Poulan 3.5 HP Electric Chainsaw Manual

The Poulan 3.5 HP Electric Chainsaw is a powerful, corded electric chainsaw designed for residential cutting tasks such as pruning, limbing, and cutting firewood. It features a 3.5 horsepower electric motor, automatic oiling system, 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, tool-free chain tensioning, low-kickback design, and a lightweight construction for ease of use. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Operation Guide 7. Chain Maintenance 8. Cleaning & Storage 9. Warranty Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Electric motor, 16-inch guide bar and chain, Automatic oiler, Front hand guard, Chain brake, Tool-free chain tensioner, Oil level window.

FeatureDescription
Motor3.5 HP electric, 120V AC, 15 Amp
Guide Bar Length16 inches (Oregon)
ChainLow-kickback, .050 gauge, 3/8" pitch
Automatic OilerLubricates bar and chain during operation
Chain BrakeFront hand guard activates brake for safety
Chain TensioningTool-free adjustment wheel
WeightApprox. 12 lbs (without cord)
Oil Capacity6.0 fl. oz. (177 ml)
Safety FeaturesKickback guard, rear handle guard, chain catcher
Power Cord2-prong plug, 12 ft length

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before use. Wear proper safety gear.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, non-slip boots, and close-fitting clothing.
  2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 30 feet away. Ensure stable footing.
  3. Electrical Safety: Use a grounded outlet. Keep cord away from cutting area and sharp objects.
  4. Chain Safety: Ensure chain is properly tensioned and sharp. Never operate with a loose or damaged chain.

WARNING! Risk of serious injury or death. Do not operate in wet conditions. Keep hands away from moving chain. Always engage chain brake when not cutting.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack all parts. Assembly requires no tools.

  1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar onto mounting studs. Loop chain over bar, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Fit drive links into bar groove.
  2. Adjust Chain Tension: Turn tensioning wheel clockwise until chain fits snug against bar but can be pulled by hand. Tighten bar nuts.
  3. Fill Oil Tank: Use only bar and chain oil. Fill through oil cap until visible in window.
  4. Check Chain Brake: Pull front hand guard toward bar to ensure brake engages. Release to disengage.

CAUTION! Chain must be properly installed. Incorrect installation can cause chain to derail or break.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main Components: Front handle with chain brake, Rear handle with trigger switch, Oil cap, Tensioning wheel, Bar nuts, Chain catcher.

Controls: Trigger switch (with safety lock), Chain brake lever (front hand guard), Lock-off button (must be pressed to engage trigger).

Operation: Press lock-off button, then squeeze trigger to start chain. Release trigger to stop chain. Engage chain brake by pushing front hand guard forward. Tensioning: Use wheel near bar mount. Oiling: Automatic; manual override not included.

Operation Guide

Starting and basic cutting techniques.

  1. Pre-Operation Check: Ensure chain tension is correct, oil tank is full, chain is sharp, and area is clear.
  2. Starting: Plug into grounded outlet. Press lock-off button, then squeeze trigger. Chain will begin moving.
  3. Cutting: Let chain reach full speed before contacting wood. Use lower part of bar for cutting. Do not force saw.
  4. Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly with both hands. Do not cut with tip of bar. Be aware of pinch points.
  5. Stopping: Release trigger. Engage chain brake when moving between cuts.

Tip: Plan your cut. Support log so it will not roll or bind the chain.

Chain Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures performance and safety.

  1. Sharpening: Use a 5/32" round file and file guide. File each cutter at 30° angle. Maintain equal length on all cutters.
  2. Tensioning: Chain should be snug but pull freely. Re-tension when chain feels loose (usually after first few uses).
  3. Lubrication: Check oil level before each use. Use only recommended bar and chain oil. Clean oil ports if clogged.
  4. Inspection: Check for damaged, cracked, or worn cutters, drive links, and bar rails. Replace if necessary.

WARNING! Always disconnect power before performing any maintenance. Wear gloves when handling chain.

Cleaning & Storage

Unplug and allow to cool before cleaning. Wipe exterior with dry cloth. Clean bar groove and oil ports with brush.

Storage: Empty oil tank or use stable oil. Store in dry, locked area out of reach of children. Cover bar with scabbard.

CAUTION! Do not use water or solvents to clean motor housing. Store chain loosely to prevent set.

Warranty Information

Poulan provides a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Proof of purchase required. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, neglect, commercial use, or improper maintenance. For warranty service, contact Poulan Customer Service at 1-800-554-6723 or visit www.poulanpro.com.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Chain does not movePower cord, switch, or brakeCheck outlet and cord; ensure brake is disengaged; check trigger lock.
Chain runs slow or stallsDull chain, low voltage, bindingSharpen chain; ensure outlet provides correct voltage; free pinched chain.
Chain throws oil excessivelyOverfilled tank, wrong oilDrain to correct level; use only bar and chain oil.
Chain comes off barLoose tension, worn bar, damaged chainRe-tension properly; inspect bar rails and chain; replace if worn.
Motor hums but won't startJam, faulty switch, low voltageClear jam; check switch; test outlet voltage.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, unbalanced chainTighten all nuts/bolts; sharpen chain evenly.

Service: For repairs not covered here, contact authorized service center. Do not attempt to repair motor yourself.

Support: 1-800-554-6723; www.poulanpro.com

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