Craftsman 20 46cc Chainsaw Manual

The Craftsman 20-inch 46cc Gas Chainsaw is a powerful and reliable tool designed for demanding cutting tasks. This manual covers essential safety guidelines, assembly instructions, operation procedures, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting tips to ensure safe and efficient use. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Safety Information 2. Features & Specifications 3. Assembly & Initial Setup 4. Controls & Components 5. Starting & Operating Procedures 6. Chain & Bar Maintenance 7. Engine Maintenance 8. Storage Guidelines 9. Troubleshooting 10. Parts List & Warranty

Safety Information

Always read and understand all safety warnings before operating the chainsaw. Failure to follow instructions can result in serious injury or death.

Hazard	Precaution
Kickback	Always hold saw firmly with both hands; use reduced-kickback chain; do not saw with tip.
Contact with chain	Keep hands away from cutting area; always wear protective gloves and chaps.
Hearing damage	Wear hearing protection during operation.
Eye injury	Always wear safety glasses or face shield.
Fuel hazards	Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool; use proper fuel/oil mix.
Falling branches	Be aware of surroundings; wear hard hat when felling trees.

WARNING! Never operate chainsaw when fatigued, under influence, or in poor weather conditions. Keep bystanders at least 15 feet away.

Features & Specifications

Key components: 46cc 2-cycle engine, 20-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiler, anti-vibration system, chain brake, primer bulb, and easy-start system.

Engine: 46cc 2-cycle air-cooled gasoline engine.
Bar Length: 20 inches (50.8 cm).
Chain Pitch: 3/8 inch.
Chain Gauge: 0.050 inch.
Fuel Capacity: 14.9 fl oz (440 ml).
Oil Capacity: 8.5 fl oz (250 ml).
Weight (dry): 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg).
Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A).
Vibration Level: Front handle: 4.5 m/s²; Rear handle: 6.2 m/s².

Assembly & Initial Setup

Unpack all parts and inspect for damage. Assembly requires bar, chain, and handle installation.

Attach guide bar: Place bar onto mounting studs with tensioning pin aligned.
Install chain: Place chain over bar sprocket, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top.
Adjust chain tension: Loosen bar nuts, turn tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar, then tighten nuts.
Fill oil tank: Use bar and chain oil; check for leaks.
Prepare fuel mix: Use 89 octane gasoline and 2-cycle oil at 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas).

CAUTION! Wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before starting.

Controls & Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before operation.

Component	Function
Throttle Trigger	Controls engine speed; releases to idle.
Throttle Lockout	Must be depressed to engage throttle.
Chain Brake/Hand Guard	Stops chain rotation when engaged manually or by inertia.
Choke Control	Enriches fuel mixture for cold starts.
Primer Bulb	Pumps fuel into carburetor for easier starting.
Master Control Lever	Combines choke/run/stop positions.
Oil Pump Adjustment	Controls automatic oiler flow rate.
Front Hand Guard	Protects left hand from debris.

Starting & Operating Procedures

Follow these steps for safe starting and operation.

Cold Start: Place saw on flat ground; engage chain brake; set master control to choke; press primer 5 times; pull starter cord until engine fires; move control to run; pull to start.
Warm Start: Set control to run; pull starter cord.
Operation: Disengage chain brake; hold saw firmly; squeeze throttle to begin cutting.
Cutting Techniques: Use lower part of bar for cutting; avoid tip contact; let saw do the work.
Stopping: Release throttle; allow to idle; set master control to STOP.

WARNING! Always start chainsaw at least 10 feet from fueling area. Never drop-start or start above waist height.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

Chain Sharpening: Use round file (7/32" or 5.5mm) at 30° angle; file each cutter evenly.
Chain Tension: Check frequently when hot and cold; adjust as needed.
Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly; flip bar monthly for even wear.
Sprocket Inspection: Replace if worn or damaged.
Oiler Test: Run at high speed pointed at light surface; look for oil line.

Tip: Keep chain sharp; dull chain increases kickback risk and reduces efficiency.

Engine Maintenance

Regular engine maintenance prolongs life and ensures reliability.

Maintenance	Interval	Procedure
Air Filter	Every 10 hours	Clean with soap/water; replace if damaged.
Spark Plug	Every 25 hours	Clean electrode; gap at 0.025" (0.63mm).
Fuel Filter	Every 50 hours	Replace in-tank filter.
Carburetor Adjustment	As needed	Adjust H/L screws for smooth operation.
Cylinder Fins	Monthly	Clean debris for proper cooling.

CAUTION! Use only specified 2-cycle oil. Never use automotive oil or straight gasoline.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system damage and corrosion.

Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer.
Run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
Remove chain; clean and soak in oil.
Clean entire saw; store in dry, covered area.
Cover bar and chain to prevent rust.

WARNING! Store fuel in approved container away from heat sources and out of reach of children.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Engine won't start	No spark, flooded, bad fuel	Check spark plug; wait if flooded; use fresh fuel mix.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, clogged fuel filter	Clean/replace air filter; replace fuel filter.
Chain doesn't turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn	Disengage brake; inspect clutch.
Chain throws oil	Over-oiling, wrong oil viscosity	Adjust oiler; use proper bar oil.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners; sharpen chain evenly.
Chain dulls quickly	Cutting dirty wood, improper filing	Avoid ground contact; sharpen correctly.

Parts List & Warranty

Genuine Craftsman parts ensure proper fit and performance. Contact authorized service center for parts.

Warranty: 2-year limited warranty from date of purchase.
Service: For technical support, call 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.
Common Parts: Chain (Model 35836), Bar (Model 35840), Air Filter (Model 35845), Spark Plug (Champion RCJ-6Y).

Note: Warranty does not cover damage from misuse, improper maintenance, or non-genuine parts.