Craftsman 40cc Chainsaw Manual

The Craftsman 40cc Chainsaw is a powerful, gas-powered tool designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a 40cc 2-cycle engine, automatic oiling system, 16-inch or 18-inch guide bar options, anti-vibration handles, a chain brake for safety, and a tool-free chain tensioning system. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 40cc 2-cycle engine, Guide Bar, Chain, Chain Brake, Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Choke Control, Primer Bulb, Fuel Tank, Oil Tank, Anti-Vibration System.

Safety Information

Read and understand all instructions before use. Always wear appropriate PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps/pants, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 30 feet away. Clear area of debris. Do not operate in wet conditions.
3. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quarter of the guide bar tip. Maintain a firm grip.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in a well-ventilated area, with engine off and cool. Wipe spills immediately.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety rules can result in serious injury or death. Always engage the chain brake when not cutting.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires attaching the guide bar and chain, and filling fluids.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on mounting studs. Loop chain over sprocket and onto bar rails, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Tighten bar nuts finger-tight.
2. Tension Chain: Use tool-free adjuster to raise bar tip and apply tension. Chain should snap back when pulled from bar. Tighten bar nuts securely.
3. Fill Fluids: Add fresh fuel/oil mix to fuel tank. Fill separate oil tank with bar and chain oil.
4. Check Controls: Ensure throttle trigger, lockout, and chain brake function smoothly.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves when handling the chain. Ensure chain is properly seated on bar sprocket before tensioning.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 40cc (2.4 cu. in.)
• Engine Type: 2-cycle, air-cooled, gasoline
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (using 2-cycle engine oil)
• Guide Bar Length: 16" or 18" (model specific)
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325" pitch, .050" gauge (typical)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: Approx. 14.9 fl oz (440 ml)
• Oil Tank Capacity: Approx. 8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
• Dry Weight: Approx. 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg)
• Sound Power Level: Typically 110 dB(A) - Hearing protection required.

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Main Controls: On/Off Switch, Choke Lever, Primer Bulb, Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Chain Brake Lever/HANDGUARD.

Operation: Set On/Off to ON. Engage chain brake. Set choke to COLD START. Press primer bulb 5-10 times. Pull starter rope until engine 'pops'. Move choke to RUN. Pull starter rope to start. Disengage chain brake to cut. Use throttle trigger to control chain speed.

Maintenance Points: Air Filter, Spark Plug, Chain Tensioner, Bar Nuts, Muffler/Spark Arrestor.

Fuel & Oil Mixing

Use fresh, unleaded gasoline (minimum 89 octane) and a high-quality 2-cycle engine oil certified for air-cooled engines.

1. Mixing Ratio: 50:1. For 1 gallon of gas, add 2.6 fl oz of oil. Use a mixing bottle for accuracy.
2. Procedure: Add oil to an approved fuel can, then add gasoline. Shake vigorously.
3. Bar & Chain Oil: Use a dedicated chainsaw bar oil for proper lubrication. Do not use waste oil.

WARNING! Never use automotive motor oil, diesel fuel, or old/stale gasoline. Do not mix directly in the chainsaw's tank. Fuel is highly flammable.

Starting & Operation

Follow these steps for safe starting and cutting.

1. Cold Start: Place saw on clear, flat ground. Engage chain brake. Set choke to FULL. Press primer 5-10 times. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires (usually 3-6 pulls). Move choke to HALF or RUN. Pull starter rope again to start. Allow 30-second warm-up.
2. Warm Start: Choke should be in RUN position. Pull starter rope.
3. Cutting: Disengage chain brake. Hold saw firmly. Use full throttle just before and during the cut. Let chain do the work; do not force it.
4. Stopping: Release throttle and allow chain to stop. Engage chain brake. Set On/Off switch to OFF.

Tip: For felling trees, plan your escape path. Always cut at waist level or below.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

Chain Sharpening

A sharp chain cuts efficiently and safely. Use a round file matching your chain's pitch (e.g., 5/32" for .325" pitch).

1. Secure the bar in a vise. Identify the shortest cutter tooth to set filing length.
2. File at the manufacturer's specified angle (typically 30°). Maintain equal pressure on forward strokes; do not file on return.
3. File each cutter the same number of strokes. File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and gauge to maintain proper height.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves. Ensure file is sharp. An improperly sharpened chain can cause kickback.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Short-Term (under 30 days): Fill fuel tank to prevent condensation. Run engine dry of fuel in carburetor if possible.
2. Long-Term (Seasonal): Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor. Run engine until it stops. Remove spark plug, add 1 tsp of 2-cycle oil into cylinder, pull starter slowly 2-3 times, reinstall plug. Clean entire saw. Loosen chain tension. Store in a dry, secure place.

WARNING! Never store a chainsaw with fuel in the tank in an enclosed area (e.g., basement) due to fire and fume risks.

Troubleshooting

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