Poulan 2600 Farmhand Chainsaw Manual

The Poulan 2600 Farmhand is a gas-powered chainsaw designed for farm and general property maintenance. It features a 42cc 2-stroke engine, 18-inch guide bar, automatic oiler, anti-vibration system, inertia chain brake, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 42cc 2-stroke engine, 18-inch guide bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, anti-vibration handles, inertia-activated chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, and primer bulb for easy starting.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear appropriate PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps/pants, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, pets, and obstacles. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Awareness: Understand kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Never cut with the tip. Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area, with engine off and cool. Use clean, fresh fuel mix.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. The chain brake is a safety device; test it before each use.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires attaching the guide bar and chain, and filling with fuel and oil.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket and onto bar groove with cutters facing forward. Install clutch cover and tighten nuts finger-tight. Adjust chain tension (see Section 9).
2. Fuel Mix: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (minimum 89 octane) mixed with high-quality 2-stroke oil at a 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas). Shake well in separate container.
3. Fill Fuel Tank: Clean area around cap. Pour fuel mix into tank. Do not overfill.
4. Fill Bar & Chain Oil: Use quality bar & chain oil. Fill oil tank. Check for leaks.
5. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and stop switch function properly. Test chain brake activation.

CAUTION! Never use automotive motor oil or old gasoline. Improper fuel mix can cause engine damage.

Specifications

• Model: Poulan 2600 Farmhand
• Engine Type: 2-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled
• Displacement: 42 cc
• Power Output: 2.4 HP
• Max Engine Speed: 12,500 RPM
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 40:1
• Guide Bar Length: 18 in (45 cm)
• Recommended Chain: .325" pitch, .050" gauge, 72 drive links
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A) (approx.)
• Vibration Levels (Front/Rear Handle): Complies with applicable standards
• Warranty: 2-year limited consumer warranty

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Main Components: Front Handle with Throttle Trigger, Rear Handle, Throttle Lockout (must be depressed to engage throttle), Stop Switch (I/O), Choke Lever, Primer Bulb, Chain Brake Lever (Front Hand Guard), Side-Access Chain Tensioner, Decompression Valve (if equipped), Fuel Cap, Oil Cap.

Operation: The throttle lockout is a safety device. The chain brake lever (hand guard) activates the brake if pushed forward manually or by inertia during kickback.

Starting & Stopping Procedure

Cold Start:

1. Place saw on flat, clear ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.
4. Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
5. Pull starter rope briskly 2-3 times until engine 'pops'.
6. Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE.
7. Pull starter rope until engine starts. Let run for 5 seconds.
8. Squeeze throttle trigger to move choke to RUN. Allow 30-second warm-up.

Warm Start: Choke in RUN position. Pull starter rope.

Stopping: Release throttle. Press stop switch to 'O' or 'STOP'.

WARNING! Always engage chain brake when starting or carrying the saw over short distances.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Use proper stance and grip. Let the saw do the work.

1. Basic Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward for right-handed users. Firm grip with both hands, thumbs wrapped around handles.
2. Felling (Cutting Down a Tree): Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 tree diameter) on fell side. Make felling cut from opposite side, leaving hinge wood. Retreat along planned path.
3. Limbing: Stand uphill from log. Cut branches on opposite side first. Use the saw's bumper spikes for leverage.
4. Bucking (Cutting Log to Length): Support log off ground. Cut from top down, avoiding contact with dirt. For pinched bar, use wedges.
5. Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip. Do not cut above shoulder height. Never let the upper quadrant of the bar tip contact wood.

Tip: Keep the chain sharp. A dull chain requires more force, increases fatigue and risk of kickback.

Maintenance Schedule

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A properly maintained chain is critical for safety and performance.

Chain Tensioning:

1. Engage chain brake. Loosen bar nuts slightly.
2. Using side tensioner screw, adjust until drive links just contact bottom of bar groove.
3. Pull chain around bar by hand; it should move freely without binding.
4. Lift bar tip up and retighten bar nuts securely. Re-check tension.

Chain Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 5/32" for .325" chain). File each cutter at manufacturer's specified angle (usually 30°). Maintain equal file strokes per cutter. Check and adjust depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge.

CAUTION! A loose chain can derail; an overtightened chain can break or damage the engine. Always wear gloves when handling chain.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Short-Term (Under 30 days): Run engine to use up fuel in carburetor. Store in dry, locked location out of reach of children.
2. Long-Term (Over 30 days): Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops. Drain bar & chain oil tank. Remove chain, clean it and the bar with kerosene, and coat with oil. Store chain and bar separately. Pull starter rope slowly until resistance is felt to close cylinder ports. Store in a dry, covered place.

CAUTION! Never store a chainsaw with fuel in the tank for extended periods. Old fuel will gum up the carburetor.

Troubleshooting

For Service: Contact authorized Poulan service center. For parts and manuals: www.poulanpro.com or call 1-800-554-6723.