Makita DCS34 Chainsaw Manual

The Makita DCS34 is a 34cc gas-powered chainsaw designed for professional and heavy-duty cutting tasks. It features a high-performance 2-stroke engine, automatic oiler, anti-vibration system, inertia chain brake, easy-start system, and a 16-inch guide bar. 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 Functions 6. Chain & Bar Maintenance 7. Cutting Techniques 8. Safety Features 10. Care & Storage 11. Regulatory Information 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 34cc 2-stroke engine, 16-inch guide bar, automatic chain oiler, anti-vibration handles, inertia-activated chain brake, decompression valve, and side-access chain tensioner.

Feature	Description
Engine	34cc 2-stroke air-cooled engine
Guide Bar	16-inch Oregon-style bar
Chain	.325-inch pitch, 72 drive links
Automatic Oiler	Delivers oil to bar and chain during operation
Anti-Vibration	Reduces user fatigue during extended use
Chain Brake	Inertia-activated for kickback protection
Decompression Valve	Reduces starting effort
Air Filtration	Two-stage air filter for engine protection
Fuel Tank	14.2 oz (420 ml) capacity
Oil Tank	8.5 oz (250 ml) capacity

Assembly & Preparation

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

Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on mounting studs, loop chain over sprocket, adjust tension.
Fill fuel tank: Use fresh 50:1 gas/oil mixture (89+ octane gasoline with 2-cycle oil).
Fill oil tank: Use quality bar and chain oil.
Check chain tension: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar.

WARNING! Always wear protective gear: gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.

First-Time Operation

Before starting, ensure proper assembly and fuel mixture.

Prime engine: Press primer bulb 5-7 times until fuel is visible.
Set choke: Move to FULL CHOKE position for cold starts.
Engage chain brake: Pull handle toward front handle to lock chain.
Pull starter: Hold front handle with left hand, pull starter cord with right until engine fires.
Disengage choke: Move to RUN position after engine starts.
Release chain brake: Pull back toward operator to disengage.

CAUTION! Never drop-start a chainsaw. Always maintain firm footing and grip.

Specifications

Engine Displacement: 34 cc
Power Output: 2.1 HP
Guide Bar Length: 16 inches
Chain Pitch: .325 inch
Drive Links: 72
Fuel Capacity: 14.2 oz (420 ml)
Oil Capacity: 8.5 oz (250 ml)
Dry Weight: 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg)
Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A)
Vibration Level: Front handle: 4.2 m/s², Rear handle: 5.8 m/s²

Controls and Functions

Main controls: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, choke lever, primer bulb, chain brake handle, decompression valve, master control lever.

Operation: Press throttle trigger lockout with left thumb, then squeeze throttle trigger with right fingers. Release to idle.

Adjustments: Chain tension (side-mounted knob), idle speed (carburetor screw), oil flow (adjustment screw near oil tank).

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

Chain sharpening: Use round file (5/32") at 30° angle, maintain consistent depth gauges.
Bar maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly, flip bar monthly for even wear.
Tension adjustment: Chain should be snug but pull freely around bar when cool.
Sprocket inspection: Replace if worn or damaged.

Tip: Always stop engine and disconnect spark plug before maintenance.

Cutting Techniques

Proper technique reduces fatigue and prevents kickback.

Felling: Plan escape path, make notch cut 1/3 into tree, then back cut leaving hinge.
Limbing: Stand uphill, cut from trunk outward, avoid cutting with tip.
Bucking: Support log properly, cut from top down, avoid pinching chain.
Kickback prevention: Maintain firm grip, avoid tip contact, use reduced-kickback chain.

WARNING! Never cut above shoulder height. Always be aware of falling branches.

Safety Features

Chain Brake: Inertia-activated; stops chain within milliseconds during kickback. Throttle Trigger Lockout: Prevents accidental throttle engagement. Right-Hand Guard: Protects from broken chain. Anti-Vibration: Reduces hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

Care & Storage

After use: Clean saw, check for damage, empty fuel tank for long storage, store in dry place.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Use fuel stabilizer if needed.

Regulatory Information

EPA Phase III compliant. Meets ANSI B175.1 safety standards. CARB certified for California. For warranty service, contact Makita authorized service centers. Keep this manual for future reference. Copyright © Makita Corporation. All rights reserved.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Old fuel, clogged filter, flooded engine	Use fresh fuel mix, clean air filter, wait 10 minutes if flooded.
Engine runs then dies	Fuel line leak, clogged carburetor	Check fuel lines, clean carburetor jets.
Chain won't turn	Brake engaged, clutch worn, chain too tight	Disengage brake, inspect clutch, adjust tension.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced chain	Tighten all bolts, balance chain.
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, low chain speed	Sharpen chain, check throttle cable adjustment.
Chain throws oil	Overfilled oil tank, wrong oil viscosity	Adjust oil level, use proper bar oil.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Makita service center: 1-800-4-MAKITA

Parts: Use only genuine Makita replacement parts.