Homelite 450 Chainsaw Manual

The Homelite 450 is a professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful 45cc 2-stroke engine, an 18-inch guide bar, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, and a chain brake for enhanced safety. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 45cc 2-stroke engine, 18-inch guide bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, decompression valve, inertia-activated chain brake, anti-vibration system, and translucent fuel tank.

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear appropriate PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.
2. Pre-Operation Check: Inspect chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check for loose fasteners and fuel leaks.
3. Operating Zone: Maintain a 15-foot (5-meter) clearance from bystanders. Never operate above shoulder height.
4. Kickback Awareness: Keep firm grip, avoid tip contact, and use reduced-kickback chain.

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

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach Guide Bar: Remove side cover, place bar over studs, align chain drive links with sprocket.
2. Install Chain: Position chain with cutters facing forward on top of bar, engage drive links.
3. Tension Chain: Adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
4. Fuel Mix: Use 50:1 gasoline to 2-stroke oil ratio (89 octane minimum). Shake well before filling.
5. Bar & Chain Oil: Fill reservoir with SAE 30 or special chainsaw bar oil.

CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is disengaged during assembly. Wear gloves when handling chain.

Specifications

• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled.
• Power Output: 2.8 kW (3.8 hp) at 9,000 RPM.
• Idle Speed: 2,800 RPM.
• Maximum Power Speed: 9,500 RPM.
• Fuel Consumption: Approx. 0.95 L/h at maximum power.
• Spark Plug: NGK BPMR7A (gap 0.020 in / 0.5 mm).
• Carburetor: Walbro WT-426 with adjustable H and L jets.
• Chain Brake Activation Time: < 0.15 seconds.
• Warranty: 2 years commercial, 5 years consumer.

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, choke control, decompression valve, master control lever, chain brake handle.

Components: Front handle with vibration damping, rear handle with fuel tank, air filter cover, muffler, spark arrestor, chain catcher, and oil pump adjustment screw.

Operation: Master control lever combines choke/start/run positions. Chain brake engages manually (front handle) or automatically (inertia). Decompression valve reduces starting effort. Automatic oiler feeds oil to bar groove; manual override available.

Starting & Operation

Cold Start Procedure (with decompression valve):

1. Place saw on firm ground, clear of debris.
2. Engage chain brake by pushing forward on front handle.
3. Set master control to choke position (full up).
4. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
5. Pull starter rope sharply 3-5 times until engine fires.
6. Move master control to half-throttle position.
7. Pull starter until engine starts. Blip throttle to disengage fast idle.
8. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Tip: Warm start: Use half-throttle position, no choke. Never drop-start a chainsaw.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension/sharpness, fuel/oil levels, air filter, fasteners, and chain brake function.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Sharpening: Use 5/32" (4.0 mm) round file with guide. Maintain 30° top plate angle and 10° down angle.

1. Secure bar in vise.
2. Match file diameter to chain pitch.
3. File from inside out, maintaining equal strokes per cutter.
4. Check depth gauges with gauge tool; file to 0.025" (0.65 mm) below cutters.

Tensioning: Chain should snap back when pulled from middle of bar. Adjust with tensioning screw when chain is cool.

Storage Guidelines

Long-term Storage (over 30 days):

1. Drain fuel tank and run carburetor dry.
2. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins.
4. Store in dry place, cover to prevent dust.
5. Remove spark plug, add 1 tsp oil, pull starter slowly to coat cylinder.

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

Warranty Information

Homelite 450 Chainsaw Warranty: 2-year limited warranty for commercial use, 5-year for consumer use. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, or use of non-genuine parts. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact authorized Homelite service center or call 1-800-242-4672.

Troubleshooting

Service: For technical support, visit www.homelite.com or call 1-800-242-4672. Use only genuine Homelite replacement parts.