Homelite Chainsaw Super XL Manual

The Homelite Super XL is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful 2-stroke engine, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, safety chain brake, and a durable guide bar. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly Instructions 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting Procedure 7. Operation Guidelines 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening 10. Storage Instructions 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-stroke gasoline engine, Automatic chain oiler, Anti-vibration system, Safety chain brake, Quick-stop inertia brake, Manual oil pump, Decompression valve.

FeatureDescription
Engine Type2-stroke, air-cooled gasoline engine
Displacement45.6 cc (2.78 cu. in.)
Guide Bar Length16-inch standard (options: 14", 18")
Chain Pitch3/8" standard
Fuel Capacity14.9 fl oz (440 ml)
Oil Capacity8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
Weight (dry)10.8 lbs (4.9 kg)
Ignition SystemElectronic ignition
Vibration DampingRubber-mounted handles
Safety FeaturesChain brake, throttle lockout, hand guard

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Wear proper safety equipment.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles and bystanders. Maintain secure footing.
  3. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Use proper fuel/oil mix.
  4. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone. Use reduced-kickback chain. Hold saw firmly.

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 Instructions

Unpack and inspect all components. Assembly requires basic tools.

  1. Attach Guide Bar: Place bar on studs, align chain with sprocket, adjust tension.
  2. Install Chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Fit into bar groove.
  3. Adjust Chain Tension: Loosen bar nuts, turn tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
  4. Fill Fluids: Add proper fuel/oil mix to fuel tank. Fill bar and chain oil reservoir.
  5. Check Controls: Verify throttle trigger, lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before starting.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Throttle trigger, Throttle lockout, Chain brake lever, Decompression valve, Choke, Primer bulb, Stop switch.

Components: Front hand guard, Rear handle with vibration damping, Fuel tank cap, Oil tank cap, Muffler, Spark arrestor, Chain catcher, Bar cover.

Operation: Squeeze throttle lockout before pulling trigger. Push chain brake forward to engage safety stop. Pull decompression valve for easier starting. Use primer bulb for cold starts.

Starting Procedure

Cold Start: Place saw on clear, level surface.

  1. Engage chain brake by pushing lever forward.
  2. Set stop switch to "RUN" position.
  3. Pull choke knob fully out (cold start only).
  4. Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
  5. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires (1-3 pulls).
  6. Push choke knob halfway in.
  7. Pull starter rope again until engine starts.
  8. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Tip: Warm start: Skip choke, use half-choke if needed. Never drop-start chainsaw.

Operation Guidelines

Proper technique reduces fatigue and increases safety.

  1. Grip: Hold front handle with left hand, rear handle with right hand. Thumb under handle.
  2. Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward.
  3. Cutting: Let saw do the work. Don't force. Use appropriate chain speed.
  4. Bucking: Support log properly. Cut from top down. Watch for binding.
  5. Limbing: Work from trunk outward. Be aware of springback.
  6. Felling: Notch facing intended fall direction. Back cut 2 inches above notch.

WARNING! Always plan escape path when felling. Never cut above shoulder height.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Clean air filter. Inspect for damage.

Weekly: Clean spark arrestor screen. Check all nuts and bolts for tightness. Clean cooling fins.

Monthly: Clean fuel filter. Check fuel lines for cracks. Inspect bar for wear.

Seasonal: Replace spark plug. Clean carburetor. Check anti-vibration mounts.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening

Sharp chain cuts faster and safer. Sharpen when saw produces fine dust instead of chips.

  1. Secure bar in vise. File at proper angle (typically 30°).
  2. Use correct round file size (usually 7/32" for 3/8" chain).
  3. File from inside out, maintaining equal pressure on each stroke.
  4. File all cutters to same length. Check depth gauges with gauge tool.
  5. File depth gauges to proper height (0.025" below cutter).

Tip: Sharpen every 1-2 hours of cutting time. Rotate file regularly for even wear.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage prevents fuel system problems.

  1. Drain fuel tank completely or add fuel stabilizer.
  2. Run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
  3. Remove chain, clean in solvent, coat with oil.
  4. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
  5. Store in dry place, covered, with bar and chain separately.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark, fuel issues, floodedCheck spark plug, fuel mix, choke setting. Wait if flooded.
Engine runs then diesClogged filter, vent problemClean air/fuel filters. Check tank vent.
Poor cutting performanceDull chain, improper tensionSharpen chain. Adjust tension. Check bar groove.
Chain won't oilEmpty oil tank, clogged portsFill oil tank. Clean oil ports. Check oil pump.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, worn mountsTighten all fasteners. Check anti-vibration mounts.
Chain throws off barWorn bar, improper tensionReplace worn bar. Properly tension chain.

Service: For technical support or parts, contact Homelite at 1-800-242-4672 or visit www.homelite.com.

Parts: Use genuine Homelite replacement parts for optimal performance and safety.

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