sears craftsman chainsaw manual

The Sears Craftsman chainsaw is a powerful and reliable tool designed for cutting firewood, pruning trees, and general yard maintenance. This manual covers safety precautions, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for various Craftsman chainsaw models. Always read and understand this manual before operating the chainsaw to ensure safe and proper use.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine (gas or electric), guide bar, cutting chain, chain brake, throttle trigger, safety switch, oil reservoir, and primer bulb (gas models).

Safety Instructions

Always wear proper safety gear and follow these guidelines.

1. Wear protective equipment: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
2. Clear work area: Remove debris and ensure stable footing.
3. Check chain tension: Ensure proper tension before each use.
4. Use two hands: Always grip with both hands during operation.
5. Be aware of kickback: Keep nose of bar away from objects; use chain brake.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Keep bystanders away.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble according to instructions.

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on mounting studs, loop chain around sprocket and bar, adjust tension.
2. Fill oil reservoir: Use bar and chain oil (not motor oil).
3. Mix fuel (gas models): Use fresh gasoline with 2-cycle oil at specified ratio (typically 50:1).
4. Check controls: Ensure throttle, safety switch, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is installed with cutting teeth facing forward. Overtightening can damage bar.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 30cc to 50cc (gas models).
• Power Source: Gasoline or 120V electric.
• Bar Length: 14", 16", 18", or 20".
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" or .325".
• Chain Gauge: .050" or .058".
• Weight: 10 to 15 lbs (without fuel).
• Fuel Capacity: 10 to 16 oz (gas models).
• Oil Capacity: 6 to 10 oz.
• Sound Level: 100-110 dB (gas models).

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with throttle trigger, rear handle, chain brake lever, safety switch, primer bulb, choke, and decompression valve.

Controls: Throttle trigger (controls engine speed), safety switch (must be pressed to start), chain brake (stops chain rotation), choke (cold starts), primer bulb (gas models), and stop switch.

Operation: Engage safety switch, set choke, pull starter cord. Release chain brake before cutting. Use throttle for cutting speed. Always keep chain brake engaged when not cutting.

Starting the Chainsaw

Gas models: Place on flat surface. Electric: Plug into grounded outlet.

1. Check oil and fuel levels.
2. Engage chain brake by pulling forward.
3. Set choke to full position for cold starts.
4. Press safety switch and pull starter cord briskly.
5. After engine fires, move choke to half then run position.
6. Allow to warm up for 30 seconds before releasing brake.

Tip: For electric models, ensure extension cord is rated for outdoor use and proper gauge.

Operating Instructions

Use proper cutting techniques to ensure safety and efficiency.

1. Felling trees: Plan escape path, make notch cut, then back cut.
2. Limbing: Cut branches from fallen tree starting from base.
3. Bucking: Cut logs into sections; support log off ground.
4. Pruning: Cut branches carefully to avoid pinching bar.
5. Avoid kickback: Do not cut with nose of bar; maintain firm grip.
6. Shut down: Engage chain brake, move throttle to idle, press stop switch.

WARNING! Never operate chainsaw above shoulder height or on ladder. Do not cut near power lines.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

After each use: Clean air filter, check chain tension, clean guide bar groove, inspect for damage. Weekly: Clean spark arrestor (gas models), check spark plug, clean cooling fins. Monthly: Sharpen chain, check fuel lines, clean carburetor screen.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire (gas) or unplug (electric) before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance is critical for safe operation.

1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts, adjust tension screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
2. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 5/32" or 7/32").
3. File each cutter at 30-degree angle with equal strokes.
4. Check depth gauges with depth gauge tool; file if too high.

Note: Replace chain when cutters are worn beyond repair or damaged.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents damage and starting issues.

Long-term storage: Drain fuel from tank and carburetor (gas models), run engine until dry. Remove chain, clean and oil it. Store in dry place with bar and chain covered. Electric models: Coil cord neatly, store in dry location.

CAUTION! Never store chainsaw with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Use fuel stabilizer if necessary.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs, contact Sears Service Center at 1-800-469-4663 or visit www.searspartsdirect.com.