Homelite UT10522 Chainsaw Manual

The Homelite UT10522 is a lightweight, gas-powered chainsaw designed for general-purpose cutting, pruning, and trimming. It features a 2-cycle engine, automatic oiler, reduced vibration system, and a 16-inch guide bar. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Fuel & Oil 7. Starting & Operation 8. Maintenance 9. Chain Sharpening 10. Storage 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-cycle gasoline engine, 16-inch guide bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, anti-vibration handles, chain brake, primer bulb, and throttle lockout.

FeatureDescription
Engine Displacement38.2 cc (2.33 cu. in.) 2-cycle engine
Guide Bar Length16 inches (40 cm)
Chain Pitch3/8 inch low-profile
Automatic OilerLubricates chain during operation
Fuel Tank CapacityApprox. 10.1 fl oz (300 ml)
Oil Tank CapacityApprox. 6.8 fl oz (200 ml)
Weight (dry)Approx. 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg)
Anti-Vibration SystemReduces operator fatigue
Chain BrakeStops chain in case of kickback
Safety Throttle LockoutPrevents accidental throttle engagement

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear protective gear.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
  2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, pets, and obstacles. Ensure secure footing.
  3. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Use reduced-kickback chain and chain brake.
  4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources. Allow engine to cool.
  5. Never operate: With one hand, above shoulder height, on a ladder, or when fatigued.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Keep hands away from moving chain.

Assembly & Setup

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

  1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar over studs, loop chain around sprocket and bar groove (cutting edges forward on top). Install bar nuts finger-tight, adjust tension, then tighten nuts securely.
  2. Chain Tension: Adjust so chain snaps back when pulled from bar. It should not sag from bottom of bar.
  3. Fill Bar & Chain Oil: Use quality chainsaw bar oil. Fill oil tank to capacity.
  4. Fuel Mix: Prepare fresh fuel mix: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) with 2-cycle oil at 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas). Shake well.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly installed and tensioned before starting. Loose chain can derail.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before operation.

Main Components: Front handle with chain brake, rear handle with throttle trigger, throttle lockout, choke lever, primer bulb, stop switch, fuel cap, oil cap, guide bar, chain, and sprocket cover.

Control Functions: - Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Release to idle. - Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed to engage throttle. Safety feature. - Chain Brake (Front Handle): Push forward to engage (stops chain); pull back to disengage. - Choke Lever: Closed for cold start; open for warm start/running. - Primer Bulb: Press 5-6 times to draw fuel into carburetor for easier starting. - Stop Switch: Move to "I" (On) or "O" (Off).

Fuel & Oil

Use fresh, clean fuel and proper lubricants.

  1. Fuel Mix: 40:1 ratio. Use unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher) and a quality 2-cycle engine oil certified for air-cooled engines (e.g., JASO FD, ISO-L-EGD). Do not use automotive oil or old fuel mix.
  2. Bar & Chain Oil: Use a tacky chainsaw bar oil for proper lubrication. In cold weather (< 40°F/4°C), use winter-grade oil.
  3. Filling: Clean area around caps. Fill fuel and oil tanks to capacity. Wipe up spills immediately. Replace caps securely.
  4. Storage: For storage over 30 days, drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.

Tip: Never mix fuel directly in the chainsaw tank. Use an approved fuel container.

Starting & Operation

Follow proper starting procedure to avoid damage and ensure safety.

  1. Pre-Start Check: Ensure chain brake is disengaged (pulled back). Check chain tension and lubrication. Clear work area.
  2. Cold Start: a. Move stop switch to "I" (On). b. Push choke lever to full choke position. c. Press primer bulb 5-6 times. d. Place saw on ground, hold rear handle with right foot, grip front handle with left hand. e. Pull starter rope briskly until engine 'pops' (usually 2-5 pulls). f. Move choke lever to half-choke position. g. Pull starter rope again until engine starts. h. Allow to warm up for 30 seconds, then move choke to open/running position.
  3. Warm Start: Use half-choke or open choke position. No priming needed.
  4. Cutting: Let engine reach full speed before cutting. Use bottom of bar for cutting; avoid tip contact to prevent kickback. Do not force the saw; let the chain do the work.
  5. Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Move stop switch to "O" (Off).

WARNING! Always engage chain brake when carrying or not actively cutting. Keep both hands on handles during operation.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

ItemFrequencyProcedure
Air FilterEvery 10 hoursRemove, clean with soap/water or replace if damaged.
Spark PlugEvery 25 hoursClean electrode, check gap (0.025 in / 0.63 mm), replace if worn.
Fuel FilterEvery seasonReplace if clogged.
Chain SprocketInspect weeklyReplace if worn (causes poor chain performance).
Bar MaintenanceEvery 8 hoursClean bar groove, flip bar to ensure even wear.
External CleaningAfter each useWipe down with damp cloth. Remove sawdust from cooling fins.
Carburetor AdjustmentAs neededFactory set. Only adjust if experiencing performance issues (high altitude).

CAUTION! Perform maintenance only when engine is off and cool. Disconnect spark plug wire for safety.

Chain Sharpening

A sharp chain cuts efficiently and safely.

  1. Tools Needed: Round file (5/32 in. for 3/8" low-profile chain), file guide, flat file for depth gauges.
  2. Secure Saw: Clamp bar in a vise.
  3. File Angle: Hold file at 30-degree angle to chain. Follow existing angle on cutter.
  4. Filing: File each cutter from inside out with smooth strokes. Apply equal pressure, equal number of strokes per cutter.
  5. Depth Gauges: After several sharpenings, check depth gauges (rakers). Use depth gauge tool and flat file to lower to specified height (typically 0.025 in. below cutter).
  6. Check Chain: Ensure all cutters are same length. Uneven cutters cause vibration and poor cutting.

Tip: Sharpen chain at first sign of dullness (saw produces fine dust instead of chips).

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

  1. Short-Term (under 30 days): Run engine to use up fuel in carburetor. Store in dry, cool place.
  2. Long-Term: a. Drain fuel tank completely. b. Start engine and run until it stops to clear carburetor. c. Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of 2-cycle oil into cylinder. Pull starter slowly 2-3 times to coat interior. Reinstall plug. d. Clean entire saw, sharpen chain, lubricate bar pad. e. Store in a dry, locked area out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store saw with fuel in tank for extended periods. Old fuel gums up carburetor.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo fuel, flooded, bad spark, choke settingCheck fuel, spark plug. Use correct start procedure. Ensure stop switch is On.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, carburetor issueReplace fuel filter, clean air filter. Check fuel lines.
Engine lacks powerDirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor, dull chainClean/replace air filter. Clean spark arrestor screen. Sharpen chain.
Chain does not turnChain brake engaged, clutch/sprocket worn, chain too tightDisengage chain brake. Inspect clutch and sprocket. Adjust chain tension.
Chain throws oil but doesn't cutDull chain, depth gauges too highSharpen chain and file depth gauges.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, unbalanced chain, worn clutchTighten all nuts/bolts. Check chain sharpness. Inspect clutch.
Chain comes off barLoose chain, worn bar, damaged drive linksTension chain properly. Inspect bar for wear. Replace chain if damaged.

Reset: For engine issues, ensure fresh fuel mix and clean filters first.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Homelite service center. Visit www.homelite.com or call 1-800-242-4672.

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