Homelite 20 Chainsaw Manual

The Homelite 20 is a lightweight, gas-powered chainsaw designed for general-purpose cutting, pruning, and limbing. It features a 20-inch guide bar, a 2-stroke engine, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, chain brake, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Fuel & Oil Mixing 7. Starting & Operation 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 10. Storage 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-stroke engine, 20-inch guide bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, anti-vibration system, chain brake, throttle trigger lockout, and decompression valve.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	2-stroke, air-cooled gasoline engine
Guide Bar Length	20 inches (50 cm)
Chain Pitch	3/8 inch
Automatic Oiler	Lubricates chain during operation
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces user fatigue
Chain Brake	Stops chain rotation in kickback situations
Throttle Trigger Lockout	Prevents accidental throttle engagement
Decompression Valve	Eases starting by reducing cylinder pressure
Fuel Tank Capacity	Approx. 0.5 liters (16.9 fl oz)
Oil Tank Capacity	Approx. 0.3 liters (10.1 fl oz)

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear appropriate PPE.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
Clear Work Area: Ensure no bystanders, pets, or obstacles within 15 feet.
Kickback Awareness: Keep firm grip; do not cut with tip of bar.
Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area, engine off and cool.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate while tired or under the influence.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

Attach Guide Bar: Place bar onto sprocket nose, align with mounting studs.
Install Chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Fit chain over sprocket and onto bar groove.
Tension Chain: Adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
Fill Fluids: Mix fuel (50:1 gas to 2-stroke oil). Fill fuel and bar/chain oil tanks.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned and moves freely before starting.

Specifications

Model: Homelite 20
Engine Displacement: 45 cc
Power Output: 2.5 HP
Guide Bar Length: 20 inches (50 cm)
Chain Speed: Approx. 18 m/s at max RPM
Fuel: Unleaded gasoline (min 89 octane) mixed with 2-stroke oil (50:1 ratio)
Bar & Chain Oil: SAE 30 or equivalent chainsaw oil
Weight (dry): 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs)
Sound Power Level: 110 dB(A)
Vibration Level: 4.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Main controls located on rear handle and body.

Right Side: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, rear handle. Left Side: Chain brake lever, front handle, choke lever, primer bulb, stop switch. Top: Decompression valve, fuel cap, oil cap.

Operation: Press throttle lockout while squeezing throttle to engage. Push chain brake forward to activate; pull toward handle to disengage. Use choke for cold starts.

Fuel & Oil Mixing

Use fresh unleaded gasoline (min 89 octane) and high-quality 2-stroke engine oil.

Mix Ratio: 50:1 (20 ml of oil per 1 liter of gasoline).
Mixing: Add oil to approved fuel container, then add gasoline. Shake well.
Bar & Chain Oil: Fill separate oil tank with SAE 30 chainsaw oil.

Tip: Do not use old or stale fuel. Use fuel within 30 days of mixing. Never use automotive motor oil.

Starting & Operation

Starting procedure for cold and warm engine.

Cold Start: Set chain brake ON. Move stop switch to RUN. Pull choke lever out. Press primer bulb 5-6 times. Place on ground, hold front handle with left hand, place right foot through rear handle. Pull starter cord briskly until engine fires. Push choke lever in. Pull cord again to start.
Warm Start: Follow above but do not use choke or primer.
Cutting: Disengage chain brake. Squeeze throttle trigger lockout and throttle to begin cutting. Let saw reach full speed before contacting wood.
Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Move stop switch to STOP.

WARNING! Always engage chain brake when carrying or not actively cutting. Keep both hands on handles during operation.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Inspect for loose parts.
Every 5 hours	Clean air filter. Check spark plug.
Every 20 hours	Replace spark plug. Clean cooling fins. Check fuel filter.
Every 50 hours	Clean carburetor (or as needed). Replace fuel filter.
Seasonally	Drain fuel for storage. Inspect guide bar for wear and groove damage.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is critical for safe operation.

Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 5/32 inch). File each cutter at 30° angle. Maintain consistent depth gauge height with flat file.
Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Adjust tensioning screw until chain is snug against bar but can be pulled around by hand. Tighten bar nuts while lifting tip of bar. Re-check tension.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Stop engine and ensure chain is cool before servicing.

Storage

Prepare chainsaw for extended storage.

Drain all fuel from tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil. Clean guide bar groove and oil hole.
Clean entire saw, especially air intake and cooling fins.
Store in dry, cool place, away from children and flammable materials.

Tip: For storage less than 30 days, add fuel stabilizer to fresh fuel mix and run for 2 minutes.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, flooded, bad spark plug, clogged air filter	Check fuel; wait if flooded; clean/replace spark plug and air filter.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, carburetor issues, vented fuel cap	Replace fuel filter; clean carburetor; ensure fuel cap vent is open.
Chain does not turn	Chain brake engaged, low chain oil, worn sprocket	Disengage brake; fill oil tank; inspect clutch and sprocket.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain, damaged anti-vibration mounts	Tighten all fasteners; sharpen chain evenly; inspect mounts.
Chain throws oil	Over-oiling, wrong oil viscosity	Check oiler adjustment; use correct SAE 30 bar oil.
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, improper filing, low engine power	Sharpen chain correctly; check carburetor adjustment and compression.

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

Support: 1-800-242-4672; www.homelite.com