McCulloch 35 Chainsaw Manual

The McCulloch 35 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and logging applications. Featuring a powerful 2-stroke engine, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, and a robust cutting bar and chain, it is built for durability and performance. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

1. Safety Instructions 2. Features & Components 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Operation Guide 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Chain & Bar Care 7. Carburetor Adjustment 8. Storage Guidelines 9. Specifications 10. Troubleshooting 11. Warranty Information

Safety Instructions

Critical safety warnings to prevent injury or death during operation.

Hazard	Precaution
Kickback	Always grip saw firmly with both hands; use low-kick chain; avoid tip contact.
Hearing Damage	Wear approved hearing protection at all times.
Eye Injury	Always wear safety glasses or face shield.
Chain Breakage	Inspect chain regularly for wear, cracks, or loose rivets.
Fuel Handling	Refuel only when engine is cool, outdoors, away from ignition sources.
Carbon Monoxide	Operate only in well-ventilated areas; never indoors.
Electrical Hazards	Keep saw away from power lines and electrical conductors.
Falling Branches	Be aware of overhead hazards; wear hard hat when felling.
Hot Surfaces	Avoid contact with muffler and cylinder during/after operation.
Proper Stance	Maintain secure footing and balance at all times.

Features & Components

Key components and their functions for the McCulloch 35 chainsaw.

Engine: 2-stroke, air-cooled, single cylinder with electronic ignition.
Bar & Chain: 16" to 20" guide bar options; .325" pitch, low-kick chain.
Automatic Oiler: Delivers oil to bar and chain during operation; adjustable flow.
Anti-Vibration System: Rubber-mounted handles reduce operator fatigue.
Chain Brake: Inertia-activated safety feature to stop chain in kickback event.
Throttle Lockout: Prevents accidental throttle engagement.
Decompression Valve: Reduces pulling effort for easier starting.
Air Filter: Dual-stage foam and mesh filter for engine protection.
Spark Arrestor Muffler: Reduces exhaust noise and prevents sparks.
Front Hand Guard: Protects left hand from debris and chain.

WARNING! Always inspect all components before each use. Do not operate with damaged or missing parts.

Assembly & Preparation

Steps to assemble your chainsaw from the box and prepare for first use.

Unpack and inspect: Remove all packaging; verify contents (saw, bar, chain, tools, manual).
Attach guide bar and chain: Loosen bar nuts, position chain on sprocket, fit bar over studs, tension correctly, tighten nuts.
Fill fuel tank: Mix high-quality 2-stroke oil with unleaded gasoline (50:1 ratio). Shake well before filling.
Fill chain oil tank: Use specified bar and chain oil. Do not use waste oil.
Check chain tension: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand.
Prime carburetor (if equipped): Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.

CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is disengaged (pulled back toward front handle) before starting.

Operation Guide

Proper starting, cutting techniques, and shutdown procedures.

Starting (Cold): Set choke to FULL, press decompression valve, pull starter cord sharply until engine fires. Move choke to HALF, pull again until engine starts. Open choke fully.
Starting (Warm): Choke off. Pull starter cord.
Cutting Technique: Use full throttle when cutting. Let chain do the work; avoid forcing. Plan cuts to avoid pinching bar.
Felling Trees: Use proper notch and back cut techniques. Establish escape path before cutting.
Limbing & Bucking: Stand uphill from log. Support log off ground. Cut from top side whenever possible.
Shutdown: Release throttle, allow engine to idle briefly, press STOP switch.

Maintenance Schedule

Routine maintenance tasks to ensure longevity and safe operation.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check chain tension, fuel/oil levels, general condition, chain sharpness.
Every 5 hours	Clean air filter, check spark plug, inspect bar for wear.
Every 10 hours	Clean spark arrestor screen, check all nuts and bolts for tightness.
Every 20 hours	Clean cooling fins, check fuel filter, inspect anti-vibration elements.
Every season	Replace fuel filter, inspect clutch and sprocket, clean carburetor (if needed).
As needed	Sharpen chain, replace worn bar, replace chain when stretched beyond adjustment.

Chain & Bar Care

Maintaining the cutting system for optimal performance and safety.

Sharpening: Use correct round file size (.325"). Maintain correct filing angle (30°). File all cutters to equal length.
Depth Gauge Setting: Use flat file and gauge to maintain proper raker height (0.025" - 0.030").
Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly. Flip bar weekly for even wear. Dress bar rails with file if burred.
Chain Tension: Adjust when chain sags from bottom of bar. Tighten until snug, then run saw briefly and re-check.
Lubrication: Ensure oiler is working; check oil output at bar tip. Clean oil ports on bar.

Tip: A sharp chain cuts faster, produces less strain on the engine, and is safer to operate.

Carburetor Adjustment

Procedure for adjusting idle speed, low-speed, and high-speed mixture screws.

Note: Factory settings are usually correct. Adjust only if necessary (poor performance, rough idle).

Start engine and warm up for 5 minutes.
Idle Speed (T): Adjust so chain does not move at idle, but engine runs smoothly.
Low-Speed (L): Turn in until engine falters, then out 1/4 turn for best acceleration.
High-Speed (H): At full throttle (no load), adjust for smooth, high RPM without "four-cycling" or excessive screaming.
Re-check idle speed after L and H adjustments.

WARNING! Improper adjustment can cause engine damage or unsafe operation. Consult a dealer if unsure.

Storage Guidelines

Preparing your chainsaw for long-term storage (e.g., end of season).

Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor. Run engine until it stops to clear fuel lines.
Remove chain and bar; clean thoroughly and coat with oil. Store separately.
Clean entire saw, removing sawdust, dirt, and resin.
Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of oil into cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat, reinstall plug.
Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store saw with fuel in the tank for more than 30 days. Old fuel can damage carburetor.

Specifications

Model: McCulloch 35
Engine Displacement: 58.5 cc (3.57 cu. in.)
Power Output: 3.5 HP @ 9,500 RPM
Fuel Capacity: 0.55 US qt (0.52 L)
Oil Capacity: 0.26 US qt (0.25 L)
Recommended Bar Length: 16" - 20"
Chain Pitch: .325"
Chain Gauge: 0.050" or 0.058"
Dry Weight (w/o bar & chain): 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg)
Ignition: Electronic (CDI)
Warranty: 2-year consumer, 90-day commercial

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Engine will not start	No spark, flooded, stale fuel, clogged filter	Check spark plug; use fresh fuel mix; clean air filter; wait if flooded.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty carburetor, faulty ignition	Replace fuel filter; clean carburetor; check spark plug gap.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, clogged spark arrestor, poor fuel	Clean air filter and spark arrestor screen; use fresh fuel.
Chain does not turn	Clutch worn, drive sprocket damaged, chain brake engaged	Inspect clutch and sprocket; disengage chain brake.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced chain, damaged AV mounts	Tighten all nuts/bolts; balance chain; inspect anti-vibration mounts.
Chain throws oil	Overfilled oil tank, incorrect oil viscosity	Check oil level; use correct bar and chain oil.
Chain dulls quickly	Cutting dirty wood, hitting ground, improper filing	Avoid cutting into dirt; sharpen correctly; check depth gauges.

Reset: For electronic ignition issues, disconnect spark plug wire for 1 minute to reset module.

Warranty Information

McCulloch warrants this product to the original purchaser against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years for consumer use and ninety (90) days for commercial or rental use from the date of purchase. This warranty covers repair or replacement of defective parts at McCulloch's discretion. It does not cover normal wear items (chain, bar, spark plug, filters), damage from misuse, neglect, accident, improper maintenance, or use of non-genuine parts. Proof of purchase is required. For warranty service, contact an authorized McCulloch service center.

Support: For technical assistance, parts, or dealer location, visit www.mcculloch.com or call 1-800-521-8559.