RedMax PSZ2500 Owner's manual

OWNER/OPERATOR MANUAL
POLE SAW
T3073-93110 (004)
PSZ2500

The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
Before using our machine, please
read this manual carefully to
understand the proper use of your
unit.
WARNING
DRIVE UNIT 000000 and up CUTTING UNIT 000000 and up ENGINE UNIT 000479 and up
APPLICABLE SERIAL NUMBERS :

SAFETY FIRST
Instructions contained in warnings within this
manual marked with a symbol concern
critical points which must be taken into
consideration to prevent possible serious
bodily injury, and for this reason you are
requested to read all such instructions
carefully and follow them without fail.
■WARNINGS IN THE MANUAL
This mark indicates instructions which must be
followed in order to prevent accidents which could
lead to serious bodily injury or death.
This mark indicates instructions which must be
followed, or it leads to mechanical failure,
breakdown, or damage.
This mark indicates hints or directions useful in the
use of the product.
NOTE
IMPORTANT
WARNING
CONTENTS
1. Parts location …………………………………4
2. Specifications …………………………………4
3. Warning labels on the machine ……………5
4. Symbols on the machine ……………………6
5. For safe operation ……………………………7
6. Set up…………………………………………15
7. Fuel and chain oil……………………………18
8. Operation ……………………………………20
9. Maintenance …………………………………23
10. Storage ………………………………………29
11. Troubleshooting guide………………………30
12. Parts list………………………………………31

2. Specifications
■PSZ2500
Overall size(LxWxH)························································ 83.9(2130)x9.8(250)x12.2(310) in(mm)
Dry weight w/o bar and chain············································································ 11.1(5.05) lbs(kg)
Engine Type ········································································· Air-cooled 2-stroke gasoline
Model ··························································································· Zenoah GZ25N
Displacement··········································································· 1.6cu-in (25.4cm3)
Max. output······················································· 1.2Hp (0.9kW)at 7500/min-1(rpm)
Idle speed ············································································ 3000±200/min-1(rpm)
Fuel··········································································· Mixture(Gasoline 50 : Oil 1)
Carburetor······································································· Walbro Diaphragm type
Spark plug ······················································································· NGK CMR7A
Durability period························································································ 300 hrs
Fuel tank capacity······························································································ 22.0 fl.oz (0.65)
Transmission··········································································· Centrifugal clutch, Rigid driveshaft
Reduction ratio ······················································································································· 0.94
Cutting head Guide bar : Type······································· OREGON DOUBLE GUARD 109666
: Size·········································································· 12(300) in(mm)
Saw chain : Type································································· OREGON 90SG44X
: pitch x guage······································ 3/8x0.042(9.53x1.07) in(mm)
Sprocket············································································································ 7T
Oil pump ··························································································· Plunger type
Standard Accessories
Shoulder strap······························································································· 1 pc.
Goggle··········································································································· 1 pc.
Tool kit··········································································································· 1 pc.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
1. Parts location
1. Grip
2. Shoulder strap hanger
3. Ignition switch
4. Throttle cable
5. Throttle lever
6. Throttle set button
7. Drive shaft housing
8. Gear case
9. Chain cover
❲ 4 ❳
10. Saw chain
11. Guide bar
12. Spark arrester
13. Starter knob
14. Fuel tank
15. Primer pump
16. Choke lever
17. Air cleaner cover

(1) Read owner's manual before operating
this machine.
(2) Wear head, eye and ear protection.
(3) Handling this machine improperly could
result in accidents causing serious
injury or death. Read this manual
carefully and practice using the machine
until you are fully acquainted with all
operations and have learned to use it
correctly.
(4)Keep all children, bystanders and
helpers 15 meters away from the
machine.
If warning label peel off or become soiled and
impossible to read, you should contact the
dealer from which you purchased the product
to order new labels and affix them in the
required location(s).
Never modify your machine.
We won't warrant the machine, if you use
the remodeled machine or you don't
observe the proper usage written in the
manual.
WARNING
IMPORTANT
(1) Lire le mode d’emploi avant d’utiliser
cette machine.
(2)Porter un casque de sécurité, des
lunettes de sécurité et un casque
antibruit.
(3)Lorsque cet l'appareil est utilisé
incorrectement, des accidents peuvent
entraîner des blessures graves ou
mortelles. Lire attentivement ce mode
d'emploi et s'entraîner avec le machine
pour se familiariser avec toutes les
fonctions afin de l'utiliser correctement.
(4)Interdire aux enfants ou à toute
personne de s’approcher dans un rayon
de 15 mètres de la débroussailleuse.
Si les étiquettes d’avertissement se décollent,
deviennent sales ou impossible à lire,
commander de nouvelles étiquettes auprès du
revendeur pour les remplacer.
Ne pas modifier la machine.
La garantie sera annulée si la machine a été
modifiée ou utilisée de manière non
conforme aux instructions de ce mode
d’emploi.
AVERTISSEMENT
IMPORTANT
3. Warning labels on the machine
❲ 5 ❳

❲ 6 ❳
For safe operation and maintenance, symbols are
carved in relief on the machine. According to these
indications, please be careful not to take a mistake.
(a)The port to refuel the "MIX GASOLINE"
Position: FUEL TANK CAP
(b)The direction to close the choke
Position: AIR CLEANER COVER
(c) The direction to open the choke
Position: AIR CLEANER COVER
(d)If you turn the rod by screwdriver follow the
arrow to the “MAX” position, the chain oil flow
more, and if you turn to the “MIN” position, less.
Position: Bottom of the GEAR CASE
4. Symbols on the machine
THIS ENGINE MEETS U.S.EPA PH1 AND 2000
AND LATER CALIFORNIA EMISSION REGULA-
TIONS FOR SMALL OFF-ROAD ENGINESWITH AN
EMISSION DURABILITY PERIOD OF 300 HOURS.
ENGINE FAMILY : XKZXS.0254QR
ENGINE DISPLACEMENT : 25.4cc
REFERTO OWNER’S MANUAL FOR MAINTE-
NANCE SPECIFICATIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS.
IMPORTANT ENGINE INFORMATION
Ce moteur est conformc aux normcs U.S.
EPA PH1 et 2000 ainsi qu’aux autres dispositions
ultérieures de la réglementation concernant la pollution
de l’air pour les petits moteurs tout-terrain avec une
période de durabilité opour les émissions de 300 heures.
Type de moteur : XKZXS.0254QR
Cylindrée du moteur : 25,4cc
Se référer au Manuel de l’utilisateur pour les
spécifications d’entretien et les réglages.
INFORMATION IMPORTANTE
CONCERNANT LE MOTEUR

❲ 7 ❳
5. For safe operation
1. Read this manual carefully until you
completely understand and follow all safety
and operating instructions.
2. Keep this manual handy so that you may refer
to it later whenever any questions arise. Also
note, if you have any questions which cannot
be answered herein, contact the dealer from
whom you purchased the product.
3. Always be sure to include this manual when
selling, lending, or otherwise transferring the
ownership of this product.
4. Never allow children or anyone unable to fully
understand the directions given in the manual
to use the machine.
■WORKING CONDITION
1. When using the product, you should wear proper
clothing and protective equipment.
(1)Helmet
(2)Ear protectors
(3)Protection goggles or face protector
(4)Thick work gloves
(5)Non-slip-sole work boots
2. And you should carry with you.
(1)Attached tools and files
(2)Properly reserved fuel
(3)Spare guide bar and saw chain
(4)Things to notify your working area (rope,
warning signs)
(5)Whistle (for collaboration or emergency)
(6)Hatchet or saw (for removal of obstacles)
3. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short
trousers, sandals, or go barefoot. Do not wear
anything which might be caught by a moving
part of the unit. Secure hair so it is above
shoulder length.
■WORKING CIRCUMSTANCE
1. Never start the engine inside a closed room or
building. Exhaust gases contain dangerous
carbon monoxide.
2. Never use the product,
a. when the ground is slippery or when you can’t
maintain a steady posture.

❲ 8 ❳
b. At night, at times of heavy fog, or at any other
times when your field of vision might be
limited and it would be difficult to gain a clear
view of the working area.
c. During rain storms, during lightning storms, at
times of strong or gale-force winds, or at any
other times when weather conditions might
make it unsafe to use the product.
■WORKING PLAN
1. You should never use the product when under
the influence of alcohol, when suffering from
exhaustion or lack of sleep, when suffering from
drowsiness as a result of having taken cold
medicine or at any other time when a possibility
exists that your judgment might be impaired or
that you might not be able to operate the product
properly and in a safe manner.
2. When planning your work schedule, allow plenty
of time to rest. Limit the amount of time over
which the product is to be used continuously to
somewhere around 30~40 minutes per session,
and take 10~20 minutes of rest between work
sessions. Also try to keep the total amount of
work performed in a single day under 2 hours or
less.
1. If you don’t observe the working time, or
working manner (See ■USING THE
PRODUCT), Repetitive Stress Injury(RSI)
could occur.
If you feel discomfort, redness and swelling
of your fingers or any other part of your
body, see a doctor before getting worse.
2. To avoid noise complaints, in general,
operate product between 8a.m. and 5p.m. on
weekdays and 9a.m. to 5p.m. weekends.
Check and follow the local regulations as to sound
level and hours of operations for the product.
NOTE
WARNING
5. For safe operation

■BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Make sure there is always good ventilation when
operating the pruner. Fumes from engine
exhaust can cause serious injury or death.
Never run the engine indoors!
2. The area within a perimeter of 50 feet (15m) of
the person using the product should be
considered a hazardous area into which no one
should enter. If necessary yellow warning rope,
warning signs should be placed around the
perimeter of the area. When work is to be
performed simultaneously by two or more
persons, care should also be taken to constantly
look around or otherwise check for the presence
and locations of other people working so as to
maintain a distance between each person
sufficient to ensure safety.
3. Check the condition of working area to avoid any
accident by hitting hidden obstacles such as
stumps, stones, cans, or broken grass.
Remove any obstacle before beginning work.
4. Inspect the entire unit for loose fasteners and
fuel leakage. Make sure that the cutting
attachment is properly installed and securely
fastened.
5. Always use the shoulder strap. Adjust the strap
for comfort before starting the engine. The strap
should be adjusted to fit your body according as
your working posture.
■STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Keep bystanders and animals at least 50feet
(15m) away from the operating point. If you are
approached, immediately stop the engine.
2. The product is equipped with a centrifugal clutch
mechanism, so the cutting attachment begins to
rotate as soon as the engine is started by putting
the throttle into the start position. When starting
the engine, place the product onto the ground in
a flat clear area and hold it firmly in place so as
to ensure that neither the cutting part nor the
throttle come into contact with any obstacle
when the engine starts.
IMPORTANT
5. For safe operation
❲ 9 ❳

❲ 10 ❳
Never place the throttle into the high speed
position when starting the engine.
3. After starting the engine, check to make sure
that the cutting attachment stops rotating when
the throttle is moved fully back to its original
position. If it continues to rotate even after the
throttle has been moved fully back, turn off the
engine and take the unit to your authorized Red
Max servicing dealer for repair.
■USING THE PRODUCT
Cut only materials recommended by the
manufacturer. And use only for tasks explained
in the manual.
1. Grip the handles firmly with both hands using
your whole hand. Place your feet slightly apart
(slightly further apart than the width of your
shoulders) so that your weight is distributed
evenly across both legs, and always be sure to
maintain a steady, even posture while working.
2. Maintain the speed of the engine at the level
required to perform cutting work, and never raise
the speed of the engine above the level
necessary.
3. Never operate the pruner at an angle greater
than 60° in order to reduce the risk of being
struck by falling objects during operation.
4. If the unit start to shake or vibrate, turn off the
engine and check the whole unit. Do not use it
until the trouble has been properly corrected.
5. Keep all parts of your body away from rotating
cutting attachment and hot surfaces.
6. Never touch the muffler, spark plug, or other
metallic parts of the engine while the engine is in
operation or immediately after shutting down the
engine. Doing so could result in serious burns or
electrical shock.
IMPORTANT
WARNING
5. For safe operation

• IF SOMEONE COMES
1. Guard against hazardous situations at all times.
Warn adults to keep pets and children away
from the area. Be careful if you are approached.
Injury may result from flying debris.
2. If someone calls out or otherwise interrupts you
while working, always be sure to turn off the
engine before turning around.
■MAINTENANCE
1. In order to maintain your product in proper
working order, perform the maintenance and
checking operations described in the manual at
regular intervals.
2. Always be sure to turn off the engine before
performing any maintenance or checking
procedures.
The metallic parts reach high temperatures
immediately after stopping the engine.
3. When replacing any part, or when replacing the
oil or any lubricant, always be sure to use only
RedMax products or products which have
been certified by RedMax for use with the
RedMax product.
4. In the event that any part must be replaced or
any maintenance or repair work not described in
this manual must be performed, please contact a
representative from the store nearest RedMax
authorized servicing dealer for assistance.
5. Do not use any accessory or attachment other
than those bearing the RedMax mark and
recommended for the unit.
6. Under no circumstances should you ever take
apart the product or alter it in any way. Doing so
might result in the product becoming damaged
during operation or the product becoming unable
to operate properly.
WARNING
5. For safe operation
❲ 11 ❳

❲ 12 ❳
5. For safe operation
■HANDLING FUEL
1. The engine of the RedMax product is designed
to run on a mixed fuel which contains highly
flammable gasoline. Never store cans of fuel or
refill the tank of the unit in any place where there
is a boiler, stove, wood fire, electrical sparks,
welding sparks, or any other source of heat or
fire which might ignite the fuel.
2. Never smoke while operating the unit or refilling
its fuel tank.
3. When refilling the tank, always turn off the
engine and allow it to cool down. Take a careful
look around to make sure that there are no
sparks or open flames anywhere nearby before
refueling.
4. Wipe spilled fuel completely using a dry rag if
any fuel spillage occurs during refueling.
5. After refueling, screw the fuel cap back tightly
onto the fuel tank and then carry the unit to a
spot 10 feet (3 m) or more away from where it
was refueled before turning on the engine.
■TRANSPORTATION
1. Never transport the pruner nor set it down with
the engine running. An engine that's running
could be accidently accelerated causing the
chain to rotate.
2. Make sure the scabbard is in place when
transporting the pruner.
3. When carrying by hand, the chain should be
pointing backward.
4. Never transport the product over rough roads
over long distances by vehicle without removing
all fuel from the fuel tank. If doing so, fuel might
leak from the tank during transport.

■KICKBACK AND PINCHING SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
Beware of kickback!
Kickback can occur whenever the tip of the guide
bar touches an object while the saw is operating.
Kickback may force the bar up and back toward the
operator with lightning-like speed!
Beware of pinching.
Pinching the saw along the tip of the guide bar may
force the bar back rapidly toward the operator.
Pinching can occur whenever wood closes in
around the moving chain.
Both kickback and pinching may cause you to lose
control of the pole pruner which could result in
serious personal injury. Do not rely exclusively
on the safety device built into the pruner! You
must take several steps to keep your jobs free from
accident or injury:
1. Understand kickback and pinching! You can
reduce or eliminate the element of surprise.
Sudden surprises contributes to accidents.
2. Keep a firm grip on the pole pruner with both
hands whenever the engine is running. A firm
grip will help you reduce the affects of kickback
and pinching as well as maintain control of the
machine.
3. Make sure the area in which you are cutting is
free from obstructions. Do not let the nose of the
guide bar contact a log, branch, or any other
obstructions which could be hit while you
operation the pole pruner.
4. Cut at high engine speeds.
5. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for
sharpening and maintaining the chain.
6. Use only the replacement bar and chain or
equivalent as specified by the manufacturer.
WARNING
5. For safe operation
❲ 13 ❳

• Make sure the chain and sprocket are correctly
adjusted before operating the pruner (see page
16,17 for adjustment procedures). Never attempt
chain adjustment with the engine running!
• Always make sure the cutting attachment is
properly installed and firmly tightened before
operation.
• Never use a cracked or warped guide bar:
replace it with a serviceable one and make sure
it fits properly.
• If a saw blade should bind fast in a cut, shut off
the engine immediately. Push the branch or tree
to ease the bind and free the blade.
• Do not operate the pole pruner with the muffler
removed.
• When cutting a limb that is under tension, be
alert for springback so that you will not be struck
by the moving limb.
• Always stop the engine immediately and check
for damage if you strike a foreign object or if the
machine becomes tangled. Do not operate with
broken or damaged equipment.
• Do not make unauthorized modifications or
substitutions to the guide bar or chain.
• Never allow the engine to run at high RPM
without a load. Doing so could damage the
engine.
• Keep the pruner as clean as possible. Keep it
free of loose vegetation, mud, etc.
IMPORTANT
WARNING
5. For safe operation
❲ 14 ❳

■MOUNTING ENGINE (SE1)
1. Push the driveshaft housing toward the clutch
housing and rotate it by hand to check that the
driveshaft is engaged with the gears.
2. Insert the driveshaft housing into the clutch
housing until it bottoms, and align the positioning
holes on the clutch housing and the shaft tube
and install the screw. When difficult to engage,
twist the engine slightly.
3. Fasten the clamp securely with two screws.
Tighten the screws gradually by turns.
■CONNECTING THROTTLE WIRE
1. Remove the air cleaner cover.
2. Connect the end of the throttle wire to the joint
on the top of the carburetor. (SE2)
■CONNECTING SWITCH WIRES
• Connect the switch wires between the engine
and the main unit. Pair the wires of the same
color.
■ ATTACHING THE PRUNING MECHANISM (SE3)
1. Remove the cap on the end of the main pipe.
2. Remove the screw screwed into the end of the
gear case.
3. Insert the end of the gear case into the main
pipe.
4. Line up the hole on the end of the gear case into
which the screw is to be inserted with the hole
on the main pipe, and screw the screw firmly in.
5. Using a wrench, screw in the bolt provided to fix
the mechanism into place.
(1)Main pipe
(2)Gear case
(3)Screw hole
(4)Fastening bolt
(5)Bolt
IMPORTANT
6. Set up
❲ 15 ❳
SE1
SE2
(1) (2)
(3) (4)
(5)
SE3

6. Set up
❲ 16 ❳
A standard package contains the items as shown
below. (SE4)
(1)Guide bar
(2)Saw chain
(3)Gase case
(4)Sprocket
(5)Chain tension adjust screw
(6)Nut
(7)Chain tensioner nut
(8)Chain cover
Install the guide bar and the saw chain on the gear
case as follows.
The saw chain has very sharp edges. Use
protective gloves for safety.
1. Loosen a nut and remove the chain cover.
2. Mount the guide bar then fit the saw chain
around the bar and sprocket.(SE5)
Pay attention to the correct direction of the saw
chain
3. Fit the chain tensioner nut into the lower hole of
the guide bar, then install the chain cover, and
fasten the mounting nut to finger tightness.
(SE5)(SE6)
(1)Hole
(2)Moving direction
(3)Chain tensioner nut
4. Adjust the chain tension by turning the tensioner
screw until the tie straps just touch the bottom
side of the bar rail. (SE7)
(1)Chain tension adjusting screw
(a)Loosen
(b)Tighten
WARNING
WARNING
SE4
SE5
SE6
SE7

6. Set up
❲ 17 ❳
5. Tighten the mounting nut securely with the
bar tip held up (SE8)(TORQUE: 8.9~11.7
N.m./90~120 kg-cm). Then check the
chain for smooth rotation and correct
tension while moving it by hand. If
necessary, readjustment.
(1)Tighten
It is very important to maintain the proper
chain tension. Rapid wear of the guide
bar or the chain coming off easily can be
caused by improper tension. Especially
when using a new chain, take good care
of it since it should expand when first
used.
■BALANCE UNIT
1. Put on strap and attach unit to strap.
2. Depending on the working posture, slide
clamp up or down until unit balances and
the strap fits your body.
WARNING
SE8

• 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
3m(10ft) away from the fueling point before
starting the engine.
• The RedMax engines are lubricated by oil
specially formulated for air-cooled 2-cycle
gasoline engine use. If RedMax oil is not
available, use an anti-oxidant added quality oil
expressly labeled for air-cooled 2-cycle engine
use. (JASO FC GRADE OIL or ISO EGC
GRADE)
RECOMMENDED MIXING RATIO
GASOLINE 50:OIL 1
• Exhaust emission are controlled by the
fundamental engine parameters and
components(eq., carburation, ignition timing
and port timing) without addition of any
major hardware or the introduction of an
inert material during combustion.
• These engines are certified to operate on
unleaded gasoline.
• Make sure to use gasoline with a minimum
octane number of 90 ROZ(USA/Canada : pump
octane min.87)
• Unleaded gasoline is recommended to reduce
the contamination of the air for the sake of your
health and the environment.
• Poor quality gasolines or oils may damage
sealing rings, fuel lines or fuel tank of the
engine.
■HOW TO MIX FUEL
1. Measure out the quantities of gasoline and oil to
be mixed.
2. Put some of the gasoline into a clean, approved
fuel container.
3. Pour in all of the oil and agitate well.
4. Pour in the rest of gasoline and agitate again for
at least one minute.
5. Put a clear indication on the outside of the
WARNING
❲ 18 ❳
50:1 MIXING CHART
GASOLINE gal. 1 2 3 4 5
2-CYCLE OIL fl.oz 2.6 5.2 7.8 10.4 13
GASOLINE liter 1 2 3 4 5
2-CYCLE OIL ml 20 40 60 80 100
7. Fuel and chain oil

container to avoid mixing up with gasoline or
other containers.
6. Indicate the contents on outside of container for
easy identification.
■FUELING THE UNIT
1. Untwist and remove the fuel cap. Rest the cap
on a dustless place.
2. Put fuel into the fuel tank to 80% of the full
capacity.
3. Fasten the fuel cap securely and wipe up any
fuel spillage around the unit.
1. Select bare ground for fueling.
2. Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from the
fueling point before starting the engine.
3. Stop the engine before refueling the unit.
FOR YOUR 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 or WATER
COOLED 2-CYCLE ENGINE USE – It can
cause spark plug fouling, exhaust port blocking,
or piston ring sticking.
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.
■CHAIN OIL
Use motor oil SAE #10W-30 all year round or SAE
#30~#40 in summer and SAE #20 in winter.
Do not use wasted or regenerated oil that can
cause damage to the oil pump.
NOTE
WARNING
7. Fuel and chain oil
❲ 19 ❳

❲ 20 ❳
■STARTING ENGINE
The cutting head will start rotating upon the
engine starts.
1. Feed fuel and chain oil into their respective
tanks and tighten the caps securely. (OP1)
2. Rest the unit on a flat, firm place. Keep the
cutting head off the ground and clear of
surrounding objects as it will start rotating upon
starting of the engine.
3. Push the primer pump several times until
overflown fuel flows out in the clear tube. (OP2)
4. Move the choke lever to the closed position.
(OP3)
5. Set the ignition switch to the “start” position.
While pulling the throttle lever, push the set
button, and release the throttle, then the throttle
lever is in to the “start” position. (OP4)
6. While holding the unit firmly, pull out the starter
rope quickly until engine fires. (OP5)
(1) fuel (2) chain oil (3) choke lever (4) close
(5) open (6) ignition switch (7) start (8) stop
(9) throttle set button
• Avoid pulling the rope to its end or returning it by
releasing the knob. Such actions can cause
starter failures.
7. Move the choke lever downward to open the
choke. And restart engine. (OP3)
8. Allow the engine to warm up for a several
minutes before starting operation.
1. When restarting the engine immediately after
stopping it, leave the choke open.
2. Overchoking can make the engine hard to start
due to excess fuel. When the engine failed to
start after several attempts, open the choke and
repeat pulling the rope, or remove the spark plug
and dry it.
NOTE
IMPORTANT
WARNING
8. Operation
OP2
OP1
(3)
(4)
(5)
OP3
(6)
(9)
(7)
(8)
OP4
OP5