John Deere CS56 Chainsaw Manual

The John Deere CS56 is a professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a high-performance 56cc engine, an anti-vibration system, an automatic chain oiler, a quick-stop chain brake, and a durable Oregon bar and chain. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 56cc 2-stroke engine, 18-inch Oregon bar and chain, anti-vibration handles, automatic chain oiler, quick-stop inertia chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, decompression valve for easy starting.

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear appropriate PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, heavy-duty gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.
2. Operating Area: Keep bystanders and pets at least 30 feet away. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quadrant of the bar tip. Use reduced-kickback chain.
4. Chain Brake: Test before each use. Engage when carrying the saw more than a few steps.

WARNING! Gasoline is highly flammable. Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine off and cool. Do not smoke.

Assembly & Preparation

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

1. Attach Guide Bar and Chain: Loosen bar nuts. Place chain over sprocket, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Fit bar onto studs. Adjust tension (see section 9). Tighten nuts.
2. Fill Oil Tank: Use high-quality bar and chain oil. Fill to marked level.
3. Fuel Mix: Prepare fresh fuel mixture (see section 6). Fill fuel tank.
4. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function smoothly.

CAUTION! Never operate without proper bar oil. Running dry will damage the bar and chain in seconds.

Specifications

• Model: John Deere CS56
• Engine Type: 2-stroke, air-cooled, single cylinder
• Displacement: 56 cc
• Power Output: 3.4 HP
• Fuel: Gasoline/Oil mixture (50:1 with JASO FD or ISO-L-EGD certified oil)
• Bar Length: 18 in (45 cm)
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" / .050"
• Dry Weight: 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) (without bar, chain, fluids)
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: Front Handle: 4.5 m/s², Rear Handle: 5.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Main Components: Front Handle with Chain Brake Lever, Rear Handle/Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Decompression Valve Button, Choke Lever, Primer Bulb, Master Control Lever (Stop/Start/Run), Side-Access Chain Tensioner.

Operation: The Throttle Lockout must be depressed before the Throttle Trigger can be engaged. The Chain Brake Lever (front guard) engages the brake when pushed forward. The Master Control Lever combines the On/Off switch and choke functions.

Fuel & Oil Mixture

Use fresh, unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89. Mix with high-quality 2-stroke engine oil.

1. Ratio: 50:1 (50 parts gasoline to 1 part oil).
2. Mixing: Add oil to an approved fuel can, then add gasoline. Shake thoroughly.
3. Bar & Chain Oil: Use a dedicated, tacky bar and chain oil for proper lubrication. Do not use waste oil.

Tip: Use fuel stabilizer if storing for more than 30 days. Never use fuel older than 60 days.

Starting & Operation

Follow cold start procedure for initial start or after prolonged storage.

1. Cold Start: Engage chain brake. Set Master Control Lever to CHOKE (full up). Press decompression valve. Pump primer bulb 5-10 times. Pull starter cord sharply until engine 'pops'. Move lever to HALF-CHOKE. Pull cord again until engine starts. Let run for 5 seconds, then move lever to RUN. Disengage chain brake.
2. Warm Start: Set lever to RUN position. Pull starter cord.
3. Cutting: Allow engine to warm up at idle for 30 seconds. Use full throttle for cutting. Let the saw do the work; do not force it.
4. Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle, then move Master Control Lever to STOP.

WARNING! Always engage the chain brake when starting. Keep both hands on the saw during operation.

Maintenance Schedule

CAUTION! Perform all maintenance with the engine off, cool, and the spark plug wire disconnected.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is critical for safety and performance.

1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts with combination wrench. Use side-access adjuster to raise bar until chain is snug against bar but can be pulled around by hand. Tighten bar nuts while lifting tip of bar. Re-check tension.
2. Sharpening: Use a round file matching chain pitch (5/32" for 3/8" chain). File each cutter at the manufacturer's specified angle (typically 30°). Maintain equal file strokes per cutter. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge.

Tip: Chain should be tensioned when cold. Re-check tension after 5 minutes of operation as chain expands.

Storage

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

1. Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor by running the engine until it stops.
2. Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to coat interior, reinstall plug.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
4. Loosen chain tension. Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Storing with fuel in the carburetor will cause varnish buildup and starting problems.

Troubleshooting

Service: For technical support or parts, contact John Deere at 1-800-537-8233 or visit www.JohnDeere.com.