Pioneer P26 Chainsaw Manual

The Pioneer P26 is a professional-grade chainsaw featuring a 26cc 2-stroke engine, 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiler, anti-vibration system, inertia chain brake, quick-stop throttle, decompression valve, and side-access chain tensioner. Designed for demanding cutting tasks including felling, limbing, and bucking. 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 Settings 6. Fuel & Lubrication 7. Cutting Techniques 8. Safety Features 9. Maintenance & Storage 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 26cc 2-stroke engine, 16-inch guide bar, Oregon low-kickback chain, automatic chain oiler, inertia-activated chain brake, decompression valve, anti-vibration handles.

Feature	Description
Engine	26cc 2-stroke, air-cooled
Guide Bar	16-inch Oregon bar
Chain	Oregon 91VXL low-kickback chain
Chain Brake	Inertia-activated for kickback protection
Chain Oiler	Automatic with manual override
Anti-Vibration	Rubber-mounted handles
Decompression Valve	Easier starting
Throttle	Quick-stop safety throttle
Chain Tensioner	Side-access for easy adjustment
Spark Arrestor	Standard muffler screen

Assembly & Preparation

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

Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket, align with bar groove.
Install bar nuts: Hand-tighten, then adjust chain tension using side tensioner.
Fill oil reservoir: Use bar and chain oil only.
Mix fuel: 50:1 ratio (2.6 oz oil per 1 gallon gasoline) with 2-stroke oil.
Prime carburetor: Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel visible.

WARNING! Always wear protective gear: gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.

First-Time Operation

Start chainsaw on ground with clear area.

Engage chain brake: Push forward until click.
Set choke: Move to FULL position for cold start.
Pull starter rope: Firm pulls until engine fires.
Disengage choke: Move to RUN position after engine fires.
Warm up: Allow 30 seconds at idle before cutting.
Release chain brake: Pull back toward handle.

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

Specifications

Engine Displacement: 26cc
Engine Type: 2-stroke, air-cooled
Fuel Capacity: 10.1 fl oz (300 ml)
Oil Capacity: 5.1 fl oz (150 ml)
Bar Length: 16 inches
Chain Pitch: 3/8" low-profile
Chain Gauge: .050"
Weight (dry): 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg)
Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A)
Vibration Level: Front 4.2 m/s², Rear 2.8 m/s²

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on top and rear handle.

Top Handle: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, choke lever, primer bulb, decompression valve.

Rear Handle: Chain brake lever, master control lever (stop switch), front hand guard.

Adjustments: Chain tension (side knob), idle speed (screw behind air filter), oiler flow (screw near oil cap).

Fuel & Lubrication

Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) mixed with 2-stroke oil (ISO-L-EGD, JASO FD).

Fuel mix: 50:1 ratio (2.6 oz oil per 1 gallon gas).
Bar & chain oil: Use quality chainsaw oil (viscosity appropriate for temperature).
Fill procedures: Clean area around caps, use funnel, wipe spills immediately.
Storage: Empty fuel tank for long-term storage, run carburetor dry.

Tip: Never use automotive motor oil or dirty/gasoline-contaminated bar oil.

Cutting Techniques

Basic cutting positions for safety and efficiency.

Felling: Plan escape path, make notch cut, then back cut leaving hinge.
Limbing: Stand uphill, cut from trunk outward, avoid cutting with tip.
Bucking: Support log, cut from top, avoid pinching chain.
Kickback prevention: Maintain firm grip, avoid upper quadrant of bar tip.
Pushing/pulling: Let chain do the work; don't force saw.

WARNING! Always cut at full throttle. Never cut above shoulder height.

Safety Features

Chain Brake: Inertia-activated stops chain in milliseconds during kickback. Front Hand Guard: Protects from broken chain. Throttle Lockout: Prevents accidental throttle engagement. Right-Hand Guard: Protects from rear kickback. Anti-Vibration: Reduces fatigue during extended use.

Maintenance & Storage

Daily: Clean air filter, check chain tension, sharpen chain, clean saw of debris. Weekly: Clean spark arrestor, check spark plug gap (.025"), inspect bar for wear. Monthly: Clean fuel filter, check all fasteners for tightness. Storage: Empty fuel, run dry, remove chain, clean thoroughly, store in dry place.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance. Use only Pioneer replacement parts.

Regulatory Information

EPA Phase III certified. CARB compliant. Meets ANSI B175.1 safety standards. Contains FCC Part 15 Subpart B compliant ignition system. Copyright © Pioneer. For support, visit www.pioneerchainsaws.com or contact 1-800-555-6789.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Old fuel, flooded, no spark	Use fresh fuel mix, wait 15 min if flooded, check spark plug.
Engine runs then dies	Clogged filter, vent issue	Clean/replace fuel filter, check tank vent.
Chain won't turn	Brake engaged, clutch worn	Disengage chain brake, inspect clutch drum/sprocket.
Chain throws oil	Overfilling, wrong oil	Fill to proper level, use correct bar oil.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners, sharpen/balance chain.
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, low throttle	Sharpen chain, operate at full throttle.

Service Intervals: Replace spark plug every 50 hours, air filter every 25 hours, fuel filter every 100 hours.

Service: 1-800-555-6789; www.pioneerchainsaws.com