Craftsman Battery Chainsaw Manual

The Craftsman Battery Chainsaw is a cordless, battery-powered chainsaw designed for light to medium-duty cutting tasks. It features a brushless motor for increased efficiency and runtime, tool-free chain tensioning, an automatic oiler, a safety chain brake, and is compatible with the Craftsman V20 battery platform. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Brushless motor, Guide bar and chain, Automatic oiler, Chain tensioning knob, Safety chain brake, Battery compartment, Oil tank fill cap.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, non-slip footwear, and close-fitting clothing.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders, children, and pets at least 15 feet away. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Do not let this part contact any object.
4. Before Starting: Check chain tension and sharpness. Ensure battery is fully charged and securely installed.
5. During Use: Hold saw firmly with both hands. Do not overreach. Do not operate above shoulder height.

WARNING! Kickback can cause serious injury or death. Always use proper grip and stance. Never operate with one hand.

Assembly & Initial Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires attaching the guide bar and chain, and filling the oil reservoir.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place the chain over the guide bar, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Align bar with mounting studs and secure with side cover. Adjust tension using the knob.
2. Fill Oil Reservoir: Use only high-quality bar and chain oil. Fill through the cap until full. Do not overfill.
3. Install Battery: Insert a charged V20 battery into the battery compartment until it clicks.
4. Final Check: Pull the chain around the bar by hand to ensure it moves freely. Check that the chain brake is disengaged.

CAUTION! Always wear cut-resistant gloves when handling the chain. Ensure the chainsaw is powered off during assembly.

Specifications

• Power Source: Craftsman V20 Lithium-Ion Battery.
• Bar Length: 12 inches or 16 inches (model dependent).
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" low-profile / .043" (model dependent).
• Weight (Tool Only): Approximately 7.5 lbs.
• Oil Tank Capacity: Approximately 4.0 fl. oz.
• Noise Level: Less than 90 dB(A).
• Charge Time (Standard Charger): Approximately 60 minutes for a 2.0Ah battery.
• Recommended Use: Pruning, limbing, cutting firewood, and light storm cleanup.

Controls and Components

Main Controls: On/Off Trigger Switch, Safety Trigger Lock, Chain Brake Lever (front hand guard), Battery Release Button, Chain Tensioning Knob.

Front/Rear Handle: Contains trigger and safety lock. Chain Brake Lever: Manually engage by pushing forward; automatically engages on kickback. Guide Bar: Supports and guides the cutting chain. Chain Catcher: Located near the base of the bar. Oil Tank & Cap: For filling bar and chain oil. Battery Compartment: Houses the V20 battery pack.

Operation

Starting, cutting, and stopping procedures.

1. Starting: Ensure chain brake is disengaged (pulled back toward rear handle). Press and hold the safety lock trigger, then squeeze the main trigger.
2. Making a Cut: Allow the chain to reach full speed before contacting wood. Use the bottom of the guide bar for cutting. Let the saw do the work; do not force it.
3. Kickback Prevention: Maintain a firm grip. Do not cut with the tip. Be aware of binding.
4. Stopping: Release the trigger. The electric brake will stop the chain. Engage the chain brake for added safety when not actively cutting.
5. Battery Monitoring: Watch the battery fuel gauge. Plan to stop and recharge before the battery is fully depleted.

Tip: Make a small notch cut on the compression side of a log before making the main felling cut to prevent binding.

Chain Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

1. Tensioning: Chain should be snug against the bar but pull freely by hand. Adjust using the tensioning knob when the saw is cool and the battery is removed.
2. Sharpening: Use a round file and file guide matching the chain pitch. File all cutters to the same length at the recommended angle (typically 30°).
3. Checking Depth Gauges: Use a depth gauge tool to file down rakers (depth gauges) to maintain proper height difference between the cutter and raker.
4. Oiling: Check oil level before each use. The automatic oiler will dispense oil during operation. Manual oiler button (if equipped) can be pressed for extra lubrication.

WARNING! Always disconnect the battery before performing any maintenance. A loose or dull chain is dangerous and inefficient.

Battery Care & Charging

Proper care extends battery life.

• Charging: Use only Craftsman V20 chargers. Charge at room temperature. Battery pack has built-in protection against overcharging.
• Storage: Store battery at room temperature, away from moisture and metal objects. For long-term storage, charge to about 50%.
• Disposal: Do not dispose of in fire or household trash. Recycle at an authorized center.
• Performance: Runtime varies based on load, chain sharpness, and temperature. Cold temperatures reduce runtime.

CAUTION! Do not puncture or modify the battery. Do not expose to water or rain.

Storage

Clean the chainsaw thoroughly before storage. Empty the oil tank or ensure cap is tight to prevent leaks.

1. Remove the battery.
2. Clean sawdust and debris from the air vents, guide bar groove, and oil ports.
3. Apply a light coat of oil to the guide bar to prevent rust.
4. Store in a dry, secure place out of reach of children.
5. Store the battery separately in a cool, dry place.

Warranty Information

Craftsman Battery Chainsaws are backed by a limited warranty. Refer to the warranty card included with your product for specific terms and duration. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover damage from misuse, lack of maintenance, or normal wear. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support or visit an authorized service center with your proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs not covered in this manual, contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.