dewalt chainsaw manual

The Dewalt Chainsaw is a powerful, cordless electric chainsaw designed for professional and heavy-duty residential use. It features a brushless motor for increased runtime and durability, an automatic oiling system, a tool-free chain tensioning mechanism, and a robust safety system including a chain brake and low-kickback bar and chain. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Brushless Motor, Oregon® Bar and Chain, Automatic Oiler, Tool-Free Chain Tensioner, Chain Brake, Battery Compartment, Oil Tank, and Hand Guard.

Feature	Description
Brushless Motor	Delivers more power, longer runtime, and extended motor life
Oregon® Bar and Chain	Low-kickback design for safer operation
Automatic Oiler	Lubricates bar and chain during operation for optimal performance
Tool-Free Chain Tensioner	Allows for quick chain adjustment without tools
Chain Brake	Stops the chain instantly in case of kickback or accidental contact
Battery Compartment	Accepts Dewalt 20V MAX or 60V FLEXVOLT batteries
Oil Tank	Transparent window for easy oil level monitoring
Hand Guard	Protects front hand from debris and provides additional safety
POWER Trigger	Activates the chainsaw; requires safety trigger to be engaged
Safety Trigger	Must be pressed before the power trigger to prevent accidental start

Assembly & Initial Setup

Unpack and inspect all contents. Ensure you have the chainsaw, guide bar, chain, battery, charger, and bar/chain oil.

1. Install the Bar and Chain: Place the chain over the bar, aligning drive links with bar groove. Fit the bar onto the saw's mounting studs, ensuring the chain fits around the drive sprocket. Hand-tighten the bar nuts.
2. Tension the Chain: Use the tool-free tensioning knob to adjust until the chain snaps back when pulled from the bar. Tighten bar nuts securely.
3. Fill the Oil Tank: Use only high-quality bar and chain oil. Fill to the indicated level in the transparent tank.
4. Insert the Battery: Ensure the chainsaw is off. Insert a fully charged Dewalt 20V MAX or 60V FLEXVOLT battery until it clicks into place.

WARNING! Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and chainsaw chaps during assembly and operation.

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all instructions before use. Failure to follow warnings can result in serious injury or death.

1. PPE: Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, heavy-duty gloves, non-slip boots, and chainsaw protective chaps or pants.
2. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Do not let this part contact any object.
3. Two-Handed Operation: Always grip the chainsaw firmly with both hands.
4. Clear Work Area: Ensure the area is clear of people, pets, and obstacles before starting.
5. Chain Brake Test: Test the chain brake function before each use by engaging it with the front hand guard.
6. Carrying: Always carry the chainsaw with the bar pointed behind you and the chain stopped.

CAUTION! Never operate a chainsaw when fatigued, under the influence, or in poor weather conditions (rain, high wind).

Specifications

• Power Source: Dewalt 20V MAX / 60V FLEXVOLT Battery System.
• Bar Length: Available in 12", 16", and 20" models.
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325" pitch, .050" gauge (varies by model).
• Automatic Oiling: Yes, with adjustable flow rate on some models.
• Weight (Tool Only): Approximately 8.5 - 12 lbs depending on bar length.
• Noise Level: Below 100 dB(A).
• Recommended Battery: Dewalt DCB606 60V FLEXVOLT or higher for maximum performance.
• Chain Speed: Up to 3,700 ft/min under no load.

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before operation.

Main Controls: Safety Trigger (must be depressed first), Power Trigger, Chain Brake/Hand Guard, Battery Release Button, Oil Tank Cap, Tensioning Knob.

Operation: To start, depress the safety trigger with your right thumb, then squeeze the power trigger. Release the power trigger to stop the chain. Engage the chain brake by pushing the hand guard forward.

Maintenance Indicators: Transparent oil tank, battery fuel gauge LEDs (on compatible batteries).

Operation

For cutting logs, pruning, and felling small trees.

1. Starting a Cut: Let the chain reach full speed before contacting the wood. Apply light downward pressure; let the saw do the work.
2. Basic Cutting: Use the bottom of the bar for cutting. Avoid pushing the tip into the material to prevent kickback.
3. Bucking (Cutting Logs on Ground): Support the log. Cut from the top down. For large logs, make a top cut, then finish from the underside.
4. Limbing (Removing Branches): Work from the base of the tree toward the top. Keep the trunk between you and the chainsaw.
5. Felling (Cutting Down Trees): Not recommended for inexperienced users. Requires proper notch and back cut techniques. Consult professional training.

Tip: Periodically check chain tension and oil level during extended use.

Chain Maintenance

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is critical for safety and performance.

1. Sharpening: Use a round file and file guide matching your chain's pitch. File each cutter at the manufacturer's specified angle (typically 30°). Ensure all cutters are filed evenly.
2. Tensioning: Chain should be snug against the bar but pull freely. Re-tension when chain sags away from the bar. Always tension with the saw off and cool.
3. Checking for Wear: Inspect drive links for hooks, cutters for excessive wear, and the bar for burrs or uneven wear (bar rail grooving). Replace worn components.
4. Oiling: Always run the saw with oil in the tank. Check flow by pointing the bar tip at a light-colored surface and running at high speed; a thin line of oil should appear.

WARNING! Always wear heavy-duty gloves when handling the chain. A dull chain increases the risk of kickback.

Battery & Charging

Use only genuine Dewalt batteries and chargers.

1. Charging: Insert battery into charger. LED will indicate charging status (flashing red/green). A solid green light indicates full charge.
2. Storage: Store batteries in a cool, dry place away from metal objects. For long-term storage, charge to 40-60% capacity.
3. Runtime: Varies based on battery capacity (Ah), wood type, and cutting intensity. A 60V 9.0Ah FLEXVOLT battery provides significantly longer runtime than a 20V 5.0Ah battery.
4. Fuel Gauge: Press the button on compatible batteries to check remaining charge via LED indicators.

CAUTION! Do not expose batteries to fire, water, or extreme temperatures. Do not use damaged batteries.

Cleaning & Storage

Unplug/remove battery before cleaning. Use a brush to remove sawdust and debris from the air vents, bar groove, and sprocket cover. Wipe exterior with a dry cloth.

Storage: Empty the oil tank or store the saw horizontally to prevent leaks. Store in a dry, locked location out of reach of children. Loosen chain tension slightly for long-term storage.

CAUTION! Never use compressed air, water, or solvents to clean the chainsaw, especially near electrical components.

Warranty Information

Dewalt Power Tools are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of three years from date of purchase for tools, and one year for chargers and batteries. This warranty does not cover damage due to misuse, abuse, or normal wear. Proof of purchase is required. For warranty service, contact Dewalt at 1-800-4-DEWALT (1-800-433-9258) or visit www.dewalt.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Chainsaw will not start	Dead battery, safety not engaged, chain brake on	Charge battery, ensure safety trigger is depressed, disengage chain brake.
Chain does not move or is slow	Chain brake engaged, loose chain, low battery	Disengage brake, tension chain, charge or replace battery.
Excessive vibration	Dull chain, uneven cutters, loose components	Sharpen chain evenly, check and tighten bar nuts and other fasteners.
Chain throws off bar	Improper tension, worn bar, damaged drive sprocket	Re-tension properly, inspect bar and sprocket for wear, replace if necessary.
No oil on bar/chain	Empty oil tank, clogged oil port, pump failure	Fill tank, clean oil ports with a pin, consult service if pump is faulty.
Battery drains quickly	Old/damaged battery, extremely hard use, cold temps	Use a higher capacity battery, allow battery to warm up if cold, check for binding chain.
Overheating	Dull chain, binding cut, insufficient oil	Stop immediately. Let cool. Sharpen chain, ensure proper oiling, clear any pinched bar.

Service: For repairs not covered in this manual, contact an authorized Dewalt service center. Do not attempt to disassemble the motor or electronic components.

Support: 1-800-4-DEWALT; www.dewalt.com