Poulan Pro 306A User manual

Poulcm
Chain Saw.
OWNER’S

SAFETY FIRST
CAREFUL
^ITdon't
O Don't use the saw when you are tired
ODon't start cutting until you have a clear work
area, secure footing, and a planned retreat
from a falling tree
O Don't use a saw that is damaged or poorly
adjusted
ODon't touch a moving chain
ODon't use the saw in an enclosed area
OWear safe footwear, snug-fitting clothing, and
eye, hearing, and head protection
OBe careful handling fuel
O Hold the saw firmly with both hands
O Carry the saw with the engine stopped, the
bar and chain to the rear, and the muffler
away from ypu
OShut off the engine before setting it down
O Keep the handles free of oil and fuel
OKeep others out of the work area when the
saw is running
ODon't climb in a tree with a saw — it is very
dangerous. Get professional help.
OBe careful cutting small.branches and bushes-
small limbs may catch the chain and be
whipped toward you.
■ LOOK OUT FOR KICKBACK
OWhen the moving chain at the nose of the bar
touches an object, the bar and chain can
be thrown upward with considerable
force. This is KICKBACK!
OHold the saw firmly with both hands
O Don't overreach
O Don't let the nose of the bar contact a log,
branch, etc.
OCut only at high engine speeds
O Don't reach above shoulder height to cut —
the chain is too close to your face in this
position
O Keep your chain sharp
^Safety First
GENERAL TIPS
O Dress Safely — Loose clothing may get caught in moving parts.
O It's A One Man Job — Keep others out of the work area when the engine is running.
O LOOK OUT FOR KICKBACK — Don't let the tip of the bar touch anything while the engine is running;
Take care of your saw
O Keep the Chain Out of the Dirt — Even a small amount of dirt on the log will dull the chain quickly.
O Keep the Chain Sharp — A dull chain is unsafe and will cause excessive wear to other parts.
O Don't Force the Saw Out of a Jam — Use a wedge, an axe, a crowbar, or another saw, but don't force it out.
What is good performance?
O Wood Chips Tell You A Lot — The chips should be about the size of the chain teeth. If they are small and powder like,
your chain is dull. Get it Sharpened!
O Don't Press Hard — Light pressure is enough. Heavy pressure can cause unsafe conditions. Check for a dull chain or
worn bar. (See Guide Bar Maintenance and Chain Sharpening).
O Cut Only At High Speeds — Keep the throttle wide open when cutting. Don't run the engine at high speed when not
cutting!
O It Should Cut Smoothly — If the engine stalls or bogs with light pressure, check the carburetor setting and the air filter.
O Performance and Safety — Keep your saw running well and your work will be easier and safer.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Bar and Chain Installation.4
Chain Adjustment. 4
Bow Installation... 4
Operating Instructions. 5
Cutting Tips.5
Bow Cutting Tips. 5
Felling. 6
Bucking.6
Pruning and Debranching.. 7
Care and Maintenance. 7
Chain Sharpening..8
SPECIFICATIONS
306A 245A
CU. IN. DISPLACEMENT
3.6 cu. in./59cc
4.5 cu. in./74cc
SPARK PLUG
Champion CJ-8
Champion CJ-8
SPARK PLUG GAP
.023 to .027"
.023 to .027"
IGNITION
Solid State
Solid State
MODULE AIR GAP
.008 to .012"
.008 to .012"
CHAIN
3/8" Pitch—Chisel Type
3/8" Pitch—Chisel Type
MUFFLER
Spark Arresting
Spark Arresting
FUEL MIX
(16:1) Vi pint oil to
1 Gal. Reg. Gasoline
(16:1) 'A pint oil to
1 Gal. Reg. Gasoline
OILER
Automatic/Manual
Automatic/Manual
Sprocket Nose Guide Bar
Filler Cap—Fuel
(gas-oil mix)
Starter Handle—pull to operate
Throttle lock
Chain Oiler Button—push to operate
(Use frequently while cutting.)
Throttle Trigger—pull back
to increase speed
Stop switch
Chain
3

Figure 2
1. Remove the bar mounting nuts, washers, bar clamp and outer guide bar plate
(Note position of the plate.)Figure 1
2. Mount the slotted end of the bar over the bar mounting studs and slide bar
rearward as far as possible. Figure 2
3. Place the chain over the sprocket and engage the drive link tangs between
sprocket teeth. Figure 3
4. Starting at the top of the bar, gradually work the chain into the groove of the
bar until all the drive links are engaged in the bar groove. Make sure the cutting
edges of the chain face forward as shown in Figure 5.
5. Turn (counter-clockwise) the bar adjusting screw (see chain adjustment photo
Figure 6) until adjusting pin in Figure 4 is in extreme rear position. Pull bar
forward until adjusting pin seats in the hole of the bar.
6. Replace outer guide bar plate. (Note position). Replace bar clamp, washers and
nuts on the bar mounting studs and tighten nuts finger tight. Figure 5
CHAIN ADJUSTMENT (Figure 6)
Raise tip of bar and turn the bar adjusting screw (clockwise) until the bottom of all
tie straps and cutters of the chain make contact with the bottom rails of the guide
bar. There should be no droop or slack in the chain. Chain should move around
guide bar freely, when pulled by hand. Continue to hold the tip of the bar and
tighten the bar mounting nuts securely, with the bar wrench.
Run engine slowly for a minute or two while keeping the chain well oiled. Stop
engine and check chain tension and readjust if necessary. Check chain tension
<continued on Page 5)
BOW INSTALLATION
Figure 6
Ref. No. Part No.
Qty.
Description
1 4484
1
13" Bow Guide
2
51654
1
Chain
3 11176
1
Cover - Bow Guide
4 22087
2 .
Nut - Bow Mounting
5 23447
2
Spacer - Bow Mounting
6 1615
3
Nut - Adapter & Bumper
Mounting (%-20 flexloc)
7 1207
1
Bumper - (left)
8 1208
1
Bumper - (right)
9 625567
2
Screw - Bumper Mounting
(%-20 x 1% hex head)
BOW ASSEMBLY INSTRUCT! ~
1. Install two 23447 spacers o’
slot on top and to the right.
2. Attach 1207 and 1208 bumpers iu
625567 screws and two 1615 locknuts.
3. Mount bow guide, chain and 11176 cover on saw while
making sure that adjusting pin enters hole in bow guide.
4. Install 22087 nuts finger tight, adjust chain tension and
tighten nuts.

.wwww. r L.yiiti y win oousc cAuca5ivB wear io guiae Dar ana
chain. It is important that you keep the chain sharp and proper¬
ly filed at all times. (See Chain Filing Instructions).
NOTE; Saws equipped with sprocket nose bar, grease the
sprocket nose at least once every hour of cutting using a hand
grease gun which is available from your authorized service
dealer.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Before Starting
O Check the chain tension. Is the chain sharp?
O Are the handles clean of gas and oil?
O Did you fill the fuel AND oil tanks?
FUEL and OIL
Fuel Mix: 16 parts gasoline to 1 part oil (1/2 pint oil to one
gallon gasoline). Use air cooled two cycle engine oil for fuel
mix.
CAUTION:
When preparing fuel mixture, mix only the amount needed for
the job you are to do. Do not use fuel mixture that has been
stored longer than two (2) months. Fuel mixture stored longer
than this will cause hard starting and poor performance of
your saw. If fuel mix has been stored in your saw longer than
this time it should also be removed and filled with a fresh
mixture before using.
Chain Oil: Use chain oil or CLEAN SAE 30 oil. Thin
slightly (10:1) with kerosene for very cold weather (Below
30°F). FILL THE OIL TANK EACH TIME YOU FILL THE
FUEL TANK.
A WORD ABOUT CHAIN OILING
1. Fill the oil tank each time you fill the fuel tank. Lack of
oil on the chain will quickly ruin the bar and chain.
2. You will use at least 1/3 tank of oil for each tank of gas. If
you use less, check for a plugged oil hole in the guide bar.
Use clean oil. Do not let sawdust or dirt into the oil tank.
Clean the oil cap and the area around it before removing.
A little oil will pump out after the engine stops. Oil on the
bar and chain will drip off after use. Let the saw stand and
cool off. Wipe the bottom clean before storing.
STARTING
Move bystanders and obstructions well out of reach! Release
the trigger after the engine starts.
WARNING: Chain will be moving when engine starts. Make
sure Chain is not touching anything before
starting.
1. Pull Choke Knob out.
2. Move ON/OFF Switch to ON position.
3. Open throttle by squeezing Trigger and depress Throttle
Latch located on top of pistol grip,
4. Release Trigger but keep Throttle Latch depressed com¬
pletely. This will open throttle slightly for easier starting.
5. Set saw on ground and place right foot in lower part of
pistol grip.
6. Kneel on left knee, grasp Handle Bar with left hand and
Starter Handle with right hand.
7. Holding saw firmly, pull briskly on Starter Rope Handle
until engine fires. (A single "pop" is sufficient).
8. After engine fires, push Choke Knob in and engine should
run on next few pulls.
9. After engine starts and runs a few seconds, give Throttle
Trigger a light squeeze and Throttle Latch will release au¬
tomatically, allowing engine to idle.
gine flood, repeat starting instructions with Choke
Knob pushed in until engine starts.
10. T o stop engine flip ON/OFF Switch to OFF position.
CUTTING TIPS
▼ Read the safety tips in the front of this manual. Always
keep your chain sharp.
Plan Ahead
Check The Wind — If it is strong enough to move the top of
the tree, DON T CUT! Come back another day!
Check The Lean—Tie a weight to a piece of string about 3 feet
long. Hang the weight in your line of sight. The string is a
good vertical line to help you judge the lean of the tree.
The tree will try to fall the way it is leaning.
Check The Weight Distribution — A tree is heavier on the side
with the most limbs. It will try to fall on its heavy side.
Trim a few limbs to "balance" the tree.
Clear The Work Area — You need a clean area all around the
tree for good footing. Get everything out of the area where
the tree will fall. People, pets, cars, etc.
Find a Retreat Path — Know which way you are going when
the tree starts to fall. Make sure it is clear.
BOW CUTTING TIPS
WARNING! Kickback may cause serious injury. Read
all instructions carefully before using the bow guide.
A BOW IS NOT
1. It is not for use by inexperienced cutters.
2. It is not for limbing trees.
3. It is not for pruning trees.
4. It is not for clearing brush.
A BOW IS
1. It is a tool for use by professionals only !
2. It is used for bucking a fallen, limbed tree into shorter
lengths.
3. It can be used, with proper instruction, for felling trees.
BE CAREFUL
1. DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT THE SPUR AND CHAIN
GUARD PROPERLY ATTACHED. (continued)
5

2. Be sure the spur is in place against the log before beginning
the cut.
3. Do not cut small limbs or brush with a bow.
5. Keep the chain tight and sharp.
LOOK OUT FOR KICKBACK
1. When the bow contacts an object in the danger area, the
bow is thrown upward with considerable force. THIS IS
KICKBACK!
2. Hol'd the saw firmly with both hands.
3. Don't over reach.
4. Cut only at high engine speeds.
.5. DO NOT REACH ABOVE WAIST HIGH. THE BOW IS
TOO CLOSE TO YOUR FACE IN THIS POSITION.
6. Keep your chain sharp. A dull chain kicks back harder
than a sharp chain.
FELLING (Cutting down a tree)
A Small Trees — Less than 8” across
1. If there is doubt about the direction of fall, use
"notch" method described in B.
2. Make a single felling cut on the side away from the
direction of fall. Don't cut all the way through!
3. When the tree starts to fall, turn saw off, put the saw
down and GET AWAY QUICKLY!
B Large Trees — 8" or larger across (Fig. X)
1. The notch is very important. The tree will try to fall
"into" the notch.
2. Make the bottom notch cut first, about 1/3 to 1/2 way
into the tree.
3. Complete the notch with the slant cut. Remove the
wedge of wood before going on.
4. The felling cut is next. Make it on the side opposite the
notch.
5. It is made 2" higher than the bottom of the notch.
6. DO NOT try to cut through to the notch.
7. As the tree starts to fall, turn saw off, put the saw down
and GET AWAY QUICKLY!
BUCKING
Bucking is the sawing of a log or fallen tree into smaller pieces.
□ Use Both Hands — grip the saw firmly with the thumb and
forefinger wrapped around the handle.
□ Stand Uphill — a log that is cut loose will roll downhill.
Keep the tree between you and the chain
esM^omHr < iimiiiwiii iiiiiuth bu h

□ Stand to the left of the saw.
How To (Fig. Y)
A In area "A", come up from the bottom 1/3 of the way.
Finish by coming down from the top.
B In area "B", come down from the top 1/3 of the way.
Finish by coming up from the bottom.
PRUNING AND DEBRANCHING
1 Be Careful
O Use Both Hands — keep a firm grip.
O Look Out For Kickback - don't let the tip of the bar
touch anything while the engine is running.
O Don't Cut Overhead - keep the saw below chest high. The
2 Pruning (Cutting limbs from standing tree)
O Don't Use The Saw In A Tree — It is very dangerous. Get
professional help.
O Keep Both Hands On The Saw — keep a firm grip.
O Be Sure Of Your Support — don't cut off balance.
O Cut Up From The Bottom, Finish Down From The Top.
3 Debranching (Cutting the limbs from a fallen tree)
O Cut On The Opposite Side Of The Tree - keep the tree
between you and the chain.
O Be Sure Of Your Footing — work slowly and deliberately.
O Look Out For Springpoles - limbs bent under pressure
will snap up at you when cut.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE FOR YOUR SAW
Follow these helpful hints on care and maintenance to get the
best possible service from your saw, to prevent major break¬
down and costly repair bills. Careful servicing of your saw is
one of the most important steps in preventative maintenance.
Should your saw develop trouble that you are not prepared to
handle, take it to an authorized Service Dealer for service. He
has been trained and is equipped to provide expert service work.
CLEANING: Protect your investment. Keep your saw clean
and free of saw dust, dirt, etc. Clean cylinder fins regularly.
HANDLING: Your saw is a precision built tool. Do not abuse
it by rough handling. Do not leave it out in the weather, unpro¬
tected. When transporting your saw by truck or car, make cer¬
tain that it is secured in place so as not to be tossed around.
INSPECTION: After each use, check your saw for loose nuts
and screws and worn parts. Have your authorized service dealer
replace worn parts. Make certain that chain is kept sharp. If
you have any questions regarding the operational condition of
your saw, have your authorized service dealer examine it.
SPARK PLUG: Remove spark plug and clean. If plug is fouled,
replace with a new one. Measure the gap with a wire gauge.
Gap should be set at .025 inch.
AIR FILTER: The air filter is located under the air filter cover
just behind the gas tank. Remove and lift out air filter. Clean
the air filter by sloshing it around in clean gasoline or a clean¬
ing solvent. Allow filter to dry and then replace.
Clean the air filter after every 10 tanks of gas or every
5 hours of operation.
Caution: Never operate your saw without the air filter in place
as dirt and dust in the air can be sucked up through the car¬
buretor and into the combustion chamber causing excessive
wear to piston rings and cylinder wall.
Always keep an extra air filter on hand.
FUEL PICK-UP FILTER: The fuel pickup filter is located in¬
side the gas tank at the end of the fuel pickup line. Should the
filter become loaded with dirt or water logged, it will not filter
the fuel properly and should be replaced. To replace the pick¬
up filter, remove the gas tank cover to expose the gas pickup
line and filter. Remove old filter and replace with new one.
Caution: Never operate your saw without the fuel pickup filter
in place.
CYLINDER FINS: It is important that the cylinder fins be
kept clean to insure proper cooling and a good flow of air over
the cylinder. If cylinder fins are not cleaned, intense heat will
build up in the engine and cause severe damage to it. To clean
cylinder fins, remove fan housing and use compressed air to
blow away the dirt, sawdust, etc. from between the fins. If
compressed air is not available, use a small brush soaked in a
cleaning solvent or gasoline. Fig. 8
Figure 8 Figure 9
MUFFLER AND EXHAUST PORTS: Check for clogged open¬
ings in the muffler screen. To clean the muffler screen, remove
the muffler baffle and two studs holding muffler body and
screen. Clean screen with a wire brush. While muffler is off,
check for clogged exhaust ports. Exhaust ports that are clogged
with carbon will cause your engine to loose power. Make cer¬
tain that ports are open. Fig. 9
To clean exhaust ports follow these directions:
1. Remove muffler assembly to expose exhaust ports.
2. Pull starter rope until piston completely covers the ex¬
haust port openings.
3. Scrape the carbon from the exhaust ports until ports are
completely open. Be extremely careful not to mar the pis¬
ton. Use wooden scraper only.
4. Blow away the loosened carbon particles with compressed
air. If compressed air is not available, turn saw on its side
and shake out the particles.
STORING THE SAW
Once you have finished using the saw and it is to be idle for
several months, follow these steps before storing the saw.
1. Drain fuel from fuel tank.
2. Start engine and allow to run at idle speed until all
fuel is used.
3. Drain oil from oil reservoir.
4. Store in a dry area and cover to protect from dust.
7

MLUMii h’UWfcH SHARP CHAIN
This chain was designed so that 80% of the needed
sharpening is accomplished by the saw's built-in sharpener
While the chain is being sharpened by the built-in sharp¬
ener, the cutting edges of the chain are gradually being
altered. These edges may also be damaged if you saw into
rock, dirt, nails, or other foreign materials. In either case it
will be necessary to reshape the side cutting edge with a
To properfy file the Power Sharp Chain you will need a
fileholder and the correct size file. Follow these instruc¬
tions:
1. If possible, remove the chain from the saw and put it
in a saw chain filing vise. If you do not have a filing
v!se, tension the chain up snugly on the guide bar Use
a No. 5595 Fileholder and hold it level at a 24° angle
to the chain. Always file from inside of chain toward
the outside.
2. When cutters have been filed back to a point where the
i/ie- S6e *' 9 ‘ —^ extends beyond the cutting edge by
1/16 inch, the gullet should be removed. Do this before
your next cutting edge filing, using the same 7/32” file
and maintaining the same 24° Top Plate Angle. The
correct gullet shape will then be as shown.
A Correctly Shaped
Side Plate,
(inside of cutter)
3. T he factory Depth Gauge settings are .025 inch. The
mark on the depth gauge (see fig. B ) is for setting of
.030 inch. If you wish to use this setting, simply file
off metal behind the mark with a round file as shown
in figure B (see arrow).
A Correctly Shaped
Top Plate Angle ...
(top view of cutter)
nememoer. >a| Normal sharpening is accomplished by the
built-in sharpener, (b) File cutters only when dull and
attempt to keep all cutters the same length. The Side Plate
should always be kept approx. 1/32" longer than the top
plate (seefig C ). (c) Preserve the original filing angles
carefully and uniformly, (d) Care should be taken never to
file into the bottom of the Top Plate.
9