Poulan 1420 Chainsaw Manual

The Poulan 1420 is a lightweight, gas-powered chainsaw designed for homeowner use, featuring a 14-inch guide bar, 2.0 cubic inch engine, automatic oiling system, easy-start technology, and safety features including a chain brake and low-kickback chain. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2.0 cu. in. gasoline engine, 14-inch guide bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, primer bulb, chain brake, throttle lockout, and muffler.

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear protective gear.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, pets, and obstacles. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Awareness: Hold saw firmly with both hands; do not cut with tip of bar.
4. Chain Brake: Test before each use; engage when not cutting.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable; refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Never operate a chainsaw while tired or under the influence.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach Guide Bar: Place bar onto studs, align chain around sprocket and bar groove, adjust tension.
2. Install Chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar.
3. Adjust Chain Tension: Loosen bar nuts, turn tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar, tighten nuts.
4. Fill Fluids: Add proper fuel/oil mix to fuel tank and bar & chain oil to oil tank.

CAUTION! Chain must be properly tensioned. Loose chain can derail; overtightened chain can damage saw.

Specifications

• Model: Poulan 1420.
• Engine Type: 2-cycle, air-cooled, single cylinder.
• Displacement: 2.0 cubic inches (33 cc).
• Fuel: Gasoline/oil mix (40:1 ratio with 2-cycle oil).
• Guide Bar Length: 14 inches.
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 0.325" pitch, 0.050" gauge.
• Ignition: Electronic.
• Weight: 10.5 lbs (dry).
• Sound Level: Approximately 105 dB(A).

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, choke control, primer bulb, stop switch, chain brake lever.

Components: Front hand guard, rear handle, fuel tank cap, oil tank cap, muffler, spark plug, air filter cover.

Operation: Squeeze throttle lockout and trigger to engage throttle. Push choke lever for cold start. Pull stop switch to stop engine. Engage chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.

Fuel & Oil

Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (minimum 89 octane) mixed with high-quality 2-cycle engine oil at 40:1 ratio.

1. Mix fuel in approved container: Add oil to gasoline, shake thoroughly.
2. Fill fuel tank: Use funnel to avoid spills.
3. Bar & Chain Oil: Use proper chainsaw bar oil; fill oil tank before each use.

Tip: Never use automotive motor oil, diesel fuel, or old gasoline. Do not mix directly in saw's tank.

Starting & Operation

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

1. Place saw on clear, flat ground.
2. Engage chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.
3. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.
4. Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
5. Pull starter rope briskly until engine "pops".
6. Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE.
7. Pull starter rope again until engine starts.
8. Allow to warm up at idle for 30 seconds, then disengage chain brake.

WARNING! Always start with chain brake engaged. Keep hands away from chain. Do not drop-start the saw.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

• Daily: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Clean air filter. Inspect for loose parts.
• Weekly: Clean cooling fins, spark arrestor screen. Check fuel filter.
• Monthly: Replace spark plug (NGK BPMR7A). Clean fuel tank and carburetor if needed.

CAUTION! Perform maintenance only when engine is off and cool. Disconnect spark plug wire for safety.

Chain Sharpening & Replacement

Sharpening: Use round file (5/32") and file guide. Maintain 30° cutting angle. File each cutter evenly.

1. Secure bar in vise.
2. Place file guide over chain.
3. File in one direction, following angle.
4. File all cutters on one side, then turn saw and file other side.
5. Check depth gauges with gauge tool; file down if necessary.

Replacement: Replace chain when cutters are worn beyond repair or damaged. Use Oregon 91PX series or equivalent.

Storage

Long-term Storage (over 30 days):

1. Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor.
2. Run engine until it stops to clear fuel lines.
3. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil.
4. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
5. Store in dry, covered area.

CAUTION! Storing with fuel can cause carburetor damage. Fuel left in tank can degrade and form varnish.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Poulan service center. Visit www.poulanpro.com or call 1-800-554-6723.