Craftsman S1800 Chainsaw Manual

The Craftsman S1800 is a powerful and reliable gas-powered chainsaw designed for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. It features a robust 18-inch guide bar, a high-performance 2-stroke engine, automatic oiler, anti-vibration system, inertia chain brake, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 18-inch guide bar and chain, 42cc 2-stroke engine, automatic chain oiler, inertia-activated chain brake, anti-vibration handles, easy-pull starting system, and side-access chain tensioner.

Safety Information

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

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, pets, and obstacles. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly with both hands; never cut with tip of bar; use reduced-kickback chain.
4. Fuel Safety: Mix fuel outdoors; store in approved container; never refuel while engine is hot.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Keep hands away from chain at all times.

Assembly & Setup

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

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar over studs, loop chain around sprocket and bar groove, align with tensioning pin.
2. Tension Chain: Use side adjuster to tighten until chain snaps back when pulled from bar. Tighten bar nuts.
3. Fill Bar & Chain Oil: Use recommended bar oil. Fill reservoir to full mark.
4. Prepare Fuel Mix: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (minimum 89 octane) mixed with 2-cycle engine oil at 40:1 ratio. Shake well.
5. Fill Fuel Tank: Add mixed fuel to tank. Wipe any spills immediately.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned and moves freely before starting. Loose chain can derail; overtightened chain can damage bar.

Specifications

• Model: Craftsman S1800
• Engine Type: 2-stroke, air-cooled, single cylinder
• Displacement: 42 cc
• Guide Bar Length: 18 inches
• Chain Pitch: 3/8 inch
• Chain Gauge: 0.050 inch
• Fuel Capacity: 14.9 fl oz (440 ml)
• Oil Capacity: 8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
• Weight (dry): 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg)
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A) (wear hearing protection)
• Vibration Level: Front handle: 4.5 m/s²; Rear handle: 5.2 m/s²

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Front handle with throttle trigger and lockout, rear handle, choke control, primer bulb, stop switch, chain brake lever, and side tensioner.

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger (must depress safety lockout to activate). Rear Handle: Main grip with stop switch. Choke/Start Controls: Choke lever for cold starts; primer bulb to draw fuel. Chain Brake: Manual lever forward to engage; inertia activates during kickback. Chain Tensioner: Knob on side for adjusting chain slack.

Starting & Operation

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

1. Place saw on clear, level ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.
3. Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
4. Pull starter rope briskly 2-3 times until engine 'pops'.
5. Move choke lever to HALF CHOKE position.
6. Pull starter rope until engine starts. Let run for 10 seconds.
7. Move choke to RUN position. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Cutting Techniques: Use full throttle when cutting; let chain do the work. Do not force. For bucking, support log properly. For felling, plan escape path.

Tip: Allow engine to warm up 1-2 minutes before heavy cutting.

Chain Maintenance

Regular chain maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

1. Sharpening: Use round file (5/32" or 4.0mm) and file guide. Maintain 30° cutting angle. File all cutters evenly.
2. Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely. Re-tension when chain sags (every 10-15 minutes of new use).
3. Lubrication: Check oil level before each use. Ensure oil port on bar is clear. Adjust oil flow if needed (screw near oil tank).
4. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly. Flip bar monthly for even wear.

WARNING! Always wear heavy gloves when handling chain. Ensure engine is off and cool.

Engine Maintenance

Air Filter: Clean every 5 hours of use. Remove, tap clean, or wash in soapy water if very dirty. Dry completely before reinstalling.

Spark Plug: Check every 10 hours. Clean electrode with wire brush. Gap: 0.025 inch (0.63 mm). Replace if worn.

Fuel System: Use fresh fuel mix. Empty tank and run carburetor dry for storage over 30 days. Replace fuel filter annually.

Carburetor Adjustment: Factory set. Only adjust if necessary (high altitude). Refer to specialized section.

Storage Guidelines

For storage over 30 days:

1. Empty fuel tank and run engine until it stops to dry carburetor.
2. Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of engine oil through spark plug hole. Pull starter 2-3 times to coat cylinder. Reinstall plug.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
4. Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil. Store bar and chain separately.
5. Store in dry, cool place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods. Old fuel can damage engine.

Warranty Information

Craftsman S1800 Chainsaw is covered by a limited 2-year warranty for residential use from date of purchase. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, neglect, improper maintenance, commercial use, or damage from unapproved modifications. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.

Troubleshooting

For Service: Authorized service centers only. Do not attempt major repairs yourself. Contact Craftsman Support: 1-888-331-4569.