Danarm Chainsaw Manual

The Danarm Chainsaw is a powerful and reliable tool designed for professional and domestic woodcutting tasks. This manual covers essential safety instructions, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for your Danarm chainsaw. Always read and understand this manual completely before operating the chainsaw to ensure safe and efficient use.

Safety Instructions

Operating a chainsaw is dangerous. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death.

Hazard	Precaution
Kickback	Always hold saw firmly with both hands. Use a low-kickback chain. Do not let the nose of the guide bar contact any object.
Hearing Damage	Always wear approved hearing protection.
Eye Injury	Always wear safety glasses or a face shield.
Breathing Hazards	Operate in well-ventilated areas. Avoid cutting treated wood.
Fuel Safety	Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine off and cool. Use approved fuel containers.
Electrical Hazards	Do not operate near overhead power lines.
Clothing	Wear close-fitting clothing, protective gloves, non-slip boots, and chainsaw chaps or trousers.
Working Alone	Never work alone. Have someone within calling distance.
Fatigue	Take frequent breaks. Do not operate when tired or under the influence of drugs/alcohol.
Chain Brake	Check operation of chain brake before each use.

Features & Components

Key components of your Danarm chainsaw for identification and operation.

1. Engine: Two-stroke gasoline engine.
2. Guide Bar: Supports and guides the cutting chain.
3. Cutting Chain: The loop of cutting teeth that performs the sawing action.
4. Chain Brake/Hand Guard: Safety device to stop the chain in case of kickback.
5. Throttle Trigger & Lockout: Controls engine speed; lockout prevents accidental activation.
6. Front & Rear Handles: Provide secure grip and control.
7. Master Control Lever: Combines choke, stop switch, and start functions.
8. Chain Tensioner: Adjusts chain tension on the guide bar.
9. Fuel & Oil Tanks: Separate compartments for fuel mix and bar/chain oil.
10. Muffler: Reduces engine noise and directs exhaust gases.

WARNING! Never operate a chainsaw with missing, damaged, or improperly assembled components.

Assembly & Preparation

Assembling your chainsaw from the box and preparing it for first use.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on mounting studs. Loop chain over sprocket and onto bar groove, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Install side cover and tighten nuts finger-tight. Adjust chain tension, then fully tighten side cover nuts.
2. Fill Fuel Tank: Use a clean mix of high-quality 2-stroke engine oil and unleaded gasoline (e.g., 50:1 ratio - check manual for exact specification). Shake container well before filling.
3. Fill Bar & Chain Oil Tank: Use a good quality chainsaw bar oil. Do not use waste oil.
4. Check Chain Tension: Chain should be snug against the bar but pull freely by hand. Re-check after first few minutes of operation.

CAUTION! Assembly must be done on a clean, stable surface with the spark plug disconnected.

Specifications

• Engine Type: Air-cooled, two-stroke gasoline engine.
• Displacement: Varies by model (e.g., 45cc, 55cc).
• Power Output: Varies by model.
• Fuel/Oil Mix Ratio: Typically 50:1 (Check your specific model's manual).
• Guide Bar Length: Available in various lengths (e.g., 16", 18", 20").
• Chain Pitch & Gauge: Varies by model (e.g., .325" pitch, .058" gauge).
• Weight: Varies by model and bar length.
• Sound Power Level: Exceeds 100 dB(A). Hearing protection required.
• Vibration Level: Information available in technical data sheet.

Controls & Operation

Understanding the controls is essential for safe operation.

Master Control Lever: Has three positions. STOP (0): Engine off. CHOKE (up): For cold starting. RUN (down): Normal operating position.

Throttle Trigger: Located inside the rear handle. Squeeze to increase engine speed. Release for idle.

Throttle Trigger Lockout: Must be depressed with the palm of your hand before the throttle trigger can be squeezed. Prevents accidental acceleration.

Chain Brake/Hand Guard: Push forward manually to engage brake (chain stops). Pull back towards front handle to disengage. It may also engage automatically upon kickback.

Front Hand Guard: Protects left hand from debris and the chain if it breaks.

Starting & Stopping Procedure

Follow these steps precisely.

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on firm, flat ground. Ensure chain is clear of all objects.
2. Engage the chain brake by pushing the hand guard forward.
3. Press the decompression valve (if equipped).
4. Set Master Control Lever to CHOKE (up).
5. Pump the primer bulb (if equipped) 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
6. Place your right foot through the rear handle and hold the front handle down firmly with your left hand.
7. Pull the starter cord sharply until engine fires (usually 3-5 pulls).
8. Move Master Control Lever to RUN (down).
9. Pull starter cord again until engine starts. Let it idle for 30 seconds.
10. Disengage chain brake by pulling hand guard back. Saw is ready.

Warm Start: Follow steps 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 10. Do not use choke.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Move Master Control Lever to STOP (0).

Cutting Techniques

Basic techniques for safe and effective cutting.

1. Basic Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart for balance. Hold saw close to your body.
2. Grip: Left hand on front handle, thumb wrapped underneath. Right hand on rear handle, finger on throttle trigger.
3. Kickback Zone: Avoid cutting with the upper quadrant of the bar tip.
4. Felling a Tree: Notify others. Plan escape path (45-degree angle behind fall). Make notch cut on fall side. Make felling cut from opposite side, leaving hinge wood.
5. Limbing: Stand uphill from log. Cut limbs on opposite side of log first. Let the saw do the work; don't force it.
6. Bucking (Cross-cutting): Support log properly. Cut from top down if log is supported on both ends. If under tension, cut from the tension side first to prevent pinching.

Tip: Use full throttle just before and during the cut. Never cut above shoulder height.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and safety.

1. Daily/Pre-Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check fuel and oil levels. Inspect for loose nuts/bolts. Clean air intake and cooling fins.
2. Weekly/After 5 Hours: Clean or replace air filter. Check spark plug condition and gap. Clean spark arrestor screen in muffler (if equipped).
3. Monthly/Seasonal: Clean fuel filter in tank. Clean bar groove and oil holes. Check anti-vibration elements. Sharpen or replace chain.
4. Cleaning: Use a brush to remove sawdust and dirt from the saw body, guide bar, and chain. Never use water or pressure washers.

CAUTION! Always disconnect the spark plug boot before performing any maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is crucial.

Sharpening: Use a round file matching your chain's pitch (e.g., 5/32" for .325" pitch). File each cutter at the manufacturer's specified angle (typically 30°). Maintain equal file strokes per cutter. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge to correct height.

Tensioning: Chain should be snug against the bar but pull freely by hand. Loosen bar nuts. Turn tensioning screw clockwise to tighten. Retighten bar nuts. Check tension frequently when chain is new or hot.

WARNING! A loose chain can derail; an overtightened chain can break or damage the engine.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Drain all fuel from the tank and run the engine until it stops to clear the carburetor.
2. Remove, clean, and oil the chain. Store separately.
3. Clean the entire saw thoroughly.
4. Remove the spark plug, add a teaspoon of engine oil into the cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to distribute oil, then reinstall plug.
5. Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

Tip: Use a fuel stabilizer if you cannot drain the fuel, but draining is preferred for long-term storage.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No spark, no fuel, flooded	Check spark plug, fuel mix, primer. Use correct starting procedure. Ensure Master Control Lever is in correct position.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged air filter, fuel filter, carburetor issues	Clean or replace air filter. Clean fuel filter. May require carburetor adjustment/service.
Engine lacks power	Dirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor, dull chain	Clean air filter and spark arrestor screen. Sharpen chain.
Chain does not turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch/sprocket worn, chain jammed	Disengage chain brake. Inspect clutch drum and sprocket. Free chain if jammed.
Chain throws oil but does not cut	Dull chain, incorrect filing	Sharpen chain correctly. Check depth gauge height.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced chain, damaged anti-vibration mounts	Tighten all nuts/bolts. Balance chain by sharpening all cutters evenly. Check mounts.
Chain comes off bar	Loose chain, worn bar, damaged drive links	Adjust tension. Inspect bar for wear (uneven rails). Replace chain or bar if damaged.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Danarm service dealer.