Mac Cat 38cc Chainsaw Manual

The Mac Cat 38cc Chainsaw is a professional-grade gasoline-powered chainsaw featuring a 38cc 2-stroke engine, 16-inch guide bar, automatic oiler, anti-vibration system, chain brake, quick-stop inertia brake, easy-start system, and safety throttle lock. Designed for cutting firewood, pruning trees, and general forestry work. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 38cc 2-stroke engine, 16-inch guide bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, anti-vibration handles, chain brake, safety throttle lock, quick-stop inertia brake, easy-start system.

Safety Instructions

Always wear proper safety equipment and follow safe operating procedures.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.
2. Pre-Operation Check: Inspect chainsaw for damage, ensure chain tension is correct, check oil and fuel levels.
3. Clear Work Area: Remove obstacles and ensure no people or animals are within 15 feet.
4. Proper Stance: Maintain secure footing with feet shoulder-width apart.

WARNING! Never operate chainsaw with one hand. Always hold with both hands. Beware of kickback.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and assemble components before first use.

1. Attach Guide Bar: Place bar on mounting studs, align chain with sprocket, tighten bar nuts.
2. Install Chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar, adjust tension.
3. Fuel Mix: Use 50:1 gasoline to 2-stroke oil mixture (89 octane minimum).
4. Fill Oil Reservoir: Use bar and chain oil only.
5. Check Controls: Verify throttle, choke, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Do not use automotive oil or diesel fuel. Use only recommended lubricants.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 38cc
• Engine Type: 2-stroke, air-cooled
• Power Output: 1.8 kW (2.4 HP)
• Fuel Capacity: 0.5 L
• Oil Capacity: 0.25 L
• Guide Bar Length: 16 inches
• Chain Speed: 20 m/s at max RPM
• Idle Speed: 2,800 RPM
• Max RPM: 12,500
• Weight (without fuel): 4.8 kg (10.6 lbs)
• Sound Pressure Level: 105 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: 4.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Main controls located on handle assembly and engine housing.

Right Handle: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, rear handle. Left Handle: Front handle with chain brake lever. Engine Housing: Choke lever, primer bulb, stop switch, decompression valve (if equipped). Side Panel: Chain tension adjustment screw, oil filler cap, fuel filler cap.

Chain Brake: Manual activation via front hand guard; automatic activation during kickback. Throttle Lock: Must be depressed before throttle can be engaged. Stop Switch: Cuts ignition when pressed. Choke: Used for cold starting.

Starting Procedure

Follow these steps for safe starting.

1. Place chainsaw on flat, clear ground.
2. Engage chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.
3. Set choke to full position (cold engine only).
4. Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
5. Hold front handle with left hand, place right foot through rear handle.
6. Pull starter cord briskly until engine fires.
7. Move choke to half position, pull starter cord again.
8. When engine starts, briefly blip throttle to disengage choke.
9. Release chain brake before cutting.

Tip: For warm restart, use half-choke or no choke position.

Cutting Techniques

Proper techniques ensure efficient and safe cutting.

1. Felling Trees: Use notch cut and back cut techniques. Plan escape path.
2. Limbing: Cut branches from bottom to top. Watch for springback.
3. Bucking: Support logs properly. Use undercut to prevent pinching.
4. Pruning: Cut small branches with pulling chain (bottom of bar).
5. Kickback Prevention: Keep nose of bar away from objects. Use reduced-kickback chain.

WARNING! Never cut above shoulder height. Do not cut with tip of bar.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Chain Sharpening

Sharp chain improves cutting efficiency and safety.

1. Secure chainsaw in vise or clamping device.
2. File each cutter with round file matching chain pitch (5/32" for 3/8" pitch).
3. Maintain 30-degree filing angle on top plate.
4. File each cutter equally to maintain uniform length.
5. Check depth gauges with depth gauge tool; file down if too high.
6. Clean chain with kerosene after sharpening.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. File in one direction only.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Drain fuel tank completely or add fuel stabilizer.
2. Run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
3. Remove chain and clean thoroughly with kerosene.
4. Coat metal surfaces with light oil to prevent rust.
5. Store in dry, cool place away from children.
6. Cover with breathable cloth (not plastic).

Tip: Store chain in container of oil to prevent rust.

Troubleshooting

Service: For technical support, contact Mac Cat Customer Service at 1-800-555-3825 or visit www.maccat-chainsaws.com