Homelite Chainsaw 46cc 20 Inch Manual

The Homelite 46cc 20-inch chainsaw is a powerful gas-powered tool designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a 46cc 2-stroke engine, a 20-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiling, anti-vibration system, and a chain brake for safety. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 46cc 2-stroke engine, 20-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, decompression valve, anti-vibration handles, side-access chain tensioner, inertia-activated chain brake.

Safety Information

Read and understand 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. Pre-Operation Check: Inspect chainsaw for damage, ensure chain is sharp and properly tensioned, check all fasteners are tight.
3. Clear Work Area: Ensure no obstructions, bystanders, or animals within 15 feet.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in a well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Use fresh fuel mix (50:1 gas to 2-stroke oil).
5. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Never cut with the tip.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Keep hands and feet away from moving chain.

Assembly & First-Time Setup

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

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar onto studs. Loop chain over bar with cutting teeth facing forward on top. Adjust tension.
2. Fill Oil Tank: Use high-quality bar and chain oil. Fill to marked level.
3. Prepare Fuel Mix: Mix fresh unleaded gasoline (minimum 89 octane) with 2-stroke engine oil at a 50:1 ratio. Shake well.
4. Fill Fuel Tank: Add fuel mix to tank. Avoid spilling.
5. Check Chain Brake: Ensure brake engages and disengages smoothly.

CAUTION! Do not attempt to start the chainsaw until assembly is complete and you have read the Operation section.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 46 cc
• Engine Type: 2-stroke, air-cooled
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (unleaded gasoline to 2-stroke oil)
• Guide Bar Length: 20 inches
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325" pitch, .058" gauge (standard)
• Ignition: CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
• Starting System: Recoil starter with decompression valve
• Sound Power Level: Approx. 112 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: Front handle: < 2.5 m/s²; Rear handle: < 5.0 m/s²
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty for home use

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Main Components: Front Handle with Throttle Trigger, Rear Handle, Chain Brake Lever (Front Hand Guard), Throttle Lockout, Choke Control, Decompression Valve, Primer Bulb, Stop Switch, Side-Access Chain Tensioner, Fuel Cap, Oil Cap.

Operation: Throttle Lockout must be depressed before pulling throttle trigger. Chain Brake Lever (hand guard) must be pulled back towards front handle to disengage brake before cutting. Push it forward to engage brake.

Operation

Starting and using your chainsaw.

1. Cold Start: Place saw on flat ground. Engage chain brake. Set choke to FULL. Press primer bulb 5-6 times. Pull starter rope sharply until engine 'pops'. Set choke to HALF. Pull starter rope again until engine starts. Let run for 10 seconds, then push choke to RUN.
2. Warm Start: Choke in RUN position. Pull starter rope.
3. Cutting: Disengage chain brake. Use firm grip, thumbs wrapped around handles. Let saw reach full speed before contacting wood. Do not force the saw; let the chain do the work.
4. Stopping: Release throttle trigger. Press STOP switch.

Tip: Practice cutting on a small log on a sawbuck before attempting larger jobs.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

1. Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension and sharpness. Check bar for wear. Clean air filter. Check all nuts and bolts.
2. Weekly/After 5 Hours: Clean spark arrestor screen in muffler. Check fuel filter. Clean cooling fins.
3. Monthly/After 20 Hours: Replace spark plug (recommended gap: 0.025"). Clean or replace air filter. Check clutch and sprocket.
4. Chain Oiling System: Test by running saw at high speed near a light-colored surface (e.g., cardboard). A line of oil should appear.

WARNING! Perform all maintenance with engine off, spark plug wire disconnected, and chain brake engaged.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is critical for safety and performance.

1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts with combination wrench. Use side-access adjuster to turn until chain fits snug against bar but can be pulled around by hand. Tighten bar nuts. Re-check tension.
2. Sharpening: Use a round file matching chain pitch (e.g., 5/32" for .325" pitch). File each cutter at the manufacturer's specified angle (typically 30°). Maintain equal file strokes per cutter. File depth gauges with a flat file and gauge.

CAUTION! Always wear heavy gloves when handling the chain.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues.

1. Drain all fuel from tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
2. Remove chain, clean it and the bar in solvent, dry, and coat with oil.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air intake.
4. Store in a dry, locked place out of reach of children.

Tip: For long-term storage, fog the engine through the spark plug hole with 2-stroke oil.

Warranty Information

Homelite provides a 2-year limited warranty for the original purchaser for home use. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, improper maintenance, commercial use, or normal wear (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 call 1-800-242-4672.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, take your chainsaw to an authorized Homelite service center.

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