craftsman chainsaw 18 inch 40cc manual

The Craftsman 18-inch 40cc Gas Chainsaw is a powerful and reliable tool designed for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. It features a 40cc 2-cycle engine, an 18-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiling, tool-free chain tensioning, and a lightweight design for ease of use. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 40cc 2-Cycle Engine, 18-inch Oregon Bar and Chain, Automatic Oiling System, Tool-Free Chain Tensioner, Inertia Chain Brake, Anti-Vibration Handle, Quick-Start Technology.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear proper safety gear.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Clear Work Area: Ensure bystanders, pets, and obstacles are at least 15 feet away.
3. Kickback Awareness: Understand kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip); never cut with this area.
4. Secure Workpiece: Material being cut must be firmly supported.
5. Never Operate: In poor lighting, bad weather, on ladders, or when fatigued.

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

Assembly & First-Time Setup

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

1. Attach Bar & Chain: Place bar onto mounting studs. Loop chain around sprocket and bar with cutting teeth facing forward on top. Adjust tension.
2. Fill Bar & Chain Oil: Use recommended bar and chain oil. Fill reservoir located near the rear handle.
3. Prepare Fuel: Mix fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) with a high-quality 2-cycle engine oil at a 50:1 ratio. Shake well.
4. Fuel the Chainsaw: Fill fuel tank with the 50:1 mixture. Avoid spills; wipe clean.
5. Final Check: Ensure all fasteners are tight, chain moves freely, and safety features are functional.

CAUTION! Fuel is highly flammable. Mix and fill outdoors, away from sparks or flames. Do not smoke.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 40cc
• Engine Type: 2-Cycle, Air-Cooled
• Fuel/Oil Mix: 50:1 (Unleaded Gasoline to 2-Cycle Oil)
• Bar Length: 18 inches
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325" / .050" (Oregon 91VXL)
• Oil Tank Capacity: Approx. 8.5 fl oz
• Fuel Tank Capacity: Approx. 12 fl oz
• Weight (Dry): Approx. 12 lbs
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: Front Handle: 4.5 m/s², Rear Handle: 6.5 m/s²

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Main Components: Front Handle with Throttle Trigger, Rear Handle, Chain Brake Lever (Front Hand Guard), Throttle Lockout, Choke Control, Primer Bulb, On/Off Switch, Decompression Valve (if equipped), Fuel Cap, Oil Cap, Chain Tensioner Knob.

Operation: To start, engage chain brake, set On/Off switch to ON, pull choke, press primer bulb 5 times, pull starter cord. To stop, release throttle and press the On/Off switch to OFF.

Operation

Proper technique ensures safety and efficiency.

1. Starting (Cold Engine): Engage chain brake. Move On/Off switch to ON. Pull choke out fully. Press primer bulb 5 times. Place saw on ground, hold rear handle with right foot. Pull starter cord sharply until engine 'pops'. Push choke in halfway. Pull cord again until engine starts. Briefly squeeze throttle to disengage fast idle.
2. Starting (Warm Engine): Follow steps above but do not use choke.
3. Making a Cut: Disengage chain brake. Hold saw firmly with both hands. Let the chain reach full speed before contacting wood. Use a steady, controlled feed pressure. Do not force the saw.
4. Stopping: Release throttle trigger. Allow engine to idle. Press On/Off switch to OFF.

Tip: Always cut at full throttle. Let the saw do the work; forcing it can cause kickback or damage.

Chain Maintenance

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is critical for safety and performance.

1. Chain Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Turn tool-free tensioner knob until chain is snug against bar (should pull away about 1/8" from bar). Retighten bar nuts.
2. Sharpening: Use a round file and file guide matching chain pitch (.325"). Maintain original filing angle (typically 30°). File all cutters to equal length.
3. Checking Depth Gauges: Use a depth gauge tool to file down rakers (depth gauges) to proper height after several sharpenings.
4. Chain Rotation: Periodically rotate the chain to promote even wear on the bar rails.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance. Wear heavy gloves when handling the chain.

Engine Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures long engine life.

• Air Filter: Clean after every 5 hours of use. Tap out debris or wash with soapy water if foam type. Let dry completely before reinstalling.
• Spark Plug: Check gap every 25 hours. Clean electrode or replace if worn. Gap: 0.025 inch.
• Fuel System: Use fresh fuel mix. Empty fuel tank and run engine dry for long-term storage. Clean fuel filter in tank annually.
• Carburetor Adjustment: Factory pre-set. Do not adjust unless necessary. Refer to service manual for H, L, and idle speed screw adjustments.
• Exhaust Port & Spark Arrestor Screen: Clean carbon buildup every 50 hours to prevent overheating.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Short-Term (Under 30 days): No special procedure required.
2. Long-Term: Run engine until it stops to empty carburetor. Drain all fuel from tank. Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of engine oil into cylinder, pull starter cord slowly 2-3 times to coat interior, reinstall plug. Clean entire saw. Store in a dry, covered place.

CAUTION! Storing with fuel in the carburetor will cause varnish and clogging, requiring disassembly and cleaning.

Warranty Information

Craftsman 18-inch 40cc Chainsaw is covered by a 2-year limited warranty from date of purchase. Warranty covers defects in material and workmanship under normal use. It does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, improper maintenance, commercial use, or normal wear items (chain, bar, spark plug, air filter). For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Proof of purchase is required.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Craftsman service center. 1-888-331-4569; www.craftsman.com