John Deere CS 36 Chainsaw Manual

The John Deere CS 36 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. This manual covers essential safety information, technical specifications, assembly instructions, operation guidelines, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting for the CS 36 model. Below are key sections for safe and effective use of your chainsaw.

1. Safety Information 2. Specifications 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Controls & Features 5. Starting & Operation 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 8. Fuel & Lubrication 9. Storage 10. Troubleshooting 11. Warranty & Support

Safety Information

Critical safety warnings and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for operating the CS 36 chainsaw.

Hazard	Precaution
Kickback	Always use a reduced-kickback chain; grip firmly with both hands; do not cut with tip.
Hearing Damage	Wear approved hearing protection at all times during operation.
Eye/Face Injury	Always wear safety glasses or a face shield.
Respiratory Protection	Use a dust mask in dusty conditions.
Cut Protection	Wear cut-resistant chaps or pants, sturdy gloves, and steel-toe boots.
Fuel Handling	Refuel in well-ventilated area, engine off and cool. Use approved fuel container.
Working Area	Clear work area of debris, ensure secure footing, and maintain safe distance from others.
Chain Brake	Test chain brake functionality before each use.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Read and understand this manual completely before operation.

Specifications

Model: John Deere CS 36
Engine Type: 2-stroke, air-cooled gasoline engine
Displacement: 36.3 cc (2.2 cu. in.)
Power Output: 1.8 kW (2.4 hp)
Fuel/Oil Mix Ratio: 50:1 (High-quality 2-stroke oil with 89 octane or higher gasoline)
Guide Bar Length: 16 inches (40 cm) standard
Chain Pitch: 3/8" low-profile
Chain Gauge: 0.050" (1.3 mm)
Dry Weight (without bar & chain): 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs)
Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A)
Vibration Level: Front/Rear Handle: 4.5/2.5 m/s²

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack all components and inspect for damage. Assemble the chainsaw before first use.

Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar onto sprocket studs. Loop chain over drive sprocket and onto bar groove, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Install bar nut and chain tensioning cover. Adjust tension (see Section 7).
Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use approved bar and chain oil. Fill to MAX line.
Prepare Fuel Mix: Mix fuel and 2-stroke oil in a clean, approved container. Shake well. Pour into fuel tank.
Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake operate smoothly.

CAUTION! Never operate the saw without proper bar, chain, and lubrication. Ensure all fasteners are tight.

Controls & Features

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Control/Feature	Function
Front Handle	Main grip with hand guard. Place left hand here.
Rear Handle	Contains throttle trigger. Place right hand here.
Throttle Trigger	Controls engine speed. Release to idle.
Throttle Lockout	Must be depressed to allow throttle operation. Safety feature.
Chain Brake / Hand Guard	Activate manually (forward push) or automatically (inertia). Stops chain rotation.
Master Control Lever	Combines choke, stop switch, and start settings (STOP, RUN, CHOKE).
Decompression Valve	Reduces compression for easier starting. Press before pulling starter.
Primer Bulb	Pumps fuel into carburetor for easier cold starts.
Chain Tensioning Screw	Adjusts chain tension (located on side cover).
Chain Catcher	Designed to catch a broken or derailed chain.

Starting & Operation

Follow these steps for safe starting and operation.

Pre-Start Check: Ensure chain brake is ON (engaged). Clear area. Check chain tension and lubrication.
Cold Start:
- Place saw on firm, level ground.
- Press decompression valve.
- Set Master Control to CHOKE. Press primer bulb 5-6 times.
- Hold rear handle with right foot, grip front handle with left hand.
- Pull starter cord sharply until engine 'pops'.
- Move Master Control to RUN.
- Pull starter cord again to start. Let engine warm up at idle for 30 seconds.
Warm Start: Set Master Control to RUN. Pull starter cord.
Engaging Chain: Squeeze throttle lockout and trigger to increase RPM. Release chain brake by pulling hand guard back towards you. Chain should rotate.
Basic Cutting: Use full throttle when cutting. Let chain do the work; do not force. Be aware of pinch points, kickback zone, and falling material.
Stopping: Release throttle, allow to idle. Set Master Control to STOP.

WARNING! Always start the saw at least 10 feet from fueling area. Never drop-start or start while holding the saw in the air.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance, safety, and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before Each Use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Inspect for loose fasteners. Test chain brake.
Every 5 Hours	Clean air filter. Check spark plug condition.
Every 10 Hours	Clean cooling fins and cylinder area. Clean exterior of saw.
Every 20 Hours	Clean fuel filter. Inspect guide bar for wear and groove condition.
Every 50 Hours	Replace spark plug. Clean or replace fuel filter. Check carburetor adjustment (by qualified technician).
Annually	Replace air filter. Have clutch and sprocket inspected. Full professional service recommended.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain condition is critical for safety and cutting efficiency.

Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Turn tensioning screw clockwise until chain fits snugly against bar but can be pulled around by hand. Tighten bar nuts. Re-check tension when chain is cold.
Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 4.0mm or 5/32"). Secure bar. File each cutter from inside out, maintaining original angle (usually 30°). File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge to maintain proper height difference.

Tip: A sharp chain produces coarse chips, not fine dust. Sharpen frequently for best performance.

Fuel & Lubrication

Fuel: Use fresh 89 octane (or higher) unleaded gasoline. Do not use fuel older than 60 days. Mix with a high-quality 2-stroke engine oil at a 50:1 ratio. Do not use automotive motor oil.
Chain Oil: Use a dedicated, tacky bar and chain oil for proper adhesion. Check oil flow before cutting by holding saw over light surface and running at high idle; a line of oil should appear.
Gearbox: Some models require periodic greasing of the drive sprocket bearing. Consult your specific manual.

CAUTION! Fuel is highly flammable. Store in approved container away from sparks, heat, and open flame.

Storage

For storage longer than 30 days:

Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor by running the engine until it stops.
Remove, clean, and re-oil the air filter.
Remove chain, clean it and the guide bar in solvent, dry, and coat with oil.
Clean the entire saw and store in a dry, dust-free place, preferably in its case.
Protect from extreme temperatures.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No spark, flooded, old fuel, master control position	Check spark plug. Use correct starting procedure with fresh fuel. Ensure Master Control is in RUN for starting.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, carburetor adjustment	Replace fuel filter. Clean air filter. Have carburetor serviced.
Engine lacks power	Dirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor, dull chain	Clean air filter and spark arrestor screen. Sharpen chain.
Chain does not turn	Chain brake engaged, low idle speed, worn clutch/drum	Disengage chain brake. Adjust idle speed. Inspect clutch and sprocket drum.
Excessive chain wear or bar heating	Inadequate lubrication, incorrect tension, dull chain	Check oiler and fill with correct oil. Adjust tension. Sharpen chain.
Chain throws oil	Over-oiling, wrong oil type	Check oiler setting. Use proper bar and chain oil.

Warranty & Support

John Deere CS 36 chainsaws are backed by a limited warranty. Refer to your original purchase documentation for specific terms and duration.

For Technical Support, Parts, or Service:
Contact your local authorized John Deere dealer.
Visit the official John Deere website: www.deere.com
Customer Support Line: 1-800-537-8233 (USA)

Always provide your model and serial number when seeking support.