John Deere Chainsaw J3816 Owners Manual

The John Deere Chainsaw J3816 is a professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful engine, automatic chain oiling, anti-vibration system, safety chain brake, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Preparation 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Fuel & Lubrication 7. Chain & Bar Maintenance 9. Safety Features 10. Care & Storage 11. Regulatory Information 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, Guide Bar, Saw Chain, Chain Brake Handle, Throttle Trigger, Choke Control, Fuel Tank, Oil Tank, and Anti-Vibration System.

Feature	Description
Engine	2-stroke gasoline engine for high power-to-weight ratio
Guide Bar	16-inch professional-grade bar for balanced cutting
Saw Chain	Low-kickback safety chain with automatic oiling
Chain Brake	Inertia-activated safety brake to stop chain instantly
Throttle Trigger	With safety lock to prevent accidental acceleration
Choke Control	For easy cold starting
Fuel Tank	Transparent for easy fuel level monitoring
Oil Tank	For automatic chain lubrication system
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue during extended use
Spark Arrestor	Muffler with built-in spark arrestor for fire safety

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all contents. Assemble on a clean, flat surface.

Attach Guide Bar and Chain: Place bar on mounting studs, fit chain around sprocket and bar groove, adjust tension.
Fill Fuel Tank: Use fresh gasoline mixed with 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio (consult manual for exact specification).
Fill Oil Tank: Use high-quality bar and chain oil.
Check Chain Tension: Ensure proper tension before each use (chain should snap back when pulled from bar).

WARNING! Always wear cut-resistant gloves during assembly. Ensure chain is installed with cutting teeth facing forward.

First-Time Operation

Perform pre-operation checks before starting.

Safety Check: Verify chain brake functions, throttle lock works, and all fasteners are tight.
Starting Procedure: Set choke to FULL, pull starter cord until engine fires, move choke to HALF, pull again to start.
Warm-up: Allow engine to idle for 30 seconds before applying throttle.
Test Chain Brake: With engine at idle, engage brake to ensure chain stops immediately.

CAUTION! Clear work area of debris and bystanders. Always hold chainsaw with both hands.

Specifications

Engine Displacement: 38cc 2-stroke.
Guide Bar Length: 16 inches.
Chain Pitch: 3/8 inch.
Chain Gauge: 0.050 inch.
Fuel Capacity: 14.9 fl oz (440 ml).
Oil Capacity: 8.5 fl oz (250 ml).
Weight (dry): 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg).
Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A).
Vibration Level: Front handle 4.2 m/s², Rear handle 5.8 m/s².

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Throttle Trigger with Lockout, Chain Brake Handle, Choke Lever, Stop Switch, Primer Bulb (if equipped).

Safety Features: Chain Brake, Throttle Lockout, Right-Hand Guard, Chain Catcher, Spark Arrestor Muffler.

Operation: Squeeze throttle lockout and trigger to accelerate. Push chain brake handle forward to engage brake. Use choke for cold starts only. Always engage chain brake when carrying or not actively cutting.

Fuel & Lubrication

Use fresh unleaded gasoline (minimum 89 octane) mixed with John Deere 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio.

Mix fuel in approved container before pouring into saw.
Fill fuel tank on level surface, avoiding spills.
Use only specified bar and chain oil in oil tank.
Check oil flow by pointing saw at light surface and running at high idle; oil line should appear.

Tip: Never use automotive motor oil or dirty/gasoline-contaminated bar oil.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

Chain Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch. Maintain 30° cutting angle and 10° top plate angle.
Chain Tension: Adjust when chain sags from bar. Loosen bar nuts, adjust tensioning screw, tighten nuts.
Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly. Flip bar monthly for even wear.
Sprocket Inspection: Replace if teeth are hooked or worn.
Depth Gauge Setting: File depth gauges to 0.025 inch below cutting teeth.

WARNING! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure engine is off and cool before maintenance.

Safety Features

Chain Brake: Stops chain within milliseconds if kickback occurs or manually activated. Throttle Lockout: Prevents accidental throttle engagement. Right-Hand Guard: Protects hand from broken chain. Chain Catcher: Helps contain broken chain. Anti-Vibration: Reduces transmitted vibration to operator.

Care & Storage

For storage longer than 30 days: Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops. Remove chain and clean bar groove. Wipe entire saw with dry cloth. Store in dry, locked area out of children's reach.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods. Gasoline deteriorates and can damage engine components.

Regulatory Information

EPA Phase III certified. Meets ANSI B175.1 safety standards. CARB compliant. Contains parts made in USA and imported components. Copyright © John Deere. For support, visit www.JohnDeere.com or contact 1-800-537-8233.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Old fuel, clogged filter, no spark	Use fresh fuel mix, clean/replace filter, check spark plug.
Engine runs but chain doesn't move	Clutch worn, drive sprocket damaged	Inspect clutch and sprocket; replace if worn.
Chain throws oil excessively	Oil pump adjustment	Adjust oil flow rate following manual procedure.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners, sharpen chain evenly.
Chain dulls quickly	Cutting dirty wood, improper filing	Avoid ground contact; maintain correct filing angles.

Reset: For electronic ignition models, disconnect spark plug wire for 30 seconds to reset.

Service: 1-800-537-8233; www.JohnDeere.com