Homelite 45cc Timberman Chainsaw Manual

The Homelite 45cc Timberman is a professional-grade chainsaw featuring a 45cc 2-stroke engine, 18-inch guide bar, automatic oiler, anti-vibration system, quick-stop chain brake, and easy-start technology. Designed for demanding cutting tasks including felling, limbing, and bucking. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Operation 7. Chain & Bar Maintenance 8. Engine Maintenance 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 45cc 2-stroke engine, 18-inch guide bar, automatic chain oiler, inertia-activated chain brake, decompression valve, anti-vibration handles, side-access chain tensioner.

FeatureDescription
Engine Displacement45cc 2-stroke air-cooled engine
Guide Bar Length18 inches (45 cm)
Chain Pitch0.325 inches
Chain Gauge0.050 inches
Fuel Capacity14.9 fl oz (440 ml)
Oil Capacity8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
Weight (dry)12.8 lbs (5.8 kg)
Ignition SystemElectronic ignition with quick-start
Chain BrakeInertia-activated quick-stop
Vibration DampingAnti-vibration system in front/rear handles

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Wear proper PPE.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment: 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. Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly with both hands. Do not cut with tip. Keep chain sharp.
  4. Fuel Safety: Mix fuel outdoors. Use fresh gasoline and 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio. Store in approved container.

WARNING! Chainsaw kickback can cause severe injury or death. Always use proper grip and cutting techniques.

Assembly & Preparation

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

  1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on mounting studs. Loop chain over sprocket, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Adjust tension.
  2. Fill Oil Reservoir: Use bar and chain oil. Check for leaks.
  3. Mix Fuel: Use 89 octane gasoline mixed with 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio. Shake well.
  4. Fill Fuel Tank: Add fuel mixture to tank. Wipe any spills.
  5. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Never use automotive oil or straight gasoline. Improper fuel will damage engine.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Front handle with throttle trigger, rear handle with throttle lockout, choke lever, primer bulb, decompression valve, chain brake lever, master control lever.

Components: Chain catcher, spark arrestor muffler, side-access chain tensioner, automatic oiler with manual override, fuel gauge, air filter cover, starter grip.

Operation: Master control lever combines choke/run/stop functions. Chain brake engages manually (front hand guard) or automatically (inertia). Decompression valve reduces starting effort.

Starting & Operation

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

  1. Place saw on flat ground. Engage chain brake.
  2. Set master control to choke position. Press primer bulb 5 times.
  3. Pull starter rope sharply until engine "pops".
  4. Move master control to run position. Pull starter to start.
  5. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Cutting Techniques: Use full throttle when cutting. Let chain do the work. Plan escape path when felling. Never cut above shoulder height.

Tip: Allow engine to warm up 30 seconds before cutting.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Daily maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

  1. Chain Sharpening: Use round file (7/32" or 5.5mm) at 30° angle. File all cutters evenly.
  2. Chain Tension: Adjust when chain sags from bar rails. Proper tension: chain snug but pullable by hand.
  3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly. Flip bar monthly for even wear.
  4. Oiler Check: Ensure automatic oiler delivers oil to bar tip. Use manual override for extra oil.
  5. Depth Gauges: File depth gauges to 0.025" below cutter height.

WARNING! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Disconnect spark plug during maintenance.

Engine Maintenance

Regular maintenance schedule:

IntervalTask
Each UseCheck chain tension, sharpness; clean air filter; check oil level
10 HoursClean spark arrestor screen; check fuel filter
25 HoursReplace spark plug (NGK BPMR7A); clean cylinder fins
50 HoursReplace fuel filter; clean carburetor
100 HoursCheck piston/cylinder; replace worn parts

Air Filter: Clean with soapy water, dry completely. Replace if damaged.

Storage Guidelines

Long-term storage preparation:

  1. Drain fuel tank completely. Run engine until it stops.
  2. Remove spark plug. Add 1 teaspoon of 2-stroke oil to cylinder. Pull starter slowly to distribute.
  3. Clean entire saw. Apply light oil to bar and chain.
  4. Store in dry place, covered, with bar and chain removed.

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

Warranty Information

Homelite 45cc Timberman includes 2-year limited warranty for home use (90 days commercial). Warranty covers defects in materials/workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, accidental damage. Keep receipt as proof of purchase. For warranty service, contact authorized service center.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startOld fuel, flooded, no sparkUse fresh fuel mix; wait if flooded; check spark plug gap (0.025")
Engine runs then diesClogged fuel filter, dirty air filterReplace fuel filter; clean air filter
Chain won't turnBrake engaged, chain too tightDisengage brake; adjust chain tension
Chain throws oilOver-oiling, wrong oil viscosityAdjust oiler; use proper bar & chain oil
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, unbalanced chainTighten all bolts; sharpen chain evenly
Poor cutting performanceDull chain, depth gauges too highSharpen chain; file depth gauges

Service: For technical support: 1-800-242-4672 or www.homelite.com

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