Homelite Chainsaw Operating Manual

The Homelite Chainsaw is a powerful and reliable tool designed for cutting wood, pruning trees, and other forestry tasks. It features a high-performance gasoline engine, automatic oiling system, safety chain brake, anti-vibration handles, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, Guide Bar, Saw Chain, Chain Brake, Throttle Trigger, Choke Control, Fuel Tank, Oil Tank, Anti-Vibration System.

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear proper safety equipment.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toed boots, and chainsaw chaps.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles, ensure secure footing, keep bystanders away.
3. Chain Safety: Always engage chain brake when not cutting. Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources. Use proper fuel/oil mixture.

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

Assembly & Preparation

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

1. Attach Guide Bar: Place bar on mounting studs, align chain groove with sprocket.
2. Install Chain: Place chain over bar with cutting teeth facing forward, engage drive links.
3. Adjust Chain Tension: Loosen bar nuts, adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled.
4. Fuel Mix: Use 50:1 gasoline to 2-cycle oil mixture. Shake well before filling.
5. Fill Tanks: Add fuel mix to fuel tank, bar & chain oil to oil tank.

CAUTION! Ensure all fasteners are tight. Check chain tension before each use.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 45cc 2-stroke
• Power Output: 2.5 HP
• Fuel: Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) with 2-cycle oil
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1
• Bar Length Options: 14", 16", 18"
• Chain Pitch: 3/8"
• Chain Gauge: 0.050"
• Idle Speed: 2,800 RPM
• Maximum Power Speed: 9,500 RPM
• Sound Level: 105 dB(A) at operator's ear
• Vibration Level: Front handle: 4.5 m/s², Rear handle: 5.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Choke Control, Stop Switch, Chain Brake Handle.

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake handle. Rear Handle: Contains stop switch and choke control. Other Components: Decompression valve (if equipped), primer bulb, fuel cap, oil cap, spark plug cover.

Operation: Press throttle lockout before squeezing throttle trigger. Push chain brake forward to engage, pull toward rear handle to disengage. Choke for cold starts, move to run position once started.

Starting the Chainsaw

Follow these steps for safe starting.

1. Place on flat, clear surface. Engage chain brake.
2. Set choke to full position (cold engine). Set to half position if warm.
3. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
4. Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
5. Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot in rear handle.
6. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires (2-3 pulls).
7. Move choke to run position. Pull starter rope until engine starts.
8. Allow to warm up at idle for 30 seconds before disengaging chain brake.

Tip: Never drop-start or start above waist height. Always maintain secure footing.

Operating Procedures

Proper cutting techniques ensure safety and efficiency.

1. Basic Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward.
2. Grip: Hold front handle with left hand, rear handle with right hand. Thumbs wrapped around handles.
3. Starting Cut: Apply light pressure, let chain do the work. Avoid forcing.
4. Kickback Zone: Avoid cutting with upper quadrant of bar tip.
5. Bucking: Cut from top of log, support log properly. For large logs, cut from top, then bottom.
6. Limbing: Work from trunk outward. Beware of springback from branches.
7. Felling: Not recommended for inexperienced users. Consult professional for tree felling.

WARNING! Always be aware of kickback potential. Keep both hands on handles at all times during operation.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

1. Daily: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Clean air filter. Check for loose fasteners.
2. Weekly: Clean cooling fins, check spark plug condition, clean fuel filter.
3. Monthly: Clean carburetor air passage, check fuel lines for cracks, clean exhaust port.
4. Seasonal: Replace spark plug, fuel filter, air filter. Clean entire saw thoroughly.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance. Allow engine to cool completely.

Chain Sharpening & Replacement

A sharp chain cuts efficiently and safely.

1. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (usually 5/32" or 3/16").
2. Angle: Maintain 30° filing angle. File each cutter equally.
3. Depth Gauges: File depth gauges with flat file to maintain proper height (0.025" below cutter).
4. Replacement: Replace chain when cutters are worn to 50% of original length or damaged.
5. Bar Maintenance: Rotate bar regularly to ensure even wear. File bar rails if grooved.

Tip: Sharpen chain after every 2-3 hours of use for best performance.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Short-term (under 30 days): Add fuel stabilizer to fuel tank, run for 2 minutes to circulate.
2. Long-term (over 30 days): Drain fuel tank completely. Run engine until it stops from fuel starvation.
3. Remove chain, clean and oil it. Store separately.
4. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter area.
5. Store in dry, cool place away from children.

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

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Homelite service center.

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