Homelite Timberman 45 Chainsaw Manual

The Homelite Timberman 45 is a professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a 45cc 2-stroke engine, an 18-inch guide bar, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, chain brake, and a decompression valve for easier starting. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Operating 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 45cc 2-stroke engine, 18-inch guide bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, anti-vibration system, inertia-activated chain brake, decompression valve, and side-access chain tensioner.

FeatureDescription
Engine45cc 2-stroke air-cooled gasoline engine
Guide Bar Length18 inches (45 cm)
Chain OilAutomatic and manual oiling system
Anti-VibrationSpring-mounted handles to reduce operator fatigue
Chain BrakeInertia-activated safety brake
Decompression ValveReduces compression for easier starting
Fuel Tank CapacityApprox. 0.55 US quarts (0.52 liters)
Oil Tank CapacityApprox. 0.37 US quarts (0.35 liters)
Ignition SystemElectronic ignition (CDI)
Weight (dry)12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) without bar and chain

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before use. Always wear appropriate PPE.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 30 feet away. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip.
  4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources. Use fresh fuel mix.

WARNING! Kickback can cause severe injury or death. Always grip saw firmly with both hands. Never operate above shoulder height.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

  1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar over studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar, adjust tension.
  2. Fill oil tank: Use quality bar and chain oil. Check for leaks.
  3. Prepare fuel mix: Use 89 octane gasoline and 2-cycle oil at 50:1 ratio. Shake well.
  4. Fill fuel tank: Add fuel mix to tank. Wipe any spills.

CAUTION! Use only specified fuel mix. Incorrect oil can damage engine.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with throttle trigger and lockout, rear handle, choke control, decompression valve, chain brake lever, master control lever (stop switch), fuel and oil caps, side-access chain tensioner.

Operation Controls: Throttle trigger (with lockout), choke control (cold start), decompression button (press before starting), chain brake lever (forward to engage, pull back to disengage), master control lever (I=Run, O=Stop).

Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, spark plug, muffler, chain tensioner screw, bar mounting nuts.

Starting & Operating

Starting procedure (cold engine):

  1. Place saw on flat, clear ground. Engage chain brake.
  2. Set master control to "I" (Run).
  3. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
  4. Set choke to full choke position.
  5. Pull starter rope sharply until engine "pops".
  6. Move choke to half-choke position.
  7. Pull starter rope again until engine starts.
  8. Allow to warm up at idle for 30 seconds before cutting.

Cutting Techniques: Use lower quadrant of bar for cutting. Let saw do the work; don't force. Plan escape path from falling tree or limb.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

IntervalTask
Before each useCheck chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Inspect for loose parts.
Every 5 hoursClean air filter. Check spark plug condition.
Every 10 hoursClean spark arrestor screen in muffler.
Every 20 hoursReplace fuel filter. Clean cooling fins.
Every seasonReplace spark plug. Clean carburetor air intake.
As neededSharpen chain. Replace worn bar. Grease sprocket tip.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance is critical for safe operation.

  1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Turn tensioning screw until chain fits snug against bar but can be pulled by hand. Retighten nuts.
  2. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (5/32" for 0.325"). File each cutter at 30° angle. Maintain equal length on all cutters.
  3. Depth Gauge: Check depth gauges with gauge tool. File down if above recommended height.

Tip: A sharp chain reduces kickback risk and improves cutting efficiency.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare saw for storage to prevent fuel system issues.

  1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
  2. Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil. Clean guide bar groove.
  3. Clean entire saw, removing sawdust and debris.
  4. Store in dry, cool place, away from children.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Use fuel stabilizer if short-term storage is needed.

Warranty Information

Homelite Timberman 45 comes with a 2-year limited warranty for residential use and a 90-day warranty for commercial use. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, or use of non-genuine parts. For warranty service, contact authorized service center with proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startOld fuel, flooded engine, no sparkUse fresh fuel mix; wait if flooded; check spark plug and ignition.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter, dirty air filterReplace fuel filter; clean or replace air filter.
Chain doesn't turnChain brake engaged, clutch wornDisengage chain brake; inspect clutch and sprocket.
Poor cutting performanceDull chain, improper tension, low oilSharpen chain; adjust tension; fill oil tank.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, unbalanced chainTighten all nuts/bolts; check chain for damaged cutters.
Chain throws oilOver-oiling, wrong oil viscosityAdjust oil flow screw; use correct bar and chain oil.

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

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