Craftsman Chainsaw 16 36cc Manual

The Craftsman Chainsaw 16 36cc is a gas-powered chainsaw featuring a 36cc 2-cycle engine, 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiler, anti-vibration system, tool-free chain tensioning, inertia-activated chain brake, and easy-start technology. Designed for general property maintenance, limbing, pruning, and cutting firewood. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 36cc 2-cycle engine, 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, inertia-activated chain brake, anti-vibration handles, tool-free chain tensioner, and easy-start system.

Assembly & Setup

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

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on mounting studs, loop chain over sprocket, align with bar groove.
2. Install bar nuts: Hand-tighten, then use tool-free tensioner to adjust chain tension.
3. Fill oil reservoir: Use recommended bar and chain oil.
4. Prepare fuel mix: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) with 2-cycle oil at 40:1 ratio.
5. Prime and choke: Set choke to full position for cold starts.

WARNING! Always wear cut-resistant gloves during assembly. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before use.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear appropriate PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Pre-Operation Check: Inspect chain sharpness, tension, and lubrication. Check for loose parts.
3. Clear Work Area: Remove tripping hazards and ensure bystanders are at least 15 feet away.
4. Kickback Awareness: Hold saw firmly with both hands; never cut with the tip of the bar.
5. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources. Allow engine to cool.

CAUTION! Never operate a chainsaw while fatigued, under the influence, or in adverse weather conditions.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 36cc (2.2 cu in).
• Power Source: 2-cycle gasoline engine.
• Guide Bar Length: 16 inches.
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325” pitch, .050” gauge.
• Fuel Mix Ratio: 40:1 (unleaded gasoline to 2-cycle oil).
• Idle Speed: 2,800 RPM.
• Maximum Power Speed: 9,500 RPM.
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A).
• Vibration Level: Front handle: 4.5 m/s²; Rear handle: 6.2 m/s².
• Weight (dry): 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg).

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, stop switch, choke lever, primer bulb, and chain brake lever.

Components: Front handle with chain brake, rear handle with throttle, fuel tank cap, oil tank cap, spark plug cover, muffler, and chain catcher.

Operation: Squeeze throttle trigger lockout and throttle to engage chain. Push chain brake lever forward to activate brake; pull toward rear handle to disengage. Use choke lever for cold starts.

Starting & Stopping Procedure

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on flat, clear ground.
2. Activate chain brake by pushing lever forward.
3. Set choke lever to full choke position.
4. Press primer bulb 5-6 times.
5. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires (usually 3-5 pulls).
6. Move choke to half position, pull starter again until engine starts.
7. Allow to warm up for 30 seconds, then disengage chain brake.

Warm Start: Choke in off position; pull starter rope.

Stopping: Release throttle, press stop switch to OFF.

Tip: Always engage chain brake when starting or carrying saw.

Cutting Techniques

Supports felling, limbing, bucking, and pruning.

1. Felling: Plan escape path. Use notch and back cut technique. Never cut alone.
2. Limbing: Stand uphill. Cut branches from bottom to top on opposite side.
3. Bucking: Support log off ground. Use top of bar for cutting; avoid contacting dirt.
4. Pruning: Use light touch; let chain do the work. Beware of spring-back.

WARNING! Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Always cut at full throttle.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Clean air filter. Inspect for damage.

Weekly: Clean spark arrestor screen. Check fuel filter and lines.

Monthly: Clean cooling fins. Check bar for wear and groove depth.

Seasonally: Replace spark plug. Clean carburetor air intake. Grease sprocket bearing.

CAUTION! Perform maintenance only when engine is cool and spark plug wire disconnected.

Chain Sharpening & Replacement

Sharpen chain when saw produces fine dust instead of chips.

1. Secure bar: Use vise or clamp.
2. File angle: Maintain 30° cutting angle with round file matching chain gauge.
3. File depth gauges: Use depth gauge tool to maintain proper height.
4. Replace chain: When cutters are worn below 0.25 inches or damaged.

Tip: Rotate file evenly; sharpen all cutters to same length for balanced cutting.

Storage Guidelines

Long-term storage (over 30 days):

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until carburetor is dry.
2. Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
4. Store in dry, cool place away from ignition sources.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank; fuel can degrade and damage carburetor.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Craftsman service center. Use only genuine parts.

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