Craftsman 18 Inch Gas Chainsaw Manual

The Craftsman 18 Inch Gas Chainsaw is a powerful, professional-grade tool designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features an 18-inch guide bar, a high-performance gas engine, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, inertia-activated chain brake, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 18-inch guide bar and chain, Gasoline engine, Automatic chain oiler, Front hand guard with chain brake, Throttle trigger lockout, Decompression valve, Anti-vibration system.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear protective equipment.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): 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 Zone: Avoid contact with upper tip of guide bar to prevent kickback.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Use approved fuel container.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Always operate with both hands.

Assembly & Setup

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

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on mounting studs. Loop chain around sprocket and bar with cutters facing forward. Adjust tension.
2. Fill Bar & Chain Oil: Use recommended bar & chain oil. Fill reservoir to indicated level.
3. Fuel Mix: Prepare fuel mixture of unleaded gasoline and 2-cycle engine oil at 50:1 ratio (check manual for exact specification).
4. Initial Checks: Ensure all nuts and bolts are tight. Test chain brake and throttle lockout function.

CAUTION! Do not attempt to start the chainsaw until assembly is complete and all safety checks are performed.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 45cc (approximate).
• Guide Bar Length: 18 inches.
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325" pitch, .050" gauge (verify with model number).
• Fuel Tank Capacity: Approximately 14 oz.
• Oil Tank Capacity: Approximately 8 oz.
• Weight: Approximately 12 lbs (powerhead only).
• Sound Power Level: Exceeds 100 dB(A). Wear hearing protection.
• Vibration Level: Reduced via anti-vibration system.
• Spark Plug: Champion RCJ7Y or equivalent.

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Front Handle with hand guard, Rear Handle with throttle trigger, Throttle Lockout, Chain Brake lever, Choke Control, Decompression Valve, Primer Bulb, Stop Switch.

Operation: To start: Engage chain brake. Set choke. Press decompression valve. Pull starter rope. To operate: Disengage chain brake. Squeeze throttle lockout and trigger. To stop: Release throttle and press stop switch.

Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, Spark plug, Chain tension adjuster, Bar mounting nuts, Oil and fuel caps.

Fuel & Oil

Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89. Mix with high-quality 2-cycle engine oil at 50:1 ratio unless specified otherwise. Do not use automotive oil or old fuel.

1. Mix fuel in a separate approved container.
2. Fill fuel tank to 80% capacity to allow for expansion.
3. Oil: Use recommended bar and chain oil for proper lubrication. Check oil level before each use.

Tip: Always shake fuel mix container before refueling. Store fuel mix for no longer than 60 days.

Operation

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

1. Place on flat, clear ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.
3. Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
4. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
5. Pull starter rope briskly until engine "pops".
6. Move choke to HALF CHOKE. Pull starter rope to start.
7. Allow engine to warm up at idle for 30 seconds. Disengage chain brake.

Cutting Techniques: Use lower part of bar for cutting. Let the chain do the work; do not force. Be aware of pinch points, kickback, and falling branches.

WARNING! Never operate chainsaw above shoulder height or with one hand. Always plan an escape path from falling wood.

Maintenance

Daily/Pre-Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check for loose parts. Clean air filter. Check fuel and oil levels.

Weekly/Periodic: Clean spark arrestor screen. Inspect guide bar for wear and grooves. Clean cooling fins. Check anti-vibration elements.

CAUTION! Perform all maintenance with engine off, spark plug wire disconnected, and chain brake engaged.

Chain Sharpening

Use a round file matching chain pitch (e.g., 5/32" for .325" pitch). Maintain correct filing angle (typically 30°). File all cutters to equal length.

1. Secure bar in a vise.
2. Place file guide on chain. Match angle to cutter.
3. File with smooth strokes away from body, maintaining pressure on forward stroke.
4. File each cutter equally. Check depth gauges with a depth gauge tool and file down if necessary.

A sharp chain reduces kickback risk and improves cutting performance.

Storage

Long-Term Storage (Over 30 days):

1. Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor. Run engine until it stops.
2. Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil. Clean guide bar groove and oil.
3. Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat, reinstall plug.
4. Clean entire saw. Store in a dry, locked place out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Storing with fuel in the carburetor can cause gumming and starting problems.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Craftsman service center. Do not attempt to repair unless qualified.

Support: 1-888-331-4569 or www.craftsman.com