Craftsman 20 Inch Chainsaw

User Manual & Safety Guide

20 Inch Gas Chainsaw

Safety Instructions

Essential Safety Equipment:

  • Safety glasses or face shield
  • Hearing protection
  • Chainsaw chaps or protective pants
  • Gloves with good grip
  • Steel-toed boots
  • Hard hat (when working under trees)

Critical Safety Rules

  1. Read Manual Thoroughly: Read and understand all instructions before operating the chainsaw.
  2. Inspect Before Use: Check chainsaw for damage, loose parts, and proper chain tension before each use.
  3. Clear Work Area: Ensure work area is clear of obstacles, people, and animals before starting.
  4. Proper Stance: Maintain secure footing and balance at all times during operation.
  5. Kickback Awareness: Understand kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip) and avoid contact in this area.
  6. Fuel Safety: Refuel only when engine is cool, outdoors, and away from ignition sources.
  7. Emergency Preparedness: Always have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher nearby.
Warning: Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Chainsaws are dangerous tools that require proper training and respect.

Assembly Guide

Tools Needed:

  • Socket wrench set
  • Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)
  • Chain tension adjustment tool
  • Bar and chain oil
  • Fuel mix container

Step-by-Step Assembly

  1. Unpack and Inspect: Remove all packaging materials and verify all parts are included and undamaged.
  2. Handle Installation: Attach front and rear handles using provided bolts and washers. Tighten securely.
  3. Guide Bar Installation: Place guide bar onto mounting studs, aligning adjustment pin with bar hole.
  4. Chain Installation: Place chain over guide bar with cutting teeth facing forward on top of bar.
  5. Chain Tension Adjustment: Adjust chain tension so chain snaps back when pulled away from bar.
  6. Bar and Chain Oil: Fill oil reservoir with recommended bar and chain oil.
  7. Fuel Preparation: Mix gasoline with 2-cycle oil at 50:1 ratio (unless otherwise specified).
  8. Final Inspection: Check all fasteners, chain tension, and safety features before first use.

Specifications

Model Number CMCS620M1
Engine Type 2-Cycle Gasoline Engine
Engine Displacement 62cc
Guide Bar Length 20 inches
Chain Pitch 0.325 inches
Chain Gauge 0.050 inches
Fuel Capacity 16.9 fl oz (500 ml)
Oil Capacity 8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
Weight (Dry) 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg)
Sound Power Level 112 dB(A)
Vibration Level Front Handle: 4.2 m/s², Rear Handle: 5.8 m/s²
Warranty Period 2 years limited warranty

Warranty Information

  • Limited Warranty: 2 years from date of purchase
  • Commercial Use: 90 days for commercial applications
  • What's Covered: Defects in materials and workmanship
  • What's Not Covered: Normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance

For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit Craftsman.com

Operation Guide

Starting Procedure

Place chainsaw on clear ground. Set choke to full position. Press primer bulb 5 times. Set master control lever to cold start position. Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires. Move choke to half position and pull until engine starts.

Cutting Techniques

Always cut at full throttle. Use lower quadrant of bar for cutting. Let chain do the work - don't force it. Plan escape path before cutting. For large trees, use proper felling techniques with notch and back cut.

Kickback Prevention

Always maintain secure grip with both hands. Keep thumb wrapped around handlebar. Never cut with bar tip. Use reduced-kickback chain and bar. Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned.

Fuel and Oil Management

Use fresh fuel mixed within 30 days. Always use 89 octane or higher gasoline. Mix at 50:1 ratio with 2-cycle oil. Check oil level before each use. Clean oil ports regularly to prevent clogging.

Cutting Positions Guide

Felling

Notch cut at 70° angle, 1/3 tree diameter. Back cut 2 inches above notch, leaving hinge wood.

Limbing

Cut from top of limb, supporting end if possible. Work from trunk outward, standing on opposite side of tree.

Bucking

Support log off ground. Cut from top down for tension wood, bottom up for compression wood.

Pruning

Make undercut first, then top cut to prevent bark tearing. Cut close to trunk without damaging collar.

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Task Frequency Procedure
Chain Sharpening Every 2-3 hours of use Use round file matching chain pitch. Maintain 30° cutting angle. File all cutters evenly.
Chain Tension Check Before each use Adjust so chain snaps back when pulled from bar. Recheck when chain is warm.
Air Filter Cleaning Every 10 hours Remove filter, wash in soapy water, dry completely. Replace if damaged.
Spark Plug Inspection Every 20 hours Clean electrode, check gap (0.025"), replace if worn or fouled.
Bar Maintenance Every 10 hours Clean bar grooves, flip bar regularly, file rails if burred.
Fuel System Seasonal Drain fuel for storage. Clean fuel filter and carburetor as needed.

Storage Guidelines

  • Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor
  • Run engine until it stops to clear fuel lines
  • Remove chain, clean and oil thoroughly
  • Clean entire chainsaw, especially cooling fins
  • Store in dry place, protected from moisture
  • Hang by rear handle or store in case

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Cause Solution
Engine won't start No spark, flooded engine, old fuel Check spark plug, wait if flooded, use fresh fuel mix
Engine starts then dies Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, carburetor issues Clean/replace fuel filter, clean air filter, adjust carburetor
Poor cutting performance Dull chain, improper tension, wrong filing angle Sharpen chain, adjust tension, maintain 30° filing angle
Chain won't stay tight Worn bar, stretched chain, loose bar nuts Replace bar/chain if worn, tighten bar nuts properly
Excessive vibration Unbalanced chain, damaged bar, loose components Balance chain, inspect bar, tighten all fasteners
Chain throws oil Overfilled oil tank, wrong oil viscosity Maintain proper oil level, use recommended bar oil

Common Issues and Solutions

  • Hard Starting: Check spark plug gap, use fresh fuel, clean air filter
  • Chain Not Oiling: Clean oil ports, check oil pump, use proper viscosity oil
  • Overheating: Clean cooling fins, check fuel mixture, avoid lean running
  • Loss of Power: Clean exhaust port, check compression, inspect piston
  • Chain Coming Off: Check bar wear, proper tension, damaged drive sprocket
  • Exhaust Smoking: Adjust fuel mixture, check for oil leaks into cylinder

Manual Downloads

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