20 Poulan Pro Chainsaw Manual

The Poulan Pro 20-inch chainsaw is a gas-powered tool designed for demanding cutting tasks, featuring a high-performance engine, automatic oiling system, inertia-activated chain brake, anti-vibration handles, and tool-less chain tensioning. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 20-inch guide bar and chain, 42cc 2-cycle engine, automatic oiler, chain brake, decompression valve, anti-vibration system, and easy-start technology.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Wear proper safety gear.

1. Always wear: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.
2. Clear work area of debris and ensure secure footing.
3. Never operate above shoulder height or on a ladder.
4. Keep bystanders at least 15 feet away.
5. Use both hands on saw at all times.

WARNING! Kickback can occur suddenly; always hold saw firmly and be aware of the tip. Chain brake must be functional.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble on a clean, flat surface.

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on mounting studs, loop chain around sprocket and bar groove, adjust tension.
2. Fill oil tank: Use high-quality bar and chain oil.
3. Mix fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) with 2-cycle oil at 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas).
4. Prime and choke: Set choke to full position for cold starts.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned—should snap back when pulled from bar. Avoid over-tightening.

Specifications

• Engine: 42cc 2-cycle air-cooled.
• Power Output: 2.2 HP.
• Bar Length: 20 inches.
• Chain Speed: Up to 55 ft/sec at max RPM.
• Fuel Mix: 40:1 (gasoline to 2-cycle oil).
• Ignition: Electronic with stop switch.
• Weight: Approx. 12.8 lbs (without fuel/oil).
• Sound Level: 110 dB(A) at operator's ear.
• Vibration Level: Front handle: 4.5 m/s²; Rear handle: 5.5 m/s².

Controls and Components

Main controls: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, stop switch, choke lever, primer bulb, chain brake handle, decompression valve.

Components: Front handle with chain brake, rear handle with throttle, air filter cover, spark plug, muffler, guide bar, chain, sprocket cover, oil and fuel caps.

Operation: Throttle lockout must be depressed before squeezing throttle. Chain brake engages automatically on kickback or manually by pushing handle forward.

Fuel & Oil Mixing

Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher) and Poulan Pro 2-cycle oil (or equivalent JASO FD/ISO-L-EGD certified).

1. Mix in approved container: 1 gallon gas to 3.2 oz oil (40:1 ratio).
2. Shake well before filling fuel tank.
3. Never use old or stale fuel (older than 30 days).
4. Fill oil tank with bar and chain oil only.

Tip: Use fuel stabilizer if storing over 30 days. Never mix fuel near open flame.

Starting & Operation

Supports standard and easy-start procedures.

1. Cold start: Set chain brake, move choke to FULL, press primer bulb 5 times, pull starter cord until engine fires, move choke to HALF, pull again to start.
2. Warm start: Choke OFF, pull starter cord.
3. Cutting: Release chain brake, apply light throttle, let chain do the work—don't force.
4. Stop: Release throttle, press stop switch.
5. Kickback prevention: Hold firmly, avoid tip contact, maintain sharp chain.

WARNING! Never drop-start or start while holding saw off-ground. Ensure chain is clear before starting.

Maintenance Schedule

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

Weekly: Clean spark arrestor screen, inspect spark plug, clean cooling fins.

Monthly: Replace air filter, check fuel filter, inspect bar for wear, clean clutch drum.

Seasonally: Replace spark plug, clean carburetor, inspect anti-vibration mounts.

Chain Sharpening

Use round file (5/32" or 4.0mm) and file guide.

1. Secure bar: Clamp bar in vise.
2. File angle: 30° for cutting teeth, 10° for depth gauges.
3. File direction: Push file away from body, maintain consistent strokes.
4. Check depth gauges: Use depth gauge tool to ensure proper clearance.

CAUTION! Wear gloves. Keep file clean. Sharpen when chain produces fine dust instead of chips.

Storage

Long-term storage: Empty fuel tank, run engine dry, remove spark plug and add 1 tsp oil through hole, pull starter slowly to coat cylinder. Clean entire saw, loosen chain tension, store in dry place.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank over 30 days—fuel degrades and damages carburetor.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Poulan Pro service center. Customer support: 1-800-554-6723; www.poulanpro.com