Craftsman 3.7 Chainsaw Manual

The Craftsman 3.7 Chainsaw is a gas-powered chainsaw featuring a 3.7 cubic inch (60cc) engine, 20-inch guide bar, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, chain brake, and easy-start technology. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications. Always read and understand all instructions before use.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 3.7 cu in (60cc) 2-cycle engine, 20-inch guide bar, automatic chain oiler, chain brake, anti-vibration system, decompression valve, and easy-pull starter.

Feature	Description
Engine Displacement	3.7 cubic inches (60cc)
Guide Bar Length	20 inches
Chain Pitch	0.375 inches (3/8")
Automatic Oiler	Lubricates chain during operation
Chain Brake	Stops chain instantly upon kickback
Anti-Vibration	Reduces user fatigue
Decompression Valve	Eases starting
Fuel Tank Capacity	Approx. 20 fl oz (0.6 L)
Oil Tank Capacity	Approx. 11 fl oz (0.33 L)
Weight (dry)	Approx. 15.4 lbs (7 kg)

Assembly & Preparation

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 bar with cutters facing forward, adjust tension.
2. Fill fuel tank: Use fresh 2-cycle engine oil mixed with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio).
3. Fill oil tank: Use bar and chain oil.
4. Check all fasteners: Ensure nuts, bolts, and screws are tight.

WARNING! Never operate without proper chain tension and lubrication. Wear safety gear.

Safety Information

Always follow these safety rules to prevent serious injury or death.

1. Wear protective equipment: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
2. Clear work area: Remove obstacles, ensure secure footing, keep bystanders away.
3. Inspect chainsaw: Check for damage, loose parts, and proper chain tension before each use.
4. Use proper grip: Hold firmly with both hands, right hand on rear handle, left on front.
5. Avoid kickback: Do not let bar nose contact objects; cut at full throttle.

CAUTION! Never operate while tired, under influence, or in poor weather. Keep children away.

Specifications

• Engine: 3.7 cu in (60cc) 2-cycle air-cooled.
• Fuel: 50:1 mix (unleaded gasoline + 2-cycle oil).
• Bar Length: 20 inches.
• Chain Pitch: 3/8 inch.
• Chain Gauge: 0.050 inches.
• Drive Links: 72.
• Idle Speed: 2,800 RPM.
• Max Power Speed: 9,500 RPM.
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A).
• Vibration Level: Front handle 4.5 m/s², rear handle 6.5 m/s².

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with chain brake, rear handle with throttle trigger, throttle lockout, choke control, decompression valve, master control lever, stop switch.

Controls: Master Control Lever (combines choke, start, run positions), Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout (safety), Chain Brake Lever, Stop Switch, Decompression Valve Button.

Operation: Set master control to choke for cold start, run for operation. Engage chain brake by pushing forward on front handle guard. Use decompression valve to reduce cylinder pressure for easier starting.

Starting & Stopping

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

1. Place on flat ground, clear of debris.
2. Engage chain brake by pushing guard forward.
3. Set master control to choke position.
4. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
5. Pull starter rope until engine fires.
6. Move master control to run position.
7. Pull starter rope to start.
8. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Stopping: Release throttle, press stop switch.

Tip: For warm start, set master control directly to run position.

Operating Procedures

Basic Cutting Techniques:

1. Felling Trees: Plan escape path, make notch cut, then felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
2. Limbing: Cut branches from fallen tree, work from base to top.
3. Bucking: Cut log into sections, support log off ground.
4. Pruning: Cut small branches carefully, avoid pinching bar.

Always cut at full throttle, let chain do the work. Avoid cutting with bar tip. Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar nose).

WARNING! Never cut above shoulder height or while on ladder. Beware of falling limbs.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

1. Daily: Clean air filter, check chain tension, inspect for damage.
2. Weekly: Clean cooling fins, check spark plug, clean guide bar groove.
3. Monthly: Clean fuel filter, replace spark plug if needed.
4. Seasonal: Sharpen chain, replace bar if worn, clean entire saw.

Cleaning: Use brush and cloth to remove sawdust and debris. Never use water or solvents on engine.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug before maintenance. Use only Craftsman parts.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance is critical for safe operation.

1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts, adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
2. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 5/32" for 3/8" chain). File each cutter at 30° angle, maintain equal length on all cutters.
3. Depth Gauges: File depth gauges with flat file to maintain proper height (0.025" below cutter).

Check tension frequently during use. A loose chain can derail; overtightening causes excessive wear.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer.
2. Run engine until carburetor is dry.
3. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil.
4. Clean entire saw, apply light oil to metal surfaces.
5. Store in dry, cool place, away from children.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, flooded, bad spark	Check fuel, wait if flooded, check spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old fuel	Clean/replace filter, use fresh fuel mix.
Chain doesn't turn	Brake engaged, clutch worn	Disengage brake, inspect clutch.
Chain oils poorly	Empty oil tank, clogged port	Fill tank, clean oil ports.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, damaged bar	Tighten fasteners, inspect bar.
Chain dulls quickly	Hitting dirt, improper filing	Avoid ground contact, sharpen correctly.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Craftsman service center. Do not attempt major repairs yourself.

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