Poulan Pro 18 Inch Chainsaw Manual

The Poulan Pro 18 Inch Chainsaw is a gas-powered chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks such as felling trees, limbing, and bucking logs. It features an 18-inch guide bar and chain, a powerful 42cc 2-cycle engine, automatic oiler, tool-less chain tensioning, anti-vibration system, and inertia-activated chain brake for safety. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 42cc 2-cycle engine, 18-inch guide bar and chain, automatic oiler, chain brake, anti-vibration handles, tool-less chain tensioner, and primer bulb.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Wear appropriate safety gear.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toed boots, and chainsaw chaps or pants.
2. Clear Work Area: Ensure no bystanders, pets, or obstacles within 15 feet.
3. Kickback Awareness: Hold saw firmly with both hands; do not cut with tip of bar.
4. Fuel Safety: Mix fuel outdoors; store in approved container away from ignition sources.
5. Chain Brake Test: Verify brake engages before each use by pushing handle forward.

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

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble bar, chain, and handle.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar over studs, loop chain around sprocket and bar groove, align chain drive links with bar.
2. Install Bar Nut: Hand-tighten bar nuts, then use tool to secure (or use tool-less tensioner if equipped).
3. Adjust Chain Tension: Lift tip of bar; tighten until chain fits snug against bar but pulls freely by hand.
4. Fill Oil Tank: Use bar and chain oil (not motor oil) to lubricate cutting components.
5. Mix Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) with 2-cycle engine oil at 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas).

CAUTION! Ensure chain is installed with cutting teeth facing forward on top of bar. Incorrect installation can cause kickback.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 42cc 2-cycle.
• Guide Bar Length: 18 inches.
• Chain Pitch: 3/8 inch.
• Chain Gauge: 0.050 inch.
• Fuel Capacity: 14.2 fl oz (420 ml).
• Oil Capacity: Approx. 8.5 fl oz (250 ml).
• Weight (dry): Approximately 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg).
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A).
• Vibration Level: Front handle 5.2 m/s², rear handle 6.5 m/s².
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty.

Controls and Components

Main controls: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, stop switch, choke, primer bulb, chain brake handle.

Components: Front handle with chain brake, rear handle with throttle, fuel tank cap, oil tank cap, air filter cover, spark plug, muffler, guide bar, chain, chain tensioner.

Operation: Press throttle lockout before squeezing throttle. Choke for cold starts. Stop switch to shut off engine. Chain brake engages automatically during kickback or manually by pushing handle forward.

Operation Instructions

Starting procedure: Place on flat, clear surface.

1. Cold Start: Set chain brake ON. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE. Press primer bulb 5-6 times. Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires. Move choke to HALF CHOKE. Pull again until engine starts. Let run 10 seconds, then push choke to OFF.
2. Warm Start: Set chain brake ON. Choke OFF. Pull starter rope.
3. Cutting Technique: Hold saw firmly. Let chain reach full speed before contacting wood. Use bottom of bar for cutting; avoid tip to prevent kickback.
4. Shut Down: Release throttle, allow engine to idle, push stop switch to OFF.

Tip: Keep saw clean of sawdust and debris for optimal cooling and operation.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures performance and safety.

1. Chain Sharpening: Use round file (5/32 inch) and file guide. Maintain 30° cutting angle. File all cutters evenly.
2. Chain Tension: Check frequently; adjust when chain sags from bar. Chain should snap back when pulled from bar.
3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove weekly. Flip bar monthly for even wear. Replace if worn or damaged.
4. Oiler Check: Verify oil flow by pointing bar tip at light surface; running at full throttle should produce oil line.

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

Engine Maintenance

Air Filter: Clean weekly; replace if damaged. Fuel Filter: Replace annually. Spark Plug: Clean and gap to 0.025 inch; replace yearly.

Fuel Mixture: Use fresh fuel within 30 days. Stale fuel causes starting problems. Never use automotive oil or straight gasoline.

Storage Guidelines

Long-term storage: Empty fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer. Run engine to distribute stabilized fuel through carburetor. Drain bar oil tank. Clean entire saw. Store in dry, covered area.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer. Fuel degradation can damage carburetor.

Warranty Information

Poulan Pro offers a 2-year limited warranty for residential use against defects in materials/workmanship. Proof of purchase required. Warranty does not cover wear items (chain, bar, spark plug, air filter), damage from misuse, lack of maintenance, or commercial use. For warranty service, contact authorized service center or call 1-800-554-6723. Keep this manual as proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs, use authorized service centers. Find locations at www.poulanpro.com or call 1-800-554-6723.