2900 - Chain saw POULAN - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL 2900 POULAN

SAFETY RULES A WARNING: Aways 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 adjusiments. Because a chain saw is a high-speed wood- cutting tool, special safety precautions must be observed to reduce the risk of accidents. Careless or improper use of this tool can cause serious injury. PLAN AHEAD + Read this manual carefully until you com- pletely understand and can follow all 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 Eye issn Protection Snug Fitting Heavy Duty Clothing Gloves Safety Safety Chaps Shoes NET + 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 barri- ers (ear plugs or mufflers) to protect your hearing. Regular users should have hear- ing checked regularly as chain saw noise can damage hearing. Secure hair above shoulder length. + 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 à 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 mental aler. Chain saw work is strenuous._{f you have any condition that might be aggravated by strenuous work, check with your doctor before operating à chain saw.

• Garefull plan vour sawing operation in ad- 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

+ Donot 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. À chain saw is intended for two-handed use. Operate the chain saw only in a well-venti- lated 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 at the end of the cut. Applying pressure can cause you to lose control when the cut is com- leted. top 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 fit becomes damaged, broken or is otherwise removed. With the engine stopped, hand carry the chain saw with the mufler 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 ofthe items listed in the maintenance sec- tion of this manual. For example, ifimprop- er tools are used to remove or hold the flÿ- 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 ven the throle tiger 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 replace- ment 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 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, well ventilated place; and use an approved, marked container for all fuel purposes. Wipe up all fuel spills 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. Slowly 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, fumaces, etc. KICKBACK À 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 ofihe guide 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. Contacting 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 ïhe 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 inthe opposite direction ofthe 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 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 inch 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.

CLR Kickback Path Avoid Obstructions Clear The Working Area

REDUCE THE CHANCE OF

KICKBACK Recognize that kickback can happen. With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce the element of surprise which contributes to accidents. Never let the moving chain contact any ob- Ject attne lip of ne guide bar. <eep 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. À 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 chain brake nuts are se- curely tightened after tensioning the chain. Begin and continue cutting at full speed. If the chain is moving at à slower speed, there is greater chance of kickback occur- ring. Gu 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 underside of handlebar Never reverse hand positions

Elbow locked Thumb on underside of handiebar 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 handiebar. 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 makin bucking cuts. Never reverse right and le: 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 the saw. Do not cut above shoulder height. It is diffi- cult to maintain control of saw above shoulder height.

KICKBACK SAFETY FEATURES

À WARNING: The following features 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 rely only on safety de- vices. You must follow all safety precau- tions, 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 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. aancge Kthaok Srmaont Gus Par

Symmetrical Guide Bar Large Radius Tip Low-Kickback Chain, designed with a contoured depth gauge, and quard 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 Elongated Guard Link Dellects Kickback Force LowKickback And Alows Wood Chain To Gradually Ride Into Cutter Tan Obstruct Material Not a Low--Kickback Chain Front Hand Guard, designed to reduce the chance of your left hand contacting the chain if your hand slips offthe front handle- bar. Position of front and rear handlebars, de- signed with distance between handles and “inine” 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.

À 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 1 in the danger zone wilh any hard object ickback can also be caused b} pinching the saw chain along the top ofthe guide bar. This action may push the quide bar rapidi) back toward the operator. Éither 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. 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. A 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, nigner 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 io 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. + Tip contact in some cases may cause a lightning fast reverse REACTION, kicking the guide bar up and back toward the oper- ator. Pinching the saw chain along the top ofthe guide bar may push the guide bar rapidiy 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 the safety devices built into your Saw. NOTE: If this saw is to be used for commer- cial logging, a chain brake is required and shall not be removed or otherwise disabled to comply with Federal OSHA Regulations for Commercial Logging: Contact Your Au- thorized Service Dealer or call 1-800-554-6723. 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 swellings. Prolonged use in cold weather has been linked to blood vessel damage in otherwise healthy people. If symptoms occur such as numbness, pain, loss of strength, change in skin color or texture, or loss of feeling in the fingers, hands, or joints, discontinue the use of this tool and seek medical attention. An anti-vibration system does not guarantee the avoidance of these problems. Users who operate power tools on a continual and regular basis must monitor closely their physical condition and ihe condition of his tool. SPECIAL NOTICE: Your saw is equipped with a temperature limiting muffler and spark arresting screen which meets the requirements of California Codes 4442 and 4443. AI 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 1 you operâte a chain Sawin a state o 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. STANDARDS: Underwriter's accordance with This saw is listed by Laboratories, Inc. in American National Standards for Gasoline-Powered Chain Saws Safety (ANSI B175.1-1991 ). Failure to follow all 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 or call 1-800-554-6723. ASSEMBLY Protective gloves (not provided) should be worn during assembly. ATTACHING THE BAR & CHAIN (If not already attached) À WARNING: if received assembled, repeat all steps to ensure your saw is prop- erly 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! + Loosen and remove the chain brake nuts and the chain brake from the saw. + Remove the plastic shipping spacer (if present). Requirements Location of shipping spacer Chain Brake Nuts Bar Tool + 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 ahole 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).

Inside view of Chain Brake Adjustment located on Chain Brake + Tum the adjusting screw counterclock- wise to move the adjusting pin almost as far as it will go tothe 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 itis easy to place the chain on the saw in the wrong direction. Use the illustration of the chain to determine the proper direc- tion. + 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 {he quide bar ull the bar forward until the chain is snug in the groove of the bar. + Hold guide bar against the saw frame and install the chain brake. Make sure the ad- justing pin is aligned with the hole in the ar. Remember this pin moves the bar for- ward and backward as the screw is turned. + Replace the chain brake nuts and tighten finger tight. Once the chain is tensioned you will need to tighten chain brake nuts.

Mount the bar Proper chain direction CHAIN TENSION (including units with chain already installed) NOTE: When adjusting chain tension, make sure the chain brake nuts are finger tight only. Atiermpling to tension the chain when the chain brake 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. Iftoo loose, the chain will sag below the bar.

Chain Brake Nuts Chain Adjustment Tool (Bar Tool) Adjusting the tension: Chain tension is very important. Chain stretches during use. This is especially true during the first few times you use your saw. Always check chain tension each time you use and refuel your saw. You can adjust the chain tension by loosen- ing the chain brake nuts and tuning the ad- justing screw 1/4 of a turn while lifting up on the bar. + If chain is too tight, tum adjusting screw 1/4 turn counterclockwise. + If chain is too loose, turn adjusting screw 1/4 turn clockwise. Chain Brake Nuts Adjusting screw Adjusting Screw - 1/4 Turn

+ Lift up the tip of the bar and tighten the chain brake nuts with the bar tool. + Recheck chain tension. Chain Brake Nuts 4 À WARNING: 1f the saw is operated with a loose chain, the chain could jump off the guide bar and result in serious injury.

READ THIS OPERATOR'S 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 (Bar Tool) Front Hand Guard Muñfler Bar Oil Fill Cap Starter Housing Throttie I Trigger Choke/Fast Chain Brake Idle Lever

The ON/STOP SWITCH is used to stop the engine. THROTTLE TRIGGER The THROTTLE TRIGGER controls engine speed. THROTTLE LOCK-OUT The THROTTLE LOCK-OUT must be pressed before you can squeeze the throttle trigger. This feature prevents you from acci- dentally squeezing the trigger.

CHOKE/FAST IDLE LEVER

The choke and fast idle speed are set by pull- ing the CHOKE/FAST IDLE LEVER out fully for cold or for refueled starting. The choke provides additional fuel to the engine during cold starting. Front Handle Starter Rope ON/STOP Fuel Mix Fill Cap Direction of Chain Travel Guide Bar Chain Brake Nuts PRIMER BULB The PRIMER BULB circulates fuel to the carburetor 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 kickback. The chain brake activates manu- ally ifthe front hand guard is pushed forward. The chain brake is disengaged by pulling the front hand guard back toward the front han- die as far a possible. CHAIN TENSION Itis normal for anew chain to stretch during first 30 minutes of operation. You should check your chain tension frequentiy. See CHAIN TENSION under the SERVICE AND AD- JUSTMENTS section.

FUELING & LUBRICATIO FUELING ENGINE This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline. Before operation, gasoline must be mixed with a good quality Zcycle air-cooled engine oi. We recommend Poulan\Weed Eater® brand oil If you do not use this oil, use a good quality 2-cycle air-cooled oil designed to be mixed at a ratio of 40:1 (A 40:1 ratio is obtained by mixing 3.2 ounces 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 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 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 adéquate 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. If Poulan® bar and chain oil is not available, use a good grade SAË 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 the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburelor_are emply. Use fresh fuel next season. See STORAGE section for addi- tional information. STARTING A WARNING: The chain must not move when the engine runs at idle speed. If the chain moves af idle speed refer to CAR- BURETOR ADJUSTMENT within this manual. Avoid contact with the muffler. À hot muffler can cause serious burns. To.stop the engine move the ONSTOP switch to the STÔP position To start the engine hold the saw firmiy 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 firmiy while pulling starter rope Starter rope handle

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 letthe rope rewind slowiy. 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. Move ON/STOP switch to the ON position. Pull out choke/fast idle to the full exteni. Pull the starter rope quickly with your right hand a maximum of 10 times. Push the choke/fast idle lever in complete- ly (to the OFF CHOKE position). Pull the starter rope quickly with your right hand until the engine staris. Allow the engine to run for approximately 5 seconds. Then, squeeze and release throtile trigger to allow engine to return to idle speed.

STARTING A WARM ENGINE: Move ON/STOP switch to the ON position Pull the choke/fast idie lever out to the full extent, then push the lever back in com- pletely (to the OFF position) Pull the starter rope quickly with your right hand until the engine starts. + Squeeze and release throtile trigger, al- lowing engine to ide. 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 folowing 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 falls to start, refer to the TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or call 1-800-554-6723. CHAIN BRAKE

A 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 ofthe guide bar. This action may push the quide bar rapidly back toward the operator. Either of these events may cause you to lose control of the saw which could result in serious ru 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. If the brake band is worn too thin it may break when the chain brake is trigggred With a broken brake band, the chain brake will not stop the chain. The chain brake should be replaced by an authorized service dealer if anÿ part is Worn to less than 1/32” thick. Repairs on a chain brake should be made by an authorized ser- vice dealer. Take your unit to the place of pur- chase if purchased from a servicing 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). + lf 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 LUN 2 ) 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- dies 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 À WARNING: wnen performing the following. procedure, the engine must be turned off. Hold In chain saw approximately 14 (65 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. CUTTING METHODS 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 or re- place parts as necessary. Keep the chain out of dirt and sand. Even a small amount of dirt will quickly duli a chain and thus increase the possibility of kick- back. Practice cutting a few small logs using the following techniques to get the “feel” of us- ing your saw before you begin à 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 lo + 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." If you

force the cut, damage to the bar, chain, or engine can result. + 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 cutting load, unnec- essary wear can occur to the chain, bar, and engine. + 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 after cutting.

TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES

A WARNING: 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, nor eut at night since you will not be ale to see well, nor during bad weather such as rain, snow, or strong Winds, etc. Ifthe tree makes contact with any utility. line, the utility company should be notified immediately . Care{ully plan your sawing operation in ad- Vanee. Clear the work area. You need a clear area 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 roll or slide downhill after it is felled Study the natural conditions that can cause the tree to fall in a particular direc- tion. 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 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 fall on you while cutting. Make sure there is enough room for the tree to fall. Maintain a distance of 2-1/2 tree lengths from the nearest person or other ob- jecis. Engine noise can droun out a warning

Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, sta- ples, and wire from the tree where cuis 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

(6 inches in diameter or larger) The notch method is used to fell large trees. Anotch is cut on the side ofthe tree in the de- 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 using saw to remove buttress roots, keep saw chain from contacting ground to pre- vent dulling of the chain.

NOTCH CUT AND FELLING THE

TRÉE + Make notch cut by cutting the top of the notch first. Cut through 1/3 of the diameter ofthe tree. Next complete the notch by cut- ting the bottom of the notch. See illus- traïed. Once the notch is cut remove the notch of wood from the tree. Final (felling) cut here. 2 inches above center of notch First cut 2 + After removing the cutout of wood, make the felling cut on the opposite side of the notch. This is done by making a cut about two inches 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.

Hinge holds tree on stump and helps control fall Opening of felling Closing of notch NOTE: Before felling cut is complete, use wedges to open the cut when necessary to control the direction offall. 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 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. Do not cut down a partially fallen tree with your saw.

CUTTING A FALLEN TREE

(BUCKING) Bucking is the term used for cutting a fallen tree to the desired log size. À 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 be flung 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. Do not cut in an area where logs, limbs, and roots are tangled such as in a blown down area. Drag the logs into a clear area before cutiing by pulling out exposed and cleared logs first.

TYPES OF CUTTING USED FOR

BUCKING À WARNING: 1 saw becomes pinched or hung in a log, don't try to force it out. You can lose control of the saw resulting in injury and/or damage to the saw. Stop the saw, drive a wedge of plastic or wood into the cu until the saw can be removed easily. Restart the saw and carefully reenter the cut. To avoid kickback and chain damage, do not

use a metal wedge. Do not attempt to restart your saw when itis pinched or hung in a log. Use a wedge to remove pinched saw Turn saw OFF and use a plastic or wooden wedge to force cut open. Overcutting begins on the top side ofthe log with the bottom of the saw against the log. When overcutting use light downward pres- sure. Overcutting Undercutting Undercutting involves cutting on the under- side of the log with top of saw against the log. When undercutting use light upward pres- sure. Hold saw firmiy and maintain control. The saw will tend to push back toward you. À WARNING: Never tum 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 cut on compression side of log

Second cut Second cut First cut on compression side of log

SUPPORT + Overcut through 1/3 of the diameter of the

og. + Roll the log over and finish with a second overcut. + Watch for logs with a compression side to prevent {he sau/from pinching. See ilustra- fion for cutting logs with a compression side.

BUCKING USING A LOG OR

SUPPORT STAND + Remember your first cut is always on the compression side of the log. {Refer to the illustration below for your first and second cut) + Your first cut Should extend 1/3 of the diameter of the log. + Finish with your second cut.

Using a log for support 24 Cut 204 Cut TS Using a support stand 2nd Cut

À WARNING: 8e alert for and guard against kickback. ‘Do not allow the moving chain to contact any other branches or objects at the nose of the guide bar when limbing or pruning. Allowing Such contact can result in Serious injury. À WARNING: Never cimb into atree to limb or prune. Do not stand on ladders, plat- forms, a log, or in any position which can cause you io lose your balance or control of the saw. IMPORTANT POINTS + Work slowly, keeping both hands firmly gripped on fhe saw. Maintain secure foot- ing and balance. + Watch out for springpoles. Springpoles are small size limbs which can catch the saw chain and whip toward you or pull you off balance. Use extreme caution when cutting small size limbs. 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. Keep a clear work area. Frequently clear branches out of the way to avoid tripping over them LIMBING Always limb atree after itis cut down. Only then can limbing be done safely and prop- erly. Lenve the larger limbs undemeath the felled tree to support the tree as you work. Start at the base of the felled tree and work toward the top, cutting branches and limbs. Remove small limbs with one cut. Keep the tree between you and the chain. Cut from the side of the tree opposite the branch you are cutting. Remove larger, supporting branches with the cutting techniques described in BUCK- ING WITHOUT À SUPPORT. Always use an overcut to cut small and freelÿ hanging limbs. Undercutting could cause limbs to fall and pinch the saw. PRUNING À 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 first cut 1/8 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 leaving a 1 to 2 inch collar from the truck of the tree. jiri # y Second cut Third cut

Collar “#— First cut | { Pruning technique SERVICE À WARNING: Disconnect the spark piug belore perfonming maintenance except or carburetor adjustments. We recommend all service and adjustments not listed in this manual be performed by an authorized or Master Service Dealer.

• Hours of Operation AIR FILTER CAUTION: Do not clean filter in gasoline or other flammable solvent to avoid creating a fire hazard or producing harmful 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 illustrated below. + Wash the filter in soap and water. Cylinder

INSPECT MUFFLER AND SPARK

ARRESTING SCREEN As the unit is used, carbon deposits build up on the muffler and spark arresting screen, and must be removed to avoid creating a fire hazard or affecting engine performance. Replace the spark arresting screen if breaks occur. Muffler Diffuser Spark Arresting Screen Muffler Cover Screws

CLEANING THE SPARK ARREST-

ING SCREEN Cleaning is required every 25 hours of op- eration or annually, whichever comes first. + Loosen and remove the 2 muffler cover screws. Remove the muffler cover (cover snaps off muffler body). Remove muffler diffuser and spark arrest- ing screen assembly. Notice the orienta- tion of these parts for reassembling. Clean the spark arresting screen with a wire brush. Replace screen if breaks are found. Replace any broken or cracked muffler parts. Reinstall diffuser and spark arresting screen gssembl/ wih round hole faging up. Reinstall muffler cover and 2 screws (7-8 ftlbs). 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. 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- sary to service your bar. À worn bar will dam- age your chain and make cutting difficult. After each use, ensure ON/STOP switch is in the STOP position, then clean all sawdust from the guide bar and sprocket hole. To maintain guide bar: + Move ON/STOP switch to the STOP posi- tion. + Loosen and remove chain brake nuts and chain brake. Remove bar and chain from saw. + Clean the oil holes and bar groove after each 5 hours of operation. Remove Sawdust From Guide Bar Groove Sprocket Hole —%_ Oil Holes

Add lubricant to sprocket hole after each use. Burring of guide bar rails is a normal process of rail wear. Remove these burrs with a flat file.

+ When rail top is uneven, use a flat file to re- store square edges and sides. <- File Rail Edges-» and Sides Square Worn Groove Correct Groove Replace guide bar when the groove is worn, the guide bar is bent or cracked, or when excess heating or burring of the rails occurs. If replacement is necessary, use only the guide bar specified for your Saw in the repair parts list or on the decal located on the chain saw. 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 The spark plug should be replaced each year to ensure Îhe engine staris easier and runs better. + Loosen 3 screws on cylinder cover. Remove the cylinder cover. Pull off the spark plug boot. Remove spark plug from cylinder and dis- card. + Replace with Champion RCJ-7Y spark plug and tighten with a 3/4 inch socket wrench (10-12 ftIbs). Spark plug gap should be 0.025 inches. Reinstall the spark plug boot. Reinstall the cylinder cover and 3 screws (15-20 in/lbs) Cylinder Spark Cover Plug —_4 Spark Plug Boot

STORAGE À WARNING: Stop engine and allowto 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 all 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, keepin it free of debris. Use a mild detergent an sponge to clean the plastic surfaces. Do not store the unit or fuel in a closed area where fuel vapors can reach sparks or an open flame from hot water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc. Store in a dry area out of the reach of chil- dren. CAUTION: itis important to prevent gum de- posits from forming in essential fuel system arts such as the carburetor, fuel filter, fuel jose, or fuel tank during storage. Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to fuel mixture separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage he engine NEED ASSISTANCE NEED ASSISTANCE? Call 1-800-554-6723. NEED SERVICE PART? Contact your dealer or place of purchase.

TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE À 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 CAUSE REMEDY

Engine will not | + Ignition switch off. + Move ignition switch to ON. start or will run | + Engine flooded. + See “Difficuit Starting” in only a few Operation Section. seconds after | + Fuel tank empty. +_ Fill tank with correct fuel mixture. starting. + Spark plug not firing. +_ Install new spark plug. + Fuel not reaching + Check for dirty fuel filter; replace. . carburetor. Check for kinked or split fuel line; repair or replace. Engine will + Carburetor requires + Contact an Authorized Service Dealer. not idle . adjustment properly. - Crankshaft seals worn. | + Contact an Authorized Service Dealer. Engine will not | + Air filer dirty. + Clean or replace air filer. 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 fuel tank and refill with smokes . gasoline. . correct fuel mixture. excessively. LIMITED WARRA ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, Divi- sion WCI Outdoor Products, Inc., war- rants to the original purchaser that each new Poulan or Poulan Pro brand gasoline chain saw is free from defects in material and workmanship and agrees to repair or replace under this warranty any defective gasoline chain saw as follows from the original date of purchase. 1 YEAR - Parts and Labor, when used for Household purposes. 60 DAYS - Parts and Labor, when used for Commercial, Professional, or Income Produc- ing purposes. AYS - Parts and Labor, if used for rental purposes. his warranty is not transferable and does not cover damage or liability caused by improper handling, improper maintenance, of the use of accessories and/or attachments not specifical- Wy recommended by ELECTROLUX HOME 'RODUCTS for this chain saw. Additionally, this warranty does not cover damage caused by improper handling, improper maintenance, or ifthe saw is altered in any way which in our judgement affects its condition or operation. his 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 rea- sonable use during the warranty period. This warranty does not cover predelivery set-Up, in- stallation of guide bar and chain, and normal adjustments explained in the operators 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

LIMITATIONS OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSE-

QUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE

LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT. APPLY TO YOU. ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS policy is to continuousiy improve its products. There- fore, ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS re- serves the right to change, modify, or discontin- ue models, designs, specifications, and accessories of all products at any time without notice or obligation to any purchaser.

LIGATIONS: The U. S. Environmental Brotection Agency and Poulan Weed Eater, Division of WCT 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_slandards. Poulan/n/ecd ater must warrant the emission control sys- tem on your lawn and garden equipment en- gine for the periods of ime listed below pro- Vided there has been no abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance of your lawn and gar- den equipment engine. Your emission con- trol system includes parts such as the carbu-

retor and the ignition system. Where a warrantable condition exits, Poulan/Weed Eater will repair your lawn and garden equip- ment engine at no cost to you. Expenses covered under warranty include diagnosis, arts and_labor. MANUFACTURER’S JARRANTY COVERAGE: If any emis- sions related part on your engine (as listed under Emissions Control Warranty Parts List) is defective or a defect in the materials or workmanship_of the engine causes the failure of such an emission related part, the part will be repaired or replaced by Poulan/ Weed Eater. OWNER'S WARRANTY RE- SPONSIBILITIES: As the lawn and garden equipment engine owner, you are responsi- ble for the performance of the required main- tenance listed in your Owner's Manual. Pou- lan Weed Eater recommends that you retain all receipts 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 failure to ensure the performance of all scheduled maintenance. As the lawn and garden equipment engine owner, you should be aware that Poulan/Weed Eater may deny you warranty coverage if your lawn and gar- den equipment engine or a part of it has failed due to abuse, neglect, improper mainte- nance, unapproved modifications, orthe use of parts not made or approved by the original equipment manufacturer. You are responsi- ble for presenting your lawn and garden equipment engine to a Poulan/Weed Eater authorized repair center as soon as a prob- lem exists. Warranty repairs should be com- pleted in a reasonable amount of time, not to exceed 30 days. If you have any questions regarding your warranty rights and responsi- biliies, you should contact your nearest au- thorized service center or call Poulan/Weed Eater at 1-800-554-6723. WARRANTY COMMENCEMENT DATE: The warranty period begins on the date the lawn and gar- den equipment engine _ is purchased. LENGTH OF COVERAGE: This warranty shall be for a period of two years from the ini- tial date of purchase. WHAT IS COVERED: REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF PARTS. Repair or replacement of any warranted part will be performed at no charge to the owner at an approved Poulan/Weed Eater servic- ing center. If you have any questions regard-

ing your warranty rights and responsibilties, you should contact Vour nearest authorized Service center or call Poulan/Weed Eater at 1-800-554-6723 WARRANTY PERIOD: Any warranted part which is not scheduled for replacement as required maintenance, or which is scheduled only for regular inspec- tion to the effect of “repair or replace as nec- essary” shall be warranted for 2 years. Any warranted part which is scheduled for re- placement as required maintenance shall be Wwarranted for the period of time up to the first scheduled replacement point for that part. DIAGNOSIS: The owner shall not be charged for diagnostic labor which leads to the determination that a warranted part is de- fective if the diagnostic work is performed at an approved PoulanWeed Eater servicing center. CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES: PoulanWeed Eater may be liable for dam- ages to other engine components caused by the failure of a warranted part still under war- ranty. WHAT IS NOT COVERED: Al failures caused by abuse, neglect, or improper main- tenance are not covered. ADD-ON OR MO- DIFIED PARTS: The use of add-on or modi- fied parts can be grounds for disallowing a warranty claim. Poulan/Weed Eater is not li- able 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 questions regarding our warranty rights and responsibilities, you should con- tact your nearest authorized service center or call PoulanWeed Eater at 1-800-554-6723. WHERE TO GET WAR- RANTY SERVICE: Warranty services or re- pairs shall be provided at all Poulan/Weed Eat- er service centers. call 1-800-554-6723

MAINTENANCE, REPLACEMENT AND RE-

PAIR OF EMISSION RELATED PARTS: Any. Poulan\Weed Eater approved replacement part used inthe performance of any warranty maintenance or repair on emission related parts will be provided without charge to the owner if the part is under warranty. EMIS-

SION CONTROL WARRANTY PARTS

LIST: Carburetor, lgnition System: Spark Plug (covered up to maintenance schedule), Igniion Module. MAINTENANCE STATE- MENT: The owner is responsible for the per- formance of all required maintenance as de- fined in the owner's manual.