Craftsman Turbo Chainsaw Manual

The Craftsman Turbo Chainsaw is a high-performance gasoline-powered chainsaw featuring a turbo-charged engine for increased cutting power, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handle, safety chain brake, quick-stop inertia brake, tool-less chain tensioning, and a durable 18-inch guide bar. Designed for demanding cutting tasks including felling, limbing, and bucking. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Operating 7. Chain & Bar Maintenance 8. Fuel & Oil 9. Storage & Transport 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Turbo-charged 2-stroke engine, 18-inch guide bar, automatic chain oiler, safety chain brake, anti-vibration system, tool-less chain tensioner, and quick-stop inertia brake.

FeatureDescription
Turbo-charged engineIncreased power and torque for demanding cuts
18-inch guide barFor medium to large cutting tasks
Automatic chain oilerLubricates chain during operation
Safety chain brakeStops chain instantly upon kickback
Anti-vibration systemReduces user fatigue during extended use
Tool-less chain tensionerAdjust chain tension without tools
Quick-stop inertia brakeAdditional safety brake system
Front hand guardProtects hands from debris
Chain catcherPrevents broken chain from striking operator
Throttle lockoutPrevents accidental throttle engagement

Safety Information

Read all safety instructions before operation. Always wear protective equipment.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
  2. Work area safety: Clear area of bystanders, ensure secure footing, never operate on ladder.
  3. Chain saw handling: Keep both hands on handles, maintain proper balance, never cut above shoulder height.
  4. Kickback prevention: Avoid contact with bar nose, use reduced-kickback chain, keep chain sharp.

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

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

  1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on mounting studs, loop chain around bar with cutting teeth facing forward, adjust tension.
  2. Install chain catcher: Secure to powerhead as directed.
  3. Fill oil reservoir: Use bar and chain oil only.
  4. Fuel mixture: Mix gasoline with 2-cycle oil at 50:1 ratio (consult manual for exact specification).
  5. Check all fasteners: Ensure all nuts and bolts are tight before operation.

CAUTION! Never use automotive motor oil or recycled oil in the chain oiler. Use only recommended bar and chain oil.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main controls located on rear handle and body.

Rear Handle Area: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, choke control, primer bulb, stop switch.

Front/Top: Chain brake lever, hand guard, decompression valve (if equipped).

Side: Chain tensioner knob, oil filler cap, fuel filler cap.

Operation: Choke for cold starts, throttle trigger for speed control, chain brake lever to engage/disengage brake. Maintenance: Regular chain tension checks, air filter cleaning, spark plug inspection.

Starting & Operating

Starting procedure for cold and warm engines.

  1. Pre-start check: Ensure chain brake is engaged, area is clear, chain is properly tensioned and lubricated.
  2. Cold start: Set choke to full, press primer bulb 5-6 times, set stop switch to ON, pull starter cord until engine fires, move choke to half, pull again to start.
  3. Warm start: Choke off, pull starter cord.
  4. Operating: Disengage chain brake, squeeze throttle trigger to begin cutting.
  5. Cutting techniques: Use lower quadrant of bar for cutting, let chain do the work, avoid forcing saw.

Tip: Always let engine warm up for 30 seconds before applying full throttle.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

  1. Chain sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch, maintain 30° filing angle, file all cutters evenly.
  2. Chain tension: Adjust when chain sags from bar, chain should snap back when pulled from bar.
  3. Bar maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly, flip bar monthly for even wear.
  4. Sprocket inspection: Check for wear, replace if teeth are hooked or worn.
  5. Oiler function: Check oil flow by pointing bar at light surface and running at high idle; oil line should appear.

WARNING! Always wear heavy gloves when handling chain. Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Fuel & Oil

Use proper fuel mixture and lubrication oils.

Fuel: Fresh unleaded gasoline with minimum 89 octane. Mix with high-quality 2-cycle engine oil at 50:1 ratio. Shake container thoroughly. Do not use fuel older than 30 days.

Bar and Chain Oil: Use specially formulated bar and chain oil with tackifiers. Do not use waste oil or motor oil.

Storage: Empty fuel tank before storage longer than 30 days. Run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.

Storage & Transport

Proper storage extends chainsaw life.

  1. Clean entire saw of dirt, sawdust, and resin.
  2. Empty fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer.
  3. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil, store separately.
  4. Store in dry place, protected from moisture.
  5. Transport with chain guard installed, fuel tank empty or secured.

CAUTION! Never store chainsaw with fuel in tank in enclosed spaces or near ignition sources.

Warranty Information

Craftsman Turbo Chainsaw comes with a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, or use of non-genuine parts. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep original receipt as proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startFuel issues, spark plug, floodedCheck fuel mixture, clean spark plug, wait if flooded, check air filter.
Engine starts then diesCarburetor adjustment, fuel filterAdjust carburetor (H/L screws), replace fuel filter.
Chain doesn't turnBrake engaged, clutch, sprocketDisengage chain brake, check clutch springs, inspect sprocket.
Chain oil not flowingEmpty oil tank, clogged portFill oil tank, clean oil ports, check oil pump.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, unbalanced chainTighten all fasteners, balance chain, check anti-vibration mounts.
Poor cutting performanceDull chain, improper filingSharpen chain correctly, check chain tension, inspect bar groove.

Service: For technical support: 1-888-331-4569; www.craftsman.com

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