Harbor Freight Chainsaw Manual

The Harbor Freight Chainsaw is a powerful, gasoline-powered cutting tool designed for professional and home use. It features a high-performance engine, automatic oiling system, safety chain brake, anti-vibration handles, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Chain & Bar Maintenance 7. Fuel & Oil Requirements 8. Storage Guidelines 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-torque 2-stroke engine, Automatic chain oiler, Safety chain brake, Anti-vibration handle system, Quick-start mechanism, Tool-free chain tension adjustment.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	2-stroke, air-cooled gasoline engine
Bar Length	Available in 14", 16", 18" models
Chain Brake	Inertia-activated safety brake
Automatic Oiler	Lubricates chain during operation
Anti-Vibration	Reduces user fatigue during extended use
Chain Tension	Tool-free adjustment system
Fuel Tank	Integrated with see-through window
Safety Throttle	Requires dual-action to engage
Spark Arrestor	Standard muffler with screen
Warranty	90-day limited warranty

Safety Instructions

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

Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Maintain secure footing.
Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly with both hands. Do not cut with tip of bar.
Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. No smoking.

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

Assembly & Setup

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

Attach Guide Bar: Place bar onto mounting studs, align chain with sprocket.
Install Chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar.
Adjust Tension: Use tool-free knob to achieve proper chain tension (should snap back when pulled).
Add Bar & Chain Oil: Fill reservoir with specified oil before first use.
Fuel Mix: Prepare 50:1 gasoline to 2-cycle oil mixture. Shake well before fueling.

CAUTION! Ensure all fasteners are tight before starting. Test chain brake function.

Specifications

Engine Displacement: 45cc (varies by model)
Power Output: 2.5 HP maximum
Fuel Capacity: 14.9 fl oz (440 ml)
Oil Capacity: 8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
Chain Pitch: 3/8" low-profile
Chain Gauge: 0.050"
Weight: 10.8 lbs (without bar & chain)
Sound Level: 105 dB(A) at operator's ear
Vibration Level: < 2.5 m/s²
Warranty: 90-day limited

Controls and Operation

Main Controls: Throttle trigger, Chain brake lever, Choke control, Primer bulb, Stop switch.

Starting Procedure:

Place on flat surface, engage chain brake.
Set choke to FULL position (cold start).
Press primer bulb 5-6 times.
Pull starter cord briskly until engine fires.
Move choke to HALF position, pull again.
Allow to warm up 30 seconds before use.

Cutting Techniques: Use lower part of bar for cutting. Let saw do the work—don't force. Plan escape path from falling wood.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

Chain Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch. Maintain 30° cutting angle.
Depth Gauge: File rakers to 0.025" below cutters.
Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly. Flip bar monthly for even wear.
Tension Check: Chain should be snug but pull freely. Re-tension when warm.
Sprocket Inspection: Replace if teeth are hooked or worn.

Tip: Keep chain sharp—dull chains require more force and increase kickback risk.

Fuel & Oil Requirements

Use fresh, unleaded gasoline with minimum 89 octane. Mix with high-quality 2-cycle engine oil at 50:1 ratio.

Fuel Mix: 2.6 oz oil per 1 gallon gasoline, or 20 ml oil per 1 liter gasoline.
Bar & Chain Oil: Use specially formulated chainsaw oil for all temperatures.
Storage: Use fuel stabilizer if storing over 30 days. Run engine dry for long-term storage.
Disposal: Dispose of old fuel/oil at approved recycling centers.

WARNING! Never use automotive motor oil or diesel fuel. Never use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents damage and ensures ready operation.

Clean thoroughly: Remove sawdust, resin, and debris.
Drain fuel: Run carburetor dry or add fuel stabilizer.
Remove chain: Clean and soak in oil. Store separately.
Protect bar: Coat with light oil to prevent rust.
Store vertically: Hang by rear handle in dry location.

CAUTION! Store out of reach of children. Keep away from open flames or heat sources.

Regulatory Information

EPA Certified: Meets EPA Phase 3 emission standards. CARB Compliant: Certified for sale in California. OSHA: Meets applicable safety standards. Copyright © Harbor Freight Tools. All rights reserved. For technical support, visit www.harborfreight.com or contact 1-800-444-3353.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Old fuel, clogged filter, no spark	Use fresh fuel mix, clean/replace filter, check spark plug.
Engine runs then dies	Fuel line leak, carburetor issue	Check fuel lines, clean carburetor, adjust idle screw.
Chain won't turn	Brake engaged, clutch worn	Disengage chain brake, inspect clutch assembly.
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, improper tension	Sharpen chain, adjust tension, check bar groove.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners, balance chain, check anti-vibration mounts.
Chain throws oil	Overfilled reservoir, wrong oil	Adjust oiler setting, use proper bar & chain oil.

Service Intervals: Clean air filter every 10 hours. Replace spark plug every 50 hours.

Support: 1-800-444-3353; www.harborfreight.com