Homelite Chainsaw UT10540A Manual

The Homelite UT10540A is a gas-powered chainsaw designed for general-purpose cutting, pruning, and limbing tasks. It features a 40cc 2-stroke engine, an 18-inch guide bar and chain, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, inertia chain brake, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 40cc 2-stroke engine, 18-inch guide bar, automatic chain oiler, anti-vibration system, inertia-activated chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, and translucent fuel tank.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear appropriate PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Awareness: Understand kickback zones (upper quadrant of bar tip). Hold saw firmly with both hands.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources. Use fresh fuel mix (see specifications).

WARNING! Never operate a chainsaw while fatigued, under the influence, or in poor weather conditions. The chain brake must be tested before each use.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires attaching the guide bar and chain, and filling fluids.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar over studs, loop chain over sprocket and onto bar groove. Adjust tension.
2. Fuel Mix: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (minimum 89 octane) mixed with 2-cycle oil at a 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas).
3. Fill Tanks: Fill fuel tank with proper mix. Fill oil tank with bar and chain oil (SAE 30 or equivalent).
4. Chain Tension: Adjust via side-access knob until chain snaps back when pulled from bar. Re-check after initial use.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is installed with cutting teeth facing forward on top of bar. Overtightening can damage bar and chain.

Specifications

• Model: Homelite UT10540A
• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled
• Displacement: 40 cc
• Power Output: 2.2 HP
• Max Engine Speed: 12,500 RPM
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 40:1 (unleaded gasoline to 2-cycle oil)
• Bar Length: 18 inches (45 cm)
• Chain Speed: Approx. 55 ft/sec (16.8 m/sec) at max RPM
• Sound Pressure Level: 110 dB(A) (operator position)
• Vibration Level: Front handle: 5.2 m/s²; Rear handle: 7.8 m/s²

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Main Components: Front handle with throttle trigger and lockout, rear handle, choke control, primer bulb, stop switch, chain brake lever, side-access tensioner, fuel cap, oil cap.

Operation: Throttle trigger (with lockout) controls engine speed. Choke enriches fuel mixture for cold starts. Primer bulb draws fuel into carburetor. Chain brake lever (front guard) stops chain rotation if activated manually or by inertia.

Starting & Stopping Procedure

Starting (Cold Engine):

1. Place saw on clear, level ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
3. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.
4. Pull starter rope briskly 2-3 times until engine 'pops'.
5. Move choke to HALF CHOKE. Pull starter until engine starts.
6. Allow to warm up at idle for 30 seconds before disengaging brake.

Starting (Warm Engine): Use HALF CHOKE or no choke. Prime 1-2 times if needed.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle, then press STOP switch to OFF.

Tip: Always engage chain brake when starting, carrying, or setting saw down.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Proper technique ensures safety and efficiency.

1. Basic Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward. Hold saw firmly with both hands, thumbs wrapped around handles.
2. Bucking (Cutting Fallen Logs): Support log off ground. Cut from top. For large logs, cut from top, then finish from bottom to avoid pinching.
3. Limbing: Remove branches from felled tree. Stand on opposite side of tree from branches. Let chain do the work.
4. Kickback Prevention: Never cut with the upper tip of the bar. Be aware of wood tension and release.

WARNING! Do not operate above shoulder height. Do not cut with one hand. Always plan an escape path from falling wood.

Maintenance & Chain Care

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

1. Daily (Before Use): Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Inspect for loose fasteners. Check air filter.
2. Chain Sharpening: Use round file and guide. Maintain correct filing angle (typically 30°). File all cutters evenly.
3. Air Filter: Clean regularly with soapy water, dry completely. Replace if damaged.
4. Spark Plug: Clean and gap to 0.025 inch (0.63 mm). Replace annually or as needed.
5. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove. Flip bar periodically for even wear.

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

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues.

1. Short-Term (under 30 days): Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine for 2 minutes to circulate treated fuel.
2. Long-Term: Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor. Run engine until it stops. Remove spark plug, add 1 tsp of oil into cylinder, pull starter slowly 2-3 times, reinstall plug.
3. General: Clean saw thoroughly. Loosen chain tension. Store in a dry, secure place out of reach of children.

WARNING! Never store saw with fuel in tank for extended periods without stabilizer. Gummed carburetor is a common issue.

Warranty Information

Homelite UT10540A is covered by a limited warranty for residential use. Proof of purchase is required. Warranty does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, improper fuel, commercial use, or normal wear items (chain, bar, spark plug, filters). For warranty service, contact an authorized Homelite service center. For support, visit www.homelite.com or call 1-800-242-4672.

Troubleshooting

For Service: 1-800-242-4672; www.homelite.com