Solo 650 Chainsaw Manual
The Solo 650 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for heavy-duty cutting tasks, featuring a high-performance engine, automatic chain oiling, safety features, and ergonomic design. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Features at a Glance
Key components: High-torque 2-stroke engine, Automatic chain oiler, Anti-vibration system, Chain brake, Quick-stop inertia brake, Ergonomic handles, Transparent fuel tank.
| Feature | Description |
| Engine Type | 2-stroke, air-cooled, single cylinder |
| Displacement | 65cc |
| Fuel Capacity | 0.55 liters |
| Oil Capacity | 0.3 liters |
| Guide Bar Length | 16-20 inches (standard 18") |
| Chain Pitch | 3/8" |
| Weight (dry) | 6.2 kg |
| Ignition System | Electronic |
| Chain Brake | Manual/automatic activation |
| Anti-Vibration | Rubber-mounted handles |
Safety Instructions
Read all instructions before operation. Wear proper safety gear.
- Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.
- Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles; ensure stable footing; keep bystanders at least 15 feet away.
- Chain Safety: Always engage chain brake when not cutting; keep chain sharp and properly tensioned.
- Fuel Safety: Refuel in well-ventilated area; allow engine to cool; avoid spills.
WARNING! Kickback can cause serious injury. Use proper grip and cutting techniques. Never operate with one hand.
Assembly & Preparation
Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.
- Attach Guide Bar: Place bar on mounting studs; align chain groove with drive sprocket.
- Install Chain: Fit chain over bar sprocket; ensure cutting teeth face forward on top.
- Tension Chain: Adjust tensioning screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
- Fuel Mix: Use 50:1 gasoline to 2-stroke oil ratio (89 octane minimum).
- Fill Tanks: Add fuel to fuel tank; add bar & chain oil to oil reservoir.
CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned before each use. Loose chain can derail and cause injury.
Specifications
- Engine: 65cc 2-stroke, air-cooled.
- Power Output: 4.2 kW (5.6 hp) at 9000 rpm.
- Max Torque: 4.8 Nm at 7500 rpm.
- Fuel Consumption: Approx. 0.6 liters/hour at full load.
- Sound Level: 105 dB(A) at operator's ear.
- Vibration Level: Front handle: 4.2 m/s²; Rear handle: 5.1 m/s².
- Spark Plug: NGK BPMR7A (gap 0.5 mm).
- Warranty: 2 years commercial use, 5 years private use.
Controls and Components
Main components: Front handle with chain brake, Rear handle with throttle trigger, Master control lever, Chain brake lever, Decompression valve, Primer bulb, Choke lever.
Control Locations: Master control lever (STOP/START/RUN), Chain brake lever (front handle), Throttle lockout (safety trigger), Decompression valve (for easier starting).
Operation: Master control must be in RUN position to start. Pull chain brake toward front handle to engage; push away to disengage. Throttle lockout must be depressed before throttle trigger can be engaged.
Starting & Operation
Cold Start Procedure:
- Place saw on flat, stable surface.
- Engage chain brake by pulling lever forward.
- Set master control to START position.
- Press decompression valve (if equipped).
- Press primer bulb 5-6 times.
- Set choke lever to FULL position.
- Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires.
- Move choke to HALF position; pull until engine starts.
- Allow to warm up 30 seconds before disengaging chain brake.
Tip: Always start with chain brake engaged. Never drop-start the chainsaw.
Cutting Techniques
Basic cutting positions and methods.
- Felling: Plan escape path (45° angle from fall direction). Make notch cut (1/3 tree diameter), then back cut (2 inches above notch).
- Limbing: Work from trunk outward. Cut downward on top side of limb; use saw's weight, don't force.
- Bucking: Support log properly. Cut from top down for tension wood; from bottom up for compression wood.
- Kickback Prevention: Keep nose of bar away from obstructions. Maintain firm grip with thumbs wrapped around handles.
WARNING! Never cut above shoulder height. Be aware of pinch points and binding.
Maintenance & Cleaning
Daily maintenance checklist.
- Air Filter: Clean daily with compressed air; replace if damaged.
- Chain Oil: Check reservoir before each use; adjust oil flow as needed.
- Spark Plug: Clean every 25 hours; replace every 100 hours.
- Bar & Chain: Clean groove daily; flip bar weekly for even wear.
- Fuel Filter: Replace every 50 hours or seasonally.
CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance. Allow engine to cool completely.
Chain Sharpening
Proper sharpening procedure for optimal performance.
- Secure bar in vise or filing clamp.
- File at 30° angle for cross-cutting; 35° for ripping.
- Maintain consistent file height; follow existing angle.
- File each cutter equally (same number of strokes).
- Check depth gauges; file to 0.025" below cutter edge.
- Clean filed chain with compressed air.
Note: Dull chain causes excessive wear, poor cutting, and safety hazards. Sharpen when chips become fine dust.
Storage Guidelines
Long-term storage preparation.
- Drain fuel tank completely.
- Run engine until it stalls to clear carburetor.
- Remove chain; clean and soak in oil.
- Clean entire saw; apply light oil to metal surfaces.
- Store in dry, cool place away from children.
- Cover with breathable cloth (not plastic).
Important: Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Use fuel stabilizer if necessary.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
| Engine won't start | Fuel, spark, compression | Check fuel mix; clean spark plug; check decompression valve. |
| Engine runs poorly | Air filter, carburetor | Clean/replace air filter; adjust carburetor screws. |
| Chain doesn't oil | Oil port clogged | Clean oil ports; check oil pump function. |
| Chain comes off bar | Loose tension | Retension chain; check bar wear; replace if grooved. |
| Excessive vibration | Loose components | Tighten all bolts; check anti-vibration mounts. |
| Overheating | Dull chain, lean mix | Sharpen chain; check fuel/oil ratio; clean cooling fins. |
Service Intervals: Professional service recommended every 100 operating hours or annually.
Technical Support: 1-800-SOLO-650; www.solo-chainsaws.com/service
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