Craftsman 358.351340 - User Manual

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Summary

SAFETY

Safe Operation and Handling

Essential guidelines, preparation, operation, fueling, and handling precautions for safe use.

Kickback and Control

Understanding, preventing, and managing chain saw kickback and control.

Cutting Techniques

Methods and safety for felling trees, cutting logs, and pruning branches.

ASSEMBLY

Assembly and Inspection

Instructions and checks for assembling or verifying the chain saw components.

OPERATION

Saw Controls and Starting

Familiarization with controls, adjustments, fueling, and engine starting procedures.

Operating Tips

General advice and techniques for safe and effective chain saw use.

MAINTENANCE

Routine Maintenance and Checks

Schedule, recommendations, lubrication, and checks for parts, chain, and bar.

Cleaning, Adjustments, and Troubleshooting

Procedures for cleaning, adjustments, replacement, storage, and diagnosing problems.

PARTS LIST

Repair Parts Diagrams

Illustrated diagrams and lists of replacement parts for the chain saw.

WARRANTY STATEMENT

Emissions Control Warranty

Details on the warranty for the engine's emission control system.

TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART

Problem Diagnosis and Solutions

A guide to diagnosing and resolving common chain saw problems.

REPAIR PARTS

Component Identification

Illustrated diagrams and lists of replacement parts for the chain saw.

Summary

SAFETY

Safe Operation and Handling

Essential guidelines, preparation, operation, fueling, and handling precautions for safe use.

Kickback and Control

Understanding, preventing, and managing chain saw kickback and control.

Cutting Techniques

Methods and safety for felling trees, cutting logs, and pruning branches.

ASSEMBLY

Assembly and Inspection

Instructions and checks for assembling or verifying the chain saw components.

OPERATION

Saw Controls and Starting

Familiarization with controls, adjustments, fueling, and engine starting procedures.

Operating Tips

General advice and techniques for safe and effective chain saw use.

MAINTENANCE

Routine Maintenance and Checks

Schedule, recommendations, lubrication, and checks for parts, chain, and bar.

Cleaning, Adjustments, and Troubleshooting

Procedures for cleaning, adjustments, replacement, storage, and diagnosing problems.

PARTS LIST

Repair Parts Diagrams

Illustrated diagrams and lists of replacement parts for the chain saw.

WARRANTY STATEMENT

Emissions Control Warranty

Details on the warranty for the engine's emission control system.

TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART

Problem Diagnosis and Solutions

A guide to diagnosing and resolving common chain saw problems.

REPAIR PARTS

Component Identification

Illustrated diagrams and lists of replacement parts for the chain saw.

This document serves as the Operator's Manual for a Craftsman 2.0 cu.in./33cc 2-Cycle Gasoline Chain Saw with a 14-inch bar. It provides comprehensive instructions for safe operation, assembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting, ensuring users can effectively and safely utilize the tool.

Function Description

The Craftsman Gasoline Chain Saw is a high-speed woodcutting tool designed for felling trees, bucking (cutting fallen trees into desired log sizes), limbing (removing branches from a felled tree), and pruning (removing limbs from a standing tree). Its 2-cycle gasoline engine powers a chain that rotates around a guide bar, allowing for efficient cutting through wood. The saw is intended for two-handed use by adults who understand and follow all safety rules and operating instructions.

Usage Features

The chain saw is equipped with several features to facilitate its use and ensure safety:

ON/STOP Switch: This switch is used to turn the engine on and off.
Throttle Trigger: Controls the engine speed, allowing the user to adjust the cutting power.
Throttle Lockout: A safety feature that prevents accidental squeezing of the throttle trigger. It must be pressed before the throttle can be engaged.
Fast Idle Lock: Holds the throttle trigger in the starting position for easier cold starts. It is activated by pressing the throttle lockout and squeezing the throttle trigger, then pressing the fast idle lock down.
Choke Knob: Activates the choke to provide additional fuel to the engine during cold starting, aiding in quicker ignition.
Primer Bulb: Circulates fuel to the carburetor, which helps in quicker starting, especially for cold engines or after running out of fuel.
Bar Oil Fill Cap: For filling the bar oil tank, which provides continuous lubrication to the chain and guide bar during operation. It is recommended to fill this tank whenever the fuel tank is filled.
Fuel Mix Fill Cap: For filling the fuel tank with a 40:1 gasoline and 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil mixture.
Hand Guard: Designed to reduce the chance of the operator's left hand contacting the chain if it slips off the front handlebar.
Reduced-Kickback Guide Bar: Features a small radius tip to minimize the kickback danger zone, significantly reducing the number and seriousness of kickbacks.
Low-Kickback Chain: Designed to meet kickback performance requirements, further enhancing safety during cutting. It features contoured depth gauges and elongated guard links that deflect kickback force and allow wood to gradually ride into the cutter.

For starting, the manual outlines specific procedures for cold engines, warm engines, and flooded engines, emphasizing the importance of proper choke and fast idle lock usage. Operating tips include checking chain tension, cutting only wood, stopping the saw if the chain strikes a foreign object, keeping the chain clean, and practicing on small logs.

Detailed techniques are provided for felling large trees, including the notch method and felling cut, with warnings about potential hazards like falling branches and poorly supported trees. Bucking techniques for cutting fallen trees are also explained, highlighting the importance of making the first cut on the compression side of the log and using supports when necessary. Limbing and pruning instructions emphasize safety precautions, such as not climbing trees and being aware of springpoles and springback.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is crucial for the chain saw's performance, longevity, and safety. The manual provides a comprehensive maintenance schedule and instructions for various tasks:

Check for Damaged/Worn Parts: Users should regularly inspect the ON/STOP switch, fuel tank, oil tank, and other components for signs of damage or leaks. Any damaged or worn parts should be replaced by a qualified service dealer.
Check for Loose Fasteners and Parts: Periodically check and tighten all bar clamp nuts, chain, muffler, cylinder shield, air filter, clutch drum/sprocket, handle screws, vibration mounts, starter housing, and handguard.
Check Chain Tension: The chain tension should be checked frequently, especially for new chains during the first 30 minutes of operation. Instructions are provided for adjusting tension using the bar tool, ensuring the chain rotates freely without sagging or being too tight.
Check Chain Sharpness: A sharp chain produces wood chips and cuts efficiently, while a dull chain produces sawdust powder and cuts slowly. Users can purchase sharpening tools or seek professional sharpening services.
Check Guide Bar: Inspect the guide bar for wear, such as cuts to one side, difficulty in cutting, or inadequate oil supply. Instructions are given for cleaning the guide bar groove and sprocket hole, removing burrs, and restoring square edges with a flat file. The guide bar should be replaced if it is worn, bent, cracked, or excessively heated.
Clean Unit & Labels: The saw should be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent, then wiped dry.
Clean Air Filter: A dirty air filter reduces engine life and performance. It should be cleaned after every 15 tanks of fuel or 5 hours of operation, or more frequently in dusty conditions. Instructions include removing, washing with soapy water, rinsing, drying, and lightly oiling the filter before reinstallation.
Inspect Muffler and Spark Arrestor Screen: Carbon deposits can build up on these components, affecting engine performance and creating a fire hazard. The spark arrestor screen should be cleaned every 25 hours or annually using a wire brush. Instructions are provided for removing and reinstalling the muffler cover, diffuser, and screen, and replacing any broken or cracked parts.
Replace Spark Plug: The spark plug should be replaced annually to ensure easy starting and optimal engine performance. Instructions include removing the cylinder cover, pulling off the spark plug boot, and replacing the spark plug with a new one of the recommended type and heat range, ensuring proper gap and torque.
Clean Fuel Filter: The fuel filter should be cleaned by draining the fuel, removing the fuel cap/retainer assembly, pulling the filter from the tank, cleaning it with mild detergent, rinsing, and drying before reassembly.
Carburetor Adjustment: Detailed instructions are provided for adjusting the idle speed (T), low speed mixture (L), and high speed mixture (H). Warnings emphasize the importance of proper adjustment to avoid engine damage and the need to wear protective equipment during this procedure. The manual also advises checking for common issues like old fuel, dirty air filter, or flooding before attempting carburetor adjustments.
Chain Replacement: Instructions for safely replacing the chain, including removing the old chain, positioning the new chain over the clutch and guide bar, and finger-tightening the bar clamp nuts before final tension adjustment.

Storage Features

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the chain saw's condition, especially if it will not be used for 30 days or more:

External Surfaces: Clean the unit thoroughly, lightly oil external metal surfaces and the guide bar, and oil the chain before wrapping it in heavy paper or cloth.
Fuel System: Empty the fuel system before storage to prevent problems caused by alcohol-blended fuels attracting moisture. This involves draining the gas tank, starting the engine, and letting it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Fuel stabilizer can be used as an alternative to minimize gum deposits.
Engine: Remove the spark plug, pour a teaspoon of 2-cycle engine oil into the spark plug opening, and slowly pull the starter rope to distribute the oil. Replace the spark plug with a new one, clean the air filter, and check for loose, damaged, or worn parts.
General Storage: Store the unit and fuel in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from sparks or open flames. Ensure all guards are in place and the chain saw is positioned to prevent accidental injury. Store out of reach of children. Do not store gasoline from one season to another, and replace rusted gasoline cans.

Craftsman 358.351340 Specifications

General

Engine Type	2-cycle
Engine Displacement	33 cc
Weight	10.8 lbs
Guide Bar Length	16 inches
Oil Capacity	6.8 fl oz
Type	Gas Chainsaw
Fuel Tank Capacity	10.1 fl oz
Chain Pitch	3/8 inch
Chain Gauge	0.050 inch