John Deere Chainsaw Manual

The John Deere Chainsaw is a professional-grade power tool designed for demanding cutting tasks, featuring a high-performance engine, automatic oiling system, safety chain brake, anti-vibration handles, and easy-start technology. This manual covers essential safety guidelines, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage procedures to ensure safe and efficient use. Always read and understand this manual before operating the chainsaw.

1. Safety Information 2. Features at a Glance 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls & Functions 6. Operation Guide 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Chain Sharpening 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Safety Information

Operating a chainsaw involves serious risks. Always follow these safety rules to prevent injury or death.

Safety Rule	Description
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)	Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.
Clear Work Area	Ensure the cutting area is free of obstacles, bystanders, and pets.
Proper Grip	Hold chainsaw firmly with both hands, right hand on rear handle, left on front.
Kickback Awareness	Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Never cut with the tip.
Chain Brake Test	Test chain brake functionality before each use by engaging it with the front hand guard.
Fuel Safety	Refuel in a well-ventilated area, with engine off and cool. Use approved fuel mix.
Carrying Safety	Carry chainsaw with engine off, bar pointed backward, and chain cover installed.
Two-Hand Operation	Never operate chainsaw with one hand. Maintain secure footing.
Emergency Preparedness	Have a first-aid kit and fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to stop the saw quickly.
No Modifications	Do not modify safety devices, engine, or bar/chain beyond manufacturer specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, Guide Bar, Saw Chain, Chain Brake, Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Front Hand Guard, Chain Tensioner, Automatic Oiler, Anti-Vibration System.

Feature	Description
High-Performance Engine	2-stroke engine designed for reliable power and fuel efficiency.
Automatic Chain Oiler	Delivers oil to bar and chain continuously during operation.
Inertia-Activated Chain Brake	Stops chain instantly upon kickback or manual activation.
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue by dampening engine vibrations.
Easy-Start Technology	Reduces pulling effort for starting the engine.
Side-Access Chain Tensioner	Allows for quick chain adjustment without tools.
Front Hand Guard	Protects left hand and activates chain brake if kickback occurs.
Decompression Valve	Reduces cylinder pressure for easier starting.
Throttle Lockout	Prevents accidental throttle engagement; must be depressed to operate throttle.
Spark Arrestor Muffler	Reduces exhaust noise and prevents emission of sparks.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack all components and inspect for damage. Assemble on a clean, flat surface.

Attach Guide Bar and Chain: Place bar over studs, loop chain over sprocket and onto bar groove, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Tighten bar nuts finger-tight.
Adjust Chain Tension: Use side-access adjuster to raise bar tip, then tighten chain until it snaps back when pulled from underside of bar. Tighten bar nuts securely.
Fill Fuel Tank: Use fresh fuel mix (gasoline and 2-cycle oil at specified ratio, e.g., 50:1). Do not use old or ethanol-blended fuel if possible.
Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use approved bar and chain oil. Do not use waste oil.
Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, lockout, and chain brake move freely.

WARNING! Never attempt assembly or adjustments while engine is running or hot. Wear gloves when handling chain.

Specifications

Engine Displacement: Varies by model (e.g., 45cc, 55cc).
Guide Bar Length: Available in 16", 18", 20" options.
Chain Pitch/Gauge: Typically 3/8" low-profile pitch, .050" gauge.
Fuel Capacity: Approximately 0.5 - 0.7 liters.
Oil Capacity: Approximately 0.3 - 0.4 liters.
Dry Weight: Varies by model (e.g., 5.2 kg / 11.5 lbs).
Sound Power Level: Complies with applicable noise regulations.
Vibration Level: Reduced via anti-vibration mounts.
Ignition System: Electronic ignition with stop switch.
Warranty: Limited warranty period as specified by John Deere.

Controls and Functions

Understand all controls before starting the engine. Front/Rear Handle: POWER, Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Chain Brake Lever, Stop Switch, Choke, Decompression Valve, Primer Bulb.

Operation: Throttle Trigger (controls engine speed), Throttle Lockout (must be pressed to allow throttle movement), Chain Brake (front hand guard; push forward to engage, pull back to disengage), Stop Switch (move to "I" for run, "O" for stop), Choke (use for cold starts), Primer Bulb (press 5-10 times to prime fuel).

Maintenance: Chain Tension Adjuster (located on side), Bar Nuts (secure guide bar), Fuel Cap, Oil Cap, Air Filter Cover, Spark Plug Access.

Operation Guide

Starting, cutting techniques, and shutdown procedures.

Starting (Cold Engine): Place saw on flat ground, engage chain brake, set stop switch to "I", pull choke out, press primer bulb 5 times, press decompression valve (if equipped), place foot in rear handle, pull starter cord briskly until engine fires, push choke in halfway, pull again until engine starts, then push choke fully in. Allow 30-second warm-up.
Basic Cutting: Disengage chain brake. Use full throttle when cutting. Let chain do the work; do not force. For felling, plan escape path, make notch cut, then back cut. For limbing/bucking, support log properly.
Shutdown: Release throttle, allow engine to idle, engage chain brake, move stop switch to "O".

Tip: Always cut at waist level or below. Never cut above shoulder height.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before Each Use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Inspect for loose parts. Test chain brake.
Every 5 Hours	Clean air filter. Check fuel filter. Clean spark arrestor screen.
Every 20 Hours	Replace spark plug. Clean cooling fins. Inspect fuel lines.
Every 50 Hours	Clean carburetor (or as needed). Replace fuel filter. Check clutch and sprocket.
End of Season	Drain fuel system or add stabilizer. Perform complete inspection. Store properly.

CAUTION! Perform maintenance only when engine is off and cool. Use genuine John Deere parts.

Chain Sharpening

A sharp chain cuts efficiently and safely. Requires round file, file guide, and flat file.

Secure bar in vise. Identify shortest cutter; file all others to match its length.
Use correct file diameter (e.g., 5/32" for 3/8" low-profile chain).
Hold file level, follow existing angle (typically 30°). File from inside cutter outward with smooth strokes.
File each cutter the same number of strokes. File depth gauges (rakers) with flat file and gauge to maintain proper height difference.
Clean chain and lubricate after sharpening.

WARNING! Wear cut-resistant gloves. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before sharpening.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor. OR add fuel stabilizer to full tank and run for 2 minutes.
Drain chain oil tank.
Remove chain, clean in solvent, dry, and coat with oil. Store separately.
Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter area.
Store in a dry, cool place, away from ignition sources, covered to prevent dust.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Warranty Information

John Deere chainsaws are covered by a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period from date of retail purchase. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, neglect, improper maintenance, or use of non-genuine parts. Proof of purchase is required. For warranty service, contact an authorized John Deere dealer. For support, visit www.JohnDeere.com or contact 1-800-537-8233.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No fuel, flooded engine, spark plug fault, choke position	Check fuel, ensure choke off if warm, check spark plug, use correct starting procedure.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, carburetor adjustment	Replace fuel filter, clean air filter, have carburetor serviced by dealer.
Chain does not turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket damaged	Disengage chain brake, inspect clutch and sprocket, replace if necessary.
Chain throws oil but does not cut	Dull chain, improper filing, damaged bar	Sharpen or replace chain, inspect bar groove for wear, replace bar if needed.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced chain, damaged anti-vibration mounts	Tighten all nuts/bolts, balance chain by sharpening evenly, inspect mounts.
Chain comes off bar	Loose chain tension, worn bar, damaged drive links	Adjust tension properly, inspect bar for wear (especially groove and rails), replace chain if drive links are damaged.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized John Deere service dealer. 1-800-537-8233; www.JohnDeere.com