Dayton Chainsaw Manual

The Dayton Chainsaw is a powerful and reliable tool designed for cutting wood, pruning trees, and other forestry tasks. It features a high-performance engine, safety chain brake, anti-vibration system, automatic oiler, and ergonomic design for user comfort. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Safety Instructions 2. Features at a Glance 3. Assembly & Installation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Operation 7. Chain Maintenance 8. Engine Maintenance 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Troubleshooting

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before use. Always wear protective gear: safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toed boots, and chainsaw chaps.

Warning	Description
Kickback Hazard	Keep both hands on handles; do not cut with tip of bar.
Fuel Safety	Refuel only when engine is cool, outdoors, away from ignition sources.
Chain Brake	Test chain brake before each use; engage when not cutting.
Work Area	Clear area of obstacles, people, and animals before starting.
Electrical Hazards	Keep away from power lines and electrical sources.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, Guide Bar, Chain, Chain Brake, Throttle Trigger, Safety Lock, Chain Tensioner, Automatic Oiler, Anti-Vibration System.

Feature	Description
Engine	2-stroke gasoline engine, air-cooled
Guide Bar	16-inch or 18-inch bar length options
Chain Brake	Front hand guard activates brake to stop chain
Automatic Oiler	Lubricates chain during operation
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces user fatigue during extended use
Safety Lock	Prevents accidental throttle engagement
Chain Tensioner	Tool-less adjustment for proper chain tension
Ergonomic Handle	Rubber-coated rear handle for secure grip
Decompression Valve	Easier starting by reducing compression
Spark Arrestor	Prevents sparks from exiting muffler

Assembly & Installation

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

Attach Guide Bar and Chain: Place bar over studs, loop chain around bar, align with drive sprocket, tighten nuts.
Adjust Chain Tension: Use tensioning screw to achieve proper tension (chain should snap back when pulled).
Fill Oil Reservoir: Use recommended bar and chain oil; check level before each use.
Mix Fuel: Use fresh gasoline with 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio (unless specified otherwise).
Install Safety Features: Ensure chain brake moves freely; test safety lock and throttle trigger.

WARNING! Do not operate without proper assembly. Ensure all fasteners are tight.

Specifications

Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled.
Displacement: 45cc (varies by model).
Fuel Capacity: 0.5 liters (approx).
Oil Capacity: 0.25 liters (approx).
Guide Bar Length: 16" or 18" (standard).
Chain Pitch: 3/8" low-profile.
Weight: 4.5 kg (without fuel and oil).
Sound Level: 105 dB(A) at operator's ear (wear hearing protection).
Vibration Level: Less than 2.5 m/s² (with anti-vibration system).

Controls and Components

Front Handle: Includes chain brake/hand guard. Rear Handle: Throttle trigger, safety lock, choke, primer bulb, stop switch.

Controls: Throttle Trigger (squeeze to increase engine speed), Safety Lock (must be depressed to engage throttle), Choke (for cold starts), Primer Bulb (pumps fuel to carburetor), Stop Switch (turns engine off), Chain Brake Lever (forward to engage brake).

Maintenance Points: Air Filter, Spark Plug, Chain Tensioner, Oil Filler Cap, Fuel Cap, Muffler.

Starting & Operation

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

Place on flat ground, clear of debris.
Engage chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.
Press safety lock and squeeze throttle trigger to set choke.
Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.
Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires (1-3 pulls).
Move choke to HALF position, pull starter again until engine starts.
Allow engine to warm up for 30 seconds before disengaging chain brake.

Cutting Techniques: Use lower part of bar; avoid tip contact; let saw do the work; maintain secure footing.

Chain Maintenance

Proper chain maintenance ensures cutting efficiency and safety.

Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch; file at 30° angle; maintain equal teeth length.
Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely; adjust when chain sags.
Lubrication: Check oil level before each use; ensure oiler port is not clogged.
Cleaning: Remove sawdust and resin from bar groove and oil holes.
Inspection: Check for damaged or worn drive links, cracked cutters, and bar wear.

Tip: Rotate bar regularly to ensure even wear.

Engine Maintenance

Regular maintenance prolongs engine life and ensures reliable operation.

Component	Maintenance Interval	Action
Air Filter	Every 10 hours	Clean with soapy water; replace if damaged.
Spark Plug	Every 25 hours	Clean electrode; gap at 0.025"; replace if worn.
Fuel Filter	Every season	Replace if clogged.
Carburetor	As needed	Adjust idle and high-speed screws per manual.
Muffler/Spark Arrestor	Every 20 hours	Clean carbon deposits with wire brush.

CAUTION! Allow engine to cool completely before performing maintenance.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer.
Run engine until carburetor is dry.
Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil; store separately.
Clean entire saw, especially air intake and cooling fins.
Store in dry, cool place, away from children and ignition sources.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods without stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, flooded, spark plug	Check fuel; wait if flooded; clean/replace spark plug.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, air filter	Replace fuel filter; clean air filter.
Chain doesn't turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch	Disengage chain brake; inspect clutch drum and springs.
Chain oil not flowing	Empty oil tank, clogged port	Refill oil; clean oiler hole in bar.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners; sharpen chain evenly.
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, improper tension	Sharpen chain; adjust tension.
Overheating	Dirty cooling fins, lean fuel mix	Clean fins; ensure proper fuel/oil ratio.

Service: For technical support, contact Dayton Customer Service at 1-800-XXX-XXXX or visit www.daytonchainsaw.com.