Greenworks 40V 14" Chainsaw Operator Manual

1 Description

1.1 Purpose

This chainsaw is designed for cutting branches, trunks, logs, and beams of a diameter determined by the cutting length of the guide bar. It is only designed to cut wood. It is only to be used in an outdoor, domestic application by adults. Do not use the chainsaw for any purpose not listed above. This chainsaw is not to be used for professional tree services. It is not to be used by children or by persons not wearing adequate personal protective equipment and clothing.

1.2 Overview

Figure 1-16 shows the components of the chainsaw:

• 1. Bar
• 2. Chain
• 3. Chain cover
• 4. Chain cover screw
• 5. Chain tension screw
• 6. Rear handle
• 7. Front handle
• 8. Chain brake
• 9. Lock-out button
• 10. Trigger
• 11. Oil tank
• 12. Drive links
• 13. Bar groove
• 14. Cutters
• 15. Sprocket
• 16. Chain tension pin hole
• 17. Bolt for chain tension
• 18. Vertical cut
• 19. Horizontal cut
• 20. Loose section
• 21. Danger areas
• 22. Felling direction
• 23. Escape paths
• 24. Lower horizontal notching cut
• 25. Felling cut
• 26. Hinge
• 27. Round file
• 28. Cutting corner
• 29. Flat file
• 30. Top plate
• 31. Side plate
• 32. Depth gauge

2 General Power Tool Safety Warnings

▲ WARNING Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury. Save all warnings and instructions for future reference. The term "power tool" in the warnings refers to your battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

2.1 Work Area Safety

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

2.2 Electrical Safety

• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.

2.3 Personal Safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A lapse of attention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
• Use personal protection. Always wear eye protection. Protective products such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used appropriately will reduce personal injuries.
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack and when picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
• Do not over-reach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.

2.4 Power Tool Use and Care

• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
• Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
• Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition that may affect the power tool's operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the power tool, accessories, and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.

2.5 Battery Tool Use and Care

• Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.
• Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
• When the battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws, or other small metal objects that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or fire.
• Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with plenty of soap and water. If liquid contacts eyes, immediately seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.

2.6 Service

• Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.

3 Chainsaw Safety Warnings

• Keep all parts of the body away from the saw chain when the chainsaw is operating. Before you start the chainsaw, make sure the saw chain is not in contact with anything. A moment of inattention while operating chainsaws may cause entanglement of your clothing or body with the saw chain.
• Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the saw chain may contact hidden wiring. Saw chains contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
• Always hold the chainsaw with your right hand at the rear handle and your left hand at the front handle. Holding the chainsaw with a reversed hand configuration increases the risk of personal injury and should never be done.
• Wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Further protective product for head, hands, legs, and feet is recommended. Adequate protective clothing will reduce personal injury from flying debris or accidental contact with the saw chain.
• Do not operate a chainsaw in a tree. Operation of a chainsaw while up in a tree may result in personal injury.
• Always keep proper footing and operate the chainsaw only when standing on fixed, secure, and level surfaces. Slippery or unstable surfaces such as ladders may cause loss of balance or control of the chainsaw.
• When cutting a limb that is under tension, be alert of spring back. When the tension in the wood fibres is released, the spring-loaded limb may strike the operator and/or throw the chainsaw out of control.
• Use extreme caution when cutting brush and saplings. The slender material may catch the saw chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off balance.
• Carry the chainsaw by the front handle with the chainsaw switched off and away from your body. When transporting or storing the chainsaw, always fit the guide bar cover. Proper handling of the chainsaw will reduce the likelihood of accidental contact with the moving saw chain.
• Follow instructions for lubricating, chain tensioning, and changing accessories. Improperly tensioned or lubricated chain may either break or increase the chance for kickback.
• Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. Greasy, oily handles are slippery, causing loss of control.
• Cut wood only. Do not use the chainsaw for purposes not intended. For example: do not use the chainsaw for cutting plastic, masonry, or non-wood building materials. Use of the chainsaw for operations other than intended could result in a hazardous situation.

4 Prevent Operator 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.

Tip contact in some cases may cause a sudden reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back towards the operator.

Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly back towards the operator.

Either of these reactions may cause you to lose control of the saw, which could result in serious personal injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into your saw. As a chainsaw user, you should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.

Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking proper precautions as given below:

• Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers encircling the chainsaw handles, with both hands on the saw and your body and arm positioned to allow you to resist kickback forces.
• Kickback forces can be controlled by the operator, if proper precautions are taken. Do not let go of the chainsaw.
• Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder height. This helps prevent unintended tip contact and enables better control of the chainsaw in unexpected situations.
• Only use replacement bars and chains specified by the manufacturer. Incorrect replacement bars and chains may cause chain breakage and/or kickback.
• Follow the manufacturer's sharpening and maintenance instructions for the saw chain. Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to increased kickback.

5 Child Safety

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not aware of the presence of children.

• Keep children out of the working area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult.
• Do not allow children under the age of 14 to operate this machine. Children who are 14 years of age and older must read and understand the operating instructions and safety rules in this manual and must be trained and supervised by a parent.
• Stay alert, and turn the machine off if a child or any other person enters the working area.
• Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure your view of a child who may run into the path of the machine.

6 Symbols on the Product

Some of the following symbols may be used on this product. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the product better and safer.

Symbol	Explanation
[Direct current symbol]	Direct current-Type or characteristic of current.
[Exclamation mark in a triangle]	Precautions that involve your safety.
[Read instructions symbol]	Read and understand all instructions before operating the product, and follow all warnings and safety instructions.
[Eye and ear protection symbol]	Wear eye and ear protection.
[Rain symbol with a slash]	Do not expose the product to rain or moist conditions.
[Bar nose contact symbol]	Avoid bar nose contact.
[Two hands gripping symbol]	Hold with both hands.
[DANGER symbol]	DANGER! Be careful with kick-backs.
[Gloves symbol]	Wear non-slip, heavy duty gloves.
[Bystanders symbol]	Keep all bystanders at least 15m away.

7 Risk Levels

The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.

Symbol	Signal	Meaning
[DANGER symbol]	DANGER	Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
[WARNING symbol]	WARNING	Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
[CAUTION symbol]	CAUTION	Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
[CAUTION symbol without exclamation mark]	CAUTION	Indicates a situation that may result in property damage.

8 Environmentally Safe Battery Disposal

[Recycle symbol with RBRC logo and Li-ion text]

The toxic and corrosive materials below are in the batteries used in this machine: Lithium-Ion, a toxic material.

▲ WARNING Discard all toxic materials in a specified manner to prevent contamination of the environment. Before discarding damaged or worn-out Li-ion battery, contact your local waste disposal agency, or the local Environmental Protection Agency for information and specific instructions. Take the batteries to a local recycling and/or disposal center, certified for lithium-ion disposal.

▲ WARNING If the battery pack cracks or breaks, with or without leaks, do not recharge it and do not use. Discard it and replace with a new battery pack. DO NOT TRY TO REPAIR IT! To prevent injury and risk of fire, explosion, or electric shock, and to avoid damage to the environment:

• Cover the terminals of the battery with heavy-duty adhesive tape.
• DO NOT try to remove or destroy any of the battery pack components.
• DO NOT try to open the battery pack.
• If a leak develops, the released electrolytes are corrosive and toxic. DO NOT get the solution in the eyes or on skin, and do not swallow it.
• DO NOT put these batteries in your regular household trash.
• DO NOT incinerate.
• DO NOT put them where they will become part of any waste landfill or municipal solid waste stream.
• Take them to a certified recycling or disposal center.

9 Installation

The operator must know how to assemble the guide bar and saw chain.

9.1 Unpack the Machine

▲ WARNING Make sure that you correctly assemble the machine before use.

▲ WARNING If the parts have damage, do not use the machine. If you do not have all the parts, do not operate the machine. If the parts are damaged or missing, speak to the service center.

1. Open the package.
2. Read the documentation in the box.
3. Remove all the unassembled parts from the box.
4. Remove the machine from the box.
5. Discard the box and package in compliance with local regulations.

9.2 Assemble the Guide Bar and the Chain

Figure 1-7.

1. Remove the battery pack from the machine.
2. Remove the chain cover nuts with the wrench.
3. Remove the chain cover.
4. Put the chain drive links into the bar groove.
5. Put the chain cutters in the direction of the chain operation.
6. Put the chain in position and make sure that the loop is behind the guide bar.
7. Hold the chain and bar.
8. Put the chain loop around the sprocket.
9. Make sure the chain tension pin hole on the guide bar fits correctly with the bolt.
10. Install the chain cover.
11. Tighten the chain. Refer to Adjust the chain tension.
12. Tighten the nuts when the chain is well tensioned.

i NOTE If you start the chain saw with a new chain, have a test for 2-3 minutes. After that, examine the tension again and tighten the chain if necessary.

9.3 Remove the Battery Pack

Figure 8

1. Push and hold the battery release button.
2. Remove the battery pack from the machine.

9.4 Install the Battery Pack

Figure 8

▲ WARNING If the battery pack or charger is damaged, replace the battery pack or the charger. Stop the machine and wait until the engine stops before you install or remove the battery pack. Read, know, and do the instructions in the battery and charger manual.

1. Align the lift ribs on the battery pack with the grooves in the battery compartment.
2. Push the battery pack into the battery compartment until the battery pack locks into place.
3. When you hear a click, the battery pack is installed.

10 Operation

i NOTE Remove the battery pack and keep hands clear of the lock out button when you move the machine.

i IMPORTANT Examine the chain tension before each use.

10.1 Start the Machine

Figure 1.

1. Press the lock-out button.
2. Press the trigger while you hold the lock-out button.
3. Release the lock-out button.

i IMPORTANT If unit does not start, ensure chain brake is disengaged.

10.2 Stop the Machine

Figure 1.

1. Release the trigger to stop the machine.

10.3 Prepare for Cutting

Figure 9.

• Wear non-slip gloves for maximum grip and protection.
• Hold the machine with hands tightly. Always keep your left hand on the front handle and your right hand on the rear handle. So your body is to the left of the chain line.
• Hold the handles with the thumbs and the fingers around them. It is dangerous if the thumb and fingers are on the same side of the handle. Because a slight kickback of the machine can cause loss of control.

▲ WARNING Do not let any part of your body to be in the chain line while you operate the machine.

▲ WARNING Do not use a lefthanded (cross-handed) grip or any stance that can put your body or arm across the chain line.

10.4 Basic Operation Procedures

Practice cutting a few small logs with the below technique to get the "feel" of using the machine before you begin a major operation.

• Take the proper stance in front of the wood.
• Press the lock-out button and press the trigger, then release the lock-out button and let the chain increase to full speed before you enter the cut.
• Start your cut with the saw against the log.
• Keep a stable speed during operation.
• The chain will cut for you with only light downward pressure. Force the machine to cut can result in damage to the bar, chain, or motor.
• Release the trigger as soon as the cut is completed and stop the machine. If you run the machine without a cutting load, unnecessary wear can occur to the chain, bar, and unit.
• Do not put pressure on the machine at the end of the cut.

10.5 Remove the Buttress Roots

Figure 10.

A buttress root is a large root extending from the trunk of the tree above the ground. Remove large buttress roots prior to felling.

• Make the horizontal cut into the buttress.
• Make the vertical cut then.
• Remove the resulting loose section.

10.6 Fell a Tree

Figure 11-13.

Recommendation that the first-time user should, as a minimum practice, cutting logs on a saw-horse or cradle.

Before you start to fell a tree, make sure that:

• The minimum distance between the areas of bucking and felling is two times the height of the tree.
• The operation does not:
• Cause injury to personnel.
• Hit utility lines. If the tree touches utility lines, immediately tell the utility company.
• Cause losses in property.
• The user is not in the dangerous area, for example, the downhill side of the area.
• The escape paths that extend back and diagonally behind the felling direction are clear. The felling direction is controlled by:
• The natural lean of the tree.
• The location of larger branches.
• The wind direction.
• There are no dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, and staples on the tree.

1. Make a lower level notching cut. Make sure that this cut is:
• a) 1/3 wide of the diameter of the tree.
• b) Perpendicular to the felling direction.

▲ CAUTION The level notching cut helps prevent pinching of the saw chain or the guide bar when you make the second notch.

1. Make the felling cut no less than 50 mm and higher than the level notching cut. Make sure that this cut:
• a) Is parallel to the level notching cut.
• b) Keeps sufficient wood to become a hinge which prevents the tree from twisting and felling to the wrong direction.

When the felling cut gets near the hinge, the tree falls. Stop the felling cut if the tree:

• Does not fall to the correct direction or
• Move rearward and forward and stuck the chain.

1. Use felling wedge to open the cut and let the tree fall to the correct direction.
2. When the tree starts to fall:
• a) Remove the chainsaw from the cut.
• b) Stop the machine.
• c) Put the machine down.
• d) Go away through the escape path. Be careful with overhead branches and your footing.

10.7 Limb a Tree

Figure 14.

Limbing is to remove the branches from a fallen tree.

1. Keep the larger lower branches to hold the log off the ground.
2. Remove the small limbs in one cut.
3. Limb the branches with tension from the bottom to up.
4. Keep the larger lower branches as a support until the log is limbed.

10.8 Buck a Log

Figure 14.

Bucking is to cut a log into lengths. Keep your body balance. If it is possible, lift the log and hold it with branches, logs, or chock.

• When the log is held along the full length, cut it from the top.
• When the log is held on one end:
• 1. Cut the first time 1/3 of the diameter from the bottom.
• 2. Cut the second time from the top to complete the bucking.
• When the log is held on two ends:
• 1. Cut the first time 1/3 of the diameter from the top.
• 2. Cut the second time lower 2/3 from the bottom to complete the bucking.
• When the log is on a slope:
• 1. Stand on the uphill side.
• 2. Control the chainsaw.
• Hold the handles tightly.
• Release the cut pressure near the end of the cut.

i NOTE Do not let the chainsaw touch the ground.

When bucking is complete:

1. Release the trigger.
2. Stop the chainsaw fully.
3. Move the chainsaw from tree to tree.

11 Maintenance

▲ CAUTION Do not let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based materials touch the plastic parts. Chemicals can cause damage to the plastic, and make the plastic unserviceable.

▲ CAUTION Do not use strong solvents or detergents on the plastic housing or components.

▲ WARNING Remove the battery pack from the machine before maintenance.

11.1 Add the Bar and Chain Lubricant

Figure 15.

Examine the amount of oil in the machine. If the oil level is low, add the bar and chain lubricant as follows.

i IMPORTANT Use bar and chain lubricant that is only for chains and chain oilers.

i NOTE The machine comes from the factory without bar and chain lubricant.

1. Loosen and remove the cap from the oil tank.
2. Put the oil into the oil tank.
3. Monitor the oil indicator to make sure that no dirt in the oil tank while you add the oil.
4. Put the oil cap on.
5. Tighten the oil cap.
6. Check oil level every 5-10 minutes.

i IMPORTANT Do not use dirty, used or contaminated oil. Damage can occur to the bar or chain.

11.2 Adjust the Chain Tension

Figure 3-4.

▲ CAUTION Wear protective gloves if you touch the chain, bar, or areas around the chain.

1. Loosen the lock nuts with the wrench.

i NOTE It is not necessary to remove the chain cover to adjust the chain tension.

1. Turn the chain adjustment screw clockwise to increase the chain tension.
2. Turn the chain adjustment screw counterclockwise to decrease the chain tension.
3. When the chain is at the wanted tension, tighten the lock nuts.

11.3 Sharpen the Cutters

Sharpen the cutters if it is not easy for the chain to go into the wood.

i NOTE We recommend a service center which has the electric sharpener, does the high level or important sharpening work.

Figure 16.

1. Tensioning chain.
2. Sharpen the cutters corner with a 5/32 in. (4 mm) diameter round file.
3. Sharpen the top plate, side plate, and depth gauge with a flat file.
4. File all the cutters to the specified angles and the same length.

During the process:

• i NOTE Keep the file flat with the surface to be sharpened.
• Use the midpoint of the file bar.
• Use light but firm pressure when sharpening the surface.
• Lift the file away on each return stroke.
• Sharpen the cutters on one side and then move to the other side.

Replace the chain if:

• The length of the cutting edges is less than 5 mm.
• There is too much space between the drive links and the rivets.
• The cut speed is slow.
• Sharpening the chain many times but it does not increase the cutting speed. The chain is worn.

11.4 Guide Bar Maintenance

i NOTE Make sure that it is turned over periodically to keep symmetrical wear on the bar.

Replace the bar if:

• The groove is not fit with the height of the drive links (which must never touch the bottom).
• The inside of the guide bar is worn and make the chain lean to one side.

12 Transportation and Storage

Before you move the machine, always:

• Remove the battery pack from the machine.
• Keep hands clear of the lock-out button.
• Put the scabbard on the guide bar and the chain.

Before you put the machine into storage, always:

• Remove the battery pack from the machine.
• Clean all unwanted material from the machine.
• Make sure that the storage area is:
• Not available to children.
• Away from agents which can cause corrosion, such as garden chemicals and de-icing salts.

13 Troubleshooting

14 Technical Data

15 Limited Warranty

[3 Year Warranty logo]

Greenworks® hereby warranties this product, to the original purchaser with proof of purchase, for a period of three (3) years against defects in materials, parts or workmanship. Greenworks®, at its own discretion will repair or replace any and all parts found to be defective, through normal use, free of charge to the customer. This warranty is valid only for units which have been used for personal use that have not been hired or rented for industrial/commercial use, and that have been maintained in accordance with the instructions in the owner's manual supplied with the product from new.

ITEMS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY:

1. Any part that has become inoperative due to misuse, commercial use, abuse, neglect, accident, improper maintenance, or alteration; or
2. The unit, if it has not been operated and/or maintained in accordance with the owner's manual; or
3. Normal wear, except as noted below;
4. Routine maintenance items such as lubricants, blade sharpening;
5. Normal deterioration of the exterior finish due to use or exposure.

HELPLINE: Warranty service is available by calling our toll-free helpline, at 1-888-909-6757.

TRANSPORTATION CHARGES: Transportation charges for the movement of any power equipment unit or attachment are the responsibility of the purchaser. It is the purchaser's responsibility to pay transportation charges for any part submitted for replacement under this warranty unless such return is requested in writing by Greenworks®.

16 Exploded View

The following diagram shows an exploded view of the chainsaw components:

Greenworks Tools
PO Box 1238
Mooresville, NC 28115