Craftsman 18 40cc Chainsaw Manual

The Craftsman 18-inch 40cc Gas Chainsaw is a powerful and reliable tool designed for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. This manual covers essential safety information, assembly instructions, operation guidelines, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting tips for your new chainsaw. Please read this manual thoroughly before operating the chainsaw to ensure safe and proper use.

Safety Information

Operating a chainsaw can be dangerous. Always follow these safety rules to prevent serious injury or death.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in severe injury. Keep bystanders at a safe distance.

Parts Identification

Familiarize yourself with the main components of your chainsaw.

1. Front Handle/Hand Guard: Left-hand grip and integrated chain brake lever.
2. Rear Handle/Trigger: Right-hand grip with throttle trigger and throttle lockout.
3. Guide Bar: 18-inch solid steel bar that supports the chain.
4. Cutting Chain: Looped chain with cutting teeth.
5. Chain Brake Lever: Manually engages the chain brake.
6. Chain Tensioner: Adjusts chain tension (located near guide bar mount).
7. Fuel Tank Cap: Access to the fuel tank.
8. Oil Tank Cap: Access to the bar and chain oil reservoir.
9. Starter Grip: Pull cord to start the engine.
10. Muffler: Reduces engine noise and directs exhaust.
11. Air Filter Cover: Protects the air filter.
12. Choke Lever: Controls the choke for cold starts.

Assembly Instructions

Your chainsaw requires minimal assembly. Follow these steps carefully.

1. Attach the Guide Bar and Chain: Loosen the guide bar nuts. Place the chain over the drive sprocket and onto the guide bar, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Position the bar onto the mounting studs. Ensure the chain is seated in the bar groove. Hand-tighten the nuts.
2. Tension the Chain: Using a scrench tool, turn the chain tensioning screw clockwise until the chain fits snugly against the bar but can still be pulled around by hand. Tighten the guide bar nuts fully.
3. Fill with Bar & Chain Oil: Use only high-quality bar and chain oil. Fill the oil reservoir to the indicated level.
4. Fuel Mix: Prepare a fresh fuel mixture of unleaded gasoline (minimum 89 octane) and 2-cycle engine oil at a 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas). Shake well. Fill the fuel tank.

CAUTION! Do not use automotive motor oil or old gasoline. Always wear gloves when handling fuel and oil.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 40cc, 2-cycle air-cooled gasoline engine.
• Guide Bar Length: 18 inches.
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325" pitch, .050" gauge (check your specific model).
• Fuel Capacity: Approximately 14.9 fl oz (440 ml).
• Oil Capacity: Approximately 8.5 fl oz (250 ml).
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 40:1 (Gasoline to 2-cycle oil).
• Weight (dry): Approximately 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg).
• Sound Power Level: Typically 110 dB(A). Hearing protection required.
• Vibration Level: Designed with anti-vibration handles.

Fuel & Oil

Using the correct fuel and oil is critical for performance and engine life.

Fuel Mix: Use fresh, unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89. Mix with a high-quality 2-cycle engine oil that meets JASO FD or ISO-L-EGD standards at a 40:1 ratio. Example: 3.2 US fl oz of oil per 1 US gallon of gasoline. Shake the mixture thoroughly in an approved fuel container.

Bar & Chain Oil: Use only dedicated bar and chain oil for proper lubrication, especially in cold weather. Do not use waste oil or motor oil.

Storage: For storage over 30 days, drain all fuel from the tank and run the engine until it stops to prevent gum formation in the carburetor.

Starting & Stopping

Follow these steps for safe starting and stopping.

Cold Start Procedure:

1. Place the chainsaw on a flat, clear surface. Engage the chain brake.
2. Press the primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
3. Move the choke lever to the FULL CHOKE position.
4. Pull the starter rope briskly 3-5 times until the engine "pops" (attempts to start).
5. Move the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE position.
6. Pull the starter rope again. The engine should start. Let it run for 10 seconds.
7. Move the choke lever to the RUN position. Squeeze the throttle trigger to disengage fast idle.
8. Disengage the chain brake by pulling the hand guard back towards the front handle.

Warm Start: Set choke to RUN position and pull starter rope.

Stopping: Release the throttle trigger. Press and hold the engine STOP/ON/OFF switch until the engine stops completely.

Operation Guidelines

Proper technique ensures efficient and safe cutting.

1. Planning: Plan your cut and escape path. Never cut alone.
2. Grip: Hold the saw firmly with thumbs and fingers wrapped around handles.
3. Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward for balance.
4. Starting the Cut: Let the chain reach full speed before contacting wood. Use the bumper spikes to pivot into the wood.
5. Kickback Prevention: Do not let the upper tip of the bar contact any object. Be aware of tension in the wood (pinching).
6. Bucking (Cutting Logs): Support logs off the ground. Cut from the top down. For large logs, cut from the top 1/3 through, then roll and finish from the opposite side.
7. Limbing (Removing Branches): Work from the trunk outward. Let the branches support the log's weight. Keep the trunk between you and the saw.

Tip: Let the saw do the work; do not force it. Maintain a sharp chain for best performance.

Maintenance Schedule

Chain Sharpening

A sharp chain is safer and more efficient. You will need a round file (correct size for your chain, e.g., 5/32"), a file guide, and a flat file for the depth gauges.

1. Secure the bar in a vise. Engage the chain brake.
2. Place the file guide over the tooth. Match the file angle marking on the guide to the chain's specified angle (usually 30°).
3. File from the inside of the tooth outward, using smooth, even strokes. Apply equal pressure on each stroke. File each cutter to an equal length.
4. File every other tooth from one side, then rotate the saw and file the remaining teeth from the other side.
5. After sharpening, lower the depth gauges (rakers) using a depth gauge tool and flat file. This prevents kickback and ensures proper chip size.

CAUTION! Always wear heavy gloves when handling the chain. A poorly sharpened chain is dangerous.

Storage

Proper storage prevents damage and starting problems.

1. Long-Term Storage (Over 30 days):
   • Drain all fuel from the tank into an approved container.
   • Start the engine and run it at idle until it stops to clear fuel from the carburetor.
   • Remove the spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of 2-cycle oil into the cylinder, pull the starter cord 2-3 times to coat internals, and reinstall the plug.
   • Clean the entire saw, especially the air filter, cooling fins, and guide bar groove.
   • Remove the chain, clean it in solvent, dry, and coat with oil. Store separately.
   • Store in a dry, locked location out of reach of children.
2. Short-Term Storage: Clean the saw, check chain tension, and store in a dry place.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Craftsman service center. Always use genuine Craftsman replacement parts.

Support: For additional help, visit www.craftsman.com or call 1-888-331-4569.