Craftsman V20 Chainsaw

User Manual & Safety Guide

20V Cordless Chainsaw

Safety Instructions

Essential Safety Equipment:

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

Critical Safety Rules

  1. Read Manual Thoroughly: Read and understand all instructions before operating the chainsaw.
  2. Inspect Before Use: Check chainsaw for damage, loose parts, and proper chain tension before each use.
  3. Clear Work Area: Ensure work area is clear of obstacles, people, and animals before starting.
  4. Proper Stance: Maintain secure footing and balance at all times during operation.
  5. Kickback Awareness: Understand kickback zones and always keep both hands on the saw with thumbs wrapped around handles.
  6. No Overhead Cutting: Never operate chainsaw above shoulder height or on a ladder.
  7. Battery Safety: Use only Craftsman V20 batteries and charger. Keep batteries away from metal objects.
Warning: Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Chainsaws are dangerous tools that require proper training and respect.

Assembly Guide

Tools Needed:

  • Bar and chain assembly tool (included)
  • Socket wrench (for some models)
  • Chain tension adjustment tool
  • Bar oil

Step-by-Step Assembly

  1. Unpack Components: Remove all parts from packaging including bar, chain, battery, and charger.
  2. Install Guide Bar: Place guide bar onto mounting studs, aligning adjustment pin with bar hole.
  3. Install Chain: Place chain onto guide bar with cutting teeth facing forward on top of bar.
  4. Secure Bar Nut: Thread bar nut onto stud and tighten finger-tight only at this stage.
  5. Adjust Chain Tension: Use tension adjustment screw to achieve proper chain tension (should snap back when pulled from bar).
  6. Final Tightening: Tighten bar nut securely while maintaining proper chain tension.
  7. Add Bar Oil: Fill oil reservoir with recommended bar and chain oil.
  8. Install Battery: Insert fully charged V20 battery until it clicks into place.
Important: Always wear cut-resistant gloves during assembly. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before each use.

Specifications

Model Number CMCV200
Power Source Craftsman V20 Lithium-Ion Battery
Voltage 20V Max
Bar Length 12 inches
Chain Speed Up to 3,450 FPM
Chain Pitch 3/8" low-profile
Chain Gauge 0.050 inches
Weight (without battery) 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg)
Oil Capacity 4.0 oz (118 ml)
Automatic Oiling Yes, with manual override
Battery Runtime Up to 150 cuts per charge (2Ah battery)
Charge Time 60 minutes (standard charger)

Warranty Information

  • Tool Warranty: 3 years limited warranty
  • Battery Warranty: 2 years limited warranty
  • Additional Coverage: Optional extended protection plans available

For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit Craftsman.com

Operation Guide

Starting Procedure

Insert charged battery, ensure chain brake is engaged, press safety lock-off button, then squeeze trigger. Always start with saw on ground and chain clear of objects.

Proper Cutting Technique

Use lower quadrant of bar for cutting. Let chain do the work - don't force it. Maintain firm grip with both hands, left hand on front handle, right hand on rear handle.

Kickback Prevention

Avoid contact with bar tip. Always cut with part of bar closest to saw body. Maintain secure footing and be prepared for kickback reaction.

Bucking Logs

Support log properly. Cut from top down for supported logs. For unsupported logs, cut 1/3 from top, then finish from bottom to avoid pinching.

Limbing Trees

Work from trunk outward. Cut limbs on opposite side of tree last. Be aware of spring tension in bent limbs.

Battery Management

Monitor battery level indicator. Allow battery to cool before recharging. Store batteries at room temperature for optimal performance.

Chain Brake Operation

Manual Activation

Push front hand guard forward to engage chain brake immediately in emergency situations

Inertia Activation

Automatic engagement during kickback situations for added safety protection

Testing Procedure

Test chain brake monthly by starting saw and engaging brake - chain should stop immediately

Disengagement

Pull hand guard back toward handle to disengage brake before resuming cutting

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Task Frequency Procedure
Chain Sharpening Every 2-3 hours of use Use round file and guide to maintain 30° cutting angle
Chain Tension Check Before each use Adjust until chain snaps back when pulled from bar
Bar Inspection Monthly Check for wear, straightness, and groove condition
Bar Flipping Every 5 sharpenings Reverse bar to ensure even wear on both sides
Oil System Check Weekly Verify oil flow by running saw near cardboard
Air Filter Cleaning Every 10 hours Remove and clean with compressed air or soapy water
Battery Contacts Monthly Clean with dry cloth to ensure good connection

Sharpening Instructions

  1. Secure bar in vise or holding tool
  2. Identify shortest cutter tooth and sharpen to match
  3. Use 5/32" round file with guide for consistent angle
  4. File each tooth with equal number of strokes
  5. File depth gauges with flat file and gauge tool
  6. Clean all filings from chain and bar groove

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Cause Solution
Chainsaw won't start Dead battery, safety lock engaged, chain brake on Charge battery, disengage safety lock, release chain brake
Poor cutting performance Dull chain, improper tension, wrong cutting technique Sharpen chain, adjust tension, use proper cutting method
Chain won't stay tight Worn bar, stretched chain, loose bar nuts Replace bar or chain, tighten bar nuts securely
No chain oil flow Empty oil tank, clogged oil ports, cold oil Refill oil tank, clean oil ports, warm oil in cold weather
Excessive vibration Damaged chain, unbalanced bar, loose components Replace chain, check bar, tighten all fasteners
Battery drains quickly Old battery, extreme temperatures, dull chain Replace battery, avoid extreme temps, keep chain sharp
Chain throws off bar Extreme wear, improper installation, damaged drive sprocket Replace worn components, reinstall properly, check sprocket

Error Indicators

  • Red Battery Light Flashing: Battery temperature too high - allow to cool before use
  • No Power: Check battery charge, connections, and safety switches
  • Intermittent Operation: Loose battery connection or failing switch
  • Overheating Motor: Dull chain causing excessive load - sharpen immediately
  • Reduced Oil Flow: Check oil level, ports, and pump function

Manual Downloads

Current Model Manuals

CMCV200

12" V20 Chainsaw

CMCV201

14" V20 Chainsaw

CMCV202

16" V20 Chainsaw

CMCV203

Brushless V20 Chainsaw

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