Forester FR 38 Chainsaw Manual

The Forester FR 38 is a professional-grade 38cc gasoline chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a high-performance 2-stroke engine, automatic chain oiling, anti-vibration system, inertia chain brake, easy-start mechanism, and a 16-inch Oregon bar and chain. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 38cc 2-stroke engine, 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiler, inertia chain brake, anti-vibration handles, easy-start system, side-access chain tensioner.

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear protective equipment.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing.
3. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources. Use fresh fuel mix (50:1).
4. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone (upper quarter of bar tip).
5. Chain Brake Test: Test chain brake before each use by pushing forward on front hand guard.

WARNING! Never operate chainsaw with one hand. Do not operate on ladders or unstable surfaces. Keep hands away from moving chain.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble bar and chain.

1. Attach guide bar: Remove side cover nuts, position bar over studs, ensure chain adjuster pin fits in bar hole.
2. Install chain: Place chain over sprocket and bar, ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar.
3. Tension chain: Adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
4. Fill tanks: Add fresh fuel/oil mix to fuel tank. Fill bar and chain oil reservoir with SAE 30 oil.
5. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure chain is properly seated on bar sprocket.

Specifications

• Model: Forester FR 38
• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled
• Displacement: 38cc
• Power Output: 1.8 kW (2.4 HP)
• Fuel: Unleaded gasoline 89+ octane with 2-stroke oil (50:1 mix)
• Bar Length: 16 inches (40cm)
• Chain Pitch: .325"
• Chain Gauge: 0.050" (1.3mm)
• Drive Links: 72
• Idle Speed: 2,800 RPM
• Max Power Speed: 9,500 RPM
• Sound Pressure Level: 108 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: Front handle: 4.2 m/s², Rear handle: 5.1 m/s²

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with chain brake, rear handle with throttle, choke control, ignition switch, side access chain tensioner.

Controls: - Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. - Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed to operate throttle. - Choke Control: For cold starting. - Ignition Switch: ON/OFF switch. - Chain Brake Lever: Manual activation of chain brake. - Front Hand Guard: Inertia-activated chain brake. - Chain Tensioning Screw: Adjusts chain tension. - Fuel Cap: With vent lever. - Oil Cap: For bar and chain oil reservoir.

Starting & Stopping Procedure

Cold Start:

1. Place chainsaw on flat, clear surface.
2. Engage chain brake by pushing forward on hand guard.
3. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.
4. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
5. Pull starter rope briskly 3-5 times until engine fires.
6. Move choke to HALF CHOKE position.
7. Pull starter rope until engine starts.
8. Allow engine to warm up at idle for 30 seconds.
9. Disengage chain brake by pulling hand guard toward rear handle.

Warm Start: Use HALF CHOKE or no choke if engine is warm.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle, move ignition switch to OFF position.

Cutting Techniques

Always use proper cutting stance and techniques.

1. Felling Trees: Notch cut (1/3 tree diameter), back cut (2 inches above notch), use wedges for trees over 18 inches.
2. Limbing: Cut from trunk outward, support log off ground, cut from top side whenever possible.
3. Bucking: Support log properly, cut compression side first on pinched logs.
4. Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip, do not cut with bar tip, keep chain sharp.

Tip: Let the chain do the work; don't force the saw. Keep chain speed high during cuts.

Maintenance Schedule

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

1. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (5/32" for .325" chain). File each cutter at 30° angle. Maintain consistent depth gauge height.
2. Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely. Adjust when chain is warm. Proper tension: chain should snap back when pulled from bar.
3. Rotation: Rotate bar regularly to ensure even wear.

WARNING! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure saw is off and cool before maintenance.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
2. Remove chain, clean and oil it, store separately.
3. Clean entire saw, especially air intake and cooling fins.
4. Store in dry place, protected from dust and moisture.
5. For long-term storage, fog engine with 2-stroke oil through spark plug hole.

CAUTION! Never store chainsaw with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Fuel deteriorates and can damage carburetor.

Troubleshooting

Service: For technical support, contact Forester Customer Service at 1-800-555-FORE (3673) or visit www.foresterchainsaws.com