Poulan Chainsaw 2150 User Manual

The Poulan Pro PP4218A is a 42cc, 2-cycle gas-powered chainsaw designed for general property maintenance, limbing, pruning, and cutting firewood. It features an 18-inch Oregon® bar and chain, an automatic oiler, a tool-less chain tensioning system, and a reduced vibration handle. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 42cc 2-cycle engine, 18-inch Oregon® bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, tool-less chain tensioner, side-access chain tensioning, inertia-activated chain brake, and reduced vibration system.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Clear Work Area: Ensure no bystanders, pets, or obstacles within 15 feet.
3. Secure Footing: Stand on stable ground with feet shoulder-width apart.
4. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper tip of the bar; this is the primary kickback zone.
5. Chain Brake: Test the inertia-activated chain brake before each use.
6. Fuel Safety: Refuel in a well-ventilated area, with engine off and cool. Wipe spills immediately.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Keep hands away from moving chain.

Assembly & Setup

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

1. Attach Bar & Chain: Place bar over studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar, adjust tension using tool-less knob.
2. Fill Chain Oil: Use recommended bar & chain oil. Fill reservoir to marked level.
3. Fuel Mix: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (89 octane or higher) mixed with 2-cycle engine oil at a 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas).
4. Prime & Choke: Press primer bulb 5-10 times; set choke to full position for cold starts.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned—should snap back when pulled from bar, not sag.

Specifications

• Model: Poulan Pro PP4218A
• Engine Type: 2-cycle, air-cooled
• Displacement: 42 cc
• Bar Length: 18 inches
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 0.325” / 0.050”
• Fuel Capacity: 14.2 fl oz (420 ml)
• Oil Capacity: 8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
• Weight (dry): Approx. 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg)
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: Front handle: 4.5 m/s², Rear handle: 6.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Main Controls: Throttle trigger, Throttle lockout (must be pressed to engage throttle), Chain brake lever, Choke lever, Primer bulb, On/Off switch.

Components: Front handle with hand guard, Rear handle, Muffler, Air filter cover, Side-access chain tensioner, Fuel cap, Oil cap, Decompression valve (if equipped).

Operation: Always engage chain brake when carrying or starting. Use throttle lockout to prevent accidental acceleration.

Fuel & Oil

Use proper fuel mix and bar oil for optimal performance and longevity.

1. Fuel Mix: 40:1 ratio. Use high-quality 2-cycle engine oil (ISO-L-EGD, JASO FD, or API TC rated). Do not use automotive oil.
2. Bar & Chain Oil: Use specially formulated chainsaw bar oil for proper adhesion. Do not use waste oil.
3. Storage: Use fuel stabilizer if storing over 30 days. Run engine dry or drain fuel for long-term storage.

Tip: Mark fuel cans clearly. Shake fuel mix well before refueling.

Starting & Operation

Follow proper starting procedure to avoid flooding and ensure safe operation.

1. Cold Start: Set chain brake. Move On/Off switch to ON. Set choke to FULL. Press primer bulb 5-10 times. Pull starter cord sharply until engine fires (1-3 pulls). Move choke to HALF. Pull cord again until engine starts. Warm up for 30 seconds.
2. Warm Start: Set choke to OFF. Pull cord; should start in 1-2 pulls.
3. Cutting: Disengage chain brake. Apply light pressure; let the chain do the work. Avoid pushing tip into wood.
4. Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip, stand to side, and be aware of tip contact.
5. Shut Down: Release throttle, engage chain brake, move On/Off switch to OFF.

WARNING! Never drop-start or start above waist height. Always engage chain brake when not cutting.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures safety and extends saw life.

Daily/Pre-Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Inspect for loose fasteners. Clean air filter. Check fuel and oil levels.

Weekly/Periodic: Clean spark arrestor screen. Inspect bar for wear and grooves. Clean cooling fins. Check chain brake function.

Annually/Professional: Have carburetor adjusted and engine compression checked by a qualified technician if performance declines.

CAUTION! Perform all maintenance with engine off, spark plug wire disconnected, and chain brake engaged.

Chain Sharpening

A sharp chain cuts efficiently and safely. Use a round file matching chain pitch (0.325”).

1. Secure bar in a vise.
2. File each cutter at the manufacturer’s specified angle (typically 30°). Maintain consistent pressure and strokes.
3. File all cutters to the same length. Check depth gauges with a gauge tool; file down if too high.
4. Clean filings from bar groove and oil holes.

Tip: Sharpen chain frequently—dull chains cause excessive wear, kickback, and operator fatigue.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer and run for 2 minutes.
2. Drain bar oil tank.
3. Remove chain, clean in solvent, dry, and coat with oil.
4. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
5. Store in a dry, cool place, away from ignition sources.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Poulan service center.

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