BMC Chainsaw Manual

The BMC Chainsaw is a professional-grade power tool designed for efficient cutting of wood and lumber. It features a high-performance gasoline engine, automatic chain oiling system, safety chain brake, anti-vibration handles, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Operation 7. Cutting Techniques 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 10. Storage Guidelines 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-torque engine, Guide bar, Cutting chain, Chain brake, Throttle trigger, Choke control, Fuel tank, Oil tank, Front and rear handles.

FeatureDescription
Engine displacementHigh-performance 2-stroke gasoline engine
Guide bar lengthAvailable in 14", 16", and 18" options
Automatic oilingLubricates chain during operation
Chain brakeSafety feature to stop chain instantly
Anti-vibration systemReduces user fatigue during extended use
Easy-start systemReduces pulling effort for starting
Throttle lockoutPrevents accidental throttle engagement
Decompression valveEases starting by reducing cylinder pressure
Air filtrationTwo-stage air filter for engine protection
Spark arrestorPrevents emission of burning particles

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear proper safety gear.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toed boots, and chainsaw chaps.
  2. Work area safety: Clear area of obstacles; ensure secure footing; keep bystanders away.
  3. Pre-operation check: Verify chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication; check for loose parts.
  4. Fuel safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool; use proper fuel/oil mix.

WARNING! Chainsaw kickback can cause serious injury. Always maintain firm grip and proper stance.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all components. Assemble guide bar and chain.

  1. Attach guide bar: Place bar on mounting studs; align chain groove with drive sprocket.
  2. Install chain: Position chain on bar with cutting teeth facing forward; engage drive links.
  3. Tension chain: Adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
  4. Fill fluids: Add proper fuel/oil mixture to fuel tank; fill bar and chain oil reservoir.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly installed with cutting direction correct. Overtightening can damage bar.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main controls located on top and rear handle. Front Handle: Chain brake lever, Throttle trigger, Throttle lockout. Rear Handle: Start/stop switch, Choke control, Decompression valve (if equipped).

Additional Components: Fuel tank cap, Oil tank cap, Chain tensioning screw, Air filter cover, Spark plug, Muffler, Hand guard.

Operation: Pull starter handle to start engine. Engage throttle to increase chain speed. Activate chain brake by pushing forward on front hand guard. Adjust chain tension via side access screw.

Starting & Operation

Cold start procedure with choke. Warm start without choke.

  1. Place chainsaw on clear, level surface.
  2. Engage chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.
  3. Set choke to full position (cold start only).
  4. Press decompression valve if equipped.
  5. Pull starter cord briskly until engine fires.
  6. Move choke to half position after engine fires.
  7. Pull starter again until engine runs.
  8. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Tip: Never drop-start chainsaw. Always maintain secure footing during operation.

Cutting Techniques

Basic cutting: felling, limbing, bucking, pruning.

  1. Felling: Plan escape path; make notch cut; make felling cut; use wedges if needed.
  2. Limbing: Work from trunk outward; cut branches from opposite side of tree.
  3. Bucking: Support log properly; cut from top down; avoid pinching chain.
  4. Pruning: Use bottom of bar for control; cut small branches with single pass.
  5. Kickback prevention: Keep nose of bar away from objects; maintain firm grip.
  6. Pushing/pulling: Recognize when chain is dull; let chain do the cutting.

WARNING! Never cut above shoulder height. Be aware of reactive forces during cutting.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Check chain tension and sharpness; clean air filter; check oil level. Weekly: Clean cooling fins; inspect spark plug; check all fasteners. Monthly: Clean fuel filter; inspect anti-vibration elements; check bar for wear. Seasonally: Replace spark plug; clean carburetor; inspect clutch and sprocket.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Sharp chain improves cutting efficiency and safety.

  1. Secure bar: Clamp bar in vise or use filing guide.
  2. File angle: Maintain 30° filing angle; follow existing angle.
  3. File depth gauges: Lower depth gauges to proper height for chip clearance.
  4. Tension adjustment: Loosen bar nuts; turn tension screw; tighten bar nuts.
  5. Check tension: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar.

CAUTION! Wear gloves when handling chain. Replace chain when excessively worn.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare chainsaw for extended storage to prevent damage.

  1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
  2. Remove spark plug and add teaspoon of oil to cylinder.
  3. Pull starter slowly to distribute oil.
  4. Clean entire chainsaw thoroughly.
  5. Store in dry place with bar and chain removed.
  6. Cover to prevent dust accumulation.

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

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startFuel issues, spark plug, air filterCheck fuel mix; clean/replace spark plug; clean air filter.
Engine runs poorlyCarburetor adjustment, fuel filterAdjust carburetor; replace fuel filter; clean fuel tank.
Chain doesn't turnClutch, sprocket, brake engagedCheck clutch springs; inspect sprocket; disengage chain brake.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, worn AV mountsTighten all fasteners; replace anti-vibration elements.
Chain throws oilOver-oiling, wrong oil viscosityAdjust oil pump; use proper bar and chain oil.
Chain dulls quicklyCutting dirty wood, improper filingAvoid cutting ground-contact wood; sharpen correctly.

Service: For professional service, contact authorized BMC dealer. Use only genuine BMC parts.

Support: 1-800-BMC-TOOL; www.bmctools.com/support

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