Poulan 220 Pro 38cc Chainsaw Manual

The Poulan 220 Pro is a 38cc gas-powered chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks, featuring a 2-stroke engine, 18-inch guide bar, automatic oiler, chain brake, anti-vibration system, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Operation 7. Chain & Bar Maintenance 8. Fuel & Oil Mixture 9. Storage & Care 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 38cc 2-stroke engine, 18-inch guide bar, automatic chain oiler, inertia-activated chain brake, anti-vibration handles, side-access chain tensioner, and transparent fuel tank.

FeatureDescription
Engine Displacement38cc 2-stroke air-cooled engine
Guide Bar Length18 inches (45 cm)
Chain Pitch/Gauge.325" pitch, .050" gauge
Automatic OilerDelivers oil to bar and chain during operation
Chain BrakeInertia-activated for kickback protection
Anti-Vibration SystemReduces operator fatigue
Fuel Tank Capacity14.9 fl oz (440 ml)
Oil Tank Capacity8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
Weight (without bar/chain)10.8 lbs (4.9 kg)
Ignition SystemElectronic ignition with easy-start

Safety Information

Always wear proper PPE: safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.

  1. Clear work area of debris and bystanders.
  2. Inspect chainsaw before each use for damage or loose parts.
  3. Ensure chain brake is functional before starting.
  4. Always hold with both hands; maintain secure footing.
  5. Never operate above shoulder height or on a ladder.

WARNING! Kickback can occur without warning. Keep chain sharp and tensioned properly. Never operate when fatigued or under influence.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires attaching guide bar and chain, filling fluids.

  1. Attach guide bar: Loosen bar nuts, position bar over studs, align chain drive links with sprocket.
  2. Install chain: Place chain over bar with cutters facing forward on top, adjust tension.
  3. Tension chain: Use side-access adjuster until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
  4. Fill fuel: Use 50:1 gasoline to 2-cycle oil mixture (see section 8).
  5. Fill bar oil: Use quality chainsaw bar oil in oil tank.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is installed with cutters facing correct direction. Overtightening can damage bar.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with chain brake, rear handle with throttle trigger, throttle lockout, choke control, primer bulb, stop switch, and side-access chain tensioner.

Controls: Throttle trigger (requires pressing throttle lockout simultaneously), Choke lever (for cold starts), Stop switch (O=Run, I=Stop), Chain brake lever (forward to engage, pull back toward handle to disengage), Primer bulb (press 5-6 times for cold start).

Maintenance points: Air filter cover, spark plug, fuel cap, oil cap, chain tensioner, bar nuts.

Starting & Operation

Starting procedure for cold and warm engine.

  1. Place on clear, level surface. Engage chain brake.
  2. Cold start: Set choke to full position, press primer bulb 5-6 times.
  3. Hold rear handle with right hand, place foot in rear handle guard.
  4. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires (usually 3-5 pulls).
  5. Move choke to half position, pull until engine starts.
  6. Warm start: Choke off, no priming needed.
  7. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Tip: Let engine warm up 30 seconds before applying full throttle. Never drop-start chainsaw.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

  1. Chain sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (5/32" for .325"). Maintain 30° filing angle.
  2. Depth gauges: File to maintain proper height (0.025" below cutters).
  3. Chain tension: Check frequently when warm; adjust so chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
  4. Bar maintenance: Clean bar grooves, flip bar weekly for even wear.
  5. Sprocket inspection: Replace if worn or damaged.

WARNING! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure engine is off and cool before maintenance.

Fuel & Oil Mixture

Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) mixed with high-quality 2-cycle engine oil at 50:1 ratio.

Mixture: 2.6 fl oz (77 ml) of oil per 1 gallon (3.8 L) of gasoline.

Bar oil: Use quality chainsaw bar oil (viscosity appropriate for temperature).

CAUTION! Never use straight gasoline or automotive motor oil. Never use fuel older than 30 days. Store fuel in approved container.

Storage & Care

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

  1. Empty fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer for storage over 30 days.
  2. Run engine dry of fuel by disconnecting fuel line and running until stall.
  3. Clean entire saw, especially air filter and cooling fins.
  4. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil; store bar separately.
  5. Store in dry, cool place away from ignition sources.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods without stabilizer.

Warranty Information

Poulan 220 Pro comes with 2-year consumer warranty covering defects in materials/workmanship. Commercial use limited to 90-day warranty. Proof of purchase required. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, or use of non-genuine parts. For warranty service, contact authorized service center or call 1-800-554-6723.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startOld fuel, flooded engine, spark plugUse fresh fuel; wait if flooded; check/replace spark plug.
Engine starts then diesClogged fuel filter, air filter, carburetorReplace fuel filter; clean air filter; adjust carburetor.
Chain doesn't turnChain brake engaged, clutch, sprocketDisengage chain brake; check clutch springs; inspect sprocket.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, unbalanced chain, bent barTighten all fasteners; balance chain; replace bar if bent.
Chain throws oilOver-oiling, wrong oil viscosityAdjust oiler rate; use correct bar oil for temperature.
Poor cutting performanceDull chain, improper tension, worn barSharpen chain; adjust tension; replace bar if worn.

Service: For technical support: 1-800-554-6723 or www.poulanpro.com

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