Poulan Predator Chainsaw Manual

The Poulan Predator is a gas-powered chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks, featuring a high-performance engine, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, and safety features like a chain brake and throttle lockout. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-torque 2-stroke engine, 16-inch or 18-inch guide bar, automatic chain oiler, inertia-activated chain brake, decompression valve, anti-vibration system, and tool-free chain tensioner.

Assembly & Setup

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

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar over studs, loop chain over sprocket, align with bar groove, secure with side cover nuts.
2. Fill Oil Reservoir: Use bar and chain oil, fill to marked level.
3. Prepare Fuel Mix: Mix unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) with 2-cycle engine oil at 40:1 ratio in approved container.
4. Fill Fuel Tank: Add fuel mix to tank, avoid overfilling.
5. Check Chain Tension: Adjust using side knob until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.

WARNING! Always wear cut-resistant gloves during assembly. Ensure chain is installed with cutting teeth facing forward.

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toe boots, and chainsaw chaps.
2. Clear Work Area: Ensure no bystanders, pets, or obstacles within 15 feet.
3. Secure Workpiece: Never cut holding wood in hand; use sawhorses or clamps.
4. Two-Handed Operation: Always grip front handle with left hand, rear handle with right hand.
5. Kickback Awareness: Avoid contact with bar nose; cut with lower portion of bar.
6. Chain Brake Test: Verify chain brake activates before each use.

CAUTION! Never operate chainsaw from ladder, tree, or unstable surface. Do not operate when fatigued or under influence.

Specifications

• Engine Type: 2-stroke, air-cooled, single cylinder.
• Displacement: 42cc or 50cc models available.
• Power Output: High torque for demanding cuts.
• Fuel Capacity: Approx. 14.9 fl oz (440 ml).
• Oil Capacity: Approx. 8.5 fl oz (250 ml).
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" low-profile or .325" depending on model.
• Chain Gauge: .050" or .058".
• Dry Weight: Approx. 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) without bar & chain.
• Sound Level: 110 dB(A) at operator's ear (wear hearing protection).
• Vibration Level: Reduced via anti-vibration mounts.

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, choke, primer bulb, stop switch, chain brake lever, decompression valve.

Components: Front handle with chain brake, rear handle with throttle, fuel cap, oil cap, air filter cover, spark plug, muffler, guide bar, chain, chain catcher, and anti-vibration mounts.

Operation: Pull choke for cold start, press primer bulb 5-6 times, engage throttle lockout before pulling starter rope. Use decompression valve to reduce pulling effort. Activate chain brake by pushing front hand guard forward.

Starting the Engine

Follow steps for cold or warm start.

1. Place chainsaw on firm ground, clear of debris.
2. Engage chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.
3. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
4. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE position (cold start).
5. Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
6. Hold rear handle with right foot, grip front handle with left hand.
7. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires (1-3 pulls).
8. Move choke to HALF position, pull again until engine starts.
9. Allow engine to warm up 30 seconds, then disengage chain brake.

Tip: For warm restart, set choke to OFF and do not prime.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Basic cutting: felling, limbing, bucking, and pruning.

1. Felling Trees: Plan escape path, make notch cut on fall side, then back cut leaving hinge wood.
2. Limbing: Cut branches from felled tree, starting from base toward top.
3. Bucking: Cut log into sections, support log off ground, cut from top down.
4. Pruning: Cut branches under 2 inches diameter, avoid cutting above shoulder height.
5. Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip, do not let bar nose contact wood.
6. Chain Oiling: Check oil flow by pointing bar at light surface; adjust oiler if needed.

WARNING! Never cut with tip of bar. Always shut off engine before adjusting or moving between cuts.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Proper chain maintenance is critical for safe operation.

1. Chain Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts, adjust tension knob until chain snaps back when pulled from bar, retighten nuts.
2. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (5/32" for 3/8" chain). File each cutter at 30° angle, maintain equal length on all cutters.
3. Depth Gauge Setting: Use flat file to maintain depth gauge .025" below cutter top.
4. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove, flip bar weekly for even wear, lubricate sprocket tip.

Tip: Replace chain when cutters are worn to ¼ of original length or if damaged.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare chainsaw for extended storage.

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to empty carburetor.
2. Remove chain, clean in kerosene, coat with oil and store in sealed bag.
3. Clean entire saw, remove debris from air filter and cooling fins.
4. Store in dry, cool place, away from children and flammable materials.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Use fuel stabilizer if short-term storage is needed.

Troubleshooting

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