Benchmark 16" Cordless Chainsaw - 60 Volt User Manual

1. Important Safety Information

Always read and understand all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations, and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.

General Chainsaw Safety

• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and sturdy footwear.
• Keep all parts of the body away from the saw chain when the chainsaw is operating.
• Do not operate a chainsaw with one hand. Serious injury to the operator, bystanders, or both may result from one-handed operation.
• Always ensure a firm footing and operate the chainsaw only when standing on a fixed, secure, and level surface.
• Be aware of kickback. Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut.
• Never allow children or untrained persons to operate the chainsaw.

Battery Safety

• Use only the charger specified by the manufacturer to recharge. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.
• Do not use battery packs or tools that are damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior resulting in fire, explosion, or risk of injury.
• Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 130°C (265°F) may cause explosion.
• Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside of the temperature range specified in the instructions.

2. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present and in good condition upon opening the package:

• Benchmark 16" Cordless Chainsaw Unit
• 16" Oregon Cutting Bar
• Oregon Saw Chain
• 60V Li-ion 2.5Ah Battery Pack (with SAMSUNG 21700 cell technology)
• Battery Charger
• User Manual

3. Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the main components of your Benchmark 16" Cordless Chainsaw.

Figure 3.1: Overall view of the Benchmark 16" Cordless Chainsaw, highlighting its ergonomic design and 16-inch bar.

Figure 3.2: Top view of the chainsaw, showing the battery compartment area and controls.

Key components include the motor housing, front handle, rear handle, chain brake, guide bar, saw chain, oil reservoir cap, and battery compartment.

4. Setup

4.1 Battery Charging

Before first use, fully charge the 60V Li-ion battery pack. Connect the charger to a standard power outlet and insert the battery pack into the charger. The indicator light on the charger will show the charging status. Once fully charged, remove the battery from the charger.

4.2 Bar and Chain Installation

This chainsaw features tool-less chain tensioning for easy setup.

1. Ensure the battery pack is removed from the chainsaw.
2. Place the saw chain around the sprocket and guide bar. Ensure the cutting edges of the chain are facing the correct direction (refer to the arrow on the guide bar).
3. Align the guide bar over the mounting studs on the chainsaw body.
4. Engage the chain with the drive sprocket.
5. Secure the side cover and use the tool-less tensioning knob to adjust chain tension.

Figure 4.1: Close-up view of the 16-inch Oregon cutting bar and chain, illustrating the chain's position on the bar.

4.3 Chain Tensioning

Proper chain tension is crucial for safe and efficient operation. The chain should be snug against the guide bar, but still able to be pulled freely by hand. Adjust the tool-less tensioning knob until the chain is correctly tensioned. A new chain may stretch during initial use, requiring re-tensioning after the first few cuts.

4.4 Lubrication

This chainsaw features automatic lubrication. Before each use, check the oil reservoir level. Fill with appropriate bar and chain oil if necessary. Do not operate the chainsaw without sufficient lubrication, as this can cause damage to the bar and chain.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Starting the Chainsaw

1. Ensure the battery pack is fully charged and securely inserted into the battery compartment.
2. Place the chainsaw on a firm, flat surface.
3. Engage the chain brake by pushing the front hand guard forward until it clicks into place.
4. To start, disengage the chain brake by pulling the front hand guard back towards the handle.
5. Press the safety lock-off button (if present) and then squeeze the trigger switch to start the motor.

5.2 Cutting Techniques

Always maintain a firm grip with both hands on the chainsaw handles. Keep your body balanced and avoid overreaching.

• Felling Cuts: For felling small trees, make a directional notch first, then a felling cut from the opposite side, slightly above the notch.
• Limbing: Remove branches from a felled tree. Work from the base of the tree towards the top, cutting smaller branches first. Be aware of branches under tension.
• Bucking: Cutting a felled tree into logs. Support the log to prevent pinching the chain. Cut from the top down if the log is supported at both ends, or from the bottom up (undercut) if supported at one end.

5.3 Stopping the Chainsaw

Release the trigger switch to stop the motor. For immediate chain stoppage, push the front hand guard forward to engage the chain brake.

6. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and safe operation of your chainsaw.

6.1 Cleaning

After each use, remove the battery pack and clean the chainsaw. Use a brush or compressed air to remove sawdust, chips, and debris from the motor housing, chain brake mechanism, and cooling vents. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.

6.2 Chain Sharpening

A sharp chain is essential for efficient and safe cutting. Sharpen the chain regularly using a round file of the correct diameter (refer to chain manufacturer specifications) or have it professionally sharpened. Ensure all cutters are sharpened to the same length and angle.

6.3 Guide Bar Maintenance

Periodically remove the guide bar and clean the groove to remove accumulated sawdust and debris. Check the guide bar for wear, burrs, or damage. Flip the guide bar periodically to ensure even wear.

6.4 Storage

When not in use, store the chainsaw in a dry, secure location, out of reach of children. Ensure the battery pack is removed and stored separately in a cool, dry place. Engage the chain brake and use a guide bar cover to protect the chain.

7. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your chainsaw.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

Warranty information for the Benchmark 16" Cordless Chainsaw is not available in the provided product data. Please refer to the product packaging or contact Benchmark customer service for details regarding warranty coverage and support.