Safety Instructions
Essential Safety Gear:
- Safety glasses or face shield
- Hearing protection
- Chainsaw chaps or protective pants
- Gloves with good grip
- Steel-toed boots
- Hard hat (when working under trees)
Critical Safety Rules
- Clear Work Area: Remove debris, branches, and tripping hazards from your work area before starting.
- Check Chainsaw Condition: Inspect chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication before each use.
- Proper Stance: Maintain secure footing with feet shoulder-width apart. Never operate above shoulder height.
- Kickback Awareness: Always be aware of the chainsaw's kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip).
- Two-Hand Operation: Keep both hands on the chainsaw handles at all times during operation.
- Fuel Safety: Refuel only when engine is cool, at least 10 feet from ignition sources.
- Emergency Preparedness: Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher nearby when operating.
Assembly Guide
| Tools Required | Socket set, Screwdrivers, Combination wrench |
| Assembly Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Beginner to Intermediate |
Step-by-Step Assembly
- Unpack Components: Remove all parts from packaging and verify against parts list.
- Handle Attachment: Secure front and rear handles using provided bolts and washers.
- Bar and Chain Installation: Install guide bar, ensuring proper alignment with oiler hole.
- Chain Installation: Place chain on bar with cutting teeth facing forward on top.
- Tension Adjustment: Adjust chain tension to allow 1/8 inch pull-away from bar.
- Bar Nut Tightening: Tighten bar nuts securely after proper tension is set.
- Oil Reservoir: Fill bar and chain oil reservoir with recommended oil.
- Fuel Mix (Gas Models): Prepare proper fuel/oil mixture as specified in manual.
Initial Setup Checklist
- ✓ All bolts and fasteners tightened
- ✓ Chain moves freely without binding
- ✓ Chain brake functions properly
- ✓ Throttle trigger returns automatically
- ✓ Safety switch operates correctly
- ✓ Oil flow verified on bar
Operation Guide
Starting Procedure (Gas)
Set choke, engage chain brake, pull starter cord until engine fires, then disengage choke. Allow 30-second warm-up before cutting.
Starting Procedure (Electric)
Connect to proper power source, engage safety lock, depress trigger lock, then squeeze trigger to start.
Basic Cutting Techniques
Use full throttle when cutting, let chain do the work, maintain proper stance, and plan escape path before cutting.
Kickback Prevention
Always grip handle firmly, never cut with bar tip, maintain sharp chain, and use reduced-kickback chain when possible.
Proper Chain Lubrication
Check oil level frequently, use proper bar and chain oil, and verify oil flow by holding saw over light-colored surface.
Emergency Procedures
Release throttle immediately if kickback occurs, engage chain brake if losing control, and have first aid accessible.
Cutting Techniques Explained
Felling
Notch cut followed by back cut, ensuring proper hinge wood and escape path
Limbing
Work from trunk outward, support limb when possible, watch for springback
Bucking
Cut from top on tension side, from bottom on compression side
Pruning
Use light touch, support branch, make relief cuts on heavy limbs
Plunge Cutting
Advanced technique for notching, requires experience and caution
Brushing
Clearing small growth, maintain awareness of hidden obstacles
Maintenance Schedule
| Daily/Before Use | Check chain tension, sharpness, lubrication, and all fasteners |
| Weekly | Clean air filter, check spark plug, clean cooling fins |
| Monthly | Inspect fuel lines, check anti-vibration mounts, clean carburetor |
| Seasonally | Replace spark plug, clean fuel tank, inspect clutch and sprocket |
| Annually | Professional tune-up, compression test, complete inspection |
Chain Maintenance
- Sharpening: File at proper angle (usually 30°), maintain consistent depth gauges
- Tension: Adjust when chain sags from bar, check when cool
- Rotation: Rotate bar regularly to ensure even wear
- Replacement: Replace chain when stretched beyond adjustment or damaged
- Cleaning: Clean bar groove and oil holes regularly
Winter Storage
- Drain fuel tank completely or add fuel stabilizer
- Run engine until carburetor is dry
- Remove chain, clean and oil thoroughly
- Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins
- Store in dry place, protected from moisture
- Cover to prevent dust accumulation
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Engine won't start | No spark, fuel issues, flooded engine | Check spark plug, fuel quality, choke setting |
| Engine starts then dies | Carburetor adjustment, fuel filter clogged | Adjust carburetor, replace fuel filter |
| Poor cutting performance | Dull chain, improper tension, worn sprocket | Sharpen chain, adjust tension, inspect sprocket |
| Chain won't stay lubricated | Clogged oiler, wrong oil, pump failure | Clean oil passages, use proper oil, check pump |
| Excessive vibration | Loose components, unbalanced chain, worn mounts | Tighten fasteners, balance chain, replace mounts |
| Chain throws or derails | Worn bar, improper tension, damaged drive links | Inspect bar rails, proper tension, check chain |
Common Error Indicators
- Overheating: Clean cooling fins, check fuel mixture, ensure proper lubrication
- Hard Starting: Check compression, spark, fuel delivery, and carburetor
- Loss of Power: Inspect air filter, fuel filter, exhaust port, and piston condition
- Oil Leaks: Check oil lines, reservoir seals, and bar oiler connections
- Electrical Issues (Electric Models): Check power cord, switch, brushes, and motor
- Chain Brake Failure: Inspect brake band, spring, and handle mechanism
Manual Downloads
Current Craftsman Models
CMXGSAMA358
35.8cc Gas Chainsaw 18"
CMECS600
16" Electric Chainsaw
CMXGSAMA420
42cc Gas Chainsaw 20"
CMECS712
12" Cordless Chainsaw
Popular Previous Models
358.791340
18" Gas Chainsaw
316.791330
16" Electric Chainsaw
CMEW202
20" Gas Chainsaw
CMECS410
14" Corded Electric
Replacement Parts Manuals
Chain & Bar Guide
Replacement parts catalog
Engine Parts
Gas engine components
Safety Manual
Complete safety guide
Accessories
Chainsaw accessories