitting _ Heavy Duty

Clothing Gloves

Protection

./

Safety Safety Chaps
Shoes

• Wear protective gear. Always use steel-
toed safety footwear with non-stip 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 barri-
ers (ear plugs or mufflers) to protect your

hearing. Regular users should have hear-

ingcheckedregularlyaschainsawnoise

candamagehearing.Securehairabove
shoulderlength.

• 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 people 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.

• Carefully plan your sawing operation inad-
vance. Do not start cutting until you have a

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

OPERATE YOUR SAW SAFELY

• Do not operate a ct_ain 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 welFventi-
iated outdoor area.

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

do so.

• Make sure the chain will not make contact
with any object while starting the engine.

Never try to start the saw when the guide
bar is in a cut.

• Do not put pressure on the saw 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 a_l chain saw service performed by a
qualified service dealer with the exception

of the items listed in the maintenance sec-
tion of this manual. For example, if improp-

er toots are used to remove or hold the fly-
wheel when servicing the clutch, structural

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 or Poulan Pro accesso-
ries and replacement parts as recom-

mended.

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 no smoking, open flames,
or work that 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, weII

ventilated place; and use an approved,
marked container for all fuel purposes.

Wipe up all fuel spilis before starting saw.

• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) from fuel-
ing site before starting engine.

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

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

• 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

AI_,WARNING: Kickback can 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, which stops

the chain for an instant. The result is a light-
ning 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. Guard
against kickback
Rotational Kickback is the rapid upward

and backward motion of the chain saw that
can occur when the moving saw chain near

the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar
contacts an object such as a log or a branch.

Pinch-Kickback and Pull-In occur when
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. PulFIn

pulis the saw away from the operator. Either

reactioncanresultinlossofcontrolandseri-
oush_jury.

AvoidPinch=Kickback:

• Beextremelyawareofsituationsorob-

structionsthatcancausematerialtopinch

thetopoforotherwisestopthechain.

• Donotcutmorethanonelogatatime.

• Donottwistthesawasthebariswith-
drawnfromanundercutwhenbucking.

AvoidPull-In:

• Alwaysbegincutth_gwithengh_eatfuil
speedandsawhousingagainstwood.

• Usewedgesmadeofplasticorwood.Nev-

erusemetaltoholdthecutopen.

KickbackPath

Clear The Working Area

REDUCE THE CHANCE OF
KICKBACK

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

you can reduce the etement of surprise
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 through a particu-

lar log or branch.

• 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 maintenance instructions. Check ten-
sion at regular intervals with the engine

stopped, never with engine running. Make
sure the bar clamp nuts are securely tight-

ened after tensioning the chain.

• Begin and continue cutting at full speed. If
chain is moving at a slower speed, there is

greater chance of kickback occurring.

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

MAINTAIN CONTROL

Stand to the lefto_

the saw

Never reverse
hand positions

!
t

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 teft thumb under the front

handlebar. Keep your right hand complete-
ly 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 left 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 saw.

• Donotcutaboveshoulder height. Itisdiffi-
cult to maintain control of saw above

shoulder height.

KICKBACK SAFETY FEATURES

Elbow locked

A_, WARNING: The following features

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

will not totally eliminate this dangerous reac-
tion. As a chain saw user, do not rely only on

safety devices. You must follow ail safety
precautions, instructions, and maintenance

in this manual to help avoid kickback and
other forces which can result in serious

injury.

• Reduced-Kickback Guide Bar, designed
with a smail radius tip which reduces the

size of the kickback danger zone on bar
tip. A Reduced-Kickback Guide Bar has

been demonstrated to significantly reduce

thenumberandseriousnessofkickbacks
whentestedinaccordancewithsafetyre-
quirementsforgasolinepoweredchain

sawsassetbyANSIB175.1.

ReducedKickbackSymmetricalGuideBar

_mall Radius Tip

Symmetrical Guide Bar _ ".7t_

I

Large Radius Tip

• Low-Kickback Chain, designed with a
eentaured depth gauge and guard link

which deflect kickback force and allow
wood to gradually 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 B175.1.

Contoured Depth Gauge

longated Guard Link
fl Deflects Kickback

f Force And Allows

Low-Kickback \ Ride into Cutter
Chain

_ _-.... Can Obstruct

Not a Low-Kickback Chain

• Handguard, designed to reduce the
chance of your left hand contacting 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, designed to stop the chain in
the event of kickback.

ANSI B175,1-1991 "American National
Standard for Powered Tools - Gasoline

Powered Chain Saw - Safety Require-

ments."

CHAIN BRAKE & CKA ANGLE

AI_WARNING: WE DO NOT REP-
RESENTAND YOU SHOULD NOT AS-

SUME THAT THE CHAIN BRAKE WILL

| Wood To Gradually

\..._ ._ Material

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 operator. Kickback
can be caused by allowing contact of the bar

tip in the danger zone with any hard object.
Kickback can also becaused by pinching the

saw chain along the top of the guide bar. This
action may push the guide bar rapidly back

toward the operator. Either of these events
may cause you to lose control of the saw
which could result in serious injury or even
death. DO NOT RELY UPON ANY OF THE
SAFETY DEVICES BUILT INTO YOUR
SAW. YOU SHOULD USE THE SAW

PROPERLY AND CAREFULLY TO AVOID
KICKBACK. Reduced-kickback guide bars

and low-kickback saw chains reduce the
chance and magnitude of kickback and are

recommended. Your saw has a low kick-
back chain and bar as original equipment.

Repairs on a chain brake should be made by
an authorized servicing dealer. Take your
unit to the place of purchase if purchased

from a servicing dealer, or to the nearest au-
thorized master service dealer.

_f_,WARNING: Computed kickback

angle (CKA) listed on your saw and listed in
the CKA table below represents angle 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 column 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 break and resulting kick angle of saw.

In all cases lower CKA values represent a
safer operating environment for the user.

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

guide bar up and back toward operator.

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

back toward the operator.

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

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

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.

OBA Z62.1 "Chain Saws - Occupational
Health and Safety"
OBA Z62.3 "Chain Saw Kickback Occupa-

tional Health and Safety"

Computed kickback angle (CKA) Table

BAR

MODEL P/N Length

330 952044795 20"
380 952044795 20"

330 530044833 22"

NOTE: This saw complies with Federal

OSHA regulations for commercial logging.
SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to

vibrations through prolonged use of gasoline
powered hand toots 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 conth_ual and
regular basis must monitor closely their

physical condition and the condition of this
tool.

SPECIAL NOTICE: Your saw is equipped
with atemperature limiting muffler and spark

arresting screen which meets the
requirements of California Codes 4442 and

4443. All U.S. forest land and the states of
California, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota. New

Jersey, Oregon. and Washington require
many internal combustion engines to be
equipped with 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 atl Safety Rules and Precau-

tions 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 Authorized Service

Dealer.

Protective gloves (not provided) should be

worn during assembly.
ATTACHING TH E BAR & CHAIN (If not

already attached)

WARNING: If received assembled,

repeat all steps to ensure your saw is proper-
ly assembled and all fasteners are secure.

Always wear gloves when handling the
chain. The chain is sharp and can cut you

even when it is not moving!

CHAIN P/N

952051482
952051482

952051483

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

• Remove the plastic shipping spacer (if
present).

_ hipping

Assembly _J ..._ .//
Tool \ Chain Brake/_:_

• An adjusting pin and screw is used to ad-

just the tension of the chain. It is very im-

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

into a hole in the 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.

CKAwithout

chain brake

21 °
21 °

23 °

Spacer

Chain Brake Nuts _ @

Adjustment

ssrew

• Turn the adjusting screw counterclock-
wise 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. Fur-

ther adjustment may be necessary as you
mount the bar.

• Mount the bar as illustrated.

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

• 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.

• Place the chain onto the sprocket located
behind the clutch drum (see illustration).

Fit the chain between the teeth in the
sprocket.

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

• After chain is installed, pull bar forward un-
til chain is snug in the groove of the bar.

• Holdguidebaragainstthesawframemak-

ing sure the adjusting pin is aligned with
the hole in the bar. Remember this pin

moves the bar forward and backward as
screw is turned. Install the chain brake.

• Replace the chain brake nuts and tighten
finger tight. Once the chain is tensioned

you will need to tighten chain brake nuts.

f\ Install the bar

Tip of Bar

Proper chain direction

Place chain onto the sprocket

CHAIN TENSION (Including units with
chain already installed)

NOTE: When adjusting chain tension,

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

nuts are tight can cause damage.
Checking the tension:

Use the screwdriver end of the chain adjust-
ment tool (bar 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:

Chah_ 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.

Adjusting
Screw

You can adjust chain tension by loosening
the bar clamp nuts and turning adjusting

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

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

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

• Lift up the tip of the bar and tighten the bar
clamp nuts with the combination screw-
driver/wrench.

• Recheck chain tension. Tension is correct
when chain does not sag below the bar but

still can be moved around the bar.

_i WARNING: If the chain is operated
with a loose chain, the chain could jump off

the guide bar and result in serious injury.

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 or Poulan Pro(R_;brand
oil. If you do not use this oil, use a good

quality 2-cycle air-cooled eil 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 of unleaded gasoline). DO NOT USE

automotive or boat oil. These oils will cause
engine damage. When mixing fuel follow 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 lu-

brication. 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 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 Poulan or Poulan ProX bar 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

PoulanPro_;barandchainoilisnot

available,useagoodgradeSAE30oil.

• Neverusewasteoilforbarandchainlubri-

cation.

• Alwaysstoptheenginebeforeremoving
theoilcap.

OilCap Fuelmixcap

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

fuel)

• MoveON/STOPswitct_totheON position.

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

ON/STOP ON
SWITCH

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

shouM be emptied before storage for 30
days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the

engine and let it run untii the fuet lines and
carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next
season. See STORAGE section for addi-
tiona_ information.

_WARNING: 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" of rope per pull.
Hold saw firmly while pulling starter rope.

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
slowIy.

For cotd 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.

handle

Left hand

front

handle

STOP

CHOKE/FAST IDLE LEVER

It(SIDEVIEW)

Choke/Fast OFF FULL
Idle Lever

• Press the throttle lock with your right hand.
Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger;

Press and hoid the fast idle lock with your
forefinger; release the throttle trigger.

NOTE: If the throttle trigger is squeezed
during starting, it will be necessary to reset
the fast idle lock.

• Pull the starter rope quickly with your right
hand a maximum of 10 times.

• Push the choke/fast idle lever incomplete-
ly (to the OFF CHOKE position).

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

• Allow the engine to run for approximately 5
seconds. Then, squeeze and release the

throttle trigger to allow engine to return to
idle speed.

STARTING A WARM ENGINE:

• MoveON/STOPswitchtotheON position.

• Press the throttle lock with your right hand.
Squeeze and hold the throttle trigger;

Press and hold the fast idle lock with your
forefinger; release the throttle trigger.

• Be sure choke/fast idle lever is in the OFF
CHOKE position.

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

• Squeezeand releasethethrottletrigger to
allow engine to return to idle speed.

DIFFICULT STARTING (or starting a
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 warm engine starting

procedure listed above. Insure 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

1-800-554-6723.

CHAINBRAKE

_.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 operator. Kickback

can be caused 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 of the guide bar. This

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

may cause you to lose control of the saw
which could result in serious injury or even

death. DO NOT RELY UPON ANY OF THE
SAFETY DEVICES BUILT INTO YOUR

SAW. YOU SHOULD USE THE SAW
PROPERLY AND CAREFULLY TO AVOID
KICKBACK. Reduced-kickback guide bars

and low-kickback saw chains reduce the
chance and magnitude of kickback and are

recommended. Your saw has a low kick-
back chain and baras original equipment. 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 re-

placed by an authorized service dealer if any
part is worn to less than 1/32"thick. Repairs

on a chain brake should be made by an au-
thorized service dealer. Take your unit to the

place of purchase if purchased from a ser-
vicing dealer, or to the nearest authorized

master 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 cutting with the saw, the chain brake
must be disengaged.

Disengaged

,j_ 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. Hold the han-
dles with both hands and apply full throttle.

Activate the chain brake by turning your left

wrist against the hand guard without releas-
ing your grip around the front handle. The

chain should stop immediately.
Inertia activating function control

_,WARNING: When performing the

following procedure, the engine must be
turned off.

Hoid the chain saw approximately t4" (35
cm) above a stump or other wooden surface.
Release your grip on the front handle and

use the weight of the saw to let the top of the
guide bar fall forward and contact the stump.

When the tip of the bar hits the stump, the
brake should activate.

IMPORTANT POINTS

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

TENSION in the ASSEMBLY section.

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

• Stop the saw if the chain strikes a foreign
object. Inspect the saw and repair parts as

necessary.

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

and increase the possibility of kickback.

Practice cutting a few small logs us-
ing the following techniques to get

the "feel" of using your saw before
you begin a major sawing operation.

Squeeze the throttle trigger and at-
low the engine to reach full speed

before cutting.
Begin cutting with the saw frame

against the log.
Keep the engine at full speed the en-
tire time you are cutting.

Allow the chain to cut for you. Exert
only light downward pressure.

Release the throttle trigger as soon
as the cut is completed, allowing the

engine to idle. If you run the saw at
full throttle without a cutting _oad, un-

necessary wear can occur.
To avoid losing control when cut is
complete, do not put pressure on
saw at end of cut.

• Stop the engine before setting the saw
down.

TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES

_IWARNING: Check for broken or

dead branches which can fall while cutting
causing serious injury, Do not cut near build-
ings or electrical wires if you do not know the

direction of tree fall, at night since you will not
be abie to see well, or during bad weather

such as rain, snow, or strong winds, etc.

• Carefullyplanyoursawingoperation inad-

vance.

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

• Studythenaturalconditionsthatcan

causethetreetofailinaparticulardirec-

tion.

Naturalconditionsthatcancauseatreeto
fallinaparticulardirectioninclude:

• Thewinddirectionandspeed.

• Theleanofthetree.Theleanofatree
mightnotbeapparentduetounevenor

slopingterrain.Useaplumborleveltode-

terminethedirectionoftreelean.

• Weightandbranchesononeside.

• Surroundingtreesandobstacles.

Lookfordecayandrot.Ifthetrunkisrotted,

itcansnapandfalltowardtheoperator.
Makesurethereisenoughroomforthetreeto

fall.Maintainadistanceof2-1/2treelengths

fromthenearestpersonorotherobjects.En-
ginenoisecandrownoutawarningcall.

Removedirt,stones,loosebark,nails,sta-
ples,andwirefromthetreewherecutsareto

bemade.

x2.Planaclearretreatpath

%

;_.... t J"==_" Direction of Fall

45 ° /

FELLING LARGE TREES

(6 h_ches in diameter or larger)

The notch method is used to fen large trees.
A notch iscut on the side of the tree in the de-

sired direction of fall. After a felling cut is
made on the opposite side of tree, the tree

win tend to fall into the notch.

NOTE: If the tree has large buttress roots,

remove them before making the notch.

NOTCH CUT AND FELLING THE

TREE

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

of the tree. Next complete the notch by cut-
ting the bottom of the notch. See illustra-
tion. Once the notch is cut remove the
notch of wood from the tree.

• After removing the cutout of wood, make
the feINng cut on the opposite side of the

notch. This is done by making a cut about
two inches higher than the center of the
notch. This will leave enough uncut wood
between the felling cut and the notch to

form a hinge. This hinge will help prevent
the tree from falling in the wrong direction.

Final cut here 2 inches
above center of notch.

First cut ,2>: _.

Notcb._ _._ "''_'z'

Hinge holds tree on stump and helps
control fall

,,,:\ ,' of felling

_'_k _ cut

Closing of_J,'_ t_,_
notch

NOTE: Before felling cut is complete, use
wedges to open the cut when necessary to
control the direction of fall. To avoid kickback

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

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

ing cut, or movement in the upper
branches.

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

treat 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 fall-
en tree with your saw.

CUTTING A FALLEN TREE
(BUCKING)

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

_A, WARNING : Do not stand on the log
being cut. Any portion can roll causing loss of

footing and control. Do not stand downhill of
the log being cut.

IMPORTANT POINTS

• Cut only one log at a time.

• Cut shattered wood very carefully; sharp
pieces of wood could beflung toward oper-

ator.

• 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.

Opening

10

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

ctear area before cutting by pulling out ex-
posed and cleared logs first.

TYPES OF CUTTING USED FOR
BUCKING

_L. WARNING: If saw becomes pinched

or hung h_a log. don't try to force it out. You
can lose control of the saw resulting in injury

and/or damage to the sew. Stop the sew,
drive a wedge of plastic or wood into the cut

until the saw can be removed easily. Restart
the saw end carefully reenter the cut. Do not
attempt to restart your saw when it is pinched

or hung in a log,

Use a wedge to remove pinched saw

BUCKING WITHOUT A
SUPPORT

• Overcutthrough 1/3 ofthediameteroflog.

• Roll log over; finish with a second overcut.

• Watch for saws with a compression side to
prevent the saw from pinching, See il-

lustration for cutting logs with a compres-
sion side.

BUCKING USING A LOG OR SUP-
PORT STAND

• Remember your first cut is always on the
compression side of the log.

• Your first cut should extend 1/3 of the
diameter of the log,

• Finish with your second cut.

Using a log for support

2nd Cut

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

Overcutting begins on the top side of the log
with the sew against the log. When overcut-

ting use light downward pressure,

Overcutting Undercutting

Undercutting involves cutting on the under-
side of the log with top of sew against the log.

When undercutting use light upward pres-
sure. Hold saw firmly and maintah_ control.

The sew will tend to push back toward you.

_WARNING: Never turn saw upside

down to undercut. The saw cannot be con-
trolled in this position.

Always make your first cut on the compres-
sion side ofthe log. The compression side of

the log is where the pressure of the log's
weight is concentrated.

First out on compression side of log

Second cut

Second cut

First cut on compression side of log

I s Cut

_/1st Cut

Using a support stand J 2rid Cut

_ 1st Cut

1st Cut

LIMBING AND PRUNING

_WARNING: Be alert for and guard

against kickback. Do not allow the moving
chain to contact any other branches or ob-

jects at the nose of the guide bar when limb-
ing or pruning. Allowing such contact can re-
sult in serious injury.

_lk WARNING: Never climb into e tree to

limb or prune. Do not stand on ladders, plat-
forms, a tog, or in any position which can cause

you to lose your balance or control of the saw.
IMPORTANT POINTS

• Work slowly, keeping both hands firmly
gripped on saw. Maintain secure footing
and balance.

11

• Watch out for springpoles. Use extreme
caution when cutting small size limbs. SIen-

der material may catch saw chain and be
whipped toward you or pull you off balance.

• Be alert for springback. Watch out for
branches that are bent or under pressure.

Avoid being struck by the branch or the
saw when the tension in the wood fibers is
released.

• Frequently clear branches out of the way
to avoid tripping over them.

LIMBING

• Always timb a tree after itis cut down. Only
then can limbing be done safely and prop-
erly.

• Leave the larger limbs underneath the
felled tree to support the tree as you work.

• Start at base of the felled tree and work to-
ward the top, cutting branches and limbs.

Remove small limbs with one cut.

• Keep the tree between you and the chain
as much as possible.

• Remove larger, supporting branches with
the 1/3.2/3 cutting techniques described in
BUCKING WITHOUT A SUPPORT.

• Always use an overcut to cut small and
freely hanging limbs. Undercutting could

cause limbs to fall and pinch saw.

PRUNING

_WARNING: 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.

• Make your fist cut 1/3 of the way through
the bottom of the limb.

• Next make a 2nd cut all the way through
the limb. Then cut a third overcut leavh_g a
1 to 2 inch collar from the trunk of the tree.

i"'i Seoon u/J"

Third

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Lubricate bar

sprocket hote ..... After each use

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

For loose parts ...... Before each use

Inspect and Clean:

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

Complete saw ....... After each use

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

Chain brake ........ Every 5 hours*

Spark arrestor screen

and muffler ......... Every 25 hours*

Replace spark plug . Yearly
Replace fuel filter... Yearly

* Hours of Operation

AIR FILTER

CAUTION: Do not ctean filter in gasoline or
other flammable solvent to avoid creating a

fire hazard or producing harmfuI evapora-
tive emissions,

Cleaning the air filter:
A dirty air filter decreases engine perform-

ance and increases fuel consumption and
harmful emissions. Always clean after every

5 hours of operation,

• Clean the cover and the area around it to
keep dirt and sawdust from falling into the

carburetor chamber when the cover is re-
moved.

• Remove the parts as iltustrated.

• Wash the filter in soap and water.

• Replace parts.

Coil I_ _- First cut

_ Pruning technique

i_WARNING: Disconnect the spark

plug before performing maintenance except
for carburetor adjustments.

We recommend alt service and adjustments
not listed in this manual be performed by an

Authorized or Master Service Dealer.

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS
Your carburetor is equipped with limiter

caps. Carburetor adjustment is a compli-
cated task. We recommend that you take
your unit to an Authorized Service Dealer.

Damage will occur ifyou turn the needles be-
yond the limiter stops.

BAR MAINTENANCE

If your saw cuts to one side. has to be forced
through the cut, or been run with an improper
amount of bar lubrication it may be neces-

12

sary to service your bar. A worn bar will dam-
age your chain and make cutting difficult.

Replace your bar if bent or the inside rails of

the bar are worn.

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

• Remove sawdust from bar groove periodi-
cally with a wire or putty knife.

Sprocket Hole

• oc

CHAIN SHARPENING
Chain sharpening is a complicated task that

requires special tools. We recommended
you refer chain sharpening to a professional

chain sharpener.
IGNITION TIMING

Ignition timing is fixed and nonadjustable.

SPARK PLUG

Replace the spark p_ugyearly using a Cham-

pion RCJ6Y. Gap to .025".

TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE

_, WARNING: Always stop unit and disconnect spark plug before performing all of

the recommended remedies below except remedies that require operation of the unit.

TROUBLE REMEDY

Engine will not
start or will run

only a few
seconds after

starting.

Engine will • Carburetor requires
not idle . adjustment
properly. • Crankshaft seals worn. • Contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

Engine will not • Air filter dirty. • Clean or replace air filter.
accelerate, • Spark plug fouled. • Clean or replace plug
lacks power, and regap.

or dies under • Carburetor requires • Contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
a load. adjustment.

Engine • Too much oil mixed with • Empty fue_ tank and refill with
smokes . gasoline. . correct fuel mixture.

excessively.

CAUSE

• Ignition switch off.

• Engine flooded,

• Fuel tank empty.

• Spark plug not firing.

• Fuel not reaching
. carburetor.

STORAGE

'_ WARNING: stop engine and allow to
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.

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

• Clean the unit before storing. Pay particu-
lar attention to the air intake area, keeping

it free of debris. Use a mild detergent and
sponge to ctean the plastic surfaces.

• Do not store the unit or fuel in a closed area
where fuet vapors can reach sparks or an
open flame from hot water heaters, electric

motors or switches, furnaces, etc.

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

CAUTION: It is important to prevent gum
deposits from forming in essential fuel sys-
tem parts such as the carburetor, fuel filter,

fuel hose. or fuel tank during storage. Alco-
hol 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.

• Move ignition switch to ON.

• See"Difficult Starting" in
Operation Section.

• Fill tank with correct fuel mixture.

• Install new spark plug.

• Check for dirty fuel filter; replace.
Check for kinked or split fuet line;

repair or replace.

• Contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

13

Need Assistance?
Call t-800-554-6723.
Need a Service Part?
Contact your dealer.

Electrolux Home Products warrants to the
original purchaser that each new Roulan 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.
2 YEARS - Parts and Labor, when used for

Household purposes.
60 DAYS - Parts and Labor, when used for
Commercial, Professional, or Income Pro-

ducing purposes.
30 DAYS - Parts and Labor, if used for rental

purposes.
This warranty is not transferable and does

not cover damage or liability caused by im-
proper handling, improper maintenance, or

the use of accessories and/or attachments
not specifically recommended by Electro-

l ux Home Products for this chain saw. Addi-
tionally, this warranty does not cover dam-

age caused by improper handling, improper
maintenance, or if the saw is altered in any

way which in our judgement affects its condi-

tion 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
does not cover predelivery set-up, installa-

tion of guide bar and chain, and normal ad-
justments explained in the operator's manu-

al such as carburetor adjustments and chain
tension adjustments. This warranty does
not cover transportation costs.
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 EXPRESS
WARRANTIES EXCEPT THOSE EX-

PRESSLY STIPULATED HEREIN.
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITA-

TIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIEDWAR-
RANTY LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR

LIMITATIONS OF INCIDENTAL OR CON-
SEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE

ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION
MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Electrolux Home Products' policy is to
continuously improve its products. There-

fore, Electtolux Home Products reserves
the right to change, modify, or discontinue

models, designs, specifications, and acces-
sories of all products at any time without no-

tice or obligation to any purchaser.

YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OB-

LIGATIONS: The U. S. Environmental

Protection Agency/Environment Canada
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 de-
signed, built, and equipped to meet the strin-
gent 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 _awn and garden equipment engine.
Your emission control system includes parts

such as the carburetor and the ignition sys-
tem. Where a warrantable condition exits,

POULAN/WEED EATER will repair your
lawn and garden equipment engine at no
cost to you. Expenses covered under war-

ranty include diagnosis, parts and labor.
MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY COV-

ERAGE: If any emissions related part on
your engine (as listed under Emissions Con-

trol Warranty Parts List) is defective or a de-
fect in the materials or workmanship of the
engine causes the failure of such an emis-

sion related part, the part will be repaired or

replaced by POULAN/WEED EATER.
OWNER'S WARRANTY RESPONSIBILI-

TIES: As the lawn and garden equipment en-
gine owner, you are responsible for the per-

formance of the required maintenance listed
in your Owner's Manual. POULAN/WEED

EATER recommends that you retain all re-
ceipts covering maintenance on your lawn

and garden equipment engine, but POU-
LAN/WEED EATER cannot deny warranty
solely for the lack of receipts or for your fail-

ure to ensure the performance of all sched-
uled maintenance. As the lawn and garden

equipment engine owner, you should be
aware that POULAN/WEED EATER may

deny you warranty coverage if your lawn and
garden equipment engine or a part of it has

failed due to abuse, neglect, improper main-
tenance, 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 con-
tact your nearest authorized service center
or call PQULANANEED EATER at

14

1-800-554-6723. WARRANTY COM-
MENCEMENT DATE: The warranty period
begins on the date the lawn and garden

equipment engine is purchased. LENGTH
OF COVERAGE: This warranty shall be for

a period of two years from the initial date of
purchase. WHAT IS COVERED: REPAIR

OR REPLACEMENT OF PARTS. Repair or
replacement of any warranted part wilt be

performed at no charge to the owner at an
approved PQULAN/WEED EATER servic-
ing center, if you have any questions regard-

ing your warranty rights and responsibilities,
you should contact your nearest authorized
service center or call POULAN/WEED EAT-
ER at 1-800-554-6723 WARRANTY PE-

RIOD: Any warranted part which 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 sched-

uled for replacement as required mainte-
nance shall be warranted for the period of

time up to the first scheduled replacement
point for that part. DIAGNOSIS: The owner

shalt not be charged for diagnostic labor
which leads to the determination that a war-

ranted part is defective ifthe diagnostic work
is performed at an approved POULAN/

WEED EATER servicing center. CONSE-
QUENTIAL DAMAGES: POULANANEED

EATER may be liable for damages to other
engine components caused by the failure of

The information on the product label indicates which standard your engine is certified.

Example: (Year) EPA Phase 1 or Phase 2 and/or CALIFORNIA.

a warranted part still under warranty, WHAT
IS NOT COVERED: All failures caused by

abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance
are not covered, ADD-ON OR MODIFIED

PARTS: The use of add-on or modified 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, HOW
TO FILE A CLAIM: if you have any ques-

tions regarding your warranty rights and re-
sponsibilities, you should contact your near-
est authorized service center or call

POULAN/WEED EATER at

1-800-554-6723. WHERE TO GET WAR-

RANTY SERVICE: Warranty services or re-
pairs shall be provided at all POULAN/WEED
EATER service centers, call:

1-800-554-6723 MAINTENANCE, RE-

PLACEMENT AND REPAIR OF EMISSION
RELATED PARTS: Any POULAN/WEED

EATER approved replacement part used in
the performance of any warranty mainte-
nance or repair on emission related parts will

be provided without charge to the owner if
the part is under warranty. EMISSION CON-
TROL WARRANTY PARTS LIST: Carbure-

tor, Ignition System: Spark Plug (covered up
to maintenance schedule), Ignition Module.

MAINTENANCE STATEMENT: The owner
is responsible for the performance of all re-

quired maintenance as defined in the own-

er's manual

15