McCulloch Mini Mac 35 Chainsaw Manual

The McCulloch Mini Mac 35 is a lightweight, compact chainsaw designed for light-duty cutting tasks such as pruning, trimming, and cutting small trees and branches. It features a 35cc gasoline engine, automatic oiling system, 14-inch guide bar, and a manual chain tensioner. 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 Components 6. Fuel & Oil Mixing 7. Starting & Operating 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 35cc 2-stroke engine, 14-inch guide bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, manual chain tensioner, throttle trigger with lockout, choke control, and primer bulb.

FeatureDescription
Engine35cc 2-stroke air-cooled gasoline engine
Guide Bar14-inch Oregon-style bar
Chain3/8" low-profile pitch chain
Oiling SystemAutomatic chain oiler with manual override
IgnitionElectronic ignition system
WeightApproximately 9.5 lbs (dry)
Fuel TankCapacity: 0.5 US pints (240 ml)
Oil TankCapacity: 0.25 US pints (120 ml)
Safety FeaturesChain brake, throttle lockout, hand guard
Starting SystemRecoil starter with rope

Assembly & Preparation

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

  1. Attach guide bar and chain: Loosen bar nuts, position bar, loop chain over sprocket, adjust tension.
  2. Install chain brake: Ensure brake handle moves freely and engages chain.
  3. Fill fuel tank: Use fresh gasoline mixed with 2-stroke oil (40:1 ratio).
  4. Fill oil tank: Use high-quality bar and chain oil.
  5. Check all fasteners: Tighten screws and nuts securely.

WARNING! Always wear protective gloves during assembly. Ensure chain is installed with cutting teeth facing forward.

First-Time Operation

Before first start, perform pre-operation checks.

  1. Check chain tension: Chain should be snug but pull freely around bar.
  2. Test chain brake: Pull brake handle forward; chain should stop immediately.
  3. Prime engine: Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
  4. Set choke: Move lever to FULL CHOKE position for cold start.
  5. Start engine: Place on ground, hold handle, pull starter rope briskly.

CAUTION! Clear area of bystanders and obstacles. Keep firm grip on handles during starting.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main controls located on top and rear handle. Front Handle: Chain brake lever, hand guard. Rear Handle: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, choke lever, primer bulb, stop switch.

Additional Components: Fuel tank cap, oil tank cap, bar nuts, spark plug, air filter cover, muffler.

Operation: Squeeze throttle lockout and trigger to increase engine speed. Push choke lever down for cold start, up for run. Press primer bulb to fuel carburetor. Pull brake handle forward to engage chain brake.

Fuel & Oil Mixing

Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) mixed with 2-stroke engine oil.

  1. Mix ratio: 40:1 (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gasoline).
  2. Use approved 2-stroke oil (JASO FD, ISO-L-EGD).
  3. Shake container thoroughly before filling.
  4. Bar & chain oil: Use SAE 30 or special chain oil in separate tank.

Tip: Never use automotive motor oil or dirty gasoline. Store fuel mix in approved container for up to 30 days.

Starting & Operating

Starting procedure for cold and warm engine.

  1. Cold start: Set choke to FULL, press primer 5x, pull starter 3-5 times until engine fires.
  2. Warm start: Set choke to RUN, no priming needed, pull 1-2 times.
  3. Cutting technique: Hold saw firmly, let chain reach full speed before cutting.
  4. Kickback prevention: Avoid tip contact; cut with lower part of bar.
  5. Shut down: Release throttle, press stop switch to OFF.
  6. Chain lubrication: Automatic oiler works when engine runs; check oil flow regularly.

WARNING! Always operate with both hands. Watch for kickback. Never cut above shoulder height.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Clean air filter. Weekly: Clean spark arrestor screen. Check all fasteners. Monthly: Clean cooling fins. Replace spark plug. Check fuel filter. Yearly: Replace air filter. Clean carburetor. Inspect clutch and sprocket.

Chain Sharpening

Use round file (5/32") and file guide. Maintain 30° cutting angle.

  1. Secure bar: Clamp bar in vise.
  2. File teeth: Match file to tooth angle; push forward only.
  3. Check depth gauges: Use depth gauge tool to maintain 0.025" clearance.
  4. Equalize teeth: Sharpen all teeth to same length.

CAUTION! Wear gloves. File in one direction only. Keep chain properly tensioned during sharpening.

Safety Information

Always wear: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toe boots, chainsaw chaps. Keep bystanders 20 feet away. Do not operate when tired or under influence. Be aware of falling branches. Shut off engine when carrying or adjusting.

DANGER! Kickback can cause severe injury. Never operate with one hand. Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark/fuel/floodedCheck spark plug; fresh fuel mix; wait if flooded.
Engine runs poorlyDirty air filter/carbClean air filter; adjust carburetor screws.
Chain doesn't turnClutch/sprocket/brakeCheck clutch springs; sprocket wear; disengage brake.
Chain throws oilOver-oiling/incorrect oilAdjust oiler screw; use correct bar oil.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts/unbalanced chainTighten all fasteners; sharpen chain evenly.

Storage: Drain fuel, run dry, clean entire saw, loosen chain tension, store in dry place.

Service: For parts and service, contact McCulloch at 1-800-521-8559 or www.mcculloch.com

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