MTD 3414 Chainsaw Manual

The MTD 3414 is a gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for general-purpose cutting, pruning, and limbing tasks. It features a 14-inch guide bar, a 34cc 2-stroke engine, automatic oiler, chain brake, anti-vibration system, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 34cc 2-stroke engine, 14-inch guide bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, inertia-activated chain brake, anti-vibration handles, primer bulb, choke control, and safety throttle lock.

Feature	Description
Engine	34cc 2-stroke air-cooled gasoline engine
Guide Bar Length	14 inches
Chain Pitch	3/8 inch low-profile
Automatic Oiler	Lubricates chain during operation
Chain Brake	Inertia-activated safety feature to stop chain
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces user fatigue during extended use
Fuel Tank Capacity	Approx. 10.1 fl oz (300 ml)
Oil Tank Capacity	Approx. 5.1 fl oz (150 ml)
Weight (dry)	9.7 lbs (4.4 kg)
Ignition System	Electronic ignition with stop switch

Assembly & Setup

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

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on mounting studs, loop chain around sprocket and bar groove, adjust tension.
2. Fill oil tank: Use bar and chain oil only; fill to marked level.
3. Mix fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane min.) with 2-stroke oil at 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gal gas).
4. Fill fuel tank: Add mixed fuel to tank; avoid spills.

WARNING! Always wear cut-resistant gloves during assembly. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before use.

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toe boots, and close-fitting clothing.
2. Clear work area: Ensure no bystanders, pets, or obstacles within 15 feet.
3. Inspect chainsaw: Check for loose parts, chain tension, and sharpness before each use.
4. Carry safely: Engage chain brake when moving; carry with bar pointing backward.
5. Never operate: On a ladder, in poor lighting, or when fatigued.

CAUTION! Kickback can occur; always grip firmly with both hands and maintain proper stance.

Specifications

• Model: MTD 3414
• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled
• Displacement: 34 cc
• Power Output: 1.5 kW (2.0 HP)
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 40:1 (gasoline to 2-stroke oil)
• Guide Bar Length: 14 inches
• Chain Speed: Approx. 55 ft/s (16.8 m/s) at max RPM
• Sound Pressure Level: 105 dB(A) at operator's ear
• Vibration Level: Front handle: 4.5 m/s²; Rear handle: 5.2 m/s²
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty for residential use

Controls and Components

Main controls located on top and rear handle.

Top Handle: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout (safety trigger), choke lever, primer bulb, stop switch (ON/OFF).

Rear Handle: Front hand guard/chain brake, rear handle with anti-vibration mount, fuel tank cap, oil tank cap.

Side Panel: Chain tensioning screw, spark plug access, air filter cover.

Maintenance Points: Air filter (clean every 10 hours), spark plug (check gap 0.025 in), fuel filter (replace annually).

Starting & Stopping

Always start on ground or firm surface.

1. Cold Start: Engage chain brake. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE. Press primer bulb 5-6 times. Pull starter cord sharply until engine fires. Move choke to HALF CHOKE. Pull cord again until engine starts. Let run 10 seconds, then move choke to RUN.
2. Warm Start: Choke in RUN position; pull starter cord.
3. Stopping: Release throttle; let engine idle. Press stop switch to OFF.

Tip: Never drop-start or start above waist height. Always engage chain brake when starting.

Cutting Techniques

Use proper techniques to reduce kickback risk and improve efficiency.

1. Felling: Plan escape path (45° behind tree). Make notch cut (1/3 tree diameter) on fall side. Make felling cut from opposite side, leaving hinge wood.
2. Limbing: Stand uphill; cut branches from trunk using pulling chain (bottom of bar).
3. Bucking: Support log off ground; cut from top down for compression side, bottom up for tension side.
4. Pruning: Cut small branches with one smooth cut; larger branches use three-step method (undercut, top cut, final cut).

WARNING! Avoid cutting with tip of bar (kickback zone). Always cut at full throttle.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication
Every 5 hours	Clean air filter; check for damage
Every 10 hours	Clean spark plug; check electrode gap (0.025 in)
Every 20 hours	Clean cooling fins; inspect fuel filter
Every season	Replace spark plug; clean carburetor air passage
Annually	Replace fuel filter; inspect anti-vibration mounts

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance is critical for safe operation.

1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Adjust tensioning screw until chain fits snug against bar (can be pulled by hand but not loose). Tighten bar nuts while lifting bar tip.
2. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (5/32 in). File each cutter at 30° angle, maintaining original top plate angle. File all cutters to equal length.
3. Depth Gauges: Use depth gauge tool to file rakers 0.025 in below cutter top plate.

Note: Replace chain when cutters are worn to 4 mm or damaged.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare chainsaw for storage to prevent fuel system issues.

1. Drain fuel tank: Run engine until it stops from fuel starvation.
2. Drain carburetor: Remove bowl drain screw if equipped.
3. Clean entire unit: Remove sawdust, dirt, and resin.
4. Remove chain: Clean and soak in oil; store separately.
5. Store: In dry, cool place, away from children and flammable materials.

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

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, flooded, old fuel	Check spark plug; wait if flooded; use fresh fuel mix.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter	Replace fuel filter; clean air filter.
Chain doesn't turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn	Disengage chain brake; inspect clutch drum and springs.
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, improper tension	Sharpen chain; adjust tension.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners; balance chain by sharpening evenly.
Chain throws oil	Overfilled oil tank, wrong oil viscosity	Check oil level; use recommended bar and chain oil.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized MTD service center at 1-800-800-7310 or visit www.mtdproducts.com.