Poulan 260 Pro Chainsaw Manual

The Poulan 260 Pro is a professional-grade gas-powered chainsaw featuring a 42cc 2-stroke engine, 16-inch or 18-inch guide bar options, automatic oiler, chain brake, anti-vibration system, and easy-start technology. Designed for demanding cutting tasks including felling, limbing, and bucking. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Safety Information 2. Features & Specifications 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Controls & Components 5. Fuel & Oil 6. Starting & Stopping 7. Cutting Techniques 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening 10. Storage 11. Troubleshooting

Safety Information

Essential safety precautions to prevent serious injury or death.

Hazard	Precaution
Kickback	Always hold saw firmly with both hands; use reduced-kickback chain; avoid tip contact.
Hearing damage	Wear approved hearing protection during operation.
Eye injury	Always wear safety glasses or face shield.
Fire/explosion	Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool.
Carbon monoxide	Operate only in well-ventilated outdoor areas.
Chain contact	Engage chain brake when not cutting; keep hands away from moving chain.
Electrical hazards	Keep away from power lines; assume all wires are energized.
Falling branches	Be aware of overhead hazards; wear hard hat when felling.
Vibration	Take regular breaks to reduce risk of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
Hot surfaces	Avoid contact with muffler and cylinder during/after operation.

Features & Specifications

Key components and technical data.

Engine: 42cc 2-stroke, air-cooled.
Power Output: 2.2 HP.
Guide Bar Length: 16" or 18" (as configured).
Chain Pitch: 3/8" low-profile.
Chain Gauge: 0.050".
Fuel Capacity: 14.2 fl oz (420 ml).
Oil Capacity: 8.5 fl oz (250 ml).
Weight (dry): 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg).
Ignition: Electronic.
Vibration Damping: Anti-vibration system with rubber mounts.
Safety Features: Inertia-activated chain brake, front hand guard, throttle lockout.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and assemble your chainsaw.

Inspect Contents: Ensure all parts are present and undamaged.
Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Loosen bar nuts, position bar over studs, fit chain over sprocket and bar groove (cutting edges forward on top), adjust tension, tighten nuts.
Install Hand Guard: Secure front hand guard to housing.
Fill Fluids: Add proper fuel/oil mix to fuel tank and bar & chain oil to oil tank.
Check Controls: Verify throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

WARNING! Never attempt assembly without reading manual. Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling chain.

Controls & Components

Identify and understand all controls.

Component	Function
Throttle Trigger	Controls engine speed; releases to idle.
Throttle Lockout	Must be depressed before throttle can be engaged (safety).
Chain Brake Lever	Front hand guard; when engaged forward, stops chain rotation.
Stop Switch	Moves to STOP position to shut off engine.
Choke Control	Enriches fuel mixture for cold starting.
Primer Bulb	Pumps fuel into carburetor for easier starting.
Fuel Tank Cap	Seals fuel tank; vented.
Oil Tank Cap	Seals bar & chain oil reservoir.
Chain Tensioner	Adjusts chain tension via screw near bar mount.
Decompression Valve	Reduces compression for easier pull-starting (if equipped).

Fuel & Oil

Proper fuel and lubrication are critical.

Fuel Mix: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (minimum 89 octane) mixed with high-quality 2-stroke engine oil at a 50:1 ratio (2.6 fl oz oil per 1 gallon gas).
Mixing: Mix in approved container before filling saw. Shake well.
Bar & Chain Oil: Use high-quality chainsaw bar oil (viscosity appropriate for temperature). Do not use waste oil.
Filling: Clean area around caps. Fill tanks on level surface. Wipe spills immediately.

CAUTION! Gasoline is extremely flammable. No smoking. Store fuel in approved container away from saw.

Starting & Stopping

Safe starting procedure.

Pre-Start Check: Ensure chain brake is engaged, area is clear, saw is on firm ground.
Cold Start: Set stop switch to ON. Engage choke. Press primer bulb 5-6 times. Place saw on ground, hold front handle with left foot, grip rear handle firmly. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires. Disengage choke. Pull again to start.
Warm Start: Same procedure but do not use choke.
Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle briefly. Move stop switch to STOP.

WARNING! Never drop-start or start above waist height. Keep bystanders away.

Cutting Techniques

Basic cutting operations.

Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 tree diameter) on fall side. Make felling cut from opposite side, leaving hinge wood.
Limbing: Stand uphill. Cut branches from bottom to top, using saw as pivot. Beware of spring-back.
Bucking: Support log off ground. Cut from top down for tensioned wood. Use wedges for pinched bar.
General: Use full throttle during cut. Let chain do the work. Avoid forcing or twisting bar.

Tip: Maintain sharp chain for safer, easier cutting.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Inspect for loose fasteners. Check fuel/oil levels.
Every 5 hours	Clean air filter. Check spark plug condition.
Every 10 hours	Clean cooling fins. Check fuel filter.
Every 20 hours	Clean spark arrestor screen (if equipped).
Every season	Replace fuel filter, spark plug. Clean carburetor air passage. Inspect bar for wear, groove damage.
As needed	Sharpen chain. Replace worn drive sprocket. Clean entire saw of debris.

Chain Sharpening

Sharp chain is essential for safety and efficiency.

Secure bar in vise. Identify cutters needing filing (all should be uniform).
Use correct round file size (typically 5/32" for 3/8" low-profile chain).
File at angle specified on cutter (usually 30°). Maintain file level; match existing angle.
File from inside cutter outward, using consistent pressure and strokes.
File all cutters on one side, then turn saw and file other side.
Check depth gauges with gauge tool; file down if exceeding limit.

CAUTION! Wear gloves. File in one direction only. Keep file clean.

Storage

Proper storage prevents problems.

Short-term (under 30 days): Empty fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer. Run engine to circulate treated fuel. Clean saw thoroughly.
Long-term: Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor. Remove chain, clean and oil it. Store chain and bar separately. Pull starter rope slowly until resistance is felt (to close cylinder). Store in dry, secure location.

WARNING! Storing with untreated fuel can cause carburetor damage from varnish buildup.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Engine won't start	No spark, flooded, stale fuel, clogged filter	Check spark plug; wait if flooded; use fresh fuel; clean/replace air filter.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, carburetor issues, vent problem	Replace fuel filter; clean carburetor; check tank vent.
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, improper tension, low oil	Sharpen chain; adjust tension; fill oil tank; check oiler hole.
Chain won't stop rotating	Chain brake malfunction, clutch issue	Clean brake band/clutch; inspect for damage; service if needed.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced chain, damaged AV mounts	Tighten all fasteners; balance chain by sharpening evenly; inspect mounts.
Chain throws oil	Overfilled oil tank, wrong oil viscosity	Fill to correct level; use proper bar oil for temperature.
Bar overheats/smokes	Inadequate oiling, dirty bar groove, dull chain	Clean oil passages; clean bar groove and oil holes; sharpen chain.

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