Eckman Chainsaw Manual

The Eckman Chainsaw is a professional-grade power tool designed for cutting, pruning, and felling trees. It features a high-performance 2-stroke engine, automatic chain oiling, anti-vibration system, chain brake, and safety throttle lock. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, guide bar, cutting chain, chain brake, throttle trigger, oil tank, air filter, and spark plug.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	2-stroke gasoline engine with electronic ignition
Guide Bar Length	Available in 14", 16", 18" models
Chain Brake	Inertia-activated safety brake
Automatic Oiling	Continuous chain lubrication system
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue
Safety Throttle Lock	Prevents accidental throttle engagement
Chain Tensioner	Quick-adjust side-mounted tensioner
Air Filter	Easy-access foam filter
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.5 liters (approx. 16.9 fl oz)
Oil Tank Capacity	0.25 liters (approx. 8.5 fl oz)

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear proper safety gear.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Use proper fuel/oil mix.
4. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of guide bar tip).
5. Never operate above shoulder height or on a ladder.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death.

Assembly & Preparation

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

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Loosen bar nuts, position bar, fit chain with cutting teeth facing forward, adjust tension.
2. Fill Fuel Tank: Mix high-quality 2-stroke oil with unleaded gasoline at 50:1 ratio (check manual for exact ratio).
3. Fill Oil Tank: Use proper bar and chain oil. Do not use waste oil.
4. Check Chain Tension: Chain should be snug but pull freely around bar. Re-tension when cold.

CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is engaged during assembly. Keep hands away from sharp chain.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 45cc (varies by model).
• Power Output: 2.5 HP (approx.).
• Fuel: Gasoline/Oil mix (50:1 ratio recommended).
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" low-profile.
• Chain Gauge: 0.050".
• Idle Speed: 2,800 RPM (adjustable).
• Maximum Power Speed: 9,500 RPM.
• Weight (without bar & chain): 4.8 kg (10.6 lbs).
• Sound Pressure Level: 105 dB(A) at operator's ear.
• Vibration Level: Front handle: 4.5 m/s², Rear handle: 5.0 m/s².

Controls and Functions

Main Controls: Front Handle with Chain Brake, Rear Handle with Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Stop Switch, Choke, Primer Bulb, Decompression Valve (if equipped).

Chain Brake: Manual engagement via front hand guard; inertia-activated during kickback. Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed to engage throttle. Stop Switch: Moves to STOP position to kill engine. Choke: Used for cold starts. Primer Bulb: Press 5-6 times to fuel carburetor for cold starts.

Starting the Chainsaw

Follow procedure for Cold Start and Warm Start.

1. Place saw on firm, flat ground. Ensure chain is clear of objects.
2. Engage chain brake by pulling front hand guard toward front handle.
3. Activate decompression valve (if equipped).
4. Set stop switch to RUN position.
5. Set choke to FULL CHOKE (cold) or HALF CHOKE (warm). Press primer bulb 5 times.
6. Hold rear handle with right hand, place left foot through front handle.
7. Pull starter handle sharply until engine fires (1-5 pulls).
8. Move choke to RUN position. Pull starter again until engine starts.
9. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Tip: Do not drop-start the chainsaw. Always use proper starting position.

Operating Procedures

Basic cutting techniques for felling, limbing, and bucking.

1. Firm Grip: Hold handles firmly with thumbs wrapped around.
2. Body Position: Stand to left of cutting path. Keep balance.
3. Starting Cut: Let chain reach full speed before contacting wood.
4. Cutting: Use lower quadrant of bar. Do not force saw; let chain do the work.
5. Kickback Prevention: Do not cut with bar tip. Be aware of pinch points.
6. Refueling: Stop engine completely and allow to cool before refueling.

WARNING! Never operate with one hand. Always be prepared for kickback.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Daily and periodic maintenance schedule.

Task	Frequency	Procedure
Check Chain Tension	Before each use	Adjust when chain sags from bar
Clean Air Filter	Every 5 hours	Wash in soapy water, dry, re-oil (foam filter)
Check/Sharpen Chain	When cutting slows	Use round file and guide
Clean Cooling Fins	Every 10 hours	Remove debris from cylinder fins
Spark Plug Inspection	Every 20 hours	Clean electrode, check gap (0.025")
Fuel Filter Replacement	Every season	Replace in-tank fuel filter

CAUTION! Perform maintenance only when engine is off and cool. Disconnect spark plug wire for safety.

Chain Sharpening

Use correct file size (typically 5/32" for 3/8" pitch chain).

1. Secure bar in vise or clamp.
2. Identify cutters that need sharpening (look for damaged or shiny edges).
3. Place file guide on chain. Maintain proper filing angle (usually 30°).
4. File from inside cutter to outside with smooth strokes. Apply equal pressure.
5. File each cutter to same length. Check depth gauges (rakers) with gauge tool.
6. File depth gauges if necessary to maintain proper height difference.

Note: A sharp chain cuts faster, reduces operator fatigue, and is safer than a dull chain.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare chainsaw for long-term storage (over 30 days).

1. Drain fuel tank completely. Run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
2. Remove spark plug. Add 1 teaspoon of 2-stroke oil through spark plug hole. Pull starter slowly 2-3 times to coat cylinder. Reinstall plug.
3. Clean entire saw, especially air filter and cooling fins.
4. Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil. Store separately.
5. Store in dry, cool place, away from children.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank. Fuel can degrade and damage carburetor.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, fuel, or compression	Check spark plug, fuel mix, choke setting, decompression valve.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter	Replace fuel filter, clean air filter.
Chain does not turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn	Disengage chain brake, inspect clutch.
Chain throws oil excessively	Oil pump setting too high	Adjust oil flow screw (if equipped).
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, improper filing	Sharpen chain correctly, check depth gauges.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all bolts/nuts, check chain for damage.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Eckman service center.

Support: 1-800-ECKMAN-1; www.eckmanpower.com