Craftsman 18in Gas Chainsaw 42cc Manual

The Craftsman 18in Gas Chainsaw (42cc) is a powerful and reliable tool designed for cutting, pruning, and felling trees. It features a 42cc 2-cycle engine, an 18-inch Oregon® bar and chain, automatic oiling, a chain brake for safety, and a tool-free chain tensioning system. This manual covers safety instructions, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure safe and efficient use.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 42cc 2-cycle engine, 18-inch Oregon® bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, inertia-activated chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, anti-vibration system, and easy-start technology.

Safety Instructions

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

1. PPE: Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toed boots, and chainsaw chaps or pants.
2. Pre-Operation Check: Inspect chainsaw for damage, ensure chain is sharp and properly tensioned, check all fasteners are tight.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources. Use fresh fuel mix (see Specifications). Wipe spills immediately.
4. Operation Zone: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away. Never operate above shoulder height or on a ladder.
5. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Use reduced-kickback chain and chain brake.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Keep hands away from chain. Always engage chain brake when not cutting.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires attaching the bar and chain, and filling with fuel and oil.

1. Attach Bar & Chain: Place bar onto studs. Loop chain over sprocket and onto bar groove with cutters facing forward. Install clutch cover and tighten nuts finger-tight.
2. Tension Chain: Use side-access tensioner to adjust until chain snaps back when pulled from bar. Tighten clutch cover nuts securely.
3. Fill Oil Tank: Use high-quality bar and chain oil. Fill to MAX line.
4. Fuel Mix: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) mixed with 2-cycle engine oil at 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas). Shake well. Fill fuel tank.
5. Final Check: Ensure chain moves freely, all fasteners are tight, and safety features are functional.

CAUTION! Do not use automotive motor oil or dirty fuel. Improper mix can damage engine.

Specifications

• Engine Type: 42cc, 2-cycle, air-cooled.
• Displacement: 2.6 cu in (42 cc).
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 40:1 (unleaded gasoline to 2-cycle oil).
• Bar Length: 18 inches.
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325-inch / .058-inch.
• Chain Speed: Approx. 55 ft/sec at max RPM.
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A).
• Vibration Level: Front handle: 5.2 m/s²; Rear handle: 8.7 m/s².
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty.

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Main Components: Front handle with chain brake, rear handle with throttle trigger and lockout, choke control, primer bulb, stop switch, fuel cap, oil cap, side-access chain tensioner.

Starting Procedure: 1. Engage chain brake. 2. Move stop switch to ON. 3. Set choke to FULL (cold start). 4. Press primer bulb 5 times. 5. Place on firm ground, hold rear handle with right hand, place foot in handle. 6. Pull starter cord sharply until engine fires. 7. Move choke to HALF, pull until engine starts. 8. Blip throttle to disengage choke.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle, move stop switch to OFF.

Operation

Proper technique ensures safety and efficiency.

1. Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward.
2. Grip: Hold front handle with left hand, rear handle with right. Thumb wrapped under.
3. Starting Cut: Apply light pressure, let the chain do the work. Avoid forcing the saw.
4. Kickback Prevention: Do not cut with upper tip. Be aware of wood tension and binding.
5. Refueling: Stop engine and allow to cool. Clean area around fuel cap. Refill with proper mix.

Tip: Plan your cut and escape path. Never cut alone.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and safe operation. Perform with engine off and cool.

1. Daily: Clean air filter, check chain tension and sharpness, inspect for loose fasteners, clean saw of debris.
2. Weekly: Clean spark arrestor screen, check spark plug gap (.025 inch), clean cooling fins.
3. Monthly: Clean fuel filter, replace air filter if damaged, inspect anti-vibration mounts.
4. Chain Oiler: Test oil flow by holding tip near cardboard and running at high RPM. Adjust oil flow screw if needed.
5. Bar Maintenance: Flip bar weekly for even wear. Clean bar groove and oil holes.

WARNING! Use only Craftsman-approved replacement parts. Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Replacement

A sharp chain is essential for safe and efficient cutting.

1. Sharpening: Use a round file (5/32 inch) and file guide. Match file angle to existing cutters (typically 30°). File each cutter with equal strokes. Maintain depth gauge clearance with flat file.
2. Replacement: When cutters are worn beyond repair or chain is damaged, replace with Oregon® 72DL .325-inch pitch chain. Follow assembly steps.
3. Tensioning: New chains stretch. Check tension frequently during first hour of use.

CAUTION! Wear heavy gloves when handling chain. A dull chain increases kickback risk.

Storage

Prepare chainsaw for storage if not used for more than 30 days.

1. Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor by running engine until it stops.
2. Drain bar and chain oil.
3. Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil. Clean bar thoroughly.
4. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
5. Store in a dry, locked location out of reach of children.

Tip: Store chain and bar in an oiled cloth to prevent rust.

Warranty Information

Craftsman 18in Gas Chainsaw is covered by a 2-year limited warranty from date of purchase. Warranty covers defects in material and workmanship under normal use. It does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, improper maintenance, or use of non-genuine parts. Proof of purchase is required. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs not covered in this manual, contact an authorized Craftsman service center.

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