Poulan 3700 Chainsaw Manual

The Poulan 3700 is a professional-grade chainsaw featuring a 3.7 cubic inch engine, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, chain brake, and easy-access air filter. Designed for heavy-duty cutting, felling, and limbing tasks. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Chain Installation & Tensioning 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Fuel & Lubrication 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 3.7 cu in engine, 20-inch guide bar, automatic chain oiler, anti-vibration system, chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, tool-free air filter cover.

FeatureDescription
Engine Displacement3.7 cubic inches (60cc)
Guide Bar Length20 inches (standard)
Chain Oil SystemAutomatic with manual override
Anti-VibrationReduced vibration handles
Chain BrakeInertia-activated safety brake
Air FilterTool-free access for cleaning
Fuel Tank CapacityApprox. 0.6 US gallons
Oil Tank CapacityApprox. 0.3 US gallons
Ignition SystemElectronic ignition
Weight (dry)Approx. 15.4 lbs

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Wear appropriate safety gear.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
  2. Clear Work Area: Ensure no bystanders, pets, or obstacles within 15 feet.
  3. Chain Brake Check: Verify chain brake functions before each use.
  4. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone; never cut with tip of bar.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Keep hands away from chain during and after operation.

Assembly & Setup

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

  1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on mounting studs, loop chain over sprocket, align with bar groove, adjust tension.
  2. Install Hand Guard: Secure front hand guard with provided bolts.
  3. Fill Fluids: Add fuel mix (50:1 gasoline to 2-cycle oil) to fuel tank. Fill bar & chain oil reservoir.
  4. Check Controls: Verify throttle trigger, choke, stop switch, and chain brake operation.

CAUTION! Do not attempt to start saw until fully assembled and fluids are added. Keep saw on ground during starting.

Specifications

Controls and Operation

Main Controls: Throttle trigger, choke control, stop switch, chain brake lever, primer bulb, decompression valve (if equipped).

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

  1. Place saw on flat ground, clear of debris.
  2. Engage chain brake.
  3. Set choke to full position.
  4. Press primer bulb 5-6 times.
  5. Pull starter rope until engine "pops".
  6. Move choke to half position.
  7. Pull starter rope to start.
  8. Allow to warm up 30 seconds before disengaging chain brake.

Cutting Techniques: Use lower part of bar for cutting; maintain firm grip with both hands; never cut above shoulder height.

Chain Installation & Tensioning

Proper chain tension is critical for safety and performance.

  1. Loosen bar nuts using combination wrench.
  2. Lift bar tip slightly.
  3. Turn tensioning screw clockwise to tighten until chain fits snug against bar.
  4. Chain should pull smoothly around bar by hand without sagging.
  5. Retighten bar nuts while holding bar tip up.
  6. Recheck tension after first few minutes of operation.

Tip: Chain should be tensioned when cold. A properly tensioned chain will snap back when pulled away from bar.

Maintenance Schedule

IntervalTask
Before Each UseCheck chain tension, sharpness, fluids; inspect for loose parts
Every 5 HoursClean air filter; check spark plug
Every 10 HoursClean cooling fins; inspect fuel filter
Every 20 HoursClean spark arrestor screen; inspect anti-vibration mounts
Every SeasonReplace fuel filter; inspect clutch and sprocket

Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (typically 7/32" for 3/8" chain). Maintain 30° cutting angle. File all cutters to equal length.

Fuel & Lubrication

Fuel Mix: Use 89 octane or higher unleaded gasoline mixed with high-quality 2-cycle engine oil at 50:1 ratio (2.6 oz oil per 1 gallon gas).

Bar & Chain Oil: Use specially formulated chainsaw bar oil. Do not use waste motor oil or multi-grade motor oil.

Storage: For storage over 30 days, drain fuel tank and run engine until carburetor is dry. Store in dry, cool place.

CAUTION! Fuel is highly flammable. Mix and store in approved containers away from sparks or flames.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system damage and corrosion.

  1. Clean entire saw of dirt, sap, and debris.
  2. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
  3. Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil.
  4. Clean air filter and store separately.
  5. Store in dry location, protected from moisture.
  6. Cover with breathable cloth (not plastic).

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods. Fuel deterioration can damage carburetor.

Warranty Information

Poulan 3700 comes with a 2-year consumer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Commercial use may have different terms. Proof of purchase required. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, or unauthorized repairs. For warranty claims, contact authorized service center or call 1-800-554-6723. Keep this manual as proof of proper operation and maintenance.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startOld fuel, flooded engine, spark plugUse fresh fuel mix; wait if flooded; check/replace spark plug.
Engine runs then diesClogged fuel filter, carburetor issuesReplace fuel filter; clean carburetor; check fuel lines.
Chain won't turnChain brake engaged, clutch issuesDisengage chain brake; inspect clutch and sprocket.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, unbalanced chainTighten all bolts; balance chain by sharpening evenly.
Chain throws oilOver-oiling, wrong oil typeAdjust oiler; use proper bar & chain oil.
Poor cutting performanceDull chain, improper tensionSharpen chain; adjust tension; check bar groove.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Poulan service center at 1-800-554-6723 or visit www.poulan.com.

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