Craftsman 55cc Chainsaw Manual

The Craftsman 55cc Chainsaw is a powerful, professional-grade gas-powered chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a 55cc 2-stroke engine, an 18-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, tool-less chain tensioning, and a quick-stop chain brake for enhanced safety. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 55cc 2-stroke engine, 18-inch guide bar, Oregon low-kickback chain, automatic chain oiler, decompression valve, side-access chain tensioner, inertia-activated chain brake, anti-vibration system.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.
2. Clear Work Area: Ensure bystanders and pets are at least 30 feet away.
3. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quarter of the guide bar tip.
4. Secure Workpiece: Never cut while holding the saw in one hand or above shoulder height.
5. Fuel Safety: Refuel only when engine is cool, outdoors, and away from ignition sources.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Always engage the chain brake when carrying the saw or not actively cutting.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires attaching the guide bar and chain, and filling fluids.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar onto mounting studs. Loop chain around bar with cutting teeth facing forward on top. Adjust tension.
2. Fill Bar & Chain Oil: Use high-quality chainsaw bar oil. Fill oil tank to capacity.
3. Mix Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (minimum 89 octane) mixed with 2-cycle engine oil at a 50:1 ratio (2.6 oz oil per 1 gallon gas). Shake well.
4. Fill Fuel Tank: Pour mixed fuel into fuel tank.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned—it should snap back when pulled away from the bar but not sag from the bottom.

Specifications

• Engine: 55cc, 2-stroke, air-cooled.
• Power Output: 3.2 HP.
• Fuel: Gasoline/Oil mix (50:1).
• Bar Length: 18 inches.
• Chain Pitch: .325 inches.
• Chain Gauge: .050 inches.
• Weight (dry): 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg).
• Sound Pressure Level: 105 dB(A).
• Vibration Level: 4.5 m/s².
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty.

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, stop switch, choke control, primer bulb, decompression valve, chain brake lever, side-access chain tensioner.

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger and lockout. Rear Handle: Contains stop switch. Top Cover: Houses air filter, spark plug, and fuel/oil caps.

Operation: Depress throttle lockout to enable throttle. Pull choke for cold starts. Engage chain brake by pushing lever forward. Use decompression valve to reduce starting effort.

Fuel & Oil Mixing

Use only fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89. Mix with a high-quality 2-cycle engine oil designed for air-cooled engines at a 50:1 ratio.

1. Use an approved fuel mixing container.
2. Add 2.6 fluid ounces of oil to 1 gallon of gasoline.
3. Close container and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
4. Label container clearly and use within 30 days.

Tip: Never use automotive motor oil, diesel fuel, or pre-mixed fuel older than 30 days. Stale fuel is a common cause of starting and performance issues.

Starting & Operation

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

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

WARNING! Always start the saw with the chain brake engaged. Keep a firm grip with both hands during operation. Be aware of kickback.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Chain Sharpening

A sharp chain cuts efficiently and safely. Use a round file matching your chain's pitch (.325").

1. Secure the bar in a vise.
2. File each cutter from the inside out, maintaining the factory angle (typically 30°).
3. Apply equal number of strokes to each cutter.
4. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge to maintain proper height difference.
5. Check chain tension after sharpening.

CAUTION! Wear heavy gloves when handling the chain. A poorly sharpened or uneven chain can cause dangerous kickback and poor cutting performance.

Storage Guidelines

For storage periods longer than 30 days, prepare the saw to prevent fuel system damage.

1. Drain all fuel from the tank and carburetor by running the engine until it stops.
2. Drain bar and chain oil tank.
3. Remove, clean, and re-oil the air filter.
4. Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of 2-cycle oil into cylinder, pull starter slowly 2-3 times, reinstall plug.
5. Clean entire saw, sharpen chain, and store in a dry, cool place.

CAUTION! Never store the saw with fuel in the tank. Stale fuel will gum up the carburetor.

Troubleshooting

Reset: For electronic ignition models, disconnect spark plug wire for 1 minute to reset ignition module.

Service: For technical support or warranty service, contact Craftsman at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.