Poulan 2500 Farmhand Chainsaw Manual

The Poulan 2500 Farmhand is a gas-powered chainsaw designed for farm and property maintenance. It features a 42cc 2-cycle engine, 18-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiler, anti-vibration system, tool-less chain tensioning, and a combined choke/stop control. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 42cc 2-cycle engine, 18-inch guide bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, anti-vibration handles, side-access chain tensioner, combined choke/stop control, and spark arrestor muffler.

Feature	Description
Engine	42cc, 2-cycle, air-cooled
Guide Bar Length	18 inches (Oregon)
Chain	.325" pitch, 72 drive links
Chain Oiler	Automatic with manual override
Anti-Vibration	Reduced vibration handles
Chain Tensioning	Tool-less side adjuster
Ignition	Electronic
Starter	Rewind with primer bulb
Safety Features	Chain brake, throttle lockout, right-hand guard
Weight (dry)	Approx. 12.5 lbs

Assembly & Preparation

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

Attach guide bar and chain: Loosen bar nuts, position bar over studs, fit chain over sprocket and bar, adjust tension.
Fill oil reservoir: Use bar and chain oil (not motor oil).
Mix fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) with 2-cycle oil at 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas).
Check chain brake: Ensure front hand guard moves freely and engages brake.

WARNING! Always wear cut-resistant gloves during assembly. Ensure chain is installed with cutting teeth facing forward on top of bar.

Starting & Operation

Follow safe starting procedure every time.

Pre-start check: Ensure chain brake is engaged (pulled forward), area is clear, chain is properly tensioned.
Fuel valve: Turn to ON position.
Choke/stop control: Set to FULL CHOKE (cold start) or HALF CHOKE (warm start).
Primer bulb: Press 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
Starting: Place on ground, hold front handle with left hand, place right foot through rear handle. Pull starter cord briskly until engine fires. Move choke to HALF, pull again to start.
Warm-up: Allow to idle for 30 seconds before cutting.

CAUTION! Never drop-start or start above waist height. Keep bystanders at least 15 feet away.

Specifications

Engine Displacement: 42cc (2.6 cu in)
Power Output: 2.5 HP
Fuel Capacity: 14.9 fl oz (440 ml)
Oil Capacity: 8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
Bar Length: 18 inches
Chain Pitch: .325"
Chain Gauge: .050"
Drive Links: 72
Idle Speed: 2,800 RPM
Max Power Speed: 9,500 RPM
Sound Pressure Level: 108 dB(A)
Vibration Level: Front handle 4.2 m/s², Rear handle 5.8 m/s²

Controls and Components

Main controls located on top and side of unit.

Top Handle Area: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout (must be depressed to engage throttle), chain brake lever/hand guard.

Side Panel: Choke/stop control (OFF, RUN, CHOKE), primer bulb, fuel valve, side-access chain tensioner.

Rear: Rewind starter grip, fuel cap, oil cap.

Chain brake: Engages automatically via inertia or manually by pushing hand guard forward. Stops chain within seconds.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

Chain tension: Check frequently when cold. Proper tension: snug against bar but pullable by hand.
Sharpening: Use round file (7/32" or 5.5mm) at 30° angle. File each cutter evenly.
Bar maintenance: Clean bar groove, flip bar monthly for even wear.
Sprocket: Inspect for wear; replace if teeth are hooked or damaged.

Tip: Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing chain or bar maintenance.

Fuel & Oil

Use proper fuels and lubricants to prevent engine damage.

Fuel Mix: 40:1 ratio. 3.2 oz of 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil per 1 US gallon of fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum). Mix in separate container.

Bar & Chain Oil: Use ISO viscosity grade 30 or equivalent. Check oil level before each use.

Storage: Never store mixed fuel more than 60 days. Run engine dry or add fuel stabilizer for long-term storage.

WARNING! Gasoline is highly flammable. Mix outdoors, away from sparks or flame.

Safety Features

Chain Brake: Stops chain if kickback occurs or manually activated. Throttle Lockout: Prevents accidental throttle engagement. Right-Hand Guard: Protects from chain breakage. Spark Arrestor Muffler: Reduces fire risk.

Storage

Prepare chainsaw for storage if not used for 30+ days.

Clean entire unit, especially cooling fins and air filter.
Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer and run for 5 minutes.
Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil. Store bar coated in oil.
Store in dry, cool place, away from children.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer. Gummed carburetor may result.

Warranty Information

Poulan 2500 Farmhand includes a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Proof of purchase required. Warranty covers defects in materials/workmanship; does not cover normal wear, misuse, or improper maintenance. For warranty service, contact authorized service center or call 1-800-554-6723. Keep this manual for reference.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, old fuel, flooded	Check spark plug; use fresh fuel mix; wait 15 min if flooded.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, air filter, carburetor	Replace fuel filter; clean air filter; service carburetor.
Chain doesn't turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket	Disengage brake; inspect clutch shoes; replace sprocket.
Chain oils poorly	Empty oil tank, clogged oil port	Fill tank; clean oil holes in bar; check oiler pump.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners; sharpen chain evenly.
Chain dulls quickly	Hitting ground, dirty wood	Avoid contact with soil; clean wood before cutting.

Spark Plug: NGK BPMR7A, gap 0.025".

Service: 1-800-554-6723; www.poulan.com