Manual Craftsman Chainsaw 18 42cc

The Manual Craftsman Chainsaw 18 42cc is a professional-grade gas-powered chainsaw featuring an 18-inch guide bar, a powerful 42cc 2-stroke engine, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, inertia-activated chain brake, easy-start technology, and a tool-free chain tensioning system. Designed for demanding cutting tasks including felling, limbing, and bucking. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 42cc 2-stroke engine, 18-inch guide bar and chain, Automatic oiler, Anti-vibration system, Inertia-activated chain brake, Quick-start system, Tool-free chain tensioner.

Assembly & Preparation

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

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on mounting studs, loop chain around bar with cutting teeth facing forward, adjust tension.
2. Install Hand Guard: Secure front hand guard/chain brake assembly.
3. Fill Fluids: Add proper fuel/oil mixture to fuel tank and bar & chain oil to oil tank.
4. Check Controls: Verify throttle trigger, throttle lockout, stop switch, and chain brake function.

WARNING! Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.

First-Time Operation

Perform pre-start checks before each use.

1. Check Chain Tension: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand.
2. Prime Engine: Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
3. Set Choke: Move choke lever to FULL position for cold start.
4. Start Engine: Place on ground, hold rear handle with right hand, place foot in handle guard, pull starter cord briskly.
5. Warm Up: After engine starts, move choke to HALF then RUN position. Allow 30-second warm-up.

CAUTION! Never drop-start or start the chainsaw above waist height. Keep bystanders at least 15 feet away.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 42 cc (2.56 cu in)
• Power Output: 2.1 HP
• Guide Bar Length: 18 in (45 cm)
• Chain Speed: Up to 55 ft/s (16.8 m/s)
• Fuel: Gasoline/Oil mix (50:1 ratio - use high-quality 2-stroke oil)
• Fuel Capacity: 14.9 fl oz (440 ml)
• Oil Capacity: 8.5 fl 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 Components

Main Controls: Throttle trigger, Throttle lockout, Stop switch, Choke lever, Primer bulb, Chain brake lever.

Safety Features: Chain brake (inertia-activated), Throttle lockout (must be depressed to engage throttle), Right-hand guard, Spark arrestor muffler.

Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, Spark plug, Chain tensioner, Bar mounting nuts, Oil and fuel caps.

Fuel & Lubrication

Fuel Mix: Use 89+ octane unleaded gasoline mixed with high-quality 2-cycle engine oil at 50:1 ratio.

1. Mix fuel in approved container before adding to saw.
2. Bar & Chain Oil: Use proper viscosity chainsaw bar oil (ISO VG 30 or equivalent).
3. Check oil flow: Run saw at high speed near light-colored surface; oil should appear as fine line.
4. Never use waste oil or motor oil in oil tank.

Tip: Always use fresh fuel (less than 30 days old). Add fuel stabilizer for storage.

Cutting Techniques

Basic cutting positions and methods.

1. Felling: Plan escape path, make notch cut, then back cut leaving hinge wood.
2. Limbing: Work from trunk outward, keep saw between you and branch.
3. Bucking: Support log properly, cut from top down, avoid pinching bar.
4. Bore Cutting: Use bar tip carefully to plunge cut; high kickback risk.
5. Always cut at full throttle, let chain do the work.
6. Maintain secure footing and balance at all times.

WARNING! Beware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Never cut with tip. Always grip handles firmly with thumbs wrapped.

Safety Features

Chain Brake: Stops chain within milliseconds if activated by inertia or manually. Test before each use. Throttle Lockout: Prevents accidental throttle engagement. Must be depressed to operate throttle. Right-Hand Guard: Protects hand from broken chain. Anti-Vibration System: Reduces fatigue from prolonged use.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication; inspect bar for wear; check all fasteners.

Weekly/10 Hours: Clean air filter; check spark plug; clean cooling fins; inspect fuel filter.

Monthly/25 Hours: Clean spark arrestor screen; check anti-vibration elements; inspect clutch and sprocket.

Seasonal/100 Hours: Replace fuel filter; decarbonize exhaust; check cylinder compression.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance. Allow engine to cool completely.

Regulatory Information

EPA & CARB Compliant: Meets emission standards for small off-road engines. ANSI B175.1: Complies with safety standards for gasoline-powered chainsaws. Contains FCC Part 15 Subpart B compliant ignition system. For support, visit www.craftsman.com or contact 1-888-331-4569. Copyright © 2025 Craftsman. Craftsman is a trademark of Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

Troubleshooting

Storage: Empty fuel tank, run carburetor dry, remove chain and clean, store in dry place.

Service: 1-888-331-4569; www.craftsman.com