Homelite Chainsaw 16 Inch Manual

The Homelite 16-inch Chainsaw is a gas-powered, professional-grade cutting tool designed for demanding tasks like felling trees, limbing, bucking, and cutting firewood. It features a high-performance 2-stroke engine, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, inertia-activated chain brake, 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: 42cc 2-stroke engine, 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, Automatic chain oiler, Inertia-activated chain brake, Anti-vibration system, Easy-start primer bulb, Tool-less chain tensioning, Side-access chain cover.

Safety Information

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

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps/pants, and steel-toe boots.
2. Pre-Operation Check: Inspect chain sharpness, tension, and lubrication. Check for loose parts or damage.
3. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing and escape path.
4. Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly with both hands. Do not cut with tip. Use reduced-kickback chain.

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

Assembly & First-Time Setup

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

1. Attach the Bar & Chain: Remove side cover. Place bar over studs. Loop chain over sprocket and onto bar groove with cutting teeth facing forward. Replace cover and hand-tighten nuts.
2. Tension the Chain: Use tool-less tensioning dial. Adjust until chain snaps back when pulled from bar, but can still be rotated by hand.
3. Fill Fuel & Oil: Use fresh 50:1 gas/oil mix (89 octane min). Fill chain oil reservoir with bar & chain oil.
4. Initial Start: Place on ground, engage chain brake, set choke, press primer 5x, pull starter cord until engine fires, then disengage choke and pull to start.

CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is engaged during starting. Keep hands away from cutting area.

Specifications

• Model: Homelite UT10520
• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled
• Displacement: 42 cc
• Power Output: 2.1 HP
• Fuel: Unleaded gasoline (89 octane min) with 2-stroke oil (50:1 ratio)
• Bar Length: 16 inches
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 0.325” / 0.050”
• Chain Speed: 55.8 ft/sec (17 m/sec) at max RPM
• Idle Speed: 2,800 RPM
• Max Engine Speed: 12,500 RPM
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: Front handle 4.2 m/s², Rear handle 6.1 m/s²

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Throttle trigger, Throttle lockout, Chain brake lever, Choke lever, Primer bulb, Stop switch, Fuel valve, Decompression valve (if equipped).

Components: Front handle with chain brake, Rear handle with throttle, Air filter cover, Spark plug cover, Muffler, Bar cover, Chain tensioner dial, Oil filler cap, Fuel filler cap.

Operation: Squeeze throttle lockout and trigger to engage. Push chain brake lever forward to engage brake (kickback protection). Pull back to disengage for cutting.

Fuel & Lubrication

Fuel Mix: Use 50:1 ratio of unleaded gasoline (89 octane or higher) to 2-stroke engine oil (ISO-L-EGD or JASO FD rated). Mix in separate container. Do not mix in saw tank.

Chain Oil: Use quality bar & chain oil. Check oil level before each use. Adjust flow via screw near bar mount (clockwise to reduce, counterclockwise to increase).

1. Always use fresh fuel (less than 30 days old).
2. Never use straight gasoline or automotive motor oil.
3. Dispose of old fuel properly at hazardous waste facility.

Tip: For cold weather, use winter-grade bar oil. Check for oil discharge by holding tip near light-colored surface while running at high idle.

Starting & Operating Procedures

Starting (Cold Engine):

1. Place saw on flat ground, clear of debris.
2. Engage chain brake (lever forward).
3. Turn fuel valve to ON (if equipped).
4. Set choke lever to FULL CHOKE.
5. Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
6. Pull starter cord sharply until engine “pops” (usually 3-5 pulls).
7. Move choke to HALF position, pull cord to start.
8. Allow to warm up 30 seconds before disengaging chain brake.

Cutting Techniques: Use full throttle when cutting. Let chain do the work—do not force. For felling, plan escape path, use notch and back cut methods.

WARNING! Always shut off engine before setting saw down. Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip).

Chain Maintenance & Sharpening

Chain Tension: Check frequently when hot and cold. Proper tension: snug against bar but pullable by hand. Tighten if sagging on bottom.

Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (5/32” for 0.325”). File at 30° angle, maintaining original cutter shape. File all cutters evenly. Depth gauges should be filed with flat file to maintain 0.025” below cutter.

Cleaning: Remove debris from bar groove, oil holes, and sprocket. Soak bar in solvent if gummed up. Rotate bar regularly for even wear.

Storage & Off-Season Care

For storage over 30 days:

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
2. Remove spark plug, add 1 tsp of 2-stroke oil into cylinder, pull starter 2-3 times, reinstall plug.
3. Clean entire saw, especially air filter and cooling fins.
4. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil. Store bar coated in oil.
5. Store in dry, cool place, away from ignition sources.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank. Old fuel can damage engine components.

Warranty Information

Homelite 16-inch Chainsaw includes a 2-year limited warranty for residential use and a 90-day warranty for commercial use. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, lack of maintenance, use of improper fuel/oil, or damage from accidents. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact Homelite Customer Service at 1-800-242-4672 or visit www.homelite.com.

Troubleshooting

Reset: For engine issues, often a thorough cleaning of air filter, spark plug, and fuel system resolves problems.

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