Homelite XL2 Chainsaw Owners Manual

The Homelite XL2 is a lightweight, gas-powered chainsaw designed for general-purpose cutting, pruning, and limbing. It features a 2-stroke engine, automatic oiling system, 16-inch guide bar, and a manual chain brake. This manual provides essential information for safe operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your chainsaw.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2-stroke gasoline engine, 16-inch guide bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, manual chain brake, throttle trigger with lockout, choke control, primer bulb, and spark arrestor muffler.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

1. PPE Required: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Pre-Operation Check: Inspect chainsaw for damage, ensure chain is sharp and properly tensioned, check all fasteners are tight.
3. Clear Work Area: Remove obstacles, ensure secure footing, keep bystanders at a safe distance.
4. Kickback Awareness: Understand kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip); never cut with this area.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate a chainsaw while fatigued or under the influence of drugs/alcohol.

Assembly & First-Time Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar onto studs, loop chain over sprocket and onto bar groove, adjust tension.
2. Fill Fuel Tank: Mix unleaded gasoline with 2-stroke oil (40:1 ratio). Use fresh fuel.
3. Fill Oil Tank: Use high-quality bar and chain oil.
4. Check Chain Brake: Ensure brake band is not engaged; test function by pushing front hand guard forward.

CAUTION! Handle fuel in well-ventilated area away from sparks or flames. Wipe up spills immediately.

Specifications

• Model: Homelite XL2
• Engine Displacement: 33.6 cc (2.05 cu. in.)
• Power Output: 1.8 HP
• Max Engine Speed: 12,500 RPM
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 40:1 (unleaded gasoline to 2-stroke oil)
• Bar Length Options: 12", 14", 16" (16" standard)
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" low-profile
• Chain Gauge: 0.050"
• Drive Links: 55 (for 16" bar)
• Sound Pressure Level: Approx. 105 dB(A)

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Main Controls: On/Off Switch (STOP), Choke Lever, Primer Bulb, Throttle Trigger with Lockout, Chain Brake Lever (front hand guard).

Components: Fuel Tank Cap, Oil Tank Cap, Muffler with Spark Arrestor, Rear Handle, Front Handle, Chain Catcher, Guide Bar, Chain, Sprocket Cover, and Decompression Valve (if equipped).

Fuel & Lubrication

Use proper fuel mix and bar oil to prevent engine damage and ensure smooth cutting.

1. Fuel Mix: 40:1 ratio. Use 89 octane or higher unleaded gasoline and a high-quality 2-stroke engine oil designed for air-cooled engines.
2. Bar & Chain Oil: Use a tacky, high-quality bar and chain oil. Do not use waste motor oil.
3. Filling: Clean area around caps. Fill tanks slowly to avoid spills. Securely tighten caps.

Tip: Use fresh fuel mix. Do not store mixed fuel for more than 30 days.

Starting & Operating Procedures

Follow these steps for safe starting and operation.

1. Cold Start: Place saw on clear, level ground. Engage chain brake. Set choke to FULL, press primer bulb 5-6 times. Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires (usually 3-5 pulls). Move choke to HALF, pull until engine starts. Let run briefly, then squeeze throttle to disengage choke.
2. Warm Start: Choke OFF. Pull starter rope.
3. Cutting: Disengage chain brake. Use firm grip, thumbs wrapped around handles. Let saw reach full speed before contacting wood. Do not force the saw; let the chain do the work.
4. Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Press STOP switch to OFF.

WARNING! Always engage the chain brake when starting, carrying, or when not actively cutting. Be aware of kickback.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures safety and performance. Perform with engine OFF and spark plug disconnected.

1. Air Filter: Clean regularly. Remove, tap out debris, or wash in soapy water if foam type. Dry completely before reinstalling.
2. Spark Plug: Check and clean electrode gap (0.025 in / 0.63 mm). Replace if worn or fouled.
3. Muffler & Spark Arrestor: Clean screen periodically to prevent clogging.
4. Exterior: Wipe down with a damp cloth. Remove sawdust from cooling fins and oiler ports.

CAUTION! Never clean with pressurized water or solvents that may damage components.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is critical for safe and efficient cutting.

1. Sharpening: Use a round file matching chain pitch (5/32" for 3/8" low-profile). File each cutter at original angle (typically 30°). Maintain equal file strokes per cutter. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge.
2. Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Loosen bar nuts, adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar. Retighten bar nuts securely.

Check Tension Frequently: New chains stretch; check every 10-15 minutes of use initially.

Storage

Prepare chainsaw for storage if not used for 30 days or more.

1. Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor. Run engine until it stops.
2. Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of 2-stroke oil into cylinder. Pull starter slowly 2-3 times to coat interior. Reinstall plug.
3. Clean entire saw thoroughly. Apply light oil to bar and chain.
4. Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Storing with fuel in the system can cause gumming and carburetor damage.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Homelite service center.

Parts & Support: Visit www.homelite.com or contact customer service at 1-800-242-4672.