Pioneer P28 Chainsaw Manual

The Pioneer P28 is a professional-grade chainsaw featuring a 28-inch cutting bar, powerful 2-stroke engine, automatic chain oiling system, anti-vibration handles, chain brake, safety throttle lock, and decompression valve for easier starting. Designed for heavy-duty felling, limbing, and bucking. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 28-inch Oregon bar and chain, 2-stroke engine with decompression valve, automatic oiler, anti-vibration system, chain brake, safety throttle lock, and easy-access air filter.

Assembly & Setup

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

1. Attach guide bar: Remove side cover, align bar with sprocket, install chain with cutters facing forward.
2. Adjust chain tension: Loosen nuts, adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
3. Install bar nuts: Tighten securely, then re-check chain tension.
4. Fill fluids: Add 50:1 fuel/oil mix to fuel tank; fill bar oil reservoir with recommended chain oil.

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

Safety Instructions

Read all safety instructions before operation.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toe boots, and chainsaw chaps.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Maintain secure footing.
3. Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly with both hands; never cut with tip of bar; use reduced-kickback chain.
4. Chain Brake: Test chain brake before each use by engaging with wrist.
5. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources. Wipe spills immediately.

CAUTION! Never operate chainsaw while fatigued or under influence of medication/alcohol.

Specifications

• Engine: 72.2cc 2-stroke, single cylinder
• Power Output: 5.2 HP @ 9,000 RPM
• Bar Length: 28 inches (71 cm)
• Chain Pitch: .404 inches
• Chain Gauge: .063 inches
• Fuel Tank: 24 oz (710 ml)
• Oil Tank: 16 oz (473 ml)
• Dry Weight: 15.8 lbs (7.2 kg) without bar/chain
• Sound Level: 112 dB(A) at operator's ear
• Vibration Level: 4.2 m/s² front handle, 5.1 m/s² rear handle

Controls and Components

Main controls: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, choke, decompression valve, chain brake, master control lever.

Right Side: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, rear handle, chain brake lever. Left Side: Choke control, decompression valve, front handle, master control lever (combines choke/stop functions). Top: Spark plug, air filter cover, fuel cap. Rear: Oil cap, starter grip.

Chain tensioning: Side cover nuts, tensioning screw. Oiler adjustment: Screw located near oil cap (clockwise decreases, counterclockwise increases flow).

Starting Procedure

Cold Start Procedure:

1. Place saw on flat ground, clear of debris.
2. Engage chain brake by pushing forward until click.
3. Set master control lever to choke position (full up).
4. Press decompression valve to reduce cylinder pressure.
5. Pull starter rope briskly 3-5 times until engine fires.
6. Move master control to half-throttle position.
7. Pull starter until engine starts (usually 1-2 pulls).
8. Briefly blip throttle to disengage choke.
9. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Tip: For warm starts, begin at step 6 (half-throttle position).

Operating Instructions

Proper cutting techniques for safety and efficiency.

1. Felling: Plan escape path (45° angle from fall direction). Make notch cut 1/3 of tree diameter. Make felling cut 2 inches above notch hinge.
2. Limbing: Stand uphill from log. Use pulling chain (bottom of bar) for smaller limbs, pushing chain (top of bar) for larger limbs.
3. Bucking: Support log off ground. Cut from top down for compression side, bottom up for tension side.
4. Kickback Avoidance: Maintain firm grip, never cut with upper tip, be aware of pinch points.
5. Chain Brake Use: Engage when moving between cuts or if kickback occurs.

WARNING! Never operate chainsaw above shoulder height or with one hand.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance is critical for performance and safety.

1. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (.404). Maintain 30° cutting angle, 10° top plate angle. File all cutters to equal length.
2. Depth Gauges: File depth gauges with flat file to maintain .025-.030 inch below cutters.
3. Tensioning: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar. Adjust when chain is cool. Proper tension: 1/8 inch (3 mm) between bar and chain at center of bar.
4. Bar Maintenance: Rotate bar regularly to ensure even wear. Dress bar rails with flat file when grooved.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure saw is off and cool before maintenance.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Short-term (1-4 weeks): Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine 2 minutes to circulate treated fuel.
2. Long-term (seasonal): Drain fuel tank completely. Run engine until it stops to clear carburetor. Remove chain, clean and oil it separately. Store in dry, cool location.
3. Bar/Chain Storage: Clean bar groove, oil bar and chain, wrap in oiled cloth.

WARNING! Never store chainsaw with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

Service: For technical support, contact Pioneer at 1-800-555-CHAINSAW or visit www.pioneerchainsaws.com/support