Craftsman Chainsaw Owner's Manual

User Manual & Safety Guide

Gas & Electric Models

Safety Instructions

Essential Safety Gear:

  • Safety glasses or face shield
  • Hearing protection
  • Chainsaw protective gloves
  • Steel-toed boots
  • Chaps or protective pants
  • Hard hat (when working under trees)

Critical Safety Rules

  1. Clear Work Area: Remove debris, branches, and tripping hazards from your work area before starting.
  2. Check Chainsaw Condition: Inspect chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication before each use.
  3. Proper Stance: Maintain secure footing with feet shoulder-width apart. Never operate above shoulder height.
  4. Kickback Awareness: Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Never cut with this area.
  5. Two-Hand Operation: Always grip chainsaw with both hands - left hand on front handle, right hand on rear handle.
  6. Fuel Safety: Refuel only when engine is cool, outdoors, and away from ignition sources.
  7. Emergency Preparedness: Keep first aid kit and fire extinguisher accessible. Never work alone.
Warning: Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Always read and understand the manual before operation.

Assembly Guide

Tools Needed:

  • Socket wrench set
  • Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)
  • Chain tension adjustment tool
  • Bar and chain lubricant
  • Fuel mix container (for gas models)

Step-by-Step Assembly

  1. Unpack and Inspect: Remove all packaging materials. Check for shipping damage and ensure all parts are present.
  2. Handle Assembly: Attach front and rear handles according to model specifications. Tighten all bolts securely.
  3. Guide Bar Installation: Install guide bar onto mounting studs. Ensure oil holes align with oil pump outlet.
  4. Chain Installation: Place chain over guide bar with cutting teeth facing forward. Ensure proper direction of rotation.
  5. Chain Tension Adjustment: Adjust chain tension so chain snaps back when pulled from guide bar. Follow manual specifications.
  6. Bar and Chain Lubrication: Fill oil reservoir with recommended bar and chain oil. Test oil flow before operation.
  7. Fuel Preparation (Gas Models): Mix fuel and oil at recommended ratio (typically 50:1). Use fresh gasoline and 2-cycle oil.
  8. Final Inspection: Check all fasteners, controls, and safety features before first use.

Specifications

Model Series CMCS620 / CMCS610
Power Type Gasoline 2-Cycle / Electric
Engine Displacement 62cc (Gas) / 15 Amp (Electric)
Guide Bar Length 20 inches / 18 inches
Chain Pitch 0.325 inches
Chain Gauge 0.050 inches
Weight (without fuel) 12.8 lbs (Gas) / 10.2 lbs (Electric)
Fuel Capacity 16.9 fl oz (Gas Models)
Oil Capacity 8.5 fl oz
Sound Power Level 112 dB(A) (Gas) / 98 dB(A) (Electric)
Vibration Level 4.2 m/s² (Gas) / 2.8 m/s² (Electric)
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 (Gas Models)

Place chainsaw on clear ground. Set choke to full position. Press primer bulb 5-10 times. Set master control to cold start position. Pull starter rope until engine fires. Move choke to half position. Pull starter rope to start. Allow 30-second warm-up.

Starting Procedure (Electric Models)

Connect to proper GFCI outlet. Ensure chain brake is engaged. Hold rear handle with right hand. Squeeze lock-off button with left thumb. Squeeze trigger to start. Release trigger to stop.

Basic Cutting Techniques

Use full throttle when cutting. Let chain do the work - don't force it. Plan cut so wood doesn't pinch bar. For felling, use proper notch and back cut techniques. For bucking, support log properly.

Chain Brake Operation

Chain brake stops chain instantly if kickback occurs. Test before each use by engaging brake with engine off. Front hand guard activates brake automatically during kickback. Manual engagement via handle.

Automatic Oiling System

Maintains proper chain lubrication. Check oil level frequently. Adjust oil flow for cutting conditions (more for hardwoods, less for softwoods). Use only recommended bar and chain oil.

Proper Fuel Mix

Use 89 octane or higher gasoline. Mix with 2-cycle engine oil at 50:1 ratio. Use fuel stabilizer for storage. Never use automotive oil or mixed fuel older than 60 days.

Cutting Positions Guide

Felling Position

Stand to side of falling path. Keep escape routes clear. Use proper notch and hinge techniques

Limbing Position

Work from trunk outward. Stand on opposite side of tree. Keep bar tip clear of ground

Bucking Position

Support log at both ends. Cut from top down. Use plastic or wood wedges for pinched bars

Pruning Position

Use undercut technique. Support branch with non-cutting hand. Work from shoulder height downward

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Task Frequency Procedure
Chain Sharpening Every 2-3 hours of use Use round file and guide. Maintain 30° cutting angle. File all cutters evenly
Chain Tension Check Before each use Adjust when chain sags from bar. Proper tension = snug but pullable
Air Filter Cleaning Every 10 hours Remove and clean with soapy water. Dry completely before reinstalling
Spark Plug Inspection Every 20 hours Check gap (0.025 inches). Clean or replace as needed
Bar Maintenance Every 25 hours Clean bar grooves. Flip bar to ensure even wear. File down burrs
Fuel System Cleaning Seasonally Drain fuel for storage. Clean fuel filter and carburetor

Storage Preparation

  • Fuel System: Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor
  • Chain: Remove, clean, and soak in oil. Store separately
  • Bar: Clean groove and oil thoroughly
  • Exterior: Clean entire saw. Apply light oil to metal surfaces
  • Storage Location: Store in dry place, covered, out of children's reach

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Cause Solution
Engine won't start Old fuel, flooded engine, spark plug issue Use fresh fuel, wait 15 minutes if flooded, check spark plug
Engine starts then dies Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, carburetor issue Replace fuel filter, clean air filter, adjust carburetor
Chain won't turn Chain brake engaged, clutch issue, bar jammed Disengage chain brake, check clutch springs, clear bar jam
Poor cutting performance Dull chain, improper filing, low chain speed Sharpen chain, maintain proper angles, check engine RPM
Excessive vibration Loose parts, unbalanced chain, worn clutch Tighten all fasteners, balance chain, replace clutch
Chain throws oil Overfilled oil tank, wrong oil viscosity Maintain proper oil level, use recommended bar oil

Common Error Indicators

  • Excessive Smoke: Oil/gas mix too rich - Adjust carburetor
  • No Oil Flow: Clogged oil passages - Clean oil ports and pump
  • Chain Stretches Quickly: Improper tension or lubrication - Adjust tension, check oiler
  • Hard Starting When Hot: Ignition coil issue - Check coil gap and condition
  • Loss of Power: Exhaust port clogged - Clean muffler and spark arrestor
  • Chain Comes Off Bar: Worn bar or improper tension - Replace bar, adjust tension

Manual Downloads

Current Model Manuals

CMCS620

20" 62cc Gas Chainsaw

CMCS610

18" 62cc Gas Chainsaw

CMCES610

18" Electric Chainsaw

CMCS600

16" Gas Chainsaw

Popular Previous Models

358.360880

20" 46cc Chainsaw