Homelite LX30 Bandit Chainsaw Manual

The Homelite LX30 Bandit is a lightweight, gas-powered chainsaw designed for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. It features a 30cc 2-stroke engine, a 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiling, a primer bulb for easy starting, a chain brake for safety, and a tool-less chain tensioning system. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 30cc 2-stroke engine, 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, primer bulb, inertia-activated chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, and spark arrestor muffler.

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operating. Always wear appropriate 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 fuel and oil levels.
3. Operating Zone: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away. Never operate above shoulder height or on a ladder.
4. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Always grip firmly with both hands.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. The chain brake is a safety device but does not eliminate all risk.

Assembly & First-Time Setup

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

1. Attach Bar & Chain: Loosen bar nuts. Place chain over sprocket, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Fit bar onto studs. Adjust tension via side knob before tightening nuts.
2. Fill Chain Oil: Use high-quality bar & chain oil. Fill oil tank to marked level.
3. Mix Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (89 octane minimum) mixed with 2-cycle oil at a 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas). Shake well.
4. Prime & Start: Set ON/OFF switch to ON. Press primer bulb 5-6 times. Set choke to FULL. Pull starter cord sharply until engine fires. Move choke to HALF and pull again to start.

CAUTION! Fuel is highly flammable. Mix and fill outdoors, away from sparks or flames.

Specifications

• Model: Homelite LX30 Bandit
• Engine Displacement: 30cc (1.8 cu in)
• Power Output: 1.6 kW (2.1 hp)
• Fuel Capacity: 10.1 fl oz (300 ml)
• Oil Capacity: 6.8 fl oz (200 ml)
• Bar Length: 16 inches
• Chain Speed: Approx. 55 ft/sec at max RPM
• Idle Speed: 2,800 RPM
• Max Engine Speed: 12,500 RPM
• Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB(A) at operator's ear
• Vibration Level: Front handle: 4.5 m/s², Rear handle: 6.2 m/s²
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty for home use

Controls and Components

Main Controls: ON/OFF switch, Choke lever, Primer bulb, Throttle trigger with lockout, Chain brake lever (front hand guard).

Components: Rear handle with fuel tank, Front handle with oil tank, Muffler with spark arrestor, Side-access chain tensioner, Bar cover, Decompression valve (if equipped).

Chain Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts, turn side knob clockwise to tighten chain (should snap back when pulled from bar), retighten nuts.

Chain Brake Test: With engine off, hold front handle and push brake lever forward. It should engage with an audible click. Pull back to disengage.

Operation

Starting, cutting techniques, and shutdown procedures.

1. Cold Start: Engage chain brake. ON/OFF switch ON. Full choke. Prime 5-6 times. Pull starter cord until engine fires. Move choke to half. Pull again to start. Warm up for 30 seconds.
2. Warm Start: No choke. Prime once if needed. Pull to start.
3. Cutting: Disengage chain brake. Use full throttle when cutting. Let chain do the work; do not force. For bucking, use a sawhorse. For felling, plan escape path.
4. Shutdown: Release throttle, let engine idle for 10 seconds. Move ON/OFF switch to OFF. Engage chain brake.

Tip: Avoid cutting with the tip of the bar to prevent kickback.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

1. Daily/Pre-Use: Check chain tension and sharpness. Check fuel and oil levels. Inspect for loose fasteners.
2. Air Filter: Clean every 5 hours of use. Remove cover, tap out debris, or wash in soapy water if foam. Dry completely before reinstalling.
3. Spark Plug: Check every 25 hours. Clean electrode with wire brush, adjust gap to 0.025". Replace if worn.
4. Fuel Filter: Replace every season or if clogged. Access inside fuel tank.
5. Carburetor Adjustment: Factory set. Do not adjust unless necessary. H (high speed) and L (low speed) screws are under caps.

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

Chain & Bar Care

Proper care extends life and improves cutting performance.

• Sharpening: Use a round file (5/32" or 4.0mm) and file guide. Maintain 30° cutting angle. File all cutters to equal length.
• Depth Gauges: Use a flat file and depth gauge tool to lower rakers (depth gauges) after several sharpenings. Maintain 0.025" below cutter tip.
• Bar Maintenance: Flip bar weekly for even wear. Clean bar groove and oil holes. Dress bar rails with a flat file if burred.
• Lubrication: Always use bar & chain oil. Check oil flow by pointing bar tip at a light surface at idle; a line of oil should appear.

Storage

Prepare chainsaw for extended storage to prevent fuel system damage.

1. Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor by running engine until it stops.
2. Remove chain and bar, clean, and coat with oil.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
4. Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in the tank for more than 30 days. Old fuel can gum up carburetor.

Warranty Information

Homelite LX30 Bandit is covered by a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, improper maintenance, commercial use, or normal wear items (chain, bar, spark plug, filters). Proof of purchase is required. For warranty service, contact an authorized Homelite service center. For more information, visit www.homelite.com or call 1-800-242-4672.

Troubleshooting

Reset: For engine issues, return carburetor adjustment screws to factory settings (lightly seated then backed out 1-1/4 turns for L, 1 turn for H).

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized service center: 1-800-242-4672; www.homelite.com