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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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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115391326 Rev. 3 1/31/11
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.

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GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Cutting equipment designed to re-
duce kickback
The only way to avoid kickback is to make
sure that the kickback zone of the bar nev-
er touches anything.
By using cutting equipment with “built--in”
kickback reduction and keeping the chain
sharp and well--maintained you can reduce
the effects of kickback.
Bar
The smaller the tip radius the lower the
chance of kickback.
Chain
A chain is made up of a number of links,
which are available in standard and low--
kickback versions.
WARNING: Faulty cutting
equipment or the wrong combina-
tion of bar and saw chain in-
creases the risk of kickback! Only
use the bar/saw chain combina-
tions we recommend, and follow
the filing instructions. See instruc-
tions under the heading Technical
data.
General rules
SOnly use cutting equipment recom-
mended by us! See instructions under the
heading Technical data.
SKeep the chain’s cutting teeth properly
sharpened! Follow our instructions and use
the recommended file gauge. A damaged or
badly sharpened chain increases the risk of
accidents.
SMaintain the correct depth gauge setting!
Follow our instructions and use the recom-
mended depth gauge clearance. Too large a
clearance increases the risk of kickback.
SKeep the chain properly tensioned! If the
chain is slack it is more likely to jump off and
lead to increased wear on the bar, chain and
drive sprocket.
SKeep cutting equipment well lubricated
and properly maintained! A poorly lubri-
cated chain is more likely to break and lead to
increased wear on the bar, chain and drive
sprocket.
WARNING: Overexposure to
vibration can lead to circulatory
damage or nerve damage in people
who have impaired circulation.
Contact your doctor if you experi-
ence symptoms of overexposure to
vibration. Such symptoms include
numbness, loss of feeling, tingling,
pricking, pain, loss of strength,
changes in skin color or condition.
These symptoms normally appear
in the fingers, hands or wrists.
These symptoms may be increased
in cold temperatures.
Stop switch
Use the stop switch to turn off the engine.
Muffler
The muffler is designed to reduce noise
levels and to direct exhaust fumes away
from the user.
In areas with a hot, dry climate there is a
high risk of fires. These areas are some-
times subject to government rules requiring
among other things the muffler must be
equipped with an approved type of spark
arrestor screen (A). (6)
WARNING: The exhaust fumes
from the engine are hot and may
contain sparks which can start a fire.
Never start the machine indoors or
near combustible material!
CAUTION! The muffler gets very hot during
and after use. This also applies during idling.
Be aware of the fire hazard, especially when
working near flammable substances and/or
vapors.
WARNING: Never use a saw
without a muffler, or with a damaged
muffler. A damaged muffler may
substantially increase the noise lev-
el and the fire hazard. Keep fire
fighting equipment handy. If a spark
arrestor screen is required in your
area, never use the saw without or
with a broken spark arrestor screen.
Cutting equipment
This section describes how to choose and
maintain your cutting equipment in order to:
SReduce the risk of kickback.
SReduce the risk of the saw chain breaking or
jumping off the bar.
SObtain optimal cutting performance.
SExtend the life of cutting equipment.
SAvoid increasing vibration levels.
IMPORTANT! No saw chain design elimi-
nates the danger of kickback.
WARNING: Any contact with a
rotating saw chain can cause ex-
tremely serious injuries.

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GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
It is
v
ery di
f
f
icult to sharpen a chain correctly
without the right equipment. We recommend
that you use our file gauge. This will help you
obtain the maximum kickback reduction and
cutting performance from your chain.
See instructions under the heading Techni-
cal data for information about sharpening
your chain.
Sharpening cutting teeth
To sharpen cutting teeth you will need a
round file and a file gauge. See instructions
under the heading Technical data for infor-
mation on the size of file and gauge that
are recommended for the chain fitted to
your chain saw.
SCheck that the chain is correctly tensioned. A
slack chain will move sideways, making it
more difficult to sharpen correctly.
SAlways file cutting teeth from the inside face.
Reduce the pressure on the return stroke.
File all the teeth on one side first, then turn the
chain saw and file the teeth on the other side.
File all the teeth to the same length. When
the length of the cutting teeth is reduced to
0.16 inch (4 mm) the chain is worn out and
should be replaced. (8)
General advice on adjusting depth
gauge setting
SWhen you sharpen the cutting tooth (A) the
depth gauge setting will decrease. To main-
tain optimal cutting performance the depth
gauge (B) has to be filed down to achieve the
recommended depth gauge setting. See in-
structions under the heading Technical data
to find the correct depth gauge setting for
your particular chain. (7)
Some terms that describe the bar
and chain
To maintain the safety features of the cut-
ting equipment, you should replace a worn
or damaged bar or chain with a bar and
chain combinations recommended by
RedMax. See instructions under the head-
ing Technical Data for a list of replacement
bar and chain combinations we recom-
mend.
Bar
SLength (inches/cm)
SNumber of teeth on bar tip sprocket (T).
SChain pitch (inches). The spacing between
the drive links of the chain must match the
spacing of the teeth on the bar tip sprocket
and drive sprocket.
SNumber of drive links. The number of drive
links is determined by the length of the bar,
the chain pitch and the number of teeth on
the bar tip sprocket.
SBar groove width (inches/mm). The groove
in the bar must match the width of the chain
drive links.
SChain oil hole and hole for chain tensioner.
The bar must be matched to the chain saw
design.
Chain
SChain pitch (inches)
SDrive link width (mm/inches)
SNumber of drive links.
Sharpening your chain and
adjusting depth gauge setting
General information on sharpening cut-
ting teeth
SNever use a blunt chain. When the chain is
blunt you have to exert more pressure to
force the bar through the wood and the chips
will be very small. If the chain is very blunt it
will produce wood powder and no chips or
shavings.
SA sharp chain eats its way through the wood
and produces long, thick chips or shavings.
SThe cutting part of the chain is called the cut-
ter and consists of a cutting tooth (A) and the
depth gauge (B). The cutters cutting depth is
determined by the difference in height be-
tween the two (depth gauge setting). (7)
When you sharpen a cutting tooth, there are
four important factors to remember:
1. Filing angle
2. Cutting angle
3. File position
4. Round file diameter
WARNING: Always wear
gloves, when working with the
chain, in order to protect your
hands from injury.
WARNING: Departure from the
sharpening instructions consider-
ably increases the risk of kickback.
WARNING: The risk of kick-
back is increased if the depth
gauge setting is too large!
Adjustment of depth gauge setting
SThe cutting teeth should be newly sharpened
before adjusting the depth gauge setting. We
recommend that you adjust the depth gauge
setting every third time you sharpen the cut-
ting teeth. NOTE! This recommendation as-
sumes that the length of the cutting teeth is
not reduced excessively.
SYou will need a flat file and a depth gauge
tool. We recommend that you use our depth
gauge tool to achieve the correct depth
gauge setting and bevel for the depth gauge.
SPlace the depth gauge tool over the chain.
Detailed information regarding the use of the
depth gauge tool, will be found on the pack-
age for the depth gauge tool. Use the flat file
to file off the tip of the depth gauge that pro-
trudes through the depth gauge tool. The
depth gauge setting is correct when you no
longer feel resistance as you draw the file
along the depth gauge tool.

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GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Tensioning the chain
The more you use a chain the longer it be-
comes. It is therefore important to adjust
the chain regularly to take up the slack.
Check the chain tension every time you
refuel. NOTE! A new chain has a running--
in period during which you should check
the tension more frequently.
Tension the chain as tightly as possible,
but not so tight that you cannot pull it round
freely by hand. (9)
SUndo the bar nuts that hold the clutch cover/
chain brake. Use the combination spanner.
Then tighten the bar nuts by hand as tight as
you can. (10)
SRaise the tip of the bar and stretch the chain
by tightening the chain tensioning screw us-
ing the combination spanner. Tighten the
chain until it does not sag from the underside
of the bar. (11)
SUse the combination spanner to tighten the
bar nuts while lifting the tip of the bar at the
same time. Check that you can pull the chain
round freely by hand and that it does not sag
from the underside of the bar. (12)
Lubricating cutting equipment
Chain oil
Chain oil must demonstrate good adhesion
to the chain and also maintain its flow
characteristics regardless of whether it is
warm summer or cold winter weather.
As a chain saw manufacturer we have de-
veloped an optimal chain oil which has a
vegetable oil base. We recommend the
use of our own oil for both maximum chain
life and to minimize environmental dam-
age. If our own chain oil is not available,
standard chain oil is recommended.
Never use waste oil! Using waste oil can
be dangerous to you and damage the ma-
chine and environment.
WARNING: Poor lubrication of
cutting equipment may cause the
chain to snap, which could lead to
serious, even fatal injuries.
Filling with chain oil
SAll our chain saws have an automatic chain
lubrication system. On some models the oil
flow is also adjustable.
SThe saw chain oil tank and the fuel tank are
designed so that the fuel runs out before
the saw chain oil. However, this safety fea-
ture requires that you use the right sort of
chain oil (if the oil is too thin it will run out be-
fore the fuel), and that you adjust the carbu-
retor as recommended (a lean mixture may
mean that the fuel lasts longer than the oil)
and that you also use the recommended
cutting equipment (a bar that is too long will
use more chain oil).
Checking chain lubrication
SCheck the chain lubrication each time you re-
fuel. See instructions under the heading Lu-
bricating the bar tip sprocket.
Aim the tip of the bar at a light colored surface
about 8 inches (20 cm) away. After 1 minute
running at 3/4 throttle you should see a dis-
tinct line of oil on the light surface.
If the chain lubrication is not working:
SCheck that the oil channel in the bar is not ob-
structed. Clean if necessary.
SCheck that the groove in the edge of the bar
is clean. Clean if necessary.
SCheck that the bar tip sprocket turns freely
and that the lubricating hole in the tip sprocket
is not blocked. Clean and lubricate if neces-
sary.
If the chain lubrication system is still not
working after carrying out the above
checks and associated measures you
should contact your servicing dealer.
Chain drive sprocket
The clutch drum is fitted with a Spur
sprocket (the chain sprocket is welded on
the drum).
Regularly check the degree of wear on the
drive sprocket. Replace if wear is exces-
sive. Replace the drive sprocket whenever
you replace the chain.
Checking wear on cutting equipment
Check the chain daily for:
SVisible cracks in rivets and links.
SWhether the chain is stiff.
SWhether rivets and links are badly worn.
Replace the saw chain if it exhibits any of
the points above.
We recommend you compare the existing
chain with a new chain to decide how badly
the existing chain is worn.
When the length of the cutting teeth has
worn down to only 0.16 inch (4 mm) the
chain must be replaced.
WARNING: A slack chain may
jump off the bar and cause serious
or even fatal injury.
WARNING: Always wear
approved protective gloves. Even
a non--moving chain can cause
serious cuts to yourself or persons
youbumpintowithanexposed
chain.
IMPORTANT! When using vegetable based
saw chain oil, dismantle and clean the groove
in the bar and saw chain before long--term
storage. Otherwise there is a risk of the saw
chain oil oxidizing, which will result in the saw
chain becoming stiff and the bar tip sprocket
jamming.

English --- 14
115391326 Rev. 3 1/31/11
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Bar
Check regularly:
SWhether there are burrs on the edges of the
bar. Remove these with a file if necessary.
(13A)
SWhether the groove in the bar has become
badly worn. Replace the bar if necessary.
(13B)
SWhether the tip of the bar is uneven or badly
worn. If a hollow forms on the underside of
the bar tip this is due to running with a slack
chain.
STo prolong the life of the bar you should turn it
over daily.
WARNING: Most chain saw ac-
cidents happen when the chain
touches the operator.
Wear personal protective equip-
ment. See instructions under the
heading Personal protective equip-
ment.
Do not tackle any job that you feel
you are not adequately trained for.
See instructions under the head-
ings Personal protective equip-
ment, How to avoid kickback, Cut-
ting equipment and General work-
ing instructions.
Avoid situations where there is a
risk of kickback. See instructions
under Machine’s safety equipment.
Use the recommended protective
equipment and check its condition.
See instructions under the heading
General working instructions.
Check that all the chain saw safety
features are working. See instruc-
tions under the headings General
working instructions and General
safety precautions.

English --- 15
115391326 Rev. 3 1/31/11
ASSEMBLY
Fitting the bar and chain
Check that the chain brake is in disengaged
position by moving the front hand guard to-
wards the front handle.
Remove the bar nuts and remove the clutch
cover (chain brake). Take off the transporta-
tion ring (A). (14)
Fit the bar over the bar bolts. Place the bar
in its rearmost position. Place the chain
over the drive sprocket locate it in the
groove on the bar. Begin on the top edge of
the bar. (15)
Make sure that the edges of the cutting
links are facing forward on the top edge of
the bar.
Fit the clutch cover (the chain brake) and
locate the chain adjuster pin in the hole in
the bar. Check that the drive links of the
chain fit correctly over the drive sprocket
and that the chain is correctly located in the
groove in the bar. Tighten the bar nuts fin-
ger tight. (16)
Tension the chain by turning the chain ten-
sioning screw clockwise using the combina-
tion spanner. The chain should be ten-
sioned until it does not sag from the under-
side of the bar. See instructions under the
heading Tensioning the chain. (17)
The chain is correctly tensioned when it
does not sag from the underside of the bar,
but can still be turned easily by hand. Hold
up the bar tip and tighten the bar nuts with
the combination spanner. (18)
When fitting a new chain, the chain tension
has to be checked frequently until the chain
is run--in. Check the chain tension regularly.
A correctly tensioned chain ensures good
cutting performance and long life. (19)
WARNING: Switch off the engine
before carrying out any checks or
maintenance. The stop switch auto-
matically returns to the start posi-
tion. In order to prevent unintention-
al starting, the spark plug cap must
be removed from the spark plug
when assembling, checking and/or
performing maintenance.
Always wear gloves, when working
with the chain, in order to protect
your hands from injury.

English --- 16
115391326 Rev. 3 1/31/11
FUEL HANDLING
Fuel
Note! The machine is equipped with a
2--stroke engine and must always be run
using a mixture of gasoline and two-stroke
engine oil. It is important to accurately mea-
sure the amount of oil to be mixed to ensure
that the correct mixture is obtained. When
mixing small amounts of fuel, even small
inaccuracies can drastically affect the ratio
of the mixture.
Gasoline requirements
WARNING: Always ensure there
is adequate ventilation when han-
dling fuel.
WARNING: Gasoline is very
flammable. Avoid smoking or
bringing any flame or sparks near
fuel. Make sure to stop the engine
and allow it cool before refueling
the unit. Select outdoor bare
ground for fueling and move at
least 10 feet (3 meters) away from
the fueling point before starting
the engine.
SAll 2--stroke RedMax products are pow-
ered by professional-commercial duty,
hi--performance, hi--RPM, air cooled
2--stroke engines. RedMax hi--performance
2--stroke engines produce higher HP
outputs as compared to standard home
owner duty or light commercial duty
production engines offered by most
manufacturers.
SExhaust emission are controlled by the
fundamental engine parameters and com-
ponents (eg. carburation, ignition timing
and port timing) without addition of any
major hardware or the introduction of an
inert material during combustion.
SThe RedMax engines are registered and cer-
tified with CARB (California Air Resources
Board) and EPA (Environmental Protection
Agency) to operate on clean, mid--grade
89 octane or premium, unleaded (lead--free)
gasoline and RedMax air--cooled “Max Life”
synthetic blend premium 2--stroke engine oil
mixed at 50:1 ratio.
SUnleaded gasoline is recommended to re-
duce the contamination of the air for the
sake of your health and the environment.
SThis hi--performance air cooled 2--stroke
engine requires the use of minimum 89
octane [R+M]/2 (mid--grade or premium)
clean gasoline. Gasoline may contain a
maximum of 10% Ethanol (grain alcohol)
or up to 15% MTBE (Methyl tertiary--butyl
ether). Gasoline containing Methanol
(Wood Alcohol) is NOT approved.
SNOTE: If the octane rating of the
mid-grade gasoline in your area is lower
than 89 octane use premium unleaded
gasoline. The majority of all 2--stroke
engine manufacturers in the USA and
Canada recommend using gasoline with
89 octane or higher.
SPoor quality gasolines or oils may dam-
age sealing rings, fuel lines or fuel tank
of the engine.
SNOTE: Failures caused by operating
engines on gasoline with octane rating
lower than 89 are not covered by the
RedMax 2--stroke engine warranty.
Oil requirements
SUse only RedMax “Max Life” synthetic
blend premium air--cooled 2--stroke en-
gine oil or oil certified to ISO--L--EGD
(ISO/CD 1378) standard and one that is
JASO--FD registered. RedMax air--cooled
“Max Life” synthetic blend premium
2--stroke engine oil and ISO--L--EGD
(ISO/CD 1378) AND JASO--FD oils are
fully compatible with gasoline’s containing
10% Ethanol. RedMax air--cooled “Max
Life” synthetic blend premium 2--stroke
engine oil and ISO--L--EGD (ISO/CD
1378) AND JASO--FD oils are universal
and should be mixed at 50:1 ratio for all
2--stroke air cooled engines sold in the
past regardless of mixing ratios specified
in those manuals.
WARNING: Gasoline with an
octane rating lower than 89 will
greatly increase the engines oper-
ating temperature. Low octane
gasoline will cause detonation
(knock) resulting in piston seizures
and major internal engine compo-
nents damage.
WARNING: Alternative fuels
(not gasoline) such as E--15 (15%
ethanol), E--20 (20% ethanol), E--85
(85% ethanol) are NOT classified
as gasoline and are NOT approved
for use in RedMax 2--stroke gaso-
line engines. Use of alternative
fuels will cause major engine per-
formance and durability problems
such as: improper clutch engage-
ments, overheating, vapor lock,
power loss, lubrication deficiency,
deterioration of fuel lines, gaskets
and internal carburetor compo-
nents, etc. Alternative fuels cause
high moisture absorption into the
fuel/oil mixture leading to oil and
fuel separation.

English --- 17
115391326 Rev. 3 1/31/11
FUEL HANDLING
SEngine problems due to inadequate
lubrication caused by failure to use ISO--
L--EGD certified and JASO FD registered
oil such as RedMax air--cooled “MaxLife”
synthetic blend premium 2--stroke oil
WILL VOID THE REDMAX TWO-
STROKE ENGINE WARRANTY.
IMPORTANT: GASOLINE/OIL
MIXTURE RECOMMENDATIONS
Store your gasoline or gasoline/oil mix-
ture in a cool, dry area in a tightly sealed
approved container to limit the entry of
moisture and additional air (oxygen).
Moisture and air cause the development
of varnish and gum, making the fuel
stale. Stored gasoline and gasoline/oil
mixture ages and loses its octane rating
and volatility. Do not mix more gasoline/
oil than you intend to use in 30 days,
and 60 days when fuel stabilizer is add-
ed. RedMax air--cooled “Max Life” syn-
thetic blend premium 2--stroke engine oil
contains fuel stabilizer and will automat-
ically extend your gasoline/oil mixture
life up to 60 days.
Chain oil
SWe recommend the use of special oil
(chain oil) with good adhesion character-
istics.
SNever use waste oil. This results in dam-
age to the oil pump, the bar and the chain.
SIt is important to use oil of the right grade
(suitable viscosity range) to suit the air
temperature.
SIn temperatures below 32°F(0°C) some
oils become too viscous. This can over-
load the oil pump and result in damage to
the oil pump components.
SContact your servicing dealer when
choosing chain oil.
SIf the oil is registered with JASO, the
JASO Logo with FD and registration
number will be displayed on the contain-
er. The highest JASO rating is “FD”,
which equals the ISO--L--EGD rating.
Lower ratings are “FC”, “FB”, and “FA”.
WARNING: Do not use NMMA
(National Marine Manufacturers As-
sociation), BIA (Boating Industry As-
sociation), and TCW (two-- cycle wa-
ter cooled) oils designed for mopeds
or outboard, water cooled marine
engines. Do not use API (American
Petroleum Institute), TC (2--cycle) la-
beled oils. The API--TC test standard
has been discontinued by API in
1995 and it no longer exists.
How to mix fuel
Recommended mixing ratio:
Gasoline 50 : Oil 1
(when using RedMax air--cooled
“Max Life” synthetic blend premium
2--stroke engine oil)
WARNING: Pay attention to
agitation.
50:1 MIXING CHART
1. Measure out the quantities of gasoline and
oil to be mixed.
2. Put some of the gasoline into a clean, ap-
proved fuel container.
3. Pour in all of the oil and agitate well for 10
seconds.
4. Pour in the rest of gasoline and agitate again
for at least one minute. As some oils may be
difficult to agitate depending on oil ingredi-
ents, sufficient agitation is necessary. Be
careful that, if the agitation is insufficient,
there is an increased danger of early piston
seizure due to abnormally lean mixture.
5. Place a clear indication on the outside of the
container to avoid mixing up with gasoline or
other containers that don’t contain oil.
6. Indicate the contents on outside of con-
tainer for easy identification.
GASOLINE (liter) 1 2 3 4 5
2-CYCLE OIL (mL) 20 40 60 80 100
GASOLINE (gal.) 1 2 3 4 5
2-CYCLE OIL (fl.oz.) 2.6 5.2 7.8 10.4 13

English --- 18
115391326 Rev. 3 1/31/11
FUEL HANDLING
Transport and storage
SAlways store the chain saw and fuel so
that there is no risk of leakages or fumes
coming into contact with sparks or naked
flames from electrical equipment, electric
motors, relays/switches, boilers and the
like.
SAlways store fuel in an approved con-
tainer designed for that purpose.
SFor longer periods of storage or for
transport of the chain saw, the fuel and
chain oil tanks should be emptied. Ask
where you can dispose of waste fuel and
chain oil at your local gas station.
SEnsure the machine is cleaned and that
a complete service is carried out before
long--term storage.
SThe bar guard must always be fitted to
the cutting attachment when the machine
is being transported or in storage in
order to prevent accident contact with
the sharp chain. Even a non--moving
chain can cause serious cuts to yourself
or persons you bump into with an ex-
posed chain.
Long--term storage
Empty the fuel/oil tanks in a well ventilated
area. Store the fuel in approved cans in a
safe place. Fit the bar guard. Clean the
machine. See instructions under the head-
ing Maintenance schedule.
WARNING: Never use a ma-
chine with visible damage to the
spark plug guard and ignition
cable. A risk of sparking arises,
which can cause a fire.
Fueling
Clean the area around the fuel cap. Clean
the fuel and chain oil tanks regularly. The fuel
filter must be replaced at least once a year.
Contamination in the tanks causes malfunc-
tion. Make sure the fuel is well mixed by
shaking the container before refuelling. The
capacities of the chain oil tank and fuel tank
are carefully matched. You should therefore
always fill the chain oil tank and fuel tank at
thesametime.
WARNING! Taking the following
precautions will lessen the risk of
fire:
Do not smoke and do not place any
hot objects in the vicinity of fuel.
Always stop the engine and let it
cool for a few minutes before re-
fueling.
When refueling, open the fuel cap
slowly so that any excess pressure
is released gently.
Tighten the fuel cap carefully after
refueling.
Always move the machine away from
the refueling area before starting.
Fuel safety
SNever refuel the machine while the engine is
running.
SMake sure there is plenty of ventilation when
refueling or mixing fuel (gasoline and
2--stroke oil).
SMove the machine at least 10 feet (3 meters)
from the refueling point before starting it.
SNever start the machine:
SIf you have spilled fuel or chain oil on
the machine. Wipe off the spillage and
allow remaining fuel to evaporate.
SIf you have spilled fuel on yourself or
your clothes, change your clothes.
Wash any part of your body that has
come in contact with fuel. Use soap
and water.
SIf the machine is leaking fuel. Check
regularly for leaks from the fuel cap
and fuel lines.
WARNING: Fuel and fuel vapors
are highly flammable. Take care
when handling fuel and chain oil.
Be aware of the risks of fire, explo-
sion and those associated with
inhalation.
To extend engine life, avoid:
1. FUEL WITH NO OIL (RAW GASOLINE) --
It will cause severe damage to the internal
engine parts very quickly.
2. GASOHOL -- It can cause deterioration of
rubber and/or plastic parts and disruption of
engine lubrication.
3. OIL FOR 4--CYCLE ENGINE USE -- It can
cause spark plug fouling, exhaust port
blocking, or piston ring seizure.
4. Mixed fuels which have been left unused
for a period of one month or more may
clog the carburetor and result in the engine
failing to operate properly.
5. In the case of storing the product for a long
period of time, clean the fuel tank after ren-
dering it empty. Next, Start the engine and
run the carburetor dry residual fuel.
6. In the case of scrapping the used mixed oil
container, scrap it only at an authorized
depository site.

English --- 19
115391326 Rev. 3 1/31/11
STARTING AND STOPPING
Warm engine
Use the same procedure as for starting a
cold engine but without setting the choke
control in the choke position. Set the
throttle to the start position by pulling out
the blue choke control to the choke position
and then pushing it in again. (24)
SNever start a chain saw unless the bar,
chain and all covers are fitted correctly.
See instructions under the heading Assem-
bly. Without a bar and chain attached to the
chain saw the clutch can come loose and
cause serious injury. (28)
SThe chain brake should be activated when
starting. See instructions under the heading
Start and stop. Do not drop start. This
method is very dangerous because you
may lose control of the saw. (29)
SNever start the machine indoors. Exhaust
fumes can be dangerous if inhaled.
SObserve your surroundings and make sure
that there is no risk of people or animals
coming into contact with the cutting equip-
ment.
SAlways hold the saw with both hands. The
right hand should be on the rear handle,
and the left hand on the front handle. All
people, whether right or left handed, should
use this grip. Use a firm grip with thumbs
and fingers encircling the chain saw han-
dles. (30)
Stopping
SStop the engine by pressing down the stop
button. (31)
Cold engine
Starting: The chain brake should be acti-
vated when starting the chain saw. Activate
the chain brake by pushing the front hand
guard forwards. (20)
1. Air purge: Press the air purge repeatedly
until fuel begins to fill the bulb. The bulb need
not be completely filled. (23)
2. Choke: Pull the blue choke/fast idle lever
out to the full extent (to the FULL CHOKE
position). When the choke/fast idle lever is
pulled out to the full extent, the correct
throttle setting is set automatically. (21)
Start throttle: The correct choke/start
throttle setting is obtained by moving the
control to the choke position. (22)
Starting
Grip the front handle with your left hand.
Hold the chain saw on the ground by plac-
ing your right foot through the rear handle.
3. Pull the starter handle with your right
hand and pull out the starter cord slowly
until you feel a resistance (as the starter
pawls engage) then pull firmly and rapidly.
Never wrap the starter cord around
your hand.(25)
CAUTION! Do not pull the starter cord all
the way out and do not let go of the starter
handle when the cord is fully extended.
This can damage the machine.
WARNING: Note the following
before starting:
The chain brake must be engaged
when the chain saw is started to re-
duce the chance of contact with the
moving chain during starting.
Never start a chain saw unless the
bar, chain and all covers are fitted
correctly. Otherwise the clutch can
come loose and cause personal inju-
ries.
Place the machine on firm ground.
Make sure you have a secure footing
and that the chain cannot touch any-
thing.
Keep people and animals well away
from the working area.
Starting and stopping Note! Reacti
v
ate the chain brake by pull-
ing the front hand guard back (marked
“PULL BACK TO RESET”) towards the
front handle. (27) The chain saw is now
ready for use.
WARNING: Long term inhala-
tion of the engine’s exhaust fumes,
chain oil mist and dust from saw-
dust can represent a health risk.
4. Push in the choke control to the “1/2
choke” setting as soon as the engine fires
which can be heard through a “puff” sound.
(21)
5. Keep on pulling the cord powerfully
until the engine starts. Allow engine to
warm for thirty seconds, then squeeze
throttle trigger to set normal idle. (26)
As the chain brake is still engaged the
speed of the engine must be set to idling
as soon as possible, this is achieved by
quickly pressing the throttle trigger once.
This prevents unnecessary wear to the
clutch, clutch drum and brake band.

English --- 20
115391326 Rev. 3 1/31/11
WORKING TECHNIQUES
General working instructions
IMPORTANT!
This section describes basic safety rules for
using a chain saw. This information is never
a substitute for professional skills and experi-
ence. If you get into a situation where you
feel unsafe, stop and seek expert advice.
Contact your chain saw dealer, servicing
dealer or an experienced chain saw user. Do
not attempt any task that you are not sure
you can handle!
Before using a chain saw you must under-
stand the effects of kickback and how to
avoid them. See instructions under the head-
ing How to avoid kickback.
Before using a chain saw you must under-
stand the difference between cutting with the
top and bottom edges of the bar. See in-
structions under the headings How to avoid
kickback and Machine’s safety equipment.
Wear personal protective equipment. See
instructions under the heading Personal pro-
tective equipment.
Basic safety rules
1. Look around you:
STo ensure that people, animals or
other things cannot affect your con-
trol of the machine.
STo make sure that none of the above
might come within reach of your saw
or be injured by falling trees.
CAUTION! Follow the instructions above,
but do not use a chain saw in a situation
where you cannot call for help in case of
an accident.
2. Do not use the machine in bad weather,
such as dense fog, heavy rain, strong
wind, intense cold, etc. Working in bad
weather is tiring and often brings added
risks, such as icy ground, unpredictable
felling direction, etc.
Before use: (32)
1. Check that the chain brake works correct-
ly and is not damaged.
2. Check that the rear right hand guard is not
damaged.
3. Check that the throttle lockout works cor-
rectly and is not damaged.
4. Check that the stop switch works correctly
and is not damaged.
5. Check that all handles are free from oil.
6. Check that the anti vibration system works
and is not damaged.
7. Check that the muffler is securely at-
tached and not damaged.
8. Check that all parts of the chain saw are
tightened correctly and that they are not
damaged or missing.
9. Check that the chain catcher is in place
and not damaged.
10. Check the chain tension.
3. Take great care when removing small
branches and avoid cutting bushes (i.e.
cutting many small branches at the
same time). Small branches can be
grabbed by the chain and thrown back
at you, causing serious injury.
4. Make sure you can move and stand
safely. Check the area around you for
possible obstacles (roots, rocks,
branches, ditches, etc.) in case you
have to move suddenly. Take great care
when working on sloping ground.
5. Take great care when cutting a tree that
is under tension. A tree that is under ten-
sion may spring back to its normal posi-
tion before or after being cut. If you posi-
tion yourself incorrectly or make the cut
in the wrong place the tree may hit you
or the machine and cause you to lose
control. Both situations can cause seri-
ous personal injury.
6. Before moving your chain saw switch off
the engine and lock the chain using the
chain brake. Carry the chain saw with
the bar and chain pointing backwards.
Fit a guard to the bar before transporting
the chain saw or carrying it for any dis-
tance.
7. When you put the chain saw on the
ground, lock the saw chain using the
chain brake and ensure you have a
constant view of the machine. Switch the
engine off before leaving your chain saw
for any length of time.
General rules
1. If you understand what kickback is and
how it happens then you can reduce or
eliminate the element of surprise. By
being prepared you reduce the risk.
Kickback is usually quite mild, but it
can sometimes be very sudden and
violent.
2. Always hold the chain saw firmly with
your right hand on the rear handle and
your left hand on the front handle.
Wrap your fingers and thumbs around
the handles. You should use this grip
whether you are right--handed or left--
handed. This grip minimizes the effect
of kickback and lets you keep the
chain saw under control. Do not let go
of the handles!
3. Most kickback accidents happen during
limbing. Make sure you are standing
firmly and that there is nothing in the
way that might make you trip or lose
your balance.
Lack of concentration can lead to kick-
back if the kickback zone of the bar ac-
cidentally touches a branch, nearby tree
or some other object.
Have control over the workpiece. If the
pieces you intend to cut are small and
light, they can jam in the saw chain and
be thrown towards you. This is not nec-
essarily dangerous in itself, but you may