Poulan Pro PP4620AV User manual

PP4620AV
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.
ENGLISH ESPAÑOL FRANÇAIS
R
Poulan PRO
1030 Stevens Creek Road
Augusta, GA 30907
Poulan PRO
850 Matheson Blvd. West
Mississauga, Ontario L5V 0B4
Instruction Manual
Manual de Instrucciones
Manuel d’Instructions
Please do not return unit to retailer.
Por favor, no devuelva el aparato al lugar de compra.
Veuillez ne pas retourner l’outil au détaillant.
1-800-554-6723
www.poulan--pro.com
545186802 Rev. 3 5/15/09 BRW

2
IDENTIFICATION OF SYMBOLS
WARNING! This chain
saw can be dangerous! Care-
less 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 object
should be avoided; tip contact may cause the guide bar to
move suddenly upward and backward, which may cause se-
rious injury.
Always wear appropriate ear protection, eye protection and head protection.
XX_ Measured maximum kickback value without chain brake for the bar
and chain combination on the label.
Move ON/STOP switch to
the ON position.
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
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

3
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 mentally alert. Chain saw work is
strenuous. If you have any condition that
might be aggravated 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 opera-
tion. 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 com-
pleted.
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-
JUSTMENTS.
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
replacement 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.
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 contacts 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 object 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.

4
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
A
void Obstructions
Clear The Working Area
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 chain brake nuts are se-
curely tightened 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 occur-
ring.
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 com-
pletely 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.

5
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
Symmetrical Guide Bar
Reduced
K
ickback 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.
Low--- Kickback
Chain
Not a Low --- Kickback Chain
Can Obstruct Material
Contoured Depth Gauge
Elongated Guard Link
Deflects
kickback force
and allows wood
to gradually ride
into cutter
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
KICKBACK. Kickback is a lightning fast ac-
tion 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 can also be caused by pinching the
saw chain along the top of the guide bar. This
action may push the guide bar rapidly back
toward the operator. 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. Re-
duced--kickback guide bars and low--kick-
back saw chains reduce the chance and
magnitude of kickback and are recom-
mended. 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 ser-
vicing dealer, or to the nearest authorized
master service dealer.
STip contact in some cases may cause a
lightning fast reverse REACTION, kicking
the guide bar up and back toward the oper-
ator.
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 the safety 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 (Canadian Standards Association) and
ANSI standards. When purchasing replace-
ment bar and chain, considerations should
be given to the lower CKA values. Lower
CKA values represent safer angles to the
user, higher values indicate more angle and
higher kick energies. Computed angles rep-
resented in the non-activated column indi-
cate total energy and angle associated with-
out activation of the chain brake during
kickback. Activated angle represents chain
stopping time relative to activation angle of
chain brake and resulting kick angle of saw.
In all cases lower CKA values represent a
safer operating environment for the user.
The following guide bar and chain combina-
tions meet kickback requirements of CSA
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.

6
Computed kickback angle (CKA) Table
BAR
P/N Length CHAIN P/N
MODEL
952044815 20″952051310 31_
CKA without chain brake
PP4620AV
NOTE: If this saw is to be used for commer-
cial logging, a chain brake is required and
shall not be removed or otherwise disabled
to comply with Federal OSHA Regulations
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 Precau-
tions 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--1995 Chain Saws -- Occupa-
tional Health and Safety
CSA Z62.3--1996 Chain Saw Kickback Oc-
cupational Health and Safety
ASSEMBLY
Protective gloves (not provided) should be
worn during assembly.
ATTACHING THE BUMPER
SPIKE (If not already attached)
The bumper spike may be used as a pivot
when making a cut.
1. Loosen and remove the chain brake nuts
and the chain brake from the saw.
2. Attach the bumper spike with the two
screws as illustrated.
ATTACHING THE BAR & CHAIN (If not
already attached)
WARNING: If received assembled,
repeat all steps to ensure your saw is prop-
erly assembled and all fasteners are secure.
Always wear gloves when handling the
chain. The chain is sharp and can cut you
even when it is not moving!
NOTE: CHAIN BRAKE MUST BE DIS-
ENGAGED BEFORE IT CAN BE RE-
MOVED OR INSTALLED ON THE
CHAIN SAW. TO DISENGAGE CHAIN
BRAKE, PULL THE FRONT HAND
GUARD BACK TOWARD THE REAR
OF THE CHAIN BRAKE AS FAR AS
POSSIBLE (SEE ILLUSTRATION).
DISENGAGED
ENGAGED
Chain Brake
Front Hand Guard
1. Loosen and remove the chain brake nuts
and the chain brake from the saw.
2. Remove the plastic shipping spacer (if
present).

7
Chain Brake
Chain Brake
Nuts
Bar Tool
Location of shipping spacer
3. Turn adjusting screw on bar counter-
clockwise to move the tensioning rack as
far as it will go toward the front of the bar.
Tensioning Rack
Adjusting
Screw
4. Slide the bar behind clutch drum until bar
stops against clutch drum sprocket.
Mount the bar
5. Prepare the chain by checking the proper
direction. Without following the illustration it
is easy to place the chain on the saw in the
wrong direction. Use the illustration of the
chain to determine the proper direction.
CUTTERS MUST FACE IN
DIIRECTION OF ROTATION
Tip of
Bar
Cutters Depth Gauge
Drive Links
6. Place the chain over and behind the
clutch, fitting the drive links in the clutch
drum sprocket.
Place chain onto the 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 in to bar groove.
9. Pull the bar forward until the chain is
snug in the groove of the bar. Ensure all
drive links are in the bar groove.
10. Hold guide bar against the saw frame
and install the chain brake.
11. Replace the chain brake nuts and tighten
finger tight. Once the chain is ten-
sioned, you will need to tighten chain bra-
ke nuts.
CHAIN TENSION (Including units with
chain already installed)
NOTE: When adjusting chain tension,
make sure the chain brake nuts are finger
tight only. Attempting to tension the chain
when the chain brake nuts are tight can
cause damage.
Checking the tension:
Use the screwdriver end of the chain adjust-
ment tool (bar tool) to move the chain around
the bar. If the chain does not rotate, it is too
tight. If too loose, the chain will sag below the
bar.
Chain Brake Nuts
Chain Adjustment
Tool (Bar Tool)
Adjusting the tension:
Chain tension is very important. Chain
stretches 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.
An adjusting screw (located on the guide
bar) is used to adjust the tension of the chain
(see illustration).
SLoosen the chain brake nuts.
STurn adjusting screw clockwise until chain
solidly contacts bottom of guide bar rail.
Adjusting
Screw
Guide bar
SUsing the screwdriver end of the bar tool,
roll chain around guide bar to ensure all
links are in bar groove.

8
SLift up tip of guide bar to check for sag. Re-
lease tip of guide bar, then turn adjusting
screw until sag does not exist.
STighten chain brake nuts securely with the
bar tool.
Chain Brake
Nuts
SUse the screwdriver end of the bar tool to
move chain around guide bar.
SIf chain does not rotate, it is too tight.
Slightly loosen chain brake nuts and loos-
en chain by turning the adjusting screw.
Retighten chain brake nuts.
SIf 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 op-
erator and/or damage the chain making it un-
usable. If the chain jumps off the guide bar, in-
spect each drive link for damage. Damaged
chain must be repaired or replaced.
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR 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.
Chain Adjustment
Tool
(Bar Tool)
Front Handle
Front Hand Guard
Chain
Bar Oil
Fill Cap
Starter Rope
ON/STOP
Switch
Starter Housing Fuel Mix Fill Cap
Muffler
Bar Sprocket
Hole
Direction
of Chain
Travel
Guide Bar
Chain Brake Nuts
Chain Brake
Choke/Fast Idle Lever
Throttle
Trigger
Rear
Handle
Cylinder Cover
Throttle
Lock--out
Adjusting
Screw
ON/STOP SWITCH
The ON/STOP SWITCH is used to stop the
engine.
THROTTLE TRIGGER
The THROTTLE TRIGGER controls engine
speed.
T H R O T T L E LO C K --- O U T
The THROTTLE LOCK--OUT must be
pressed before you can squeeze the throttle
trigger. This feature prevents you from acci-
dentally squeezing the trigger.

9
CHOKE/FAST IDLE LEVER
The choke and fast idle speed are set by pull-
ing the CHOKE/FAST IDLE LEVER out fully
for cold starting or after refueling. The choke
provides additional fuel to the engine during
cold 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
kickback. The chain brake activates manu-
ally if the front hand guard is pushed forward.
The chain brake is disengaged by pulling the
front hand guard back toward the front han-
dle as far as possible.
CHAIN TENSION
It is normal for a new chain to stretch during
first 15 minutes of operation. You should check
your chain tension each time before you start
thechainsaw.SeeCHAINTENSIONinthe
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.
FUELING ENGINE
This engine is certified to operate on
unleaded 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 recommended. Mix
gasoline and oil at a ratio of 40:1. A 40:1 ratio is
obtained by mixing 3.2 fluid ounces of oil with 1
gallon of unleaded gasoline. Included with this
saw is a 3.2 ounce container of oil. Pour the
entire contents of this container into 1 gallon of
gasoline to achieve the proper fuel mixture. DO
NOT USE automotive oil or boat oil. These oils
will cause engine damage. When mixing fuel,
follow instructions printed on container. Once
oil is added to gasoline, shake container
momentarily to assure that the fuel is
thoroughly mixed. Always read and follow the
safety rules relating to fuel before fueling your
unit.
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.
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 weather 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 system to pump enough oil
for adequate lubrication.
Genuine Poulan or Poulan PRO bar and
chain oil is recommended to protect your unit
against excessive wear from heat and
friction. 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

10
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.
Hold saw firmly while pulling starter rope.
Use only 15”---18” of rope per pull.
Left hand
on front
handle
Right foot through rear handle
Starter rope handle
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 cut material with the choke/
fast idle lever at 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.
1. Move ON/STOP switch to the ON posi-
tion.
2. Pull the choke/fast idle lever out to the full
extent (to the FULL CHOKE position).
3. Pull starter rope quickly with your right
hand a maximum of 10 times. Then, pro-
ceed to the next step.
NOTE: If the engine sounds as if it is trying
to start before the 10th pull, stop pulling and
immediately proceed to the next step.
4. Push the choke/fast idle lever in to the
HALF CHOKE position.
5. Pull the starter rope quickly with your
right hand until the engine starts.
6. Allow the engine to run for approximately
30 seconds. Then, squeeze and release
throttle trigger to allow engine to return to
idle speed.
ON/STOP SWITCH
CHOKE/FAST IDLE LEVER
FULL HALF OFF
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
1. Move ON/STOP switch to the ON position.
2. Pull the choke/fast idle lever out to the
HALF CHOKE position.
3. Pull the starter rope quickly with your right
hand until the engine starts.
4. Squeeze and release the throttle trigger
to allow engine to return to idle speed.
DIFFICULT STARTING (or starting a
flooded engine)
The engine may be flooded if it has not started
after 10 pulls.
Flooded engines can be cleared of excess fuel
by following the warm engine starting proce-
dure listed above. Ensure the ON/STOP
switch is in the ON position.
Starting could require many pulls depending on
how badly unit is flooded. If engine still fails to
start, refer to TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE
or call 1-800-554-6723.
CHAIN BRAKE
WARNING: If the brake band is worn
too thin it may break when the chain brake is
triggered. With a broken brake band, the chain
brake will not stop the chain. The chain brake
should be replaced by an authorized service
dealer if any part is worn to less than 0.020″
(0.5 mm) thick. Repairs on a chain brake
should be made by an authorized service deal-
er. Take your unit to the place of purchase if
purchased from a servicing dealer, or to the
nearest authorized master service dealer.
SThis saw is equipped with a chain brake.
The brake is designed to stop the chain if
kickback occurs.
SThe inertia--activated chain brake is
activated if the front hand guard is pushed
forward, either manually (by hand) or
automatically (by sudden movement).
SIf the brake is already activated, it is
disengaged by pulling the front hand guard
back toward the front handle as far as
possible.
SWhen cutting with the saw, the chain brake
must be disengaged.