Homelite Chainsaw Manual 2-Cycle Manual

The Homelite 2-Cycle Chainsaw is a powerful gasoline-powered cutting tool designed for felling, limbing, bucking, and pruning trees. It features a 2-stroke engine requiring a gasoline/oil mixture, an automatic oiling chain lubrication system, anti-vibration handles, a chain brake, and a manual or automatic chain tensioner. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-stroke gasoline engine, Guide Bar, Saw Chain, Chain Brake, Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Choke Control, Primer Bulb, Fuel Tank, Chain Oil Tank, Anti-Vibration System.

Safety Warnings & Precautions

Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow instructions can result in serious injury or death.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, heavy-duty gloves, chainsaw chaps or pants, and steel-toe boots.
2. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Do not let this part contact wood or other objects.
3. Clear Work Area: Ensure bystanders, pets, and obstacles are at least 15 feet away.
4. Secure Workpiece: Never cut while holding the wood in your hand or against your leg.
5. Fuel Safety: Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine OFF and cool. Wipe up spills immediately.

WARNING! The chain brake is a critical safety device. Test it before each use. Never operate a chainsaw with a damaged, loose, or improperly adjusted chain.

Assembly & Initial Setup

Unpack all parts. Some assembly is required.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on mounting studs. Loop chain over bar sprocket, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Adjust tension.
2. Fill Fuel Tank: Use fresh, unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) mixed with high-quality 2-cycle engine oil at the ratio specified in your manual (e.g., 40:1 or 50:1). Shake container thoroughly before filling.
3. Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use proper bar and chain oil. Do not use waste oil.
4. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, lockout, and chain brake operate smoothly.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling the chain. It is extremely sharp.

Specifications

• Engine Type: 2-stroke, air-cooled, single cylinder.
• Displacement: Varies by model (e.g., 33cc, 45cc).
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: Typically 40:1 (Check your specific model's manual).
• Guide Bar Length: Common sizes: 14", 16", 18".
• Chain Pitch & Gauge: .325" or 3/8" low-profile pitch common.
• Weight: Varies by model (approx. 10-15 lbs).
• Ignition System: Electronic (CDI).
• Chain Brake: Inertia-activated.
• Sound Level: Exceeds 100 dB(A). Hearing protection required.

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Front Handle: Contains Throttle Trigger and Throttle Lockout. Rear Handle: Contains START/STOP Switch. Top Cover: Houses Choke Lever, Primer Bulb, and often the Chain Brake lever.

Starting Procedure Controls: Choke (ON for cold start, OFF for warm), Primer Bulb (press 5-10 times until fuel is visible), START/STOP Switch (I=ON, O=OFF).

Chain Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts, adjust tensioning screw until chain fits snugly against bar but can be pulled around by hand, retighten bar nuts.

Fuel & Lubrication

Fuel Mix: Use fresh, unleaded gasoline (max 10% ethanol) and a JASO FD or ISO-L-EGD certified 2-cycle oil. Mix at the precise ratio stated in your manual (e.g., 2.6 oz oil per 1 gallon gas for 50:1).

Chain Oil: Use a quality bar and chain oil designed for high adhesion. In cold weather, use a winter-grade oil.

1. Always clean area around caps before opening.
2. Fill tanks on a level surface to avoid spills.
3. Do not mix different brands or types of 2-cycle oil.
4. Discard fuel mix older than 60 days.

Tip: Mark your fuel can clearly. Never put mixed fuel in a vehicle or lawn mower.

Starting & Operating Procedures

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on clear, flat ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Set START/STOP switch to "I" (ON).
3. Pull choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.
4. Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
5. Place your right foot through the rear handle, holding the front handle down with your left hand. Pull starter cord sharply until engine "pops" (usually 3-5 pulls).
6. Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE position.
7. Pull starter cord again until engine starts and runs.
8. Allow to warm up for 10-15 seconds, then squeeze throttle to disengage choke. Release chain brake before cutting.

Warm Start: Do not use choke. Follow steps 1-2, then pull starter cord.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle, set START/STOP switch to "O" (OFF).

Cutting Techniques

Basic Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward for balance. Hold saw firmly with both hands.

1. Felling (Cutting down a tree): Plan escape path (45-degree angle to rear). Make notch cut (1/3 tree diameter), then back cut. Use wedges for large trees.
2. Limbing (Removing branches): Cut from trunk outward. Let branch support weight; beware of spring poles.
3. Bucking (Cutting felled tree to length): Support log off ground. Cut from top down, avoiding pinching the bar. Use a plastic or wooden wedge if needed.

WARNING! Never cut above shoulder height. Be extremely cautious of kickback. Always let the chain do the work; do not force it.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Perform maintenance with engine OFF, spark plug wire disconnected, and chain brake engaged.

• Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Check fuel and oil levels. Inspect for loose parts or damage.
• Air Filter: Clean regularly (tap out debris, wash in soapy water if foam). Replace if damaged.
• Spark Plug: Clean and check gap (typically 0.025") periodically. Replace if electrodes are worn.
• Chain Sharpening: Use correct round file and guide. Maintain proper filing angle (typically 30°). File all cutters to equal length.
• Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove. Flip bar weekly for even wear. Dress bar rails with a flat file if burred.

CAUTION! Never clean with a pressure washer. Use a brush and compressed air to remove sawdust from cooling fins and air intake.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

1. Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor. Run engine until it stops.
2. Remove chain, clean it and the bar in solvent, dry, and coat with oil.
3. Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of 2-cycle oil into cylinder, pull starter cord slowly 2-3 times to coat interior, reinstall plug.
4. Clean entire saw, store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

Troubleshooting

Service: For major repairs, contact an authorized Homelite service center. Use only genuine Homelite parts.

Support: For manuals and parts, visit www.homelite.com or contact customer service.