Craftsman S185 Chainsaw Manual

The Craftsman S185 is a gas-powered chainsaw designed for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. It features a 42cc 2-stroke engine, an 18-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiling, a tool-less chain tensioning system, inertia-activated chain brake, anti-vibration handles, and a primer bulb for easy starting. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 42cc 2-stroke engine, 18-inch guide bar, automatic chain oiler, inertia chain brake, anti-vibration system, primer bulb, tool-less chain tensioner.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear protective gear.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, pets, and obstacles. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Awareness: Hold saw firmly with both hands. Avoid contact with bar tip.
4. Chain Brake: Test before each use. Engage when carrying or not cutting.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable. Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Never smoke near fuel.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble bar and chain.

1. Attach guide bar: Place bar onto studs, align chain with sprocket, adjust tension.
2. Install chain: Ensure cutting teeth face forward on top of bar. Fit into bar groove.
3. Tension chain: Use tool-less adjuster until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
4. Fill fluids: Add 2-stroke fuel mix (50:1) to fuel tank and bar & chain oil to oil tank.

CAUTION! Chain must be properly tensioned. Loose chain can derail; overtightened chain can damage bar.

Specifications

• Model: Craftsman S185
• Engine Displacement: 42cc
• Fuel: 50:1 gasoline to 2-stroke oil mix
• Guide Bar Length: 18 inches
• Chain Pitch: 3/8 inch
• Chain Gauge: 0.050 inch
• Drive Links: 72
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: Front handle 4.2 m/s², Rear handle 5.8 m/s²
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

Controls and Components

Main controls: On/Off switch, choke, primer bulb, throttle trigger, throttle lockout, chain brake lever.

Components: Front handle with chain brake, rear handle with throttle, fuel cap, oil cap, decompression valve, spark plug, air filter cover, muffler.

Operation: Set On/Off switch to ON. Pull choke for cold start. Press primer bulb 5-6 times. Engage throttle lockout before pulling starter rope.

Fuel & Oil

Use fresh unleaded gasoline (minimum 89 octane) mixed with 2-stroke engine oil (50:1 ratio).

1. Fuel mix: Pour 2.6 fl oz (77 ml) of oil into 1 gallon of gasoline. Shake well.
2. Bar & chain oil: Use quality chainsaw oil. Do not use waste or motor oil.
3. Filling: Clean area around caps. Fill tanks to 80% capacity to allow for expansion.

Tip: Use fuel stabilizer if storing over 30 days. Dispose of old fuel properly.

Starting & Operation

Starting procedure for cold and warm engine.

1. Cold start: Set On/Off to ON. Pull choke out. Press primer bulb 5-6 times. Engage chain brake. Pull starter rope until engine fires. Push choke in halfway. Pull until starts. Fully push in choke.
2. Warm start: Set On/Off to ON. Choke in. Press throttle trigger once. Pull starter rope.
3. Cutting: Hold saw firmly. Let engine reach full speed before cutting. Use lower part of bar. Do not force saw.
4. Stopping: Release throttle. Set On/Off switch to OFF.

WARNING! Never drop-start chainsaw. Always engage chain brake when moving between cuts.

Chain Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures performance and safety.

1. Sharpening: Use round file (5/32 inch) and file guide. Maintain 30° cutting angle. File all teeth evenly.
2. Tensioning: Check frequently when hot. Chain should snap back when pulled from bar. Adjust with tool-less knob.
3. Depth gauges: File rakers (depth gauges) with flat file. Maintain 0.025 inch below cutting edge.
4. Lubrication: Check oil flow before each use. Adjust oiler screw if needed.

CAUTION! Wear gloves when handling chain. Ensure saw is off and cool.

Storage

Prepare saw for storage to prevent damage.

1. Empty fuel tank or add stabilizer and run for 2 minutes.
2. Drain bar & chain oil tank.
3. Clean air filter, spark plug, and cooling fins.
4. Store in dry, locked area away from children.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Warranty Information

Craftsman S185 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or improper maintenance. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep original receipt as proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs, contact authorized service center. Do not disassemble engine.

Support: 1-888-331-4569; www.craftsman.com