RedMax GZ380 Owner's manual

The engine exhaust from
this product contains
chemicals known to the
State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects or
other reproductive harm.
Les échappements du
moteur de ce produit
contiennent des produits
chimiques connus par l’Etat
de Californie comme étant
responsables de cancers,
d’anomalies congénitales
et d’autres atteintes à
l’appareil reproducteur.
Los gases de escape del
motor de este producto
contienen sustancias
químicas conocidas por
el Estado de California
como causantes de cáncer,
malformaciones en recién
nacidos y otros problemas
de reproducción.
OWNER/OPERATOR MANUAL
MANUEL D’INSTRUCTIONS
MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES
GZ380
WARNING
AVERTISSEMENT
ADVERTENCIA
ADVERTENCIA
WARNING
AVERTISSEMENT
Before using our products,
please read this manual
carefully to understand the
proper use of your unit.
Avant d’utiliser cette
ce produit, veuillez lire
attentivement ce manuel
afin de bien comprendre le
bon fonctionnement de cet
appareil
Antes de usar nuestros
productos, lea detenidam-
ente este manual a fin de
familiarizarse con el uso
correcto de este aparato.
TRONÇONNEUSE
CHAIN SAW
MOTOSIERRA
Este sistema de la ignición se conforma
con los requisitos del estándar
Canadiense ICES-002.
NÚMEROS DE SERIE APLICABLES:
UNIDAD DE MOTEUR 2010-001N00001
y superior
Ce système d’allumage est conforme à la
norme NMB-002 du Canada.
NUMEROS DE SERIE APPLICABLES:
MOTEUR 2010-001N00001 et au-delà
This spark ignition system complies with
the Canadian standard ICES-002.
APPLICABLE SERIAL NUMBERS:
ENGINE UNIT 2010-001N00001 and up
115391326 Rev. 3 1/31/11 BRW

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115391326 Rev. 3 1/31/11
SYMBOL EXPLANATION
Other symbols/decals on the machine
refer to special certification require-
ments for certain markets.
You will find the following labels on your
chain saw:
The Emissions Compliance Period referred
to on the Emission Compliance label indi-
cates the number of operating hours for
which the engine has been shown to meet
Federal emissions requirements. Category
C = 50 hours, B = 125 hours, and A = 300
hours.
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the
emission control devices and system may
be performed by any off--road engine repair
establishment or individual.
Symbols on the machine:
WARNING: Chain saws can be
dangerous! Careless or improper
use can result in serious or fatal
injury to the operator or others.
Please read the operator’s manual
carefully and make sure you
understand the instructions
before using the machine.
Always wear:
SApproved protective helmet
SApproved hearing protection
SProtective goggles or a visor
Both of the operator’s hands must
be used to operate the chain saw.
Never operate a chain saw
holding it with one hand only.
Contact of the guide bar tip with
any object must be avoided.
Dear customer!
Congratulations on your choice to buy a
RedMax chain saw!
Your purchase gives you access to profes-
sional help with repairs and service whenever
this may be necessary. If the retailer who
sells your machine is not one of our autho-
rized dealers, ask for the address of your
nearest servicing dealer.
It is our wish that you will be satisfied with
your product and that it will be your compan-
ion for a long time. Think of this operator’s
manual as a valuable document. By following
its content (using, service, maintenance, etc.)
the life span and the second--hand value of
the machine can be extended. If you ever
lend or sell this machine, make sure that the
borrower or buyer gets the operator’s manual,
so they will also know how to properly main-
tain and use it.
Good luck on using your RedMax chain saw!
RedMax has a policy of continuous product
development and therefore reserves the
right to modify the design and appearance
of products without prior notice.
WARNING: Tip contact may
cause the guide bar to move
suddenly upward and backward
(so-called kickback), which may
cause serious injury.
Measured maximum kickback
value without chain brake for the
bar and chain combination on
the label.

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CONTENTS
Contents
INTRODUCTION
Dear customer! 6...................
Symbols on the machine 6...........
What is what on the chain saw? 7.....
CONTENTS
Contents 7........................
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Before using a new chain saw 8.......
Important 8........................
Always use common sense 9.........
Personal protective equipment 9......
Machine’s safety equipment 9........
Cutting equipment 11.................
ASSEMBLY
Fitting the bar and chain 15............
FUEL HANDLING
Fuel 16............................
Fueling 18..........................
Fuel safety 18.......................
STARTING AND STOPPING
Starting and stopping 19..............
WORKING TECHNIQUES
Before use 20.......................
General working instructions 20........
How to avoid kickback 23.............
MAINTENANCE
General 24.........................
Carburetor adjustment 24.............
Checking, maintaining, and servicing
chain saw safety equipment 24........
Muffler 25..........................
Air filter 25..........................
Spark plug 25.......................
Cooling system 25...................
Maintenance schedule 26.............
TECHNICAL DATA
Technical data 27....................
LIMITED WARRANTY STATEMENT 29
EMISSION CONTROL
WARRANTY STATEMENT 32.........
AMERICAN STANDARD SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS 34..................
What is what on the chain
saw? (1)
1. Information and warning decal
2. Cylinder cover
3. Air purge
4. Starter handle
5. Choke control/Start throttle lock
6. Stop switch (Ignition on/off switch)
7. Rear handle
8. Fuel tank
9. Adjuster screws carburetor
10. Starter
11. Chain oil tank
12. Product and serial number plate
13. Throttle lock-out (prevents accidental
operation of throttle control)
14. Front handle
15. Front hand guard
16. Muffler
17. Bar
18. Bar tip sprocket
19. Chain
20. Bumper spike
21. Chain catcher
22. Chain tensioning screw
23. Clutch cover
24. Rear handle with right hand guard
25. Throttle control
26. Operator’s manual
27. Combination spanner
28. Bar guard
29. 2--stroke engine oil

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GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
IMPORTANT! The machine is only designed
for cutting wood.
You should only use the saw with the bar
and chain combinations we recommend in
the chapter Technical data.
Never use the machine if you are fatigued,
while under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
medication or anything that could affect your
vision, alertness, coordination or judgment.
Wear personal protective equipment. See in-
structions under the heading Personal protec-
tive equipment.
Do not modify this product or use it if it ap-
pears to have been modified by others.
Never use a machine that is faulty. Carry
out the checks, maintenance and service
instructions described in this manual. Some
maintenance and service measures must be
carried out by trained and qualified special-
ists. See instructions under the heading
Maintenance.
Never use any accessories other than those
recommended in this manual. See instruc-
tions under the headings Cutting equipment
and Technical data.
CAUTION! Always wear protective glasses
or a face visor to reduce the risk of injury
from thrown objects. A chain saw is capa-
ble of throwing objects, such as wood
chips, small pieces of wood, etc., at great
force. This can result in serious injury, es-
pecially to the eyes.
SPlease read this manual carefully.
S(1) -- (50) refer to figures on p. 2--5.
SCheck that the cutting equipment is
correctly fitted and adjusted. See instruc-
tions under the heading Assembly.
SRefuel and start the chain saw. See the in-
structions under the headings Fuel Han-
dling and Starting and Stopping.
SDo not use the chain saw until sufficient
chain oil has reached the chain. See in-
structions under the heading Lubricating
cutting equipment.
SLong--term exposure to noise can result in
permanent hearing impairment. So always
use approved hearing protection.
For Canada:
WARNING: When using a chain
saw, a fire extinguisher should be
available.
Before using a new chain saw
WARNING: Under no circum-
stances may the design of the
machine be modified without the
permission of the manufacturer.
Always use genuine accessories.
Non--authorized modifications and/
or accessories can result in serious
personal injury or the death of the
operator or others. Your warranty
may not cover damage or liability
caused by the use of non-authorized
accessories or replacement parts.
WARNING: The inside of the
muffler contain chemicals that may
be carcinogenic. Avoid contact with
these elements in the event of a
damaged muffler.
WARNING: A chain saw is a dan-
gerous tool if used carelessly or
incorrectly and can cause serious,
even fatal injuries. It is very important
that you read and understand the
contents of this operator’s manual.
WARNING: Long term inhalation
of the engine’s exhaust fumes,
chain oil mist and dust from saw-
dust can represent a health risk.
WARNING: The ignition system
of this machine produces an elec-
tromagnetic field during operation.
This field may under some circum-
stances interfere with pacemakers.
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal
injury, we recommend persons
with pacemakers to consult their
physician and the pacemaker
manufacturer before operating this
machine.
WARNING: Keep handles dry,
clean and free of oil.
WARNING: Beware of carbon
monoxide poisoning. Operate the
chain saw in well ventilated areas
only.
WARNING: Do not attempt a
pruning or limbing operation in a
standing tree unless specifically
trainedtodoso.
Important
WARNING: Running an engine
in a confined or badly ventilated
area can result in death due to
asphyxiation or carbon monoxide
poisoning.

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GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Personal protective equipment
SApproved protective helmet
SHearing protection
SProtective goggles or a visor
SGloves with saw protection
STrousers with saw protection
SBoots with saw protection, steel toe--cap and
non--slip sole
SAlways have a first aid kit nearby.
SFire Extinguisher and Shovel
Generally clothes should be close--fitting
without restricting your freedom of move-
ment.
Machine’s safety equipment
In this section the machine’s safety fea-
tures and their function are explained.
For inspection and maintenance see
instructions under the heading Checking,
maintaining and servicing chain saw safety
equipment. See instructions under the
heading, What is what?, to find where
these parts are located on your machine.
The life span of the machine can be reduced
and the risk of accidents can increase if
machine maintenance is not carried out
correctly and if service and/or repairs are
not carried out professionally. If you need
further information please contact your
nearest servicing dealer.
Chain brake and front hand guard
Your chain saw is equipped with a chain
brake that is designed to stop the chain if
you get a kickback. The chain brake re-
duces the risk of accidents, but only you
can prevent them.
Take care when using your saw and make
sure the kickback zone of the bar never
touches any object.
SThe chain brake (A) can either beactivated
manually (by your left hand) or automati-
cally by the inertia release mechanism. (3)
SThe brake is applied when the front hand
guard (B) is pushed forward. (3)
SThis movement activates a spring--loaded
mechanism that tightens the brake band
(C) around the engine drive system (D)
(clutch drum). (4)
SThe front hand guard is not designedsolely
to activate the chain brake. Another impor-
tant feature is that it reduces the risk of your
left hand hitting the chain if you lose grip of
the front handle.
SThe chain brake must be engaged when the
chain saw is started to prevent the saw chain
from rotating.
SUsethechainbrakeasa“parkingbrake”
when starting and when moving over short
distances, to reduce the risk of moving chain
accidentally hitting your leg or anyone or any-
thing close by.
WARNING: Most chain saw acci-
dents happen when the chain
touches the operator. You must use
approved personal protective
equipment whenever you use the
machine. Personal protective
equipment cannot eliminate the risk
of injury but it will reduce the de-
gree of injury if an accident does
happen. Ask your dealer for help in
choosing the right equipment.
WARNING: Faulty cutting equip-
ment or the wrong combination of
bar and saw chain increases the
risk of kickback! Only use the bar/
saw chain combinations we
recommend, and follow the filing
instructions. See instructions un-
der the heading Technical data.
Always use common sense (2)
It is not possible to cover every conceivable
situationyoucanfacewhenusingachain
saw. Always exercise care and use your
common sense. Avoid all situations which
you consider to be beyond your capability. If
you still feel uncertain about operating proce-
dures after reading these instructions, you
should consult an expert before continuing.
Do not hesitate to contact your dealer or us if
you have any questions about the use of the
chain saw. We will willingly be of service and
provide you with advice as well as help you
to use your chain saw both efficiently and
safely. Attend a training course in chain saw
usage if possible. Your dealer, forestry school
or your library can provide information about
which training materials and courses are
available. Work is constantly in progress to
improve the design and technology -- im-
provements that increase your safety and
efficiency. Visit your dealer regularly to see
whether you can benefit from new features
that have been introduced.
IMPORTANT! Sparks can come from the
muffler, the bar and chain or other sources.
Always have fire extinguishing tools avail-
able if you should need them. Help prevent
forest fires.
WARNING: Never use a machine
with defective safety components.
Safety equipment must be in-
spected and maintained. See in-
structions under the heading
Checking, maintaining and servic-
ing chain saw safety equipment. If
your machine does not pass all the
checks, take the saw to a servicing
dealer for repair.

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GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Vibration damping system
Your machine is equipped with a vibration
damping system that is designed to reduce
vibration and make operation easier.
The machine’s vibration damping system
reduces the transfer of vibration between
the engine unit/cutting equipment and the
machine’s handle unit. The body of the
chain saw, including the cutting equipment,
is insulated from the handles by vibration
damping units.
Cutting hardwoods (most broadleaf trees)
creates more vibration than cutting soft-
woods (most conifers). Cutting with cutting
equipment that is blunt or faulty (wrong
type or badly sharpened) will increase the
vibration level.
STo release the chain brake pull the
f
ront hand
guard backwards, towards the front handle.
SKickback can be very sudden and violent.
Most kickbacks are minor and do not al-
ways activate the chain brake. If this hap-
pens you should hold the chain saw firmly
and not let go.
SThe way the chain brake is activated, ei-
ther manually or automatically by the iner-
tia release mechanism, depends on the
force ofthe kickback and the position of the
chain saw in relation to the object that the
kickback zone of the bar strikes.
SIf you get a violent kickback while the kick-
back zone of the bar is farthest away from
you the chain brake is designed to be acti-
vated by the inertia in the kickback direction.
SIf the kickback is less violent or the kickback
zone of the bar is closer to you the chain
brake is designed to be activated manually
by the movement of your left hand.
SIn the felling position the left hand is in a
position that makes manual activation of
the chain brake impossible. With this type
of grip, that is when the left hand is placed
so that it cannot affect the movement of the
front hand guard, the chain brake can only
be activated by the inertia action.
Will my hand always activate the
chain brake during a kickback?
No. It takes a certain force to move the
hand guard forward. If your hand only light-
ly touches the front guard or slips over it,
the force may not be enough to trigger the
chain brake. You should also maintain a
firm grip of the chain saw handles while
working. If you do and experience a kick-
back, your hand may never leave the front
handle and will not activate the chain
brake, or the chain brake will only activate
after the saw has swung around a consid-
erable distance. In such instances, the
chain brake might not have enough time to
stop the saw chain before it touches you.
There are also certain positions in which
your hand cannot reach the front hand
guard to activate the chain brake; for exam-
ple, when the saw chain is held in felling
position.
Will my inertia activated chain
brake always activate during kick-
back in the event of a kickback?
No. First your brake must be in working or-
der. Testing the brake is simple, see in-
structions under the heading Checking,
maintaining and servicing chain saw safety
equipment. We recommend you do before
you begin each work session. Second the
kickback must be strong enough to activate
the chain brake. If the chain brake is too
sensitive it would activate all the time which
would be a nuisance.
Will my chain brake always protect
me from injury in the event of a
kickback?
No. First, the chain brake must be in work-
ing order to provide the intended protection.
Second, it must be activated during the
kickback as described above to stop the
saw chain. Third, the chain brake may be
activated but if the bar is too close to you
the brake might not have enough time to
slow down and stop the chain before the
chain saw hits you.
Only you and proper working technique
can eliminate kickback and its danger.
Throttle lock--out
The throttle lockout is designed to prevent
accidental operation of the throttle control.
When you press the lock (A) (i.e. when you
grasp the handle) it releases the throttle
control (B). When you release the handle
the throttle control and the throttle lockout
both move back to their original positions.
This arrangement means that the throttle
control is automatically locked at the idle
setting. (5)
Chain catcher
The chain catcher is designed to catch the
chain if it snaps or jumps off. This should
not happen if the chain is properly ten-
sioned (see instructions under the heading
Assembly) and if the bar and chain are
properly serviced and maintained (see in-
structions under the heading General work-
ing instructions).
Right hand guard
Apart from protecting your hand if the chain
jumps or snaps, the right hand guard stops
branches and twigs from interfering with
your grip on the rear handle.