Poulan 20 Inch Chainsaw Manual

The Poulan 20 Inch Chainsaw is a gas-powered chainsaw designed for medium-duty cutting tasks such as limbing, pruning, and felling small to medium trees. It features a 20-inch guide bar, a 2-cycle engine requiring a gas/oil mixture, 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: 20-inch guide bar and chain, 2-cycle engine, Automatic Oiler, Chain Brake, Anti-Vibration System, Easy-Pull Starting, Throttle Lockout, Decompression Valve.

Assembly & Setup

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

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar over studs, align chain with sprocket, adjust tension.
2. Install Hand Guard: Secure with provided bolts.
3. Fill Fuel Tank: Mix gasoline with 2-cycle oil at 50:1 ratio (see fuel section).
4. Fill Oil Tank: Use bar and chain oil only.
5. Check Chain Tension: Ensure proper tension before first use.

WARNING! Always wear protective gear (gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, chainsaw chaps) during assembly and operation.

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toed boots, and chainsaw chaps.
2. Clear Work Area: Ensure no bystanders, pets, or obstacles within 15 feet.
3. Proper Stance: Maintain secure footing with both hands on saw.
4. Kickback Awareness: Keep nose of bar away from objects; use reduced-kickback chain.
5. Chain Brake Test: Test function before each use.
6. No Overhead Cutting: Do not cut above shoulder height.

CAUTION! Never operate a chainsaw when tired, under the influence, or in poor weather conditions.

Specifications

• Engine Type: 2-cycle, air-cooled.
• Displacement: 42 cc (approximate).
• Guide Bar Length: 20 inches.
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 0.325” / 0.050” (check model sticker).
• Fuel Mix Ratio: 50:1 (unleaded gasoline to 2-cycle oil).
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.9 fl oz (500 ml).
• Oil Tank Capacity: 8.5 fl oz (250 ml).
• Weight (dry): Approx. 10.5 lbs (4.8 kg).
• Sound Power Level: Typically 110 dB(A) – wear hearing protection.

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Stop Switch, Choke Control, Primer Bulb, Chain Brake Lever, Decompression Valve Button.

Components: Front Hand Guard, Rear Handle, Fuel Tank Cap, Oil Tank Cap, Muffler, Spark Plug, Air Filter Cover, Chain Tensioning Screw.

Operation: Engage throttle lockout before pulling trigger. Use choke for cold starts. Activate chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.

Fuel & Oil

Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89. Mix with high-quality 2-cycle engine oil at a 50:1 ratio. Do not use automotive oil or old gasoline.

1. Mix in approved container: Add oil to gasoline, close, and shake thoroughly.
2. Fill fuel tank: Use funnel to avoid spills. Wipe any spilled fuel.
3. Bar & Chain Oil: Use only chainsaw bar oil for lubrication. Fill oil tank before each use.

Tip: Never store fuel mix in saw for more than 30 days. Use fuel stabilizer for longer storage.

Starting & Operation

Supports standard and cold starting procedures.

1. Pre-Start Check: Ensure chain tension is correct, area is clear, PPE is on.
2. Cold Start: Set chain brake ON. Move stop switch to RUN. Press decompression valve. Set choke to FULL. Press primer bulb 5-6 times. Pull starter cord until engine 'pops'. Set choke to HALF. Pull cord until engine starts. Warm up for 30 seconds. Squeeze throttle to disengage choke.
3. Warm Start: Follow steps but keep choke OFF.
4. Cutting: Apply full throttle before contacting wood. Let chain do the work; do not force.
5. Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle, move stop switch to STOP.

WARNING! Always engage chain brake when carrying or not actively cutting.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

• Daily: Clean air filter, check chain tension and sharpness, inspect for loose parts.
• Weekly: Clean spark arrestor screen, check spark plug gap (0.025”), clean cooling fins.
• Monthly: Clean fuel filter, replace spark plug annually, inspect fuel lines.
• Chain Lubrication: Ensure oiler is working; adjust flow if needed.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain tension: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar but not bind.

1. Loosen bar nuts.
2. Adjust tensioning screw until chain fits snugly against bar.
3. Retighten bar nuts while lifting tip of bar.
4. Recheck tension after tightening.

Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch. File at 30° angle. Maintain equal tooth length. File depth gauges with flat file.

Storage

For storage longer than 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 air filter and cooling fins.
5. Store in a dry, cool place, away from ignition sources.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in the tank to avoid gumming of carburetor.

Troubleshooting

Service: For technical support or parts, contact Poulan customer service at 1-800-554-6723 or visit www.poulanpro.com.