500VL Chainsaw Manual

The 500VL Chainsaw is a powerful 50cc professional-grade chainsaw designed for heavy-duty cutting tasks. It features a high-performance 2-stroke engine, automatic chain oiling system, anti-vibration handle, chain brake, quick-stop inertia brake, easy-start system, and safety throttle lock. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 50cc 2-stroke engine, 20-inch guide bar, automatic oiler, chain brake, anti-vibration system, safety throttle lock.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	2-stroke, air-cooled, single cylinder
Displacement	50cc
Guide Bar Length	20 inches (standard)
Chain Pitch	3/8 inch
Automatic Oiler	Adjustable chain lubrication system
Chain Brake	Manual/inertia activated safety brake
Anti-Vibration	Reduced vibration handles
Weight (without bar/chain)	12.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity	20.3 fl oz
Oil Tank Capacity	11.8 fl oz

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operation. Wear proper safety gear.

1. Always wear: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, steel-toe boots.
2. Clear work area of obstacles and bystanders.
3. Check chain tension and sharpness before each use.
4. Never operate with damaged or missing safety devices.
5. Use two hands on handles at all times during operation.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Keep hands and feet away from moving chain.

Assembly & Preparation

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

1. Attach guide bar: Loosen bar nuts, position bar on studs, align chain sprocket.
2. Install chain: Place chain over bar with cutting teeth facing forward, engage drive links.
3. Adjust chain tension: Tighten bar nuts finger-tight, adjust tension screw for proper slack.
4. Final tightening: Tighten bar nuts securely after tension adjustment.
5. Fuel mix: Use 50:1 gasoline to 2-stroke oil ratio (89 octane minimum).

CAUTION! Chain must move freely when pulled. Over-tightening can damage bar and chain.

Specifications

• Engine: 50cc 2-stroke, air-cooled.
• Power Output: 3.5 HP at 9,000 RPM.
• Maximum Chain Speed: 65 ft/sec.
• Fuel System: Diaphragm carburetor with purge bulb.
• Ignition System: Electronic CDI.
• Starting System: Recoil with decompression valve.
• Bar Length Options: 16", 18", 20", 24".
• Chain Type: 3/8" pitch, .050 gauge, 72 drive links (20" bar).
• Sound Level: 105 dB(A) at operator's ear.
• Warranty: 2 years commercial, 5 years residential.

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with throttle trigger, rear handle with throttle lock, chain brake lever, choke control, primer bulb, stop switch.

Controls: Throttle trigger (right), Throttle lock (must be depressed to operate throttle), Chain brake lever (front handle guard), Choke lever (cold start), Primer bulb (fuel system), Stop switch (engine kill), Decompression valve (easier starting).

Safety features: Chain brake (manual/inertia), Right-hand guard, Chain catcher, Anti-vibration system, Spark arrestor muffler.

Starting the Chainsaw

Follow proper starting procedure to prevent damage and ensure safety.

1. Place on flat, clear surface with chain not touching anything.
2. Engage chain brake by pushing handle guard forward.
3. Set choke to full position (cold engine) or half position (warm engine).
4. Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
5. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
6. Hold rear handle with right foot, pull starter rope briskly 2-3 times.
7. When engine fires, move choke to run position.
8. Pull starter rope until engine starts.
9. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Tip: Never drop-start chainsaw. Always use proper starting position.

Operating Procedures

Proper cutting techniques ensure safety and efficiency.

1. Felling trees: Plan escape path, make notch cut, then back cut leaving hinge.
2. Limbing: Work from trunk outward, keep saw between you and branch.
3. Bucking: Support log properly, cut from top down for tension wood.
4. Avoid kickback: Do not cut with bar tip; maintain firm grip.
5. Cutting position: Stand to left of cut with feet shoulder-width apart.
6. Chain speed: Maintain full throttle during cutting strokes.
7. Bar length: Use shortest bar possible for cutting task.

WARNING! Kickback zone is upper quadrant of bar tip. Never contact this area with chain moving.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

Interval	Maintenance Task
Daily	Check chain tension, sharpness; clean air filter; check oil level
10 hours	Clean spark arrestor; check bar for wear; lubricate sprocket
25 hours	Replace spark plug; clean fuel filter; check all bolts/nuts
50 hours	Replace air filter; clean carburetor; check fuel lines
100 hours	Replace fuel filter; decarbonize exhaust; check compression

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening

Sharp chain cuts efficiently and safely. Dull chain causes kickback.

1. Secure bar in vise or filing clamp.
2. File angle: 30 degrees for cross-cutting, 10 degrees for top plate.
3. File size: 7/32" round file for 3/8" pitch chain.
4. File direction: Push forward only, maintain consistent angle.
5. File all cutters to same length for even cutting.
6. Check depth gauges: File to 0.025" below cutter edge.
7. Clean chain: Remove filings with brush after sharpening.

Tip: Sharpen chain when saw produces fine dust instead of chips.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system damage and corrosion.

1. Drain fuel tank completely or add fuel stabilizer.
2. Run engine until carburetor is dry.
3. Remove chain, clean and oil thoroughly.
4. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
5. Store in dry place, protected from moisture and dust.
6. Hang by rear handle or place on flat surface.
7. Cover with breathable cloth (not plastic).

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, fuel issues, flooded	Check spark plug, fuel mix, choke setting; wait if flooded
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, air leak	Replace fuel filter, check fuel lines and carburetor gaskets
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, improper tension	Sharpen chain, adjust tension, check bar lubrication
Chain won't stop when brake engaged	Worn brake band, dirty mechanism	Replace brake band, clean brake components
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced chain	Tighten all bolts/nuts, balance chain by sharpening evenly
Chain throws oil	Over-oiling, wrong oil viscosity	Adjust oiler, use proper bar and chain oil

Service: For professional service, contact authorized dealers only. Warranty requires proper maintenance records.

Support: 1-800-555-CHAIN; www.500vlchainsaw.com