Craftsman 40cc Chainsaw Manual

The Craftsman 40cc Chainsaw is a powerful gas-powered tool designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a 40cc 2-stroke engine, an 18-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, tool-less chain tensioning, and a safety chain brake. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 40cc 2-stroke engine, 18-inch guide bar, Oregon low-kickback chain, automatic chain oiler, decompression valve, anti-vibration system, safety chain brake, tool-less air filter cover, and transparent fuel tank.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear proper PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toe boots, and chainsaw chaps.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly with both hands. Do not cut with tip of bar. Keep chain sharp.
4. Fuel Safety: Mix fuel outdoors. Store in approved container. Never refuel while engine is hot.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety rules can result in serious injury or death. Always engage chain brake when not cutting.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires attaching guide bar and chain, and filling fluids.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, align chain with drive sprocket and bar groove. Adjust tension.
2. Fill Bar & Chain Oil: Use quality bar & chain oil. Fill oil tank to marked level.
3. Mix Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (89 octane minimum) mixed with 2-cycle oil at 50:1 ratio (2.6 oz oil per gallon).
4. Prime & Start: Press primer bulb 5-10 times. Set choke to full. Pull starter cord until engine fires.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned (should snap back when pulled from bar). Loose chain can derail.

Specifications

• Engine: 40cc, 2-stroke, air-cooled.
• Power Output: 2.2 HP @ 9,500 RPM.
• Fuel Mix Ratio: 50:1 (Gasoline to 2-cycle oil).
• Bar Length: 18 inches.
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 0.325” / 0.063”.
• Dry Weight: 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg).
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A).
• Vibration Level: Front handle: 4.2 m/s²; Rear handle: 5.1 m/s².
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty.

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, choke lever, primer bulb, stop switch, chain brake lever.

Components: Front handle with chain brake, rear handle with throttle, air filter cover, fuel cap, oil cap, decompression valve, spark plug, muffler, guide bar, chain tensioner knob.

Operation: Squeeze throttle lockout and trigger to engage. Push chain brake lever forward to engage brake; pull toward you to disengage. Use decompression valve before cold starts.

Fuel & Oil Mixing

Use fresh unleaded gasoline (max 10% ethanol) and Craftsman 2-cycle engine oil (or equivalent JASO FD/ISO-L-EGD certified).

1. Mix in approved fuel can: Add 2.6 oz of oil to 1 gallon of gasoline.
2. Shake gently to mix.
3. Fill fuel tank to 80% capacity to allow for expansion.
4. Use bar & chain oil in separate oil tank. Do not mix with fuel.

Tip: Never use automotive motor oil or old gasoline. Stale fuel is the #1 cause of starting problems.

Operation Guide

Supports felling, limbing, bucking, and pruning.

1. Starting: Engage chain brake. Set choke to full. Press primer 5x. Pull starter cord sharply until engine fires. Move choke to half, pull again. When warm, set choke to run.
2. Basic Cutting: Use lower part of bar. Let saw do the work; don't force. Beware of pinch points.
3. Felling: Plan escape path. Use notch and back cut techniques.
4. Limbing: Work from trunk outward. Keep saw stable.
5. Bucking: Support log. Cut from top down. Use wedges for binds.
6. Shut Down: Release throttle, engage chain brake, press stop switch.

WARNING! Always cut at full throttle. Never operate with one hand. Watch for kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip).

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Clean air filter. Inspect for loose parts.

Weekly: Clean spark arrestor screen. Check fuel filter.

Monthly: Clean cooling fins. Check spark plug gap (0.025”).

Seasonally: Replace fuel filter. Clean carburetor if needed. Grease clutch bearing.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Chain Sharpening

Use round file (5/32”) and flat file with guide. Maintain 30° cutting angle, 10° top plate angle.

1. Secure bar. Mark starting tooth.
2. File from inside out, maintaining angle. Apply equal strokes per tooth.
3. File depth gauges (rakers) with flat file and gauge. Set to 0.025” below cutter.
4. Check chain for even length; shorten if needed.

Tip: Sharpen frequently. A dull chain causes excessive wear and dangerous kickback.

Storage

Long-term storage (over 30 days):

1. Drain fuel tank and run carburetor dry.
2. Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins.
4. Store in dry, cool place, covered.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank. Fuel degrades and damages carburetor components.

Troubleshooting

Reset: For electronic ignition issues, disconnect spark plug wire for 1 minute.

Service: 1-888-331-4569; www.craftsman.com