Mountfield Chainsaw Manual

The Mountfield Chainsaw is a professional-grade power tool designed for cutting wood, pruning trees, and general forestry work. It features a high-performance engine, automatic chain oiling, safety chain brake, anti-vibration system, and ergonomic handles. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Operating 7. Cutting Techniques 8. Maintenance & Storage 9. Chain Sharpening 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-torque 2-stroke engine, Guide Bar, Saw Chain, Chain Brake, Throttle Trigger, Choke Control, Chain Oil Tank, Fuel Tank, Anti-Vibration Handles.

FeatureDescription
Engine Type2-stroke, air-cooled gasoline engine
Guide Bar LengthAvailable in 14", 16", 18" options
Chain BrakeInertia-activated safety feature to stop chain instantly
Automatic OilingContinuous lubrication of guide bar and chain
Anti-Vibration SystemReduces operator fatigue during extended use
Chain Tension AdjustmentTool-free side access for quick adjustments
Safety Throttle LockPrevents accidental throttle engagement
Decompression ValveEasier starting by reducing cylinder pressure
Air FiltrationDual-stage filter for engine protection
Spark ArrestorPrevents emission of burning particles

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear proper safety equipment.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toe boots, and chainsaw chaps or pants.
  2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children and pets. Maintain secure footing.
  3. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Use proper fuel/oil mix.
  4. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Use reduced-kickback chain.
  5. Carrying & Transport: Engage chain brake when moving. Carry with bar pointing backward.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate when tired or under the influence.

Assembly & Preparation

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

  1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Loosen bar nuts, position bar on studs, fit chain with cutting teeth facing forward, adjust tension, tighten nuts.
  2. Fill Fuel Tank: Use fresh gasoline mixed with 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio (unless specified otherwise).
  3. Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use proper bar and chain oil. Check oil flow before cutting.
  4. Check Chain Tension: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand.
  5. Inspect Safety Features: Test chain brake by pushing forward on hand guard.

CAUTION! Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation. Do not use damaged or worn parts.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Main Controls: On/Off Switch, Choke Lever, Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Chain Brake Lever, Decompression Valve (if equipped).

Components: Front Handle with Hand Guard, Rear Handle, Fuel Tank Cap, Oil Tank Cap, Spark Plug, Air Filter Cover, Muffler, Chain Catcher.

Adjustments: Chain Tension (side knob), Idle Speed (screw), Oil Flow Rate (screw on oil pump).

Starting & Operating

Follow proper starting procedure to avoid damage and ensure safety.

  1. Cold Start: Place on flat ground. Engage chain brake. Set choke to full. Press decompression valve (if equipped). Pull starter cord until engine 'pops'. Set choke to half. Pull cord to start.
  2. Warm Start: No choke needed. Follow same procedure without choke.
  3. After Starting: Allow 30-60 seconds warm-up at idle. Disengage chain brake before cutting.
  4. During Operation: Maintain firm grip with both hands. Keep throttle at appropriate speed for cut.
  5. Stopping: Release throttle, allow to idle briefly, move switch to OFF position.

Tip: Never drop-start or start while holding chainsaw off the ground.

Cutting Techniques

Proper technique ensures efficiency and safety.

  1. Felling Trees: Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 tree diameter), then back cut. Use wedges if needed.
  2. Limbing: Work from trunk outward. Support limb if possible. Beware of springback.
  3. Bucking (cutting logs): Support log off ground. Cut from top down for tension wood, bottom up for compression.
  4. Pruning: Make clean cuts close to trunk or branch collar. Do not cut above shoulder height.
  5. Avoiding Kickback: Keep nose of bar out of cut. Do not cut with upper quadrant. Maintain chain sharpness.

WARNING! Never cut with the tip of the bar. Always be aware of where the bar tip is pointing.

Maintenance & Storage

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and safe operation.

  1. Daily: Clean air filter, check chain tension and sharpness, inspect bar for wear, check all fasteners.
  2. Weekly: Clean cooling fins, check spark plug, clean chain brake mechanism, inspect anti-vibration mounts.
  3. Monthly: Clean fuel filter, check fuel lines, clean carburetor (if needed), check clutch and sprocket.
  4. Storage: Drain fuel tank or add stabilizer. Run engine dry. Clean entire saw. Store in dry place with bar/chain covered.
  5. Off-Season: Remove spark plug, add teaspoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat cylinder.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance. Use only genuine Mountfield parts.

Chain Sharpening

A sharp chain cuts efficiently and safely.

  1. Tools Needed: Round file (correct diameter for chain), file guide, depth gauge tool, flat file.
  2. Procedure: Secure bar. File each cutter at specified angle (usually 30°). Maintain equal length on all cutters.
  3. Depth Gauges: File depth gauges (rakers) to proper height (0.025" below cutter edge typically).
  4. Inspection: Check for damaged, cracked, or excessively worn cutters. Replace chain if needed.
  5. Filing Direction: Always file from inside cutter to outside, using smooth strokes.

Tip: Sharpen chain when sawdust becomes fine powder instead of chips, or when saw requires excessive pressure.

Warranty Information

Mountfield chainsaws come with a 2-year commercial warranty and 5-year domestic warranty when registered within 30 days of purchase. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, use of non-genuine parts, or damage from accidents. For warranty claims, contact authorized Mountfield dealer with proof of purchase. Keep this manual as proof of proper operation and maintenance.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark, fuel issues, floodedCheck spark plug, fuel mix, choke setting. Wait if flooded.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter, carburetor issuesReplace fuel filter, clean carburetor, check fuel lines.
Chain doesn't turnChain brake engaged, clutch issuesDisengage brake, inspect clutch springs and drum.
Chain oil not flowingEmpty oil tank, clogged oil portFill tank, clean oil ports, check oil pump.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, unbalanced chainTighten all fasteners, balance chain, check anti-vibration mounts.
Chain dulls quicklyCutting dirty wood, improper filingAvoid ground contact, sharpen correctly, check depth gauges.
OverheatingClogged cooling fins, lean fuel mixClean fins, adjust carburetor, use proper fuel/oil ratio.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Mountfield service center.

Support: 1-800-MOUNTFIELD (1-800-668-6834); www.mountfield.com/support

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