Homelite Chainsaw 45cc Manual

The Homelite 45cc Chainsaw is a professional-grade gas-powered chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a 45cc 2-stroke engine, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, inertia-activated chain brake, and a quick-release air filter. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 45cc 2-stroke engine, 16" or 18" guide bar, automatic chain oiler, anti-vibration system, inertia chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, and quick-release air filter cover.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear proper PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps/pants, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 30 feet away. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quarter of the guide bar tip.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in a well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Use approved fuel mix.

WARNING! Kickback can cause severe injury or death. Always grip saw firmly with both hands. Never operate above shoulder height.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble on a clean, flat surface.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on mounting studs. Loop chain over sprocket and onto bar groove with cutters facing forward. Install clutch cover and tighten nuts finger-tight. Adjust chain tension.
2. Fill Bar & Chain Oil: Use SAE 30 or specified bar & chain oil. Fill reservoir to marked level.
3. Prepare Fuel Mix: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (minimum 89 octane) mixed with 2-cycle engine oil at a 50:1 ratio (unless otherwise specified). Shake well.
4. Fill Fuel Tank: Add fuel mix to tank. Wipe any spills immediately.

CAUTION! Chain must be properly tensioned. A loose chain can derail; an overtightened chain can damage the engine.

Specifications

• Engine: 45cc 2-stroke, air-cooled.
• Power Output: 2.5 HP (approx.).
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (Unleaded gasoline to 2-cycle oil).
• Bar Length Options: 16" or 18".
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325" pitch, .050" gauge (verify with model).
• Idle Speed: 2,800 - 3,200 RPM.
• Max Engine Speed: 13,500 RPM (under load).
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A) approx.
• Vibration Level: Front handle: 4.5 m/s², Rear handle: 5.5 m/s² (approx.).
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty for home use.

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Front Handle, Rear Handle, Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Stop Switch, Choke Lever, Primer Bulb, Chain Brake Lever/HAND GUARD, Decompression Valve (if equipped).

Operation: Throttle Lockout must be depressed before squeezing Throttle Trigger. Push HAND GUARD forward to engage chain brake. Pull back to disengage.

Maintenance Points: Air Filter, Spark Plug, Fuel Filter, Chain Tensioner, Clutch, Sprocket, Muffler.

Starting & Operating

Cold Start Procedure:

1. Place saw on firm, flat ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.
4. Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
5. Pull starter rope briskly 2-3 times until engine 'pops'.
6. Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE position.
7. Pull starter rope until engine starts. Let run for 10 seconds.
8. Move choke to RUN. Squeeze throttle trigger to disengage fast idle.
9. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Warm Start: Set choke to RUN. Pull starter rope.

Cutting Techniques: Use full throttle when cutting. Let chain do the work; do not force. Be aware of pinch points, tension, and compression in wood.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Chain Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Use adjustment screw to raise bar until chain is snug against bar but can be pulled by hand. Retighten bar nuts securely.

Sharpening: Use correct round file size for chain. Maintain 30° filing angle. File all cutters to equal length. Check depth gauges regularly.

Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly. Flip bar weekly for even wear. Check for wear and straightness.

Oiling System Check: Run saw at high idle over light-colored surface. A fine line of oil should appear on surface. If not, check oil tank, filter, and pump.

Engine Maintenance

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, bar oil level, fuel level, air filter cleanliness, and for loose fasteners.

Weekly/Every 10 Hours: Clean air filter. Check spark plug condition and gap (0.025"). Clean cooling fins and muffler area.

Monthly/Every 20 Hours: Clean fuel filter. Check fuel lines for cracks. Clean exterior of carburetor.

Annually/End of Season: Drain all fuel for storage. Have carburetor adjustments and internal components inspected by an authorized service dealer if performance declines.

Storage

1. Fuel System: Run engine until it stops to use up fuel in carburetor. Drain any remaining fuel from tank into approved container.
2. Engine: Remove spark plug. Pour 1 teaspoon of 2-cycle oil into cylinder. Pull starter rope slowly 2-3 times to coat interior. Reinstall spark plug.
3. Chain & Bar: Remove, clean, and coat with oil. Store separately.
4. General: Clean entire saw. Store in a dry, locked location out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store saw with fuel in the tank for more than 30 days. Old fuel can damage engine components.

Warranty Information

Homelite 45cc Chainsaws are covered by a 2-year limited warranty for original purchaser for home use. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, improper fuel, commercial use, or normal wear items (chain, bar, spark plug, filters). Proof of purchase is required. For warranty service, contact an authorized Homelite service center. For support, visit www.homelite.com or contact 1-800-242-4672.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Homelite service center at 1-800-242-4672.