Poulan 1800 Chainsaw Manual

The Poulan 1800 is a lightweight, gas-powered chainsaw designed for occasional homeowner use, featuring a 18-inch guide bar, 2-stroke engine requiring a gas/oil mixture, manual chain oiling, automatic chain brake, and anti-vibration system. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 18-inch guide bar and chain, 2-stroke engine, manual oil pump, chain brake, throttle trigger lockout, anti-vibration handles.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Wear protective gear.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with upper tip of guide bar. Hold saw firmly with both hands.
4. Chain Brake: Test before each use. Understand how inertia activates it.

WARNING! Chainsaw kickback can cause severe injury or death. Never operate with one hand. Always engage chain brake when not cutting.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place chain on bar, align with sprocket, fit bar onto studs, tighten nuts.
2. Adjust Chain Tension: Loosen bar nuts, adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar, retighten nuts.
3. Fill Fuel: Mix fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane min.) with 2-stroke oil at 40:1 ratio. Fill tank.
4. Fill Chain Oil: Use recommended bar & chain oil. Fill reservoir.
5. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, lockout, and chain brake function smoothly.

CAUTION! Fuel is flammable. Mix and fill outdoors, away from sparks or flames. Wipe spills immediately.

Specifications

• Model: Poulan 1800
• Engine Displacement: 42 cc (approx.)
• Guide Bar Length: 18 inches
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325” / .050” (check manual)
• Fuel Capacity: Approx. 10.1 fl oz (300 ml)
• Oil Capacity: Approx. 6.8 fl oz (200 ml)
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 40:1 (high-quality 2-stroke oil)
• Sound Power Level: Typically 106 dB(A) – wear hearing protection.
• Weight: ~10.5 lbs (4.8 kg) dry

Controls and Components

Main Components: Front Hand Guard/Chain Brake, Throttle Trigger, Throttle Trigger Lockout, Choke Control, Stop Switch, Recoil Starter Handle, Chain Tensioner, Manual Oil Pump Button.

Operation: To start: Set chain brake ON, move choke to COLD START, press decompression valve (if equipped), pull starter cord. To cut: Release chain brake, squeeze throttle trigger. To stop: Release throttle, engage chain brake, press stop switch.

Starting & Operating

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

1. Place saw on clear, level ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.
3. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
4. Pull starter rope sharply until engine 'pops' (usually 3-5 pulls).
5. Move choke to HALF CHOKE. Pull until engine starts.
6. Allow to warm up at idle for 30 seconds. Squeeze throttle to disengage fast idle.

Cutting Techniques: Use both hands. Let saw do the work; don't force. Plan cut to avoid pinching bar. Oil chain regularly during use by pressing manual oil pump button.

Chain Maintenance

Chain Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch. File at 30° angle. File all cutters evenly.

1. Secure bar. Identify shortest cutter; file others to match.
2. File from inside out, maintaining angle and depth gauge clearance.
3. Check depth gauges; lower with flat file if necessary.
4. Clean bar groove and oil holes.
5. Adjust tension when chain is cold. Proper tension: snug against bar but pullable by hand.

WARNING! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure saw is off and cool.

Engine Maintenance

Air Filter: Clean regularly. Remove, tap out debris, wash in soapy water if very dirty. Dry completely before reinstalling.

Spark Plug: Check gap (0.025” typical). Clean or replace if fouled.

Fuel System: Use fresh fuel mix. Empty tank and run carburetor dry for storage over 30 days.

CAUTION! Perform maintenance only when engine is off and completely cool.

Storage

Long-term Storage (over 30 days):

1. Empty fuel tank. Run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
2. Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder. Pull starter cord slowly to distribute. Reinstall plug.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
4. Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil. Store bar flat.
5. Store in dry, cool place, out of reach of children.

Regulatory Information

EPA & CARB: Meets emission standards for small off-road engines. Noise Compliance: Meets applicable sound level directives. Safety Standards: Conforms to ANSI/OPEI B175.1. For warranty and service, contact Poulan customer service or visit www.poulanpro.com. This product contains chemicals known to cause cancer and birth defects (California Prop 65).

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs not covered here, contact authorized Poulan service center. User manual part number: 530069756.