Poulan Pro 20 Inch Chainsaw Manual

The Poulan Pro 20 Inch Chainsaw is a gas-powered chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks, featuring a 20-inch guide bar, powerful 2-cycle engine, automatic oiler, anti-vibration system, chain brake, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Setup 3. Safety Instructions 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Fuel & Oil Mixing 7. Starting & Operation 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Chain Sharpening 10. Storage Guidelines 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 20-inch guide bar, 2-cycle engine, automatic chain oiler, anti-vibration handles, chain brake, inertia-activated safety system.

FeatureDescription
Guide Bar20-inch Oregon® bar for large cutting capacity
EnginePowerful 2-cycle gasoline engine
Automatic OilerLubricates chain during operation
Anti-Vibration SystemReduces user fatigue during extended use
Chain BrakeStops chain rotation in kickback situations
Easy-Start TechnologyReduces pulling effort for starting
Air FilterWashable foam filter for engine protection
Fuel Tank CapacityApproximately 16.9 fl oz (500 ml)
Oil Tank CapacityApproximately 8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
WeightApproximately 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) without fuel

Assembly & Setup

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

  1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on mounting studs, align chain with sprocket, adjust tension.
  2. Install chain brake: Ensure brake handle moves freely between ON and OFF positions.
  3. Fill oil reservoir: Use recommended bar and chain oil.
  4. Mix fuel: Prepare proper gasoline/oil mixture (see section 6).
  5. Check all fasteners: Tighten screws and nuts securely.

WARNING! Always wear protective gloves during assembly. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before use.

Safety Instructions

Read all safety warnings before operation.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
  2. Clear work area: Remove obstacles and ensure secure footing.
  3. Two-hand operation: Maintain firm grip with both hands.
  4. Kickback awareness: Keep nose of bar away from objects; use reduced-kickback chain.
  5. Never operate: On ladders, in trees, or when fatigued.

DANGER! Gasoline is highly flammable. Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool.

Specifications

Controls and Components

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

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger and lockout. Rear Handle: Contains stop switch and choke control. Right Side: Chain brake handle, primer bulb. Left Side: Decompression valve (if equipped).

Operation: Press throttle lockout while squeezing throttle trigger to operate. Push chain brake forward to engage safety stop.

Fuel & Oil Mixing

Use fresh unleaded gasoline (89 octane minimum) mixed with high-quality 2-cycle oil.

  1. Mix ratio: 40:1 (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gasoline).
  2. Use clean, approved fuel container.
  3. Add oil first, then gasoline.
  4. Shake container thoroughly.
  5. Fill fuel tank to 80% capacity to allow for expansion.

CAUTION! Never use automotive oil, diesel fuel, or old gasoline. Never mix fuel near open flame.

Starting & Operation

Starting procedure for cold engine:

  1. Place chainsaw on flat ground, clear of debris.
  2. Engage chain brake by pushing forward.
  3. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.
  4. Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
  5. Pull starter rope briskly 2-3 times until engine "pops."
  6. Move choke to HALF CHOKE position.
  7. Pull starter rope until engine starts.
  8. Allow to warm up 30 seconds before releasing chain brake.

Cutting Techniques: Use lower quadrant of bar for cutting. Let chain do the work; don't force. Plan escape path before felling trees.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

  1. Daily: Clean air filter, check chain tension, inspect bar for wear.
  2. Weekly: Clean spark arrestor screen, check all fasteners.
  3. Monthly: Clean cooling fins, inspect fuel lines, check anti-vibration mounts.
  4. Seasonally: Replace spark plug, clean carburetor air passage.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening

Sharp chain improves cutting efficiency and safety.

  1. Secure bar in vise or use filing guide.
  2. File at 30° angle, maintaining original cutter shape.
  3. File each cutter equally to maintain balance.
  4. Check depth gauges; file to 0.025 inches below cutter.
  5. File in one direction only; don't drag file back.

Tip: Sharpen chain when sawdust becomes fine powder instead of chips.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues.

  1. Drain fuel tank completely.
  2. Run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
  3. Remove chain, clean and soak in oil.
  4. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins.
  5. Store in dry, secure location away from children.

Long-term storage: Add fuel stabilizer if fuel cannot be drained. Store chain separately in oiled cloth.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startOld fuel, clogged filter, flooded engineUse fresh fuel mix; clean air filter; wait 15 minutes if flooded.
Engine starts then diesFuel line issues, carburetor adjustmentCheck fuel lines; adjust carburetor screws (L and H).
Chain doesn't turnBrake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket damagedDisengage brake; inspect clutch and sprocket; replace if worn.
Excessive vibrationLoose components, unbalanced chainTighten all fasteners; sharpen chain evenly.
Chain throws oilOverfilled oil tank, wrong oil viscosityDrain excess oil; use recommended bar oil.
Poor cutting performanceDull chain, improper filingSharpen chain correctly; check depth gauges.

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

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

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