Poulan 250A Chainsaw Manual

The Poulan 250A is a gas-powered chainsaw designed for general-purpose cutting, pruning, and firewood preparation. It features a 2.5 cubic inch engine, automatic oiling system, 16-inch guide bar, chain brake, and anti-vibration handles. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2.5 cu. in. engine, 16-inch guide bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, inertia-activated chain brake, anti-vibration system, throttle trigger lockout, and choke/primer bulb.

Safety Information

Always wear protective gear: safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.

1. Clear work area of obstacles and bystanders.
2. Inspect chainsaw before each use for damage or loose parts.
3. Ensure chain is properly tensioned and sharp.
4. Hold saw firmly with both hands; maintain secure footing.
5. Never operate above shoulder height or on a ladder.

WARNING! Kickback can occur; always grip saw firmly, avoid tip contact, and use chain brake. Keep hands away from moving chain.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach guide bar: Loosen bar nuts, position bar over studs, align chain with sprocket, and tighten nuts.
2. Adjust chain tension: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar; adjust tensioning screw.
3. Fill fuel tank: Use fresh gasoline mixed with 2-cycle oil (50:1 ratio).
4. Fill oil tank: Use bar and chain oil.
5. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure chain is installed with cutters facing forward on top of bar.

Specifications

• Engine: 2.5 cu. in. (41cc) 2-cycle air-cooled gasoline engine.
• Bar Length: 16 inches.
• Chain Pitch: 3/8 inch low-profile.
• Fuel: Gasoline mixed with 2-cycle oil (50:1 ratio).
• Oil: Bar and chain oil (SAE 30 or equivalent).
• Ignition: Electronic ignition with stop switch.
• Starting System: Recoil starter.
• Weight: Approximately 10.1 lbs (without fuel/oil).
• Sound Level: Exceeds 100 dB(A); hearing protection required.
• Vibration: Anti-vibration system reduces handle vibration.

Controls and Components

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger and throttle trigger lockout. Rear Handle: Contains stop switch and choke control. Top Cover: Chain brake lever and primer bulb.

Controls: Throttle trigger (accelerates engine), throttle trigger lockout (prevents accidental throttle engagement), choke control (for cold starts), primer bulb (pumps fuel to carburetor), stop switch (stops engine), chain brake lever (activates brake when pushed forward).

Maintenance: Chain tensioning screw, bar nuts, air filter cover, spark plug, fuel and oil caps.

Fuel & Oil

Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (minimum 89 octane) mixed with high-quality 2-cycle engine oil at 50:1 ratio. Oil: Use bar and chain oil (SAE 30 or equivalent) in oil tank.

1. Mix fuel in approved container: Add oil to gasoline, shake well.
2. Fill fuel tank: Clean area around cap, fill to level.
3. Fill oil tank: Use bar and chain oil only.
4. Check for leaks before starting.

Tip: Never use automotive motor oil or old gasoline. Store fuel mix for no more than 30 days.

Starting & Operation

Starting procedure (cold engine):

1. Place saw on flat, clear surface.
2. Activate chain brake by pushing lever forward.
3. Set choke to full position; press primer bulb 5-6 times.
4. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires (usually 3-5 pulls).
5. Move choke to half position; pull starter until engine starts.
6. Allow engine to warm up; release chain brake before cutting.

Cutting techniques: Use lower part of bar for cutting; avoid tip contact to prevent kickback. Let saw do the work; do not force.

WARNING! Always engage chain brake when starting or carrying saw over short distances. Never drop-start the chainsaw.

Maintenance

Daily maintenance: Clean air filter, check chain tension, inspect bar for wear, ensure all nuts/bolts are tight.

Weekly/monthly: Clean spark arrestor screen, check spark plug gap (0.025 inch), clean cooling fins, inspect fuel lines.

CAUTION! Always stop engine and allow to cool before performing maintenance. Disconnect spark plug wire for safety.

Chain Sharpening

Use round file (5/32 inch) and file guide. Maintain 30-degree cutting angle.

1. Secure bar in vise or clamp.
2. Place file guide over chain; align with cutter.
3. File each cutter with smooth forward strokes; maintain equal strokes per cutter.
4. Check depth gauges; file if necessary to maintain proper height.

Tip: Sharpen chain regularly for efficient cutting and reduced kickback risk.

Storage

Long-term storage: Empty fuel tank and run engine until it stops. Remove chain and bar; clean and oil. Store in dry, cool place.

CAUTION! Never store chainsaw with fuel in tank for extended periods. Fuel can deteriorate and damage engine.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Poulan service center. Use only genuine Poulan parts.