This document describes the YARD FORCE® 18" Cordless Chainsaw (Model: Y0LSX46B000), an outdoor power equipment designed for cutting branches, trees, or logs. It is intended for outdoor use by adults wearing appropriate safety gear.
Function Description
The YARD FORCE® 18" Cordless Chainsaw is a battery-operated tool primarily used for cutting wood. It operates with a saw chain that rotates around a guide bar, driven by an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. The chainsaw features a chain brake for safety, an oil tank for chain lubrication, and a power indicator to show remaining battery charge.
Important Technical Specifications
- Model #: Y0LSX46B000
- Voltage/Capacity: 120 V DC, 2.5 Ah Li-ion
- No-load chain speed: 42.65 ft/s (13 m/s)
- Bar Length: 18"
- Chain Pitch: 3/8"
- Type of chain blade: 91P062X
- Type of chain bar: 180SDEA041
- Oil tank capacity: 5.63 oz.
- Weight: 11.46 lbs
- Battery Pack Type: Y0L120BAT2.5, 2.5 Ah
- Charger Input: 100~120 V, 50/60 Hz, Output: 120 V DC, 4 A
- Charging Time: 40 minutes
- Adapter Type: Y0L120CGR
Usage Features
Assembly and Installation
The chainsaw requires assembly of the chain bar and chain. This involves uninstalling the two nuts on the chain bar cover, disassembling the clutch cover, placing the saw chain in the direction of rotation with drive links in the bar groove, and positioning a loop at the back of the bar. The chain loop is then placed around the sprocket, ensuring the bar hole fits the bolt for chain tension. Finally, the chain bar cover is installed, and chain tension is adjusted.
Battery and Charging
The device uses a 120V Li-ion battery (Y0L120BAT2.5) and a dedicated charger (Y0L120CGR). The battery pack is partially charged upon delivery and should be fully charged before first use.
- Charging Process: Connect the charger to a power supply (red LED on). Insert the battery pack into the charger (aligning grooves with ribs, pressing down). During normal charging, the green LED on the charger flashes continuously while the red LED remains on. Once fully charged, both green and red LEDs on the charger will be on.
- Power Indicator: The battery pack has a power indicator button. Pressing it shows remaining charge via green LEDs. A flashing red LED indicates low power, over-discharged battery, or excessive battery temperature. A flashing red LED also indicates a fault with the battery pack.
- Low Capacity Warning: Lithium-ion battery packs deliver consistent power until depleted. A flashing red LED on the battery pack indicates charge is below 1% and requires recharging.
- Battery Life Optimization: Avoid complete discharge before recharging. Ensure full charging cycles. Store the battery in a dry, secure place, unplugging the charger when not in use. Avoid charging/storing in extreme temperatures (below 41°F or above 113°F). Allow the battery to cool for about 30 minutes after use before recharging. For long-term storage, charge and discharge the battery pack every 6 months.
Operation
- Starting: Depress and hold the power button for 2 seconds until the green LED light turns ON. Ensure the chain brake lever is in the OFF position (pulled backwards). Grip the main handle with the right hand and auxiliary handle with the left hand. Press the safety lock-off button with your thumb, then grip the switch trigger.
- Stopping: Depress and hold the power button for 2 seconds until all LED lights are OFF. Ensure the chain brake lever is in the ON (lock) position.
- Chain Oil Tank: Open the chain oil tank cap, fill ONLY with Chain OIL - 406 Lubricating Oil, reinstall and tighten the cap, and wipe off excess oil. It's normal for oil to seep when not in use; empty the tank after each use to prevent seepage.
- Chain Tension Adjustment: Use a flat screwdriver to adjust tension. Clockwise tightens, anticlockwise releases. Ideal tension allows the chain to be raised about 2mm in the middle of the cutter bar. Check tension every 10 minutes during cutting, as heat can cause length changes. New chains stretch, so monitor tension carefully for the first half hour of cutting.
- Safety Checks Before Use: Verify chain brake functionality, check for damage to the rear right-hand guard, ensure lock-off button and trigger switch work, confirm handles are free from oil, check all parts are tightened and undamaged, and verify chain tension.
- Correct Posture: Always work on stable surfaces, avoid ladders, maintain balance, and stand with both feet securely on the ground.
Cutting Techniques
- General Method: Use with secure footing, hold firmly with both hands (right on rear, left on front), never operate with one hand. Hold the chainsaw to the right of your body. Allow the chain blade to reach full speed before contacting wood.
- Felling a Tree: Separate felling from bucking by at least twice the tree's height. Ensure the tree falls without endangering persons or property. Keep on the uphill side of terrain. Plan and clear an escape path extending back and diagonally to the rear of the expected fall line. Consider natural lean, branch location, and wind direction. Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire from the tree.
- Notching Undercut: Make a notch 1/3 the diameter of the tree, perpendicular to the fall direction. Make the lower horizontal cut first to prevent pinching.
- Felling Back Cut: Make the back cut at least 1.97 inches higher than the horizontal notching cut, keeping it parallel to the notching cut to leave a hinge. Stop cutting if the tree may not fall as desired or binds the saw chain, use wedges. Remove the chainsaw, stop the motor, and retreat along the planned path.
- Limbing a Tree: Remove branches from a fallen tree. Leave larger lower limbs to support the log. Cut small limbs in one pass. Cut branches under tension from the bottom up.
- Bucking a Log: Cut logs into lengths, ensuring firm footing and even weight distribution. Raise and support the log with limbs, logs, or chocks.
- Log Supported Along Entire Length: Cut from the top (over buck), avoiding contact with the earth.
- Log Supported on One End: Cut 1/3 diameter from the underside (under buck), then finish by over bucking to meet the first cut.
- Log Supported on Both Ends: Cut 1/3 diameter from the top (over buck), then finish by under bucking the lower 2/3 to meet the first cut.
- Sloping Terrain: When bucking on a slope, stand on the uphill side of the log.
- "Cutting Through": Release cutting pressure near the end of the cut without relaxing grip. Do not let the chain contact the ground. Wait for the chain to stop before moving the chainsaw.
Maintenance Features
General Maintenance
- Cleaning: Do not spray with water. Clean with a cloth, hand brush, etc.
- Tightness: Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight.
- Part Replacement: Replace worn or damaged parts with genuine replacement parts and accessories. Do not attempt to open the charger or battery pack; return to an authorized service center.
- Cooling: Allow the product to cool down before storing.
Cutting System Maintenance
- Lubrication: Check the lubrication system is adequate.
- Bar Maintenance: Turn the bar over every day. Check for wear. Ensure the oil flow hole is unobstructed.
- Chain Maintenance: Check chain tension, sharpen blades, and remove irregularities. Check guide bar sprocket conditions. Ensure the oil reservoir is clean.
Storage
- Cleaning: Clean the exterior thoroughly with a soft brush and cloth. Do not use water, solvents, or polishes.
- Location: Store in a dry place. Do not place other objects on top.
- Battery: Store with the battery pack fully charged at room temperature (around 68°F).
Transport
Use the original packaging for shipping whenever possible.
Safety Warnings and Symbols
The manual emphasizes reading all safety warnings and instructions to prevent electric shock, fire, and serious injury. Key safety symbols include:
- Ear protection: Wear ear hearing protection.
- Eye protection: Wear eye protection.
- Gloves: Wear heavy-duty protective gloves.
- Kickback warning: Tip contact can cause sudden upward/backward movement.
- Two-hand operation: Hold and operate with both hands.
- No one-hand operation: Do not operate with one hand.
- Avoid guide bar tip contact: Avoid contact with any object.
- No rain exposure: Do not expose to rain.
- Charger indoor use only: The charger is for indoor use only.
- Double insulation.
- Battery warnings: Do not throw into water or fire. Do not subject to strong sunlight or leave on a heater (max. 113°F). Li-ion batteries: dispose of properly, do not put in domestic waste.
The manual also provides troubleshooting steps for common issues like the chainsaw not powering on, poor cutting performance, insufficient chain lubrication, and smoking bar/chain. It includes an LED indicator guide for diagnosing operational status and faults.