Poulan PP4218AVX Owner’s Manual

&

• 1-800-554-6723

www.poulan-pro.com

Instruction Manual

Manual de Instrucciones

Manuel d'lnstructions

PP3516AVX / PP4218AVX

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 et manual de instrucciones y siga todas Ias advertencias e en-
strucciones de seguridad. Etno hacerlo puede resultar en tesiones
graves.

AVERTISSEMENT:

Lire le manuel d'instructions et bien respecter tous tes avertisse-
ments et toutes tes instructions de s_curit& Tout defaut de le faire

pourrait entra_ner des blessures graves.
Poulan PRO Poulan PRO

t030 Stevens Creek Road 5855 TerryFox Way

Augusta, GA 30907 Mississauga, Ontario L5V 3E4

545186778 Rev. 1 4/15/08 BRW

WARNING! This chain saw
can be dangerous! Careless or

improperuse can cause serious
or even fata} injury.

Always wear appropriate
ear protection, eye protec-

tion and head protection

_:: (_ Atways use two hands when operating the chain saw.

w

Read and understand the
instruction manual before

using the chain saw.

Measured maximum kick-
back value without chain

brake for the bar and chain
combination on the label

WARNING! Contacting the guide bar tip with any ob-
ject should be avoided: tip contact may cause the guide

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

Sta. rting Reminder

J -- Move ON/STOP switch to

_ the ON posit,on.

Prime 6X

@ _ 6Sl°wlYtirqesPressprimer bulb

m

FulI Choke Pull choke/fast idle lever

('_'_ out to the full extent (to

-- tion)

the FULL CHOKE posi-

Pull5X Pullthe starter rope

_3)'-)r_t I sharply 5 times with your

m

(_)_ Push the choke/fast idle

Halt Choke CHOKE position.

(_)_ Pull the starter

Pull to Start the engine starts.

right hand

12 tever in to the HALF

with your right hand until

rope sharply

I In Ifhl

Chain Tensioning

Uft lever on bar knob and
turn counterclockwise 1 turn
to loosen bar clamp.

Turn adjusting wheel (downward
direction) to tension chain until

chain solidly contacts bottom of
guide bar rail.

While lifting tip of guide bar, tight-
en bar knob (clockwise) securely.

Hand tighten only! Return lever
on bar knob to original position.

A_ikWARNING: Always disconnect

spark p}ug wire and place wire where itcan-
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 woed-
cutting tooI, speciaI safety precautions must
be observed to reduce the risk of accidents.

Careless or if_proper use of this tool can
cause serious Enjury

PLAN AHEAD

• Read this manual carefully until you com-
pletely understand and can follow all safety

rules, precautions, and operating instruc-
tions before attempting to use the unif.

• Restrict the use of your saw to adult users
who understand and can fol}ow safety

rules, precautions, and operating instruc-
tions found in this manual

• Wear protective gear. Always use steel-toed
safety footwear _th non-slip soles; snug-f_-
ting clothing; heavy-duty, non-slip gfoves;

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 regular-

ly as chain saw noise can damage hearing.
Secure hair above shoulder length

Hearing /, Safety Hat

Protection

-_. _I_..j Eye

Snug

Fitting --....._ mi_lL Heavy Duty

Clothing_l__/,Gioves

• 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 al}ow 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, ilI, or upset, or if you have

taken alcohol, drugs, or medication. You
must be in good physical condition and men-

tally atert. Chain saw work is strenuous. If
you have any condriion that might be aggra-
vated by strenuous work. check w_th your

doctor before operating a chain saw.

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

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

=_I_lI- Protection

Safety _:!l[_!;i_Safety Chaps

Shoes._M_U /

OPERATE YOUR SAW SAFELY

• Do not operate a chain saw w_th one hand
Serious injury to the operator, helpers, by-

standers or any combination of these per-
sons may result from one-handed operation

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

• 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 atthe end of

the cut Applying pressure can cause you to

lose control when the cut is completed.

• Stop the engine before setting the saw
down.

• Do not operate a chain saw that is dam-
aged, improperly adjusted, or not com-

pIetely and securely assembled. Always
rep}ace bar, chain, hand guard, or chain
brake immediately ifit becomes damaged,
broken or is otherwise removed.

• With the engine stopped, hand carry the
chain saw with the muffier 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 tisted in the maintenance sec-

tion ofthis manual For example, ifimprop-

er tools 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 mowng
when the throttle trigger is released. For
correction, refer to CARBURETOR AD-

JUSTMENT.

• 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 PRO accessories and re-
placement parts as recommended.

HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION

• Do not smoke while handIing 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,

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, well

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

Wipe up all fuel spills before starting saw

• Move at least fOfeet (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 _eaves,

straw,paper,etc.Slowlyremovefuetcap

andrefuelunit.

• Storetheunitandfuelfaanareawherefuel
vaporscannotreachsparksoropen

flamesfromwaterheaters,electricmotors

orswitchesfurnaces,etc

KICKBACK

WARNING: Avoid kickback which

can result in serious injury Kickback is the
backward, upward orsudden 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 fag or branch, or
when the wood cfases in and pinches the

saw chain in the cut. Contacting a foreign ob-
ject in the wood can also result in fass 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 fato 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-Kickback can 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.

• Pull4n can occur when the moving chain
contacts a foreign object in the wood in the

cut along the bottom of the guide bar and the
saw chain is suddenly stopped. This sudden

stopping pulls the saw forward and away
from the operator and could easily cause the

operator to lose control of the saw

Avoid Pinch-Kickback:

• Be extremely aware of situations or ob-
structions that can cause 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 cuttfag 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

REDUCE THE CHANCE OF
KICKBACK

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

you can reduce the element of surpdse
which contributes to accidents.

• Never Ietthe moving chah 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. EIiminate 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 maintenance instructions. Check ten-
sion at regular intervals with the engine

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

ened after tensioning the chain.

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

_sgreater chance of kickback occurring.

• Cut one fag at a time

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

• Do not attempt cuts starting with the tip of

the bar (p_unge cuts).

• Watch for shifting logs or other forces that
could cIose 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 '_

underside of
handlebar

Never reverse

_ Thumb on

hand po

Elbow locked

Clear The

Working Area

Avoid Obstructions

Thumb on underside of

handlebar

• Keep a good, firm grip on the saw wkh both
hands when the engine is running and

don't }et 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 corn-

pletelyaroundtherearhandlewhether

youraredghthandedoNeffhanded.Keep
yourleftarmstraightwiththeelbow

locked

• Positionyourleft hand on the front handle-

bar so it is in a straight ltne w_th your right
hand on the rear handle when making

bucking cuts. Never reverse right and left
hand positions for any b/pe 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 the

saw.

• Do not cut above shoulder height, it is diffi-
cuSt to maintain control of saw above

shoulder height.

KICKBACK SAFETY FEATURES

,li_ WARNING: Thefollowingfeatures

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

wilt not totalty eliminate this danger. As a
chain saw user, do not rely only on safety de-

vices. You must follow alt safety precau-
tions, instructions, and maintenance in this

manuaI to help avoid kickback and other
forces which can resuIt in serious injury.

• Reduced-Kickback Guide Ba£ 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 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

ReducedKickbackSymmetricalGuideBar

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

which deftect 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 sampte of chain saws be-
low 3.8 cubic inch displacement specified
in ANSI 8175.1

Chair, to gradual!y ride

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

if your hand slips oft the front handlebar.

• Position of front and rear handlebars, de-
signed w_thdistance 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

nlo cutter

,_I_WARNING: WE DO NOT REP-

RESENT AND YOU SHOULD NOT AS-
SUME THAT THE CHAIN BRAKE WILL

PROTECT YOU IN THE EVENT OPA KICK-
BACK. Kickback is a lightning fast action

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 time
danger zone with any hard object Kickback

can also be caused by pinching the saw chain
along the top of the guide baE This action may
push the guide bar rapidly back toward the op-

erator. 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 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 magn_ude of kickback and are

recommended. Your saw has a low kickback
chain and bar as edgina_ 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 servic-

ing dealer, or to the nearest authorized master
service dealer.

• _p contact insome cases may cause a light-
ning 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 exc}usively upon
devices built into your saw.

_ILWARNING: 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 w_h CSA (Cana-

dian Standards Association) and ANSI stan-
dards. When purchasing replacement bar and

chain, considera_ons shouid be given to the
lower CKA values. Lower CKA values repre-

sent safer angles to the user, higher values in-
dicate more angle and higher kick energies.
Computed angles represented indicate total

energy and angle associated without activation

Computed kickback angle (CKA) Table

BAR

MODEL P/N Length CHA}N P/N
PP3516AVX 95204-4369 16" 952051211
PP4218AVX 95204-4689 18" 952051338

NOTE: If this saw is to be used for com-

mercial logging, a chain brake is required
and sha_l not be removed or otherwise dis-

ab}ed to compIy with Federal OSHA Regula-
tions for Commercial Logging.

_IbWARNING: The engine exhaust

from this product contains chemica}s known
to the State of California to cause cancer,

birth defects or other reproductive harm.
SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibrations
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 sweilings. 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 th_s tool and seek

med_ca_ atten_on. An anti-vibration system
does not guarantee time avoidance of these

problems. Users who operate power tools on
a continual and regular basis must monitor
closely their physical condition and the
cond_on of this tool

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 val-
ues represent a safer egeraflng environment
for timeuser

The following guide bar and chain combina-
tions meet kickback requirements of CSA

Standards Z62.1, z6g.3. & ANSI B1751 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.

CKA without chain brake

33
33

SPECIAL NOTICE: Your saw is equipped
with a temperature IimJting muffler and spark

arresting screen which meets the
requhements of California Codes 4442 and

4443 AII U.S. forest land and timestates of
California, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New
Jersey, Oregon, and Washington require by

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

you operate a chain saw in a state or locale
where such regulations exist, you are legally

responsible for mdtntaJning 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. Failure to follow all Safety Rules and

Precautions can result in serious injury, if
s_uafions occur which are not covered in this

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

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

writer's Laboratories, Inc., in accordance with:
ANSI B175.1-2000 American National

Standards for Gasoline-Powered Chain
Saws - Safety Requirements
CSA Z62.1-08 Chain Saws - Occupational

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

pationaI Heaifh and Safety

Protectivegioves(notprovided)shouldbe

wornduringassembly.
ATTACHINGTHEBAR&CHAIN(If
notalreadyattached)

_k WARNING: If received assembled,

repeat all steps to ensure your saw is properly
assembled and all fasteners are secure AI-

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

it is not moving!

1. Move ON/STOP switch to the STOP
position.

2. Loosen and remove bar knobcomplete-
Iy by lifting lever and turning counter-

clockwise.

5. Carefully remove the chain from the pack-
age. Hold chain with the drive links as

shown

DItREOTION OF ROTATION

Cutters Depth Gauge

_OOSEN

3. Remove clutch cover and plastic ship-
ping spacer (if present).

g. Slide guide bar on bar bolts until guide

bar stops against clutch drum sprocket.

Guide bar

Bar bolts

\\

6 PIace chain over and behind clutch re-

tainer, fitting the drive links in the clutch
drum sprocket

7 Pit bottom of drive links between the

teeth in the sprocket in the nose of the
guide bar.

8. Pit chain drive links into bar groove
9 Pullguide barforward untilchain is snug

in guide bar groove Ensure nil drive
links are in the bar groove.

10 Install clutch cover. Be sure adjusting

pin is in the adjusting pin hole in the

guide bar.
CAUTION: it is very important when instal-
ling the dutch cover that the adjusting p_n

aligns into the adjusting pin hole in the ban Fail-
ure to install the clutch cover correctly may re-

sult in permanent damage to your chain saw.

Adjusting

11. tnstall bar knob and finger tighten only.
Once the chain is tensioned, you wiII

need to tighten bar knob

CHAIN TENSION (Including units

with chain already installed)

Drive Links

view of

clutch

cover

B__ck

_ WARNING: Wear protective gloves

when handling chain. The chain is sharp and
can cut you even when _tis not moving.

NOTE: When adjusting chain tension,
make sure the bar knob is finger tight only
Attempting to tension the chain when the bar

knob is tight can cause damage.

Checking the tension:

Use a screwdriver to move chain around
guide bar. If the chain does not rotate, it is too

tight, if the chain is too loose, it will sag below
the bar.

Adjusting Bar Screwdriver
WheeI Knob

Adjusting the tension:

Chain tension Jsvery important. Chains stretch
dudng use. This _sespecially true during the

first few times you use your saw. Always check
chain tension each time you use and refuel
your saw.

1. Lift lever on bar knob and turn counter-
clockwise 1 turn to Ioosen bar clamp.

_OOSEN

2. Turn adjusting wheel (downward direc-
tion) to tension chain unti_ chain solidly

contacts bottom of guide bar rail. Lift tip
of guide bar whi_e adjusting tension

Tighten Loosen

chain chain

Adjusting Wheel

3. Using a screwdriver, move chain around
guide bar to ensure all Iinks are in bar

groove.

4. While Iifting tip of guide bar, tighten bar

knob securely (clockwise). Hand tight-

en only!

TIGHTEN

5. Push lever on bar knob down to return

lever to ctosed/Iocked position.

_,WARNING: Failure to push lever on

bar knob down to closed/locked position
couId result in serious personal injury or

damage to your chain saw
6 Use a screwdriver to move chain around

guide bar.

7 tf chain does not rotate, it is too tight.

Loosen bar knob 1 turn (counterclock-
wise); then, loosen chain by turning the
adjusting wheel 1/4 turn (upward direc-

tion). Retighten bar knob

8 if chain is too loose, it wiII sag below the

guide bar. DO NOT operate the saw if
the chain is loose.

WARNING: tf the saw is operated

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

_1_WARNING: Muffler is very hot dur-

ing and after use. Do not touch the muffler or
allow combustible material such as dry
grass or fuel to do so

KNOWYOURCHAINSAW
READTHiSINSTRUCT}ONMANUALANDSAFETYRULESBEFOREOPERATINGYOUR

CHAINSAWComparetheilluefrationswithyour unit to familiarize yourself with the location of

the various contrefs and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

Front Hand Guard

Chain Muffler

Bar Bar Oit Fi]I Cap
Sprocket

Hole Starter Housing

Front Handle

Starter Rope

Fuel Mix Fill Cap

ON/STOP
Switch Choke/

Fast Idle
Lever

Primer Bulb

Cylinder Cover Chain

_- Brake

Throttle ) Direction

Lockout

Rear of Travet
Handle _

Guide Bar

Throttle Clutch Adjusting Bar
Trigger Cover Wheel Knob

Chain
Catcher

Chain

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

engine
THRO'FrLE TRIGGER

The THROTTLE TRIGGER controls engine
speed.

THROI-rLE LOCK-OUT
The THRO]q-LE LOCK-OUT must be

pressed before you can squeeze the throttle
trigger This feature prevents you from accF
dentatly squeezing the trigger.
CHOKE/EAST IDLE LEVER

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

tent for cefd starting or after refaeIing. The
choke provides additional fuel to the engine
dunng cold starting.

PRIMER BULB

The PRIMER BULB circuIates fuef to the car-
buretor to provide quicker starting.

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 kick-
back. The chain brake activates manually ffthe

front hand guard is pushed forward. The chain
brake is disengaged by pulIing the front hand

guard back toward the front handle as far as
possible.

CHAIN TENSION
It }s normal for a new chain to stretch during the

first 15 minutes of operation. You should check
your chain tension frequently. See CHAIN

TENSION under the ASSEMBLY section.

_& WARNING: Muffler is very hot dur-

ing and after use. Do not touch the muffler or
allow combustib}e matedal such as dry

grass or fuel to do so

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

_ll, WARNING: Besuretoreadthefuet
handling information in the safety ru_essec-

tion ofthis manual beforeyou begin. Ifyou do
not understand the fuel handling information

do not attempt to fuel your unit. Seek help
from someone that does understand the in-

formation or calI the customer assistance
he}p Iine at f-800-554-6723

FUELING ENGINE

_lJ WARNING: Remove fuel cap slow-
ly when refue}ing.

This engine is certified to operate on un-
leaded 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 _s recom-

mended. A 40:1 ratio is obtained by mixing

3.2 ounces (95 mb of oil with 1 gallon (4Irters)
of unleaded gasoline included with this saw

is a 3.2 ounce (95 ml) container of Poulan/
WEED EATER brand synthetic oil Pour the

entire contents of this container into f gallon (4
liters) of gasoline to achieve the proper fuel

m_xture.

DO NOT USE automotive or manne oil.

These oils will cause engine damage. When
mixing fuel follow the instructions printed on
the container. Always read and fo}low 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 wJII quickly ruin the bar and
chain. Too little oil will cause overheating

sbewn by smoke coming from the chain and/
or discolorapen of the bar.

In freezing weather oil will thicken, making it

necessary to thin bar and chain oiI with a
smafl 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 oiI
for adequate lubdcation.

Genuine Poutan or Poulan PRO bar and
chain oil is recommended to protect your unit
against excessive wear from heat and fric-

tion. Poulan or Poulan PRO oil resiets high
temperature thinning.

If Poulan or Poulan PRO bar and chain oilis

not availabIe, 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

Expebence indicates that aIcobel-blended

fuels (ca_led gasobel or using ethanol or meth-

ano/) can attract moisture which leads to sepa-
rabon and formation of acids dudng storage

Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage. To avoid engine prob-
lems the fuel system should be emptied before

storage for 30 days or longer. Drain the gas
tank, start the engine and let it run untiI the fuel

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

tional informabon.
CHAIN BRAKE

Ensure chain brake is disengaged by pulling
the front hand guard back toward the front ben-
die as far as possible. The chain brake must be

disengaged before cutting with the saw.

_,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 bums.
To stop the engine move the ON/STOP
switch to the STOP position.
To start the engine beld the saw firmty on the

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

Use only 15" - 18" (40 - 45 cm) of
rope per pull

Hold saw firmty while pulling starter rope.

Starter Rope Handle

Left Hand
on Front
Handle

Right Foot Through Rear Handle

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

When puIling 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. For cold weather starting, start the unit

at FULL CHOKE; allow the engine to warm up
before squeezing the throttle trigger.

NOTE: Do not attempt to cut material with
the choke/fast idle lever in 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 Iever is pulled out to the futl
extent, the correct throttle setting for starting

is set automatically.

10

IGNITION

SWITCH

ON

Lever

1. Move ON/STOP switch to the ON posP
tion.

2. SIowIy press primer bulb 8 times

3. Pul} choke/fast idle ]ever out to the full
extent (to the FULL CHOKE position)

g. Pul}the starter rope sharply 5 times with

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

NOTE: If the engine sounds as if it is trying

to start before the 5th poll, stop polling and
immediately proceed to the next step

5. Push the choke/fast idle lever in to the
HALF CHOKE position.

CHOKE/FAST IDLE LEVER

OFF

_I_FF H/sALF FULL

Starting could require pulling the starter rope
handle many times depending on how badly

the unit is flooded. Ifengine fails to start, refer
to the TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or call

1-800-554-6723.

CHAIN BRAKE

_I, WARNING: If the brake bend 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 ifany part is worn to less
than OO2O" (05 mm) thick. Repairs on e

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

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

master service dea}er.

• 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 manuaIly (by hand) or

automatically (by sudden movement).

• If the brake is already activated, rt 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

8. Pull the starter rope sharply with your

right hand until the engine starts

7. Allow the engine to run for approximate-
Iy 30 seconds. Then, squeeze and re-

Iease the throttle trigger to allow engine

to return to idle speed

STARTING A WARM ENGINE

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

2. SlowIy press primer bulb 6 times.

3. To set the fast idle, pull the choke/fast
idle Iever out to the fuII extent (to the full

choke position); then push the lever
back in to the HALF CHOKE position.

g. Pu]I the starter rope sharpIy with your

right hand unti_ 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 flooded with too much
fuel if it has not started after t0 pulls.

FIooded engines can be cleared of excess

fuel by pushing the choke/fast idle lever in
completely (to the OFF CHOKE position)

and then fotlowing the warm engine starting
procedure listed above. Ensure the ON/

STOP switch is in the ON position

Braking function control
CAUTION: The chain brake must be

checked severa} times daily. The engine
must be running when performing this proce-
dure. This is the only instance when the saw

should be pieced on the ground with the en-
gine running.

Piece the saw on firm ground. Grip the rear
handIe with your right hand and the front hen-
die with your _efthand. Apply full throttle by

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

against the hand guard without releasing
your grip around the front handle 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 handle w_th your right hand end
the front handle with your ]eft hand. Hold the
chain sew approximately tg" (35 cm) abovea

stump or other wooden surface. Release your
grip on the front handle and use the weight of

the sew to let the tip of the guide bar fall forward
and contact the stump When the tip of the bar

hits the stump, the brake should activate.

11

OPERATING TIPS

• Check chain tension before first use and

after 1 minute of operation. See CHAIN
TENSION in the ASSEMBLY section.

• Cut wood onIy. Do not cut metal, plastics,

masonry, non-wood poilding materials, etc.

• Stop the saw if the chain strikes a foreign

object, inspect the saw and repair or re-
place parts as necessary.

• Keep the chain out of dirt and send Even a

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

• Practice cutting a few small logs using the

folJowing techniques to get the "feel" of us-
ing your saw before you begin a major

saw_ng operation.

• Squeeze the thro_e trigger and allow the
engine to reach fuII speed before cutting.

• Begin cutting with the saw frame
against the log.

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

• Allow the chain to cut for you. Exert only
light downward pressure. If you force
the cut, damage to the bar, chain, or en-

gine can result.

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

gine to idIe If you run the saw at full
throttle without a cutting Ioad, 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 Iosing control when 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

,It_WARNING: Check for broken or

dead branches which can fall while cutting
causing serious _njury. Do not cut near build-

ings or electrical wires if you do not know the
direction of tree fall, nor cut at night since you

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

etc. Ifthetreemakes contact with any utility
line, the utility company shouId be notified

immediately.

•CarefuIiy plan your sawing operation in ad-
vance.

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

• The chain saw operator should keep on
the uphill side of the terrain as the tree is

likely to rol_or slide downhill after it is felled.

• Study the natural conditions that can cause
the tree to fali in a particular direction.

Natural conditions that can cause a tree to
falI 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

sIoping terrain. Use a plumb or level to de-
termine the direction of tree lean.

• Weight and branches on one side

• Surrounding trees and obstacles.

Look for decay and rot. If the trunk is rotted,
it can snap and fall toward the operator

Check for broken or dead branches which
can fail on you while cutting.

Make sure there is enough room for timetree to
fall Maintain a distance of 2 1/2 tree lengths

from the nearest person or other objects. En-
gine noise can drown out a warning call
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, sta-
ples, and wire from the tree where cuts are to

be made.
P_an a clear retreat path to the rear and diag-

onal to the line of fail.

_1_,_. Plan a clear retreat path

%

_,._- - O--""'_- Direction of Fall

45

FELLING LARGE TREES
(6 inches (t5 cm) 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 de-

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

will tend to fail into the notch
NOTE: If the tree has large buttress roots,

remove them before making the notch, tf 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
nctch first. Cut through 1/3 of the diameter
of the tree. Next complete the notch by c ut-

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

nctch of wood from the tree

Final (failing) cut here, 2 inches
(5 cm) above center of notch.

Notch _ . =

First cut _1 -__f

• After removing the wood from the notch,
make the felling cut on the opposite side of

the notch. This is done by making a cut about

two inches (5 cm) 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 falting in the wrong direction

12

i' ...J_