Poulan Pro 952802144 User manual

PP3516AVX / PP4218AVX
Poulan PRO
7349 Statesville Road
Charlotte, NC 28269
ENGLISH ESPAÑOL FRANÇAIS
WARNING:
Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions before
using this product. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
ADVERTENCIA:
Lea el manual de instrucciones y siga todas las advertencias e en-
strucciones de seguridad. El no hacerlo puede resultar en lesiones
graves.
AVERTISSEMENT:
Lire le manuel d’instructions et bien respecter tous les avertisse-
ments et toutes les instructions de sécurité. Tout défaut de le faire
pourrait entraîner des blessures graves.
Poulan PRO
850 Matheson Blvd. West
Mississauga, Ontario L5V 0B4
R
545186807 Rev. 6 3/15/10 BRW
Please do not return product to retailer.
Por favor, no devuelva el producto al lugar de compra.
Veuillez ne pas retourner le produit au détaillant.
1--800--554--6723
www.poulanpro.com
Register your product online at:
Registre su producto en línea en:
Enregistrez votre produit en ligne à l’adresse :
Instruction Manual
Manual de Instrucciones
Manuel d’Instructions
For Occasional Use Only

2
IDENTIFICATION OF SYMBOLS
WARNING! This chain saw
can be dangerous! Careless or
improper use can cause serious
or even fatal injury.
Read and understand the
instruction manual before
using the chain saw.
Always use two hands when operating the chain saw.
WARNING! Contacting the guide bar tip with any ob-
ject should be avoided; tip contact may cause the guide
bar to move suddenly upward and backward, which may
cause serious injury.
Always wear appropriate
ear protection, eye protec-
tion and head protection.
XX_ Measured maximum kick-
back value without chain
brake for the bar and chain
combination on the label.
Move ON/STOP switch to
the ON position.
Slowly press primer bulb
6 times.
Pull the starter rope
sharply 5 times with your
right hand.
Pull the starter rope sharply
with your right hand until
the engine starts.
Pull choke/fast idle lever
out to the full extent (to
the FULL CHOKE posi-
tion).
Push the choke/fast idle
lever in to the HALF
CHOKE position.
Starting Reminder Chain Tensioning
Lift lever on bar knob and
turn counterclockwise 1 turn
to loosen bar clamp.
Turn adjusting wheel (downward
direction) to tension chain until
chain solidly contacts bottom of
guide bar rail.
While lifting tip of guide bar, tight-
en bar knob (clockwise) securely.
Hand tighten only! Return lever
on bar knob to original position.

3
SAFETY RULES
WARNING: Always disconnect
spark plug wire and place wire where it can-
not contact spark plug to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting, ad-
justing or making repairs except carburetor
adjustments.
Because a chain saw is a high-speed wood-
cutting tool, special safety precautions must
be observed to reduce the risk of accidents.
Careless or improper use of this tool can
cause serious injury.
PLAN AHEAD
SRead this manual carefully until you com-
pletely understand and can follow all safety
rules, precautions, and operating instruc-
tions before attempting to use the unit.
SRestrict the use of your saw to adult users
who understand and can follow safety
rules, precautions, and operating instruc-
tions found in this manual.
SWear protective gear. Always use steel-toed
safety footwear with non-slip soles; snug-fit-
ting clothing; safety chaps; heavy-duty, non-
slip gloves; eye protection such as non-fog-
ging, vented goggles or face screen; an
approved safety hard hat; and sound barri-
ers (ear plugs or mufflers) to protect your
hearing. Regular users should have hearing
checked regularly as chain saw noise can
damage hearing. Secure hair above shoul-
der length.
Snug Fitting
Clothing
Safety Shoes Safety Chaps
Heavy Duty
Gloves
Eye
Protection
Hearing
Protection Safety Hat
SKeep all parts of your body away from the
chain when the engine is running.
SKeep children, bystanders, and animals a
minimum of 30 feet (10 meters) away from
the work area. Do not allow other people
or animals to be near the chain saw when
starting or operating the chain saw.
SDo not handle or operate a chain saw when
you are fatigued, ill, or upset, or if you have
taken alcohol, drugs, or medication. You
must be in good physical condition and men-
tally alert. Chain saw work is strenuous. If
you have any condition that might be aggra-
vated by strenuous work, check with your
doctor before operating a chain saw.
SCarefully plan your sawing operation in ad-
vance. Do not start cutting until you have a
clear work area, secure footing, and, if you
are felling trees, a planned retreat path.
OPERATE YOUR SAW SAFELY
SDo not operate a chain saw with one hand.
Serious injury to the operator, helpers, by-
standers or any combination of these per-
sons may result from one-handed operation.
A chain saw is intended for two-handed use.
SOperate the chain saw only in a well-venti-
lated outdoor area.
SDo not operate saw from a ladder or in a tree.
SMake sure the chain will not make contact
with any object while starting the engine.
Never try to start the saw when the guide
bar is in a cut.
SDo not put pressure on the saw at the end of
the cut. Applying pressure can cause you to
lose control when the cut is completed.
SStop the engine before setting the saw
down.
SDo not operate a chain saw that is dam-
aged, improperly adjusted, or not com-
pletely and securely assembled. Always
replace bar, chain, hand guard, or chain
brake immediately if it becomes damaged,
broken or is otherwise removed.
SWith the engine stopped, hand carry the
chain saw with the muffler away from your
body, and the guide bar and chain to the
rear, preferably covered with a scabbard.
MAINTAIN YOUR SAW IN GOOD
WORKING ORDER
SHave all chain saw service performed by a
qualified service dealer with the exception
of the items listed in the maintenance sec-
tion of this manual. For example, if improp-
er tools are used to remove or hold the fly-
wheel when servicing the clutch, structural
damage to the flywheel can occur and
cause the flywheel to burst.
SMake certain the saw chain stops moving
when the throttle trigger is released. For
correction, refer to CARBURETOR AD-
JUSTMENT.
SNever modify your saw in any way.
SKeep the handles dry, clean, and free of oil
or fuel mixture.
SKeep fuel and oil caps, screws, and fas-
teners securely tightened.
SUse only Poulan PRO accessories and re-
placement parts as recommended.
HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION
SDo not smoke while handling fuel or while
operating the saw.
SEliminate all sources of sparks or flame in
the areas where fuel is mixed or poured.
There should be no smoking, open flames,
or work that could cause sparks. Allow en-
gine to cool before refueling.
SAlways have fire extinguishing tools avail-
able if you should need them.
SMix and pour fuel in an outdoor area on
bare ground; store fuel in a cool, dry, well
ventilated place; and use an approved,
marked container for all fuel purposes.
Wipe up all fuel spills before starting saw.
SMove at least 10 feet (3 meters) from fuel-
ing site before starting engine.

4
STurn the engine off and let saw cool in a
non-combustible area, not on dry leaves,
straw, paper, etc. Slowly remove fuel cap
and refuel unit.
SStore the unit and fuel in an area where fuel
vapors cannot reach sparks or open
flames from water heaters, electric motors
or switches, furnaces, etc.
KICKBACK
WARNING: Avoid kickback which
can result in serious injury. Kickback is the
backward, upward or sudden forward motion
of the guide bar occurring when the saw
chain near the upper tip of the guide bar con-
tacts any object such as a log or branch, or
when the wood closes in and pinches the
saw chain in the cut. Contacting a foreign ob-
ject in the wood can also result in loss of
chain saw control.
SRotational Kickback can occur when the
moving chain contacts an object at the up-
per tip of the guide bar. This contact can
cause the chain to dig into the object,
which stops the chain for an instant. The
result is a lightning fast, reverse reaction
which kicks the guide bar up and back to-
ward the operator.
SPinch-Kickback can occur when the the
wood closes in and pinches the moving
saw chain in the cut along the top of the
guide bar and the saw chain is suddenly
stopped. This sudden stopping of the
chain results in a reversal of the chain
force used to cut wood and causes the
saw to move in the opposite direction of the
chain rotation. The saw is driven straight
back toward the operator.
SPull-In can occur when the moving chain
contacts a foreign object in the wood in the
cut along the bottom of the guide bar and the
saw chain is suddenly stopped. This sudden
stopping pulls the saw forward and away
from the operator and could easily cause the
operator to lose control of the saw.
Avoid Pinch--Kickback:
SBe extremely aware of situations or ob-
structions that can cause material to pinch
the top of or otherwise stop the chain.
SDo not cut more than one log at a time.
SDo not twist the saw as the bar is with-
drawn from an undercut when bucking.
Avoid Pull--In:
SAlways begin cutting with the engine at full
speed and the saw housing against wood.
SUse wedges made of plastic or wood.
Never use metal to hold the cut open.
Kickback Path
Clear The
Working Area
Avoid Obstructions
REDUCE THE CHANCE OF
KICKBACK
SRecognize that kickback can happen.
With a basic understanding of kickback,
you can reduce the element of surprise
which contributes to accidents.
SNever let the moving chain contact any ob-
ject at the tip of the guide bar.
SKeep the working area free from obstruc-
tions such as other trees, branches, rocks,
fences, stumps, etc. Eliminate or avoid
any obstruction that your saw chain could
hit while you are cutting. When cutting a
branch, do not let the guide bar contact
branch or other objects around it.
SKeep your saw chain sharp and properly
tensioned. A loose or dull chain can in-
crease the chance of kickback occurring.
Follow manufacturer’s chain sharpening
and maintenance instructions. Check ten-
sion at regular intervals with the engine
stopped, never with the engine running.
Make sure the bar nuts are securely tight-
ened after tensioning the chain.
SBegin and continue cutting at full speed. If
the chain is moving at a slower speed, there
is greater chance of kickback occurring.
SCut one log at a time.
SUse extreme caution when re-entering a
previous cut.
SDo not attempt cuts starting with the tip of
the bar (plunge cuts).
SWatch for shifting logs or other forces that
could close a cut and pinch or fall into chain.
SUse the Reduced--Kickback Guide Bar
and Low--Kickback Chain specified for
your saw.
MAINTAIN CONTROL
Never reverse
hand positions
Stand to the
left of the saw
Thumb on
underside of
handlebar
Thumb on underside of
handlebar
Elbow locked
SKeep a good, firm grip on the saw with both
hands when the engine is running and
don’t let go. A firm grip will help you reduce
kickback and maintain control of the saw.
Keep the fingers of your left hand encir-
cling and your left thumb under the front
handlebar. Keep your right hand complete-

5
ly around the rear handle whether your are
right handed or left handed. Keep your left
arm straight with the elbow locked.
SPosition your left hand on the front handle-
bar so it is in a straight line with your right
hand on the rear handle when making
bucking cuts. Never reverse right and left
hand positions for any type of cutting.
SStand with your weight evenly balanced on
both feet.
SStand slightly to the left side of the saw to
keep your body from being in a direct line
with the cutting chain.
SDo not overreach. You could be drawn or
thrown off balance and lose control of the
saw.
SDo not cut above shoulder height. It is diffi-
cult to maintain control of saw above
shoulder height.
KICKBACK SAFETY FEATURES
WARNING: The following features
are included on your saw to help reduce the
hazard of kickback; however, such features
will not totally eliminate this danger. As a
chain saw user, do not rely only on safety de-
vices. You must follow all safety precau-
tions, instructions, and maintenance in this
manual to help avoid kickback and other
forces which can result in serious injury.
SReduced--Kickback Guide Bar, designed
with a small radius tip which reduces the
size of the kickback danger zone on the
bar tip. A Reduced--Kickback Guide Bar
has been demonstrated to significantly re-
duce the number and seriousness of kick-
backs when tested in accordance with
safety requirements for gasoline powered
chain saws as set by ANSI B175.1.
Small Radius Tip
Reduced Kickback Symmetrical Guide Bar
Symmetrical Guide Bar
Large Radius Tip
SLow--Kickback Chain, designed with a
contoured depth gauge and guard link
which deflect kickback force and allow
wood to gradually ride into the cutter. Low--
Kickback Chain has met kickback per-
formance requirements when tested on a
representative sample of chain saws be-
low 3.8 cubic inch displacement specified
in ANSI B175.1.
L o w --- K i c k b a c k
Chain
Contoured Depth Gauge
Elongated Guard Link
Deflects
kickback force
and allows wood
to gradually ride
into cutter
Not a Low--- Kickback Chain
Can Obstruct Material
SFront Hand Guard, designed to reduce the
chance of your left hand contacting the chain
if your hand slips off the front handlebar.
SPosition of front and rear handlebars, de-
signed with distance between handles and
“in-line” with each other. The spread and
“in-line” position of the hands provided by
this design work together to give balance
and resistance in controlling the pivot of
the saw back toward the operator if kick-
back occurs.
CHAIN BRAKE AND CKA ANGLE
SChain Brake, designed to stop the chain in
the event of kickback.
WARNING: WE DO NOT REP-
RESENT AND YOU SHOULD NOT AS-
SUME THAT THE CHAIN BRAKE WILL
PROTECT YOU IN THE EVENT OF A KICK-
BACK. Kickback is a lightning fast action
which throws the bar and rotating chain back
and up toward the operator. Kickback can be
caused by allowing contact of the bar tip in the
danger zone with any hard object. Kickback
canalsobecausedbypinchingthesawchain
along the top of the guide bar. This action may
push the guide bar rapidly back toward the op-
erator. Either of these events may cause you
to lose control of the saw which could result in
serious injury or even death. DO NOT RELY
UPON ANY OF THE DEVICES BUILT INTO
YOUR SAW. YOU SHOULD USE THE SAW
PROPERLY AND CAREFULLY TO AVOID
KICKBACK. Reduced--kickback guide bars
and low--kickback saw chains reduce the
chance and magnitude of kickback and are
recommended. Your saw has a low kickback
chain and bar as original equipment. Repairs
on a chain brake should be made by an autho-
rized servicing dealer. Take your unit to the
place of purchase if purchased from a servic-
ing dealer, or to the nearest authorized master
service dealer.
STip contact in some cases may cause a light-
ning fast reverse REACTION, kicking guide
bar up and back toward operator.
SPinching the saw chain along the top of the
guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly
back toward the operator.
SEither of these reactions may cause you to
lose control of the saw which could result in
serious injury. Do not rely exclusively upon
devices built into your saw.
WARNING: Computed kickback
angle (CKA) listed on your saw and listed in the
CKA table below represents angle of kickback
your bar and chain combinations will have
when tested in accordance with CSA (Cana-
dian Standards Association) and ANSI stan-
dards. When purchasing replacement bar and
chain, considerations should be given to the
lower CKA values. Lower CKA values repre-
sent safer angles to the user, higher values in-
dicate more angle and higher kick energies.

6
Computed angles represented indicate total
energy and angle associated without activation
of the chain brake during kickback. Activated
angle represents chain stopping time relative to
activation angle of chain break and resulting
kick angle of saw. In all cases lower CKA val-
ues represent a safer operating environment
for the user.
The following guide bar and chain combina-
tions meet kickback requirements of CSA
Standards Z62.1, Z62.3, & ANSI B175.1 when
used on saws listed in this manual. Use of bar
and chain combinations other than those listed
is not recommended and may not meet the
CKA requirements per standard.
Computed kickback angle (CKA) Table
BAR
P/N Length CHAIN P/N
16″
18″
MODEL CKA without chain brake
PP3516AVX
PP4218AVX
33_
33_
952051211
952051338
952044369
952044689
NOTE: Ifthissawistobeusedforcom-
mercial logging, a chain brake is required
and shall not be removed or otherwise dis-
abled to comply with Federal OSHA Regula-
tions for Commercial Logging.
WARNING: The engine exhaust
from this product contains chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibrations
through prolonged use of gasoline powered
hand tools could cause blood vessel or nerve
damage in the fingers, hands, and joints of
people prone to circulation disorders or
abnormal swellings. Prolonged use in cold
weather has been linked to blood vessel
damage in otherwise healthy people. If
symptoms occur such as numbness, pain,
loss of strength, change in skin color or texture,
or loss of feeling in the fingers, hands, or joints,
discontinue the use of this tool and seek
medical attention. An anti-vibration system
does not guarantee the avoidance of these
problems. Users who operate power tools on
a continual and regular basis must monitor
closely their physical condition and the
condition of this tool.
SPECIAL NOTICE: Your saw is equipped
with a temperature limiting muffler and spark
arresting screen which meets the
requirements of California Codes 4442 and
4443. All U.S. forest land and the states of
California, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New
Jersey, Oregon, and Washington require by
law that many internal combustion engines to
be equipped with a spark arresting screen. If
you operate a chain saw in a state or locale
where such regulations exist, you are legally
responsible for maintaining the operating
condition of these parts. Failure to do so is a
violation of the law. Refer to the SERVICE
section for maintenance of the spark arresting
screen. Failure to follow all Safety Rules and
Precautions can result in serious injury. If
situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgement. If you
need assistance, contact your authorized
service dealer or call 1-800--554--6723.
STANDARDS: This saw is listed by Under-
writer’s Laboratories, Inc., in accordance with:
ANSI B175.1--2000 American National
Standards for Gasoline--Powered Chain
Saws -- Safety Requirements
CSA Z62.1--03 Chain Saws -- Occupational
Health and Safety
CSA Z62.3--96 Chain Saw Kickback Occu-
pational Health and Safety
ASSEMBLY
Protective gloves (not provided) should be
worn during assembly.
ATTACHING THE BAR & CHAIN (If
not already attached)
WARNING: If received assembled,
repeat all steps to ensure your saw is properly
assembled and all fasteners are secure. Al-
ways wear gloves when handling the chain.
The chain is sharp and can cut you even when
it is not moving!
1. Move ON/STOP switch to the STOP
position.
2. Loosen and remove bar knob complete-
ly by lifting lever and turning counter-
clockwise.
LOOSEN
3. Remove clutch cover and plastic ship-
ping spacer (if present).

7
Clutch Cover
Bar
Knob Location of
shipping
spacer
4. Slide guide bar on bar bolts until guide
bar stops against clutch drum sprocket.
Bar bolts
Guide bar
5. Carefully remove the chain from the pack-
age. Hold chain with the drive links as
shown.
CUTTERS MUST FACE IN
DIIRECTION OF ROTATION
Tip of
Bar
Cutters Depth Gauge
Dri
v
e
L
inks
6. Place chain over and behind clutch re-
tainer, fitting the drive links in the clutch
drum sprocket.
7. Fit bottom of drive links between the
teeth in the sprocket in the nose of the
guide bar.
8. Fit chain drive links into bar groove.
9. Pull guide bar forward until chain is snug
in guide bar groove. Ensure all drive
links are in the bar groove.
10. Install clutch cover. Be sure adjusting
pin is in the adjusting pin hole in the
guide bar.
CAUTION: It is very important when instal-
ling the clutch cover that the adjusting pin
aligns into the adjusting pin hole in the bar. Fail-
ure to install the clutch cover correctly may re-
sult in permanent damage to your chain saw.
Back
view of
clutch
cover
Adjusting pin
11. Install bar knob and finger tighten only.
Once the chain is tensioned, you will
need to tighten bar knob.
CHAIN TENSION (Including units
with chain already installed)
WARNING: Wear protective gloves
when handling chain. The chain is sharp and
can cut you even when it is not moving.
NOTE: When adjusting chain tension,
make sure the bar knob is finger tight only.
Attempting to tension the chain when the bar
knob is tight can cause damage.
Checking the tension:
Use a screwdriver to move chain around
guide bar. If the chain does not rotate, it is too
tight. If the chain is too loose, it will sag below
the bar.
Bar
Knob
Guide
Bar
Adjusting
Wheel
Screwdriver
Adjusting the tension:
Chain tension is very important. Chains stretch
during use. This is especially true during the
first few times you use your saw. Always check
chain tension each time before you start the
chain saw.
1. Lift lever on bar knob and turn counter-
clockwise 1 turn to loosen bar clamp.
LOOSEN
2. Turn adjusting wheel (downward direc-
tion) to tension chain until chain solidly
contacts bottom of guide bar rail. Lift tip
of guide bar while adjusting tension.

8
Tighten
chain
Adjusting Wheel
Loosen
chain
3. Using a screwdriver, move chain around
guide bar to ensure all links are in bar
groove.
4. While lifting tip of guide bar, tighten bar
knob securely (clockwise). Hand tight-
en only!
TIGHTEN
Bar
Knob
5. Push lever on bar knob down to return
lever to closed/locked position.
WARNING: Failure to push lever on
bar knob down to closed/locked position
could result in serious personal injury or
damage to your chain saw.
6. Use a screwdriver to move chain around
guide bar.
7. If chain does not rotate, it is too tight.
Loosen bar knob 1 turn (counterclock-
wise); then, loosen chain by turning the
adjusting wheel 1/4turn (upward direc-
tion). Retighten bar knob.
8. If chain is too loose, it will sag below the
guide bar. DO NOT operate the saw if
the chain is loose.
NOTE: The chain is tensioned correctly
when the weight of the chain does not cause it
to sag below the guide bar (with the chain saw
sitting in an upright position), but the chain still
moves freely around the guide bar.
WARNING: If the saw is operated
with a loose chain, the chain could jump off
the guide bar and result in serious injury to
the operator and/or damage the chain making it
unusable. If the chain jumps off the guide bar,
inspect each drive link for damage. Damaged
chain must be repaired or replaced.
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR CHAIN SAW
READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
CHAIN SAW. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the location of
the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
Primer Bulb
Bar Oil Fill Cap
Chain
Front Hand Guard
Front Handle
Starter Rope
ON/STOP
Switch
Muffler
Choke/
Fast Idle
Lever
Fuel Mix Fill Cap
Bar
Sprocket
Hole Starter Housing

9
Guide Bar
Adjusting
Wheel
Cylinder Cover
Throttle
Lockout
Rear
Handle
Throttle
Trigger
Chain
Direction
of Travel
Chain
Catcher
Clutch
Cover Bar
Knob
Chain
Brake
ON/STOP SWITCH
The ON/STOP SWITCH is used to stop the
engine.
THROTTLE TRIGGER
The THROTTLE TRIGGER controls engine
speed.
THROTTLE LOCK--OUT
The THROTTLE LOCK--OUT must be
pressed before you can squeeze the throttle
trigger. This feature prevents you from acci-
dentally squeezing the trigger.
CHOKE/FAST IDLE LEVER
The choke and fast idle are set by pulling the
CHOKE/FAST IDLE LEVER out to the full ex-
tent for cold starting or after refueling. The
choke provides additional fuel to the engine
during cold starting.
PRIMER BULB
The PRIMER BULB circulates fuel to the car-
buretor to provide quicker starting.
CHAIN BRAKE
The chain brake is a device designed to stop
the chain if kickback occurs. The chain brake
activates automatically in the event of kick-
back. The chain brake activates manually if the
front hand guard is pushed forward. The chain
brake is disengaged by pulling the front hand
guard back toward the front handle as far as
possible.
CHAIN TENSION
It is normal for a new chain to stretch during the
first 15 minutes of operation. You should check
your chain tension frequently. See CHAIN
TENSION under the ASSEMBLY section.
WARNING: If the saw is operated
with a loose chain, the chain could jump off
the guide bar and result in serious injury to
the operator and/or damage the chain mak-
ing it unusable.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
WARNING: Muffler is very hot dur-
ing and after use. Do not touch the muffler or
allow combustible material such as dry
grass or fuel to do so.
WARNING: Be sure to read the fuel
handling information in the safety rules sec-
tion of this manual before you begin. If you do
not understand the fuel handling information
do not attempt to fuel your unit. Seek help
from someone that does understand the in-
formation or call the customer assistance
help line at 1-800-554-6723.
FUELING ENGINE
WARNING: Remove fuel cap slow-
ly when refueling.
HELPFUL TIP
To obtain the correct oil mix
ratio, pour 3.2 ounces of
2--cycle synthetic oil into
one gallon of fresh gas.
This engine is certified to operate on un-
leaded gasoline. Before operation, gasoline
must be mixed with a good quality synthetic
2-cycle air-cooled engine oil designed to be
mixed at a ratio of 40:1. Poulan/WEED
EATER brand synthetic oil is recom-
mended. A 40:1 ratio is obtained by mixing
3.2 fluid ounces (95 ml) of oil with 1 gallon (4
liters) of unleaded gasoline. Included with this
saw is a 3.2 ounce (95 ml) container of Poulan/
WEED EATER brand synthetic oil. Pour the
entire contents of this container into 1 gallon (4
liters) of gasoline to achieve the proper fuel
mixture. DO NOT USE automotive or marine
oil. These oils will cause engine damage.
When mixing fuel follow the instructions
printed on the container. Always read and
follow the safety rules listed under HANDLE
FUEL WITH CAUTION.
CAUTION: Never use straight gasoline in
your unit. This will cause permanent engine
damage and void the limited warranty.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
This engine requires the use of minimum 87
octane [R+M]/2 clean gasoline.
IMPORTANT
Use of alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can cause major
engine performance and durability problems.

10
WARNING: Alternative fuels (not
gasoline) such as E--15 (15% alcohol), E--20
(20% alcohol), E--85 (85% alcohol) are NOT
classified as gasoline and are NOT approved
for use in 2--stroke gasoline engines. Use of al-
ternative fuels will cause problems such as: im-
proper clutch engagements, overheating, va-
por lock, power loss, lubrication deficiency,
deterioration of fuel lines, gaskets and internal
carburetor components, etc. Alternative fuels
cause high moisture absorption into the fuel/oil
mixture leading to oil and fuel separation.
BAR AND CHAIN LUBRICATION
The bar and chain require continuous lubri-
cation. Lubrication is provided by the auto-
matic oiler system when the oil tank is kept
filled. Lack of oil will quickly ruin the bar and
chain. Too little oil will cause overheating
shown by smoke coming from the chain and/
or discoloration of the bar. In freezing weath-
er oil will thicken, making it necessary to thin
bar and chain oil with a small amount (5 to
10%) of #1 Diesel Fuel or kerosene. Bar and
chain oil must be free flowing for the oil sys-
tem to pump enough oil for adequate lubrica-
tion. Genuine Poulan or Poulan PRO bar and
chain oil is recommended to protect your unit
against excessive wear from heat and fric-
tion. Poulan or Poulan PRO oil resists high
temperature thinning.
If Poulan or Poulan PRO bar and chain oil is
not available, use a good grade SAE 30 oil.
SNever use waste oil for bar and chain lubri-
cation.
SAlways stop the engine before removing
the oil cap.
CHAIN BRAKE
Ensure chain brake is disengaged by pulling
the front hand guard back toward the front han-
dle as far as possible. The chain brake must be
disengaged before cutting with the saw.
WARNING: The chain must not
move when the engine runs at idle speed. If
the chain moves at idle speed refer to CAR-
BURETOR ADJUSTMENT within this
manual. Avoid contact with the muffler. A hot
muffler can cause serious burns.
To stop the engine move the ON/STOP
switch to the STOP position.
To start the engine hold the saw firmly on the
ground as illustrated. Make sure the chain is
free to turn without contacting any object.
Left Hand
on Front
Handle
Starter Rope Handle
Right Foot Through Rear Handle
Hold saw firmly while pulling starter rope.
Use only 15″-- 1 8 ″(40 -- 45 cm) o
f
rope per pull.
WARNING: Do not attempt to throw
or drop--start the chain saw. Doing so will put
the operator at risk of serious injury due to
loss of control of the chain saw.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
When pulling the starter rope, do not use the
full extent of the rope as this can cause the
rope to break. Do not let starter rope snap
back. Hold the handle and let the rope rewind
slowly. For cold weather starting, start the unit
at FULL CHOKE; allow the engine to warm up
before squeezing the throttle trigger.
NOTE: Do not attempt to cut material with
the choke/fast idle lever in the FULL CHOKE
position.
HELPFUL TIP
If your engine still does not
start after following these
instructions, please call
1--800--554--6723.
STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or
warm engine after running out of
fuel)
NOTE: In the following steps, when the
choke/fast idle lever is pulled out to the full
extent, the correct throttle setting for starting
is set automatically.
IGNITION
SWITCH
ON
STOP
Choke
Lever
1. Move ON/STOP switch to the ON posi-
tion.
2. Slowly press primer bulb 6 times.
3. Pull choke/fast idle lever out to the full
extent (to the FULL CHOKE position).
4. Pull the starter rope sharply 5 times with
your right hand. Then, proceed to the
next step.