18 chainsaw manual

The 18-inch chainsaw is a powerful cutting tool designed for professional and heavy-duty home use. It features an 18-inch guide bar, gasoline-powered engine, automatic oiler system, chain brake, anti-vibration handles, and safety features including a chain catcher and throttle lockout. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 18-inch guide bar, 2-stroke gasoline engine, automatic chain oiler, chain brake, anti-vibration system, safety throttle lock.

Feature	Description
Guide Bar Length	18 inches for medium to large cutting tasks
Engine Type	2-stroke gasoline engine, air-cooled
Chain Oil System	Automatic oiler with manual override
Chain Brake	Inertia-activated safety brake
Anti-Vibration	Rubber-mounted handles reduce operator fatigue
Safety Features	Chain catcher, right-hand guard, throttle lockout
Fuel Capacity	14.9 fl oz (440 ml) fuel tank
Oil Capacity	8.5 fl oz (250 ml) chain oil tank
Weight	10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) without bar and chain
Spark Plug	NGK BPMR7A or equivalent

Assembly Instructions

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

1. Attach guide bar: Place bar onto mounting studs, align chain groove.
2. Install chain: Fit chain over sprocket and bar, ensure cutting teeth face forward.
3. Tighten chain: Adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled.
4. Install bar nuts: Tighten nuts securely with combination wrench.
5. Fill tanks: Add proper fuel/oil mixture to fuel tank; fill chain oil reservoir.

WARNING! Always wear protective gloves during assembly. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before use.

Safety Precautions

Always wear proper safety equipment and follow safe operating procedures.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, steel-toe boots.
2. Pre-Operation Check: Verify chain tension, sharpness, lubrication, and all fasteners are tight.
3. Clear Work Area: Remove tripping hazards, ensure bystanders are at least 15 feet away.
4. Proper Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, firm grip with both hands.
5. Kickback Prevention: Avoid contact with bar tip; use reduced-kickback chain.

CAUTION! Never operate chainsaw above shoulder height or with one hand. Always shut off engine when not actively cutting.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 45cc 2-stroke
• Power Output: 2.2 kW (3.0 HP)
• Fuel Mix Ratio: 50:1 (unleaded gasoline to 2-stroke oil)
• Chain Pitch: 3/8 inch
• Chain Gauge: 0.050 inch
• Drive Links: 72
• Idle Speed: 2,800 RPM
• Maximum Power Speed: 9,500 RPM
• Sound Pressure Level: 105 dB(A) at operator's ear
• Vibration Level: Front handle 4.2 m/s², rear handle 5.8 m/s²

Controls and Components

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

Right Side: Throttle trigger with lockout, rear handle, stop switch. Left Side: Chain brake lever, front handle, choke lever, primer bulb. Top: Spark plug, air filter cover, fuel cap. Bottom: Muffler, chain tensioning screw.

Operation: Press throttle lockout while squeezing throttle trigger. Engage chain brake by pushing lever forward. Use choke for cold starts. Prime with 5-6 presses of primer bulb when cold.

Starting Procedure

Follow these steps for safe starting in all conditions.

1. Place chainsaw on flat, clear ground.
2. Engage chain brake by pushing lever forward until it clicks.
3. Set stop switch to "I" (run) position.
4. For cold engine: Set choke to full position, press primer bulb 5-6 times.
5. Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot through rear handle.
6. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires (1-3 pulls).
7. Move choke to half position, pull until engine starts.
8. Blip throttle to disengage choke, allow 30-second warm-up.
9. Disengage chain brake by pulling lever toward rear handle.

Tip: For warm restart, use half-choke or no choke position.

Cutting Techniques

Proper techniques ensure efficient cutting and operator safety.

1. Felling: Use notch cut (70-80% of tree diameter) followed by back cut (2 inches above notch).
2. Limbing: Work from trunk outward, cut downward on top of log, use bar as a lever.
3. Bucking: Support log fully, cut from top down, avoid pinching bar.
4. Plunge Cutting: Use bar tip carefully for notching or boring cuts.
5. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with upper quadrant of bar tip.
6. Pushing/Pulling: Recognize when chain is pulling (cutting efficiently) or pushing (needs sharpening).

WARNING! Never cut with the upper tip of the bar. Always plan escape path when felling trees.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Maintenance Task
Daily	Check chain tension, sharpness, lubrication; clean air filter; inspect bar for wear
Weekly	Clean spark arrestor screen; check all fasteners; clean cooling fins
Monthly	Replace air filter; check fuel filter; inspect spark plug
Seasonally	Replace spark plug; clean carburetor; check anti-vibration elements
Annually	Professional servicing; cylinder inspection; piston ring check

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening

Sharp chain cuts efficiently and reduces operator fatigue.

1. Secure bar in vise or clamping device.
2. Use round file matching chain pitch (5/32" for 3/8" pitch).
3. Maintain filing angle of 30° (check manufacturer specification).
4. File each cutter with equal number of strokes (typically 3-5).
5. File depth gauges with depth gauge tool to maintain proper height.
6. Check all cutters for equal length; uneven cutters cause vibration.
7. Lubricate chain after sharpening.

Tip: Sharpen chain when sawdust becomes fine powder instead of chips.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer for storage over 30 days.
2. Run engine until it stalls to remove fuel from carburetor.
3. Remove chain, clean in solvent, coat with oil, store separately.
4. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air intake.
5. Store in dry location, protected from moisture and temperature extremes.
6. Hang by rear handle or store on side, not on bar.

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

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, flooded, stale fuel	Check spark plug; wait if flooded; use fresh fuel mix
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter	Replace fuel filter; clean or replace air filter
Chain doesn't turn	Brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket damaged	Disengage brake; inspect clutch and sprocket
Chain throws oil	Over-oiling, wrong oil viscosity	Adjust oiler; use proper bar and chain oil
Excessive vibration	Dull chain, unbalanced cutters, loose components	Sharpen chain evenly; tighten all fasteners
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, improper filing, worn bar	Sharpen chain properly; inspect bar for wear

Service: For technical support, contact manufacturer at 1-800-555-CHAIR or visit www.chainsawmanual.com