Poulan Farmhand 2900 Chainsaw Manual

The Poulan Farmhand 2900 is a gas-powered chainsaw designed for farm and ranch use, featuring a 2.9 cubic inch (47cc) engine, automatic oiling system, 18-inch bar and chain, anti-vibration handles, and a manual chain brake. 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 Components 6. Starting & Operation 7. Chain & Bar Maintenance 8. Fuel & Oil 9. Storage 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 47cc 2-cycle engine, 18-inch guide bar, automatic chain oiler, manual chain brake, anti-vibration system, and tool-less chain tensioning.

FeatureDescription
Engine Displacement2.9 cu in (47cc) 2-cycle gasoline engine
Guide Bar Length18 inches (45 cm)
Chain Pitch.325 inch
Chain Oil CapacityApprox. 8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
Fuel Tank CapacityApprox. 16.9 fl oz (500 ml)
Fuel/Oil Mix Ratio40:1 (3.2 oz oil per 1 gal gasoline)
Ignition SystemElectronic ignition
Weight (dry)Approx. 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg)
Chain BrakeManual (front hand guard)
Vibration DampingAnti-vibration handles

Safety Information

Always wear protective gear: safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.

  1. Clear work area of obstacles and bystanders.
  2. Inspect chainsaw before each use: chain sharpness, tension, and lubrication.
  3. Never operate with damaged or missing parts.
  4. Keep hands away from moving chain; use proper grip.
  5. Do not operate above shoulder height or on a ladder.

WARNING! Chainsaw kickback can cause severe injury. Always hold saw firmly with both hands, keep chain sharp, and avoid contact with bar tip.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble on a clean, flat surface.

  1. Attach guide bar and chain: Loosen bar nuts, position bar over studs, fit chain over sprocket and bar, adjust tension.
  2. Fill chain oil reservoir: Use bar and chain oil only.
  3. Mix fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane min.) with 2-cycle oil at 40:1 ratio.
  4. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

CAUTION! Fuel is flammable. Mix outdoors, away from sparks or flames.

Specifications

Controls and Components

Main components: Front handle with chain brake, rear handle with throttle trigger, choke control, primer bulb, ON/OFF switch, and fuel/oil caps.

Controls: Throttle trigger (with lockout), choke lever (for cold starts), primer bulb (pumps fuel), master control lever (combines choke/stop functions), chain brake lever (manual activation).

Maintenance points: Air filter cover, spark plug, chain tensioner screw, bar nuts, muffler.

Starting & Operation

Starting procedure (cold engine):

  1. Place saw on flat ground, clear of debris.
  2. Engage chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.
  3. Move master control lever to choke position (full up).
  4. Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
  5. Pull starter rope briskly 2-3 times until engine "pops."
  6. Move master control lever to half-throttle position.
  7. Pull starter rope until engine starts.
  8. Allow to warm up 30 seconds, then squeeze throttle to disengage fast idle.
  9. Disengage chain brake by pulling hand guard toward you.

Tip: For warm restart, set master control to run position (horizontal).

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Chain sharpening: Use round file (5/32" or 4.0mm) and file guide. Maintain 30° cutting angle, 10° top plate angle. Check depth gauges with gauge tool.

  1. Chain tension: Adjust when chain sags from bar rails. Loosen bar nuts, turn tensioning screw until chain fits snug but pulls freely by hand.
  2. Bar maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly, flip bar monthly for even wear.
  3. Sprocket inspection: Replace if worn or damaged.
  4. Lubrication: Always fill oil reservoir before use. Check oil flow by running saw briefly over light-colored surface; look for oil line.

WARNING! Always wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure engine is off and cool.

Fuel & Oil

Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) mixed with 2-cycle engine oil meeting JASO FD or ISO-L-EGD standards. Mix ratio: 40:1 (3.2 oz oil per 1 US gallon).

Chain oil: Use quality bar and chain oil for all temperatures. In cold weather, use winter-grade oil.

CAUTION! Never use automotive motor oil, diesel fuel, or old gasoline. Do not mix fuel in chainsaw tank.

Storage

Long-term storage (over 30 days):

  1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops.
  2. Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of oil through spark plug hole, pull starter 2-3 times, reinstall plug.
  3. Clean entire saw, especially air filter and cooling fins.
  4. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil; store bar and chain in oiled paper.
  5. Store in dry, locked area away from children.

Regulatory Information

EPA/CARB compliant: Meets emission standards for small off-road engines. Noise emission: 112 dB(A) sound power level. This product contains chemicals known to cause cancer and birth defects (California Prop 65). For warranty service, contact Poulan customer service at 1-800-554-6723 or visit www.poulanpro.com.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startOld fuel, clogged filter, spark plugUse fresh fuel mix; clean/replace air filter; check/replace spark plug.
Engine starts then diesCarburetor adjustment, fuel lineCheck fuel lines for cracks; adjust carburetor (H/L screws).
Chain doesn't turnBrake engaged, clutch, sprocketDisengage chain brake; check clutch drum/sprocket for wear.
Chain throws oilOverfilled, wrong oilUse correct bar/chain oil; don't overfill reservoir.
Excessive vibrationLoose parts, unbalanced chainTighten all bolts/nuts; sharpen chain evenly; check anti-vibration mounts.
Chain dulls quicklyHitting ground, dirty woodAvoid cutting into dirt; clean wood before cutting; file depth gauges.

Service: For repairs, use authorized service centers. Customer support: 1-800-554-6723; www.poulanpro.com

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