Craftsman 18" Guide Bar Gasoline Chain Saw Operator's Manual

Important Safety Information

WARNING: Always disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance, adjustments, or repairs, except for carburetor adjustments. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death.

This chain saw is a high-speed wood-cutting tool. Special safety precautions must be observed to reduce the risk of accidents. Careless or improper use can cause serious injury.

Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including:

• Safety hat
• Eye protection (goggles or face screen)
• Hearing protection (ear plugs or mufflers)
• Heavy-duty gloves
• Safety chaps
• Steel-toed safety footwear with non-slip soles
• Snug-fitting clothing

Keep children, bystanders, and animals a minimum of 30 feet (10 meters) away from the work area.

Do not operate the chain saw when fatigued, ill, upset, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

Fuel Handling: Mix and store fuel in a well-ventilated outdoor area, away from sparks and open flames. Use approved containers. Wipe up all spilled fuel before starting the saw. Move at least 10 feet away from the fueling site before starting the engine.

Kickback Warning: Kickback can occur when the moving chain contacts an object at the tip of the guide bar or when the wood closes in and pinches the chain. This can cause the guide bar to be driven rapidly back toward the operator, resulting in serious injury. Always maintain a firm grip, stand with balanced weight, and be aware of your surroundings.

Product Specifications

• Guide Bar: 18"
• Chain: Low Profile 3/8" Pitch, Chrome Cutters
• Displacement: 2.3 cu. in. / 38cc
• Engine: 2-cycle Air Cooled
• Fuel Mix: 40:1 (3.2 oz oil per gallon gas)
• Oiler: Automatic
• Ignition: Solid State
• Spark Plug: Champion (CJ-7Y) or SEARS 71-85849 Std.
• Spark Plug Gap: .025"
• Muffler: Temperature Limiting / Spark Arresting Screen

This saw is equipped with a temperature limiting muffler and spark arresting screen that meets requirements for certain states.

Assembly

Bar and Chain Assembly:

1. Loosen and remove the bar clamp nut and screw. Remove the bar clamp.
2. Remove and discard the shipping spacer.
3. Place the chain over and behind the clutch drum.
4. Fit the bottom of the drive links between the teeth in the nose sprocket.
5. Fit the chain drive links into the top of the guide bar.
6. Mount the guide bar with the slotted end over the guide bar mounting bolt.
7. Insert the adjusting pin into the lower hole in the guide bar.
8. Pull the guide bar forward until the chain is snug in the guide bar groove.
9. Install the bar clamp.
10. Lift the tip of the guide bar to check for sag. Turn the adjusting screw clockwise 1/4 turn until no sag exists.
11. While lifting the guide bar tip, tighten the bar clamp nut securely.
12. Install the bar clamp screw and tighten.

Chain Adjustment:

1. Roll the chain around the guide bar to ensure it moves freely.
2. Turn the adjusting screw clockwise until the chain just barely touches the bottom of the guide bar.
3. Lift the tip of the guide bar and turn the adjusting screw 1/4 turn clockwise. Repeat until no sag exists.
4. Tighten the bar clamp nut.

Check List: Ensure the bar clamp nut is tight, the guide bar and chain are secure, and the bar clamp screw is tight.

Operation

Starting a Cold Engine:

1. Ensure the fuel tank is filled with the correct fuel mixture and the bar oil tank is filled.
2. Move the choke lever to the "On" position.
3. Place the saw on the ground, grab the front handle with your left hand, and place your right foot on the rear handle.
4. Pull the starter rope handle with your right hand until the engine attempts to run.
5. Move the choke lever to the half choke position and continue pulling the rope until the engine starts.
6. Once the engine starts, move the choke lever to the "Off" position and allow the engine to idle.

Starting a Warm Engine:

1. Leave the choke in the "Off" position.
2. Ensure the ON/STOP switch is in the "Start" position.
3. Pull the starter rope handle until the engine runs.
4. Squeeze and release the throttle trigger to allow the engine to idle.

Stopping the Engine: Move the ON/STOP switch to the "Stop" position.

Cutting Techniques:

• Overcutting: Begin on the top side of the log, exerting light downward pressure.
• Undercutting: Begin on the underside of the log, exerting light upward pressure. Be prepared for the saw to push back.
• Accelerate the engine to full throttle before entering a cut.
• Keep the engine at full throttle during the cut.
• Allow the chain to do the work; use only light downward pressure.
• Release the throttle trigger as soon as the cut is completed.

Tree Felling:

• Determine the natural fall direction by considering wind, lean, and tree shape.
• Make a notch cut (1/3 of the tree width) on the side of the desired fall direction.
• Make the felling cut on the opposite side, about 2 inches above the notch cut.
• Use felling wedges if necessary to control the fall direction.
• Keep everyone away from the tree in all directions.

Bucking: Cutting a fallen tree into desired log sizes. Use overcutting and undercutting techniques as appropriate.

Limbing and Pruning: Removing branches from a felled or standing tree. Work from the base towards the top, leaving larger limbs to support the tree.

Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule: Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of the saw. Refer to the maintenance schedule for tasks to be performed before use, after use, and at specific hour intervals.

Cleaning:

• Clean the unit and labels.
• Clean the air filter regularly. A dirty air filter reduces engine performance and increases fuel consumption. Wash the filter in warm soapy water, rinse, and air dry completely before reinstalling. Apply a light coating of oil to the filter after cleaning.
• Inspect and clean the spark arrestor screen if installed.

Chain and Guide Bar:

• Check chain sharpness and tension regularly.
• Maintain the guide bar by ensuring proper lubrication.
• Replace the guide bar if the groove is worn or if there is excessive heating or burning of the rail.

Spark Plug: Replace the spark plug annually to ensure easier starting and better performance.

Fuel Filter: Replace the fuel filter after each season. Never operate the saw without a fuel filter.

Vibration Mounts: Inspect vibration mounts for cracks or damage and replace as needed.

Troubleshooting

Refer to the troubleshooting chart for common issues and their remedies, including:

• Engine will not start or runs briefly.
• Engine will not idle properly.
• Engine lacks power or dies under load.
• Engine smokes excessively.
• Engine runs hot.
• Chain moves at idle speed.
• Chain does not move when engine is accelerated.
• Chain clatters or cuts roughly.
• Chain stops within the cut.
• Chain cuts at an angle.

Customer Responsibilities

The warranty on this unit does not cover items subjected to operator abuse or negligence. Proper maintenance as outlined in this manual is required to receive full warranty value.

Key responsibilities include:

• Reading and observing all safety rules.
• Following a regular maintenance schedule.
• Keeping the unit clean and in good working order.
• Using only recommended parts and accessories.

Warranty

A full one-year warranty is provided for this Craftsman chain saw when maintained, lubricated, and tuned according to the owner's manual. This warranty excludes expendable parts like the bar, chain, spark plug, and air filter. For commercial or rental use, the warranty is 30 days.

Repair Parts

Refer to the repair parts lists and diagrams for ordering replacement parts. Contact your nearest Sears Service Center or call the provided numbers for assistance.

Contact Information

• Repair Service: 1-800-4-REPAIR (1-800-473-7247)
• Ordering Parts: 1-800-FON-PART (1-800-366-7278)
• Customer Assistance: 1-800-235-5878 (Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. CST, Sun. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. CST)