Instruction Manual: Chain Saw
Instruction Manual: Chain Saw
Important!
Read this instruction manual carefully before
first operation and strictly observe the safety
regulations!
ENGLISH 2
                                                              Index
                                                                                                                                                   Page
1. Safety regulations.....................................................................................................................................4
     1.1 Correct use / General safety instructions                                                                                                            4
     1.2 Working clothes                                                                                                                                      4
     1.3 Fuelling                                                                                                                                             5
     1.4 When transporting the equipment                                                                                                                      5
     1.5 Notes on assembly, cleaning, adjustment, maintenance and repairs                                                                                     5
     1.6 Before starting the tool                                                                                                                             5
     1.7 Starting the tool                                                                                                                                    6
     1.8 When working with the saw                                                                                                                            6
2. Specification .............................................................................................................................................7
3. Standard delivery......................................................................................................................................8
4. Designation of important controls and functional parts.......................................................................8
5. Preparing the equipment for use...........................................................................................................10
     5.1 Assembly of the guide bar and chain                                                                                                                10
     5.2 Adjusting the chain tension                                                                                                                        10
6. Refuelling and adding oil to the chain lubrication system .................................................................11
     6.1 Fuel information                                                                                                                                   11
     6.2 Mixing ratio                                                                                                                                       11
     6.3 Fuelling                                                                                                                                           11
     6.4 Chain lubrication                                                                                                                                  11
7. Chain brake .............................................................................................................................................12
8. Starting / Stopping the engine...............................................................................................................12
     8.1 Start-up settings                                                                                                                                  12
     8.2 Starting up                                                                                                                                        13
     8.3 Engine will not start:                                                                                                                             13
     8.4 Switching the engine off::                                                                                                                         13
9. Hazards caused by kickback .................................................................................................................14
10. Using the chainsaw ..............................................................................................................................15
     10.1 Application areas                                                                                                                                 15
     10.2 Sawing                                                                                                                                            15
11. Operating and maintenance information............................................................................................17
     11.1 Maintenance and care of the cutting gear                                                                                                          17
     11.2 Air Filter Maintenance                                                                                                                            18
     11.3 Carburettor settings                                                                                                                              19
     11.4 Maintenance of the chain brake                                                                                                                    19
     11.5 Vibration damping                                                                                                                                 19
     11.6 Spark plug information                                                                                                                            20
     11.7 Shutdown and storage                                                                                                                              20
     11.8 Replacing the fuel filter                                                                                                                         20
     11.9 Self-help tips                                                                                                                                    20
     11.10 Scheduled maintenance                                                                                                                            21
12. Accessories...........................................................................................................................................21
13. Parts subject to wear and tear.............................................................................................................25
14. Guarantee ..............................................................................................................................................25
15. CE Declaration of conformity ..............................................................................................................25
 * Permissible cutting gear.........................refer to the last two inside pages of this operating manual
                                                                                                                       (after the Dutch section)
                                                                                                                                           ENGLISH 3
Safety regulations
                                              1. Safety regulations
1.1 Correct use / General safety instructions
The chainsaw must only be used to cut wood and objects made of wood. The chainsaw must not be used for any
other purposes (chapter 10.1 "Application areas").
              Before you start using the saw for the first time, please take the time to carefully read through these
              operating instructions, and make sure you keep them in a safe place. At all times the instructions must be
kept available at the place where the saw is being used. The instructions must be read by anybody who works with or
on the device (including for maintenance, care and repairs).
Take special care when using this power tool. By handling the power tool recklessly or without the necessary care
and attention you can put yourself in grave danger. Always work with the utmost care and constantly remind yourself
of the potential dangers and hazards that could occur. Never undertake any work you are not fully comfortable with or
if you are not in a position to fully assess the risks involved. If you are still unsure after reading these operating
instructions, please consult a specialist or enrol in a training course for safe handling and use of the power tool (e.g.
at a specialist forestry training centre).
If you ignore these safety instructions you could be putting your life at risk. Please also make sure that you comply
with all of the health and safety requirements of the professional trade associations.
• When operating in highly flammable vegetation and in areas affected by drought, keep a fire extinguisher handy
     (risk of fire).
• You should request and receive instructions from the vendor on the safe operation if you are using this type of
     product for the first time.
• Children and young people under 18 years may not work with this power tool, with the exception of young people
     over 16 years of age who are being trained under supervision.
• The power tool can be operated easily - even on start-up - by one person. Keep bystanders and animals away
     from the working area. When working near thickets, be aware that children and animals may be hidden there.
     Immediately stop the machine and the cutter if any person or animal comes close to the working area. The
     operator is responsible for any accidents or damage caused to parties or property.
• This machine may only be passed on or lent to third parties if they are familiar with the safe use of this product
     and with these instructions. Always supply the manual with the machine.
• Ensure you are rested and in good health when using this machine.
• Persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription drugs, are not allowed to use this
     machine, as their ability to quickly react to potential danger may be impaired.
• Never alter, change or modify any safety equipment or functional assemblies on this machine.
• Only use this machine if it is in good, safe condition. Always check the machine prior to use. Risk of accident!
• Only use those accessories and attachments that have been supplied by the manufacturer and that are
     expressly approved for attachment.
• The reliability and safe operation of your machine depend on the quality of parts used with the machine. Only use
     original spare parts. Original spare parts are identical with genuine production parts and guarantee best quality in
     material, dimensions, function and safety. Original parts and accessories are available from your specialist
     dealer. Your dealer has been supplied with appropriate documentation to determine the correct parts. Your
     dealer is frequently supplied with updates about improvements to the equipment. Please note that the use of
     non-original parts will void your warranty.
• Always store the machine in a safe place and in such a way that it will not pose any danger. Stop the engine
     when the machine is not used.
Persons who disregard safety instructions, operating or maintenance instructions may be liable for any damage or
consequential losses.
ENGLISH 4
                                                                                                      Safety regulations
1.3 Fuelling
              Petrol is very light and highly flammable. Keep away from open flames and never spill fuel. Do not
              smoke at the operating site or at and near the refuelling site!
•   Stop the engine prior to refuelling.
•   Let the engine cool down before refuelling - fire risk!
•   Open the tank lid slowly to allow any excess pressure in the tank to be reduced without the risk of petrol spraying
    out.
•   Fuel may contain substances similar to solvents. Prevent products made from mineral oil coming into contact
    with skin and eyes. Wear protective gloves during filling with fuel. Frequently change and clean protective
    clothing.
•   Avoid breathing in fuel vapour.
•   The refuelling site should be well ventilated.
•   Avoid any soil spillage of fuel or oil (protection of the environment). Use a suitable mat.
•   Immediately clean any spilled fuel on the machine. Change contaminated clothing without delay.
•   Always tighten the fuel tank cap firmly by hand without using any tools. The fuel tank cap must not be able to
    work itself loose as a result of the vibrations of the engine.
•   Check for petrol leaks. Do not start the machine or work with the machine if there is a petrol leak. Life threatening
    risk from burns!
•   Store fuel and oil in approved and correctly labelled containers.
                                                                                                            ENGLISH 5
Safety regulations
First Aid
A first aid box should always be available on-site. Immediately replace any materials you have used:
Note:
Over exposing persons with circulatory problems to vibrations can lead to damage to their nervous system or blood
vessels. The following systems may occur from vibrations to fingers, hands or the wrists: Numbness, itching, pain,
twinges, changes to the colour of the skin or the skin itself. Seek medical advice if you experience any of these
symptoms.
ENGLISH 6
                                                                                                                           Specification
2. Specification
Build year of the power tool ! refer to the type plate on the power tool (Chapter 4, " Designation of important
controls and functional parts ").
Permissible cutting gear and the corresponding cutting lengths ! refer to the last two inside pages of this operating
manual (after the Dutch section)
                                                                                                                           ENGLISH 7
Standard delivery ; Designation of important controls and functional parts
                                               3. Standard delivery
•    Chainsaw – basic unit (without guide bar and saw chain)
•    Guide bar
•    Saw chain
•    Chain guard
•    Tool: Combination tool (spark plug spanner with screwdriver), plus additional screwdriver
•    These Operating Instructions
Fig. 1b
(Depending on the version)
    View: profile from the left
ENGLISH 8
                                          Designation of important controls and functional parts
Fig. 1c                                                1. Chain
(Depending on the version)
                                                       2. Guide bar
 View: rear
                                                       3. Hand protection
5. Cowl
6. Rear handle
7. Choke
                                                       27. Exhaust
                                                   *
                                                       Depending on the version
Type plate:
                             Type designation
Serial number                Build year (06 !2006).
       .
                                                                                       ENGLISH 9
Preparing the equipment for use
      5. Preparing the equipment for use                       • Ensure that the drive links grip correctly between the
                                                                 teeth of the chain wheel and reversing wheel at the
                                                                 tip of the guide bar.
5.1 Assembly of the guide bar and chain
                                                               • Fit the rail cover, but initially only tighten the retaining
                                                                 nuts finger tight.
                 The chain brake must be released              • After correctly adjusting the chain tension (refer to
        when assembling the chain and adjusting the              the next section), tighten the retaining nuts as
        chain tension [pull back the hand protection (3)         described below.
to the front handle (4)].
Fig. 2                                                         5.2 Adjusting the chain tension
(643IP)                                                        • Loosen the retaining nuts on the rail cover (12), or if
                                                                 you are assembling the chain, only tighten it finger-
                                                                 tight.
                                                               • Place the rail tip on a suitable wooden support (e.g. a
                                                                 tree stump) and press the guide bar upwards slightly
                                                                 as a result.
                                                               • Use the chain tensioning bolt (13) to set the correct
                                                                 chain tension. Turn the chain tensioning bolt
                                                                 clockwise to increase the chain tension or anti-
                                                                 clockwise to slacken the chain tension. The chain
                                                                 has the correct tension if it makes full contact with
                                                                 the guide bar but can still be lifted off the guide bar
                                                                 by hand by around 2 - 4 mm.
*13a ! 636, 642, 643IP;                      *13b ! 635
• Undo the retaining nuts on the rail cover (12).               Fig. 4
• Take off the rail cover (a).
• When setting up the tool for the first time, remove
  the cardboard disc inserted at the factory as
  transport protection underneath the rail cover before
  installing the guide bar.
• On used saws, clean the rail contact surface and the
  oil outlet.
• Use the chain tensioning bolt (13a / 13b) to move
  the chain tensioning cam (b) to the left-hand end            (schematic diagram)
  stop. .                                                      • With the rail tip placed on a suitable surface and the
  Note: Each time the guide bar is removed and                     guide bar pressed up slightly, tighten the retaining
  installed, adjust the chain tension cam (b) up to the            nuts with the enclosed combination tool. Then check
  l.h. end stop.                                                   the chain tension again.
Fig. 3                                                         Always check the chain tension before starting the
(643IP)                                                        device and adjust it as required. You should also check
                                                               the chain tension again and adjust it as required once
                                                               the power tool has warmed up and again intermittently
                                                               while working with the tool – but make sure the engine
                                                               is switched off first!
                                                               Important hint:
                                                               As the chain tightens again slightly when the device
                                                               cools off, slacken the chain tension a little once you
                                                               have finished work before putting the chainsaw into
                                                               storage.
ENGLISH 10
                                                              Refuelling and adding oil to the chain lubrication system
  6. Refuelling and adding oil to the chain                    Place the machine with the fuel inlet pointing upwards.
             lubrication system                                Unscrew the tank lid and fill the fuel mixture up to the
                                                               lower edge of the filler neck. Use a funnel with filter to
                                                               prevent tank contamination. After filling the tank replace
                                                               the tank lid and tighten firmly.
The tank caps for the fuel tank and the chain lubrication
oil tank are sealed by means of an O-ring. Both tank
                                                               6.4 Chain lubrication
closures should only be tightened finger-tight, without
the use of tools.                                                      Chainsaw oil with an anti-fling additive that helps
                                                                       the oil adhere to the chain should be used for
Fig. 5                                                                 lubrication of the saw chain and guide bar.
                                                               Note: You should generally always add the chain oil
                                                               whenever topping up with fuel.
                                                               If the saw is used regularly we recommend the use of
                                                               biodegradable chainsaw oil.
                                                               The bio-chainsaw oil available from SOLO (order no. 00
                                                               83 107, 1 litre) has been awarded the German blue
                                                               angel symbol for eco friendliness (RAL UZ 48).
                                                                         Biodegradable chainsaw oil only has a limited
                                                                         lifespan and should be used within a period of 2
                                                                         years from the printed date of manufacture.
                                                                                                              ENGLISH 11
Chain brake ; Starting / Stopping the engine
ENGLISH 12
                                                                                        Starting / Stopping the engine
8.2 Starting up                                             • Always guide the starter handle back to its starting
                                                               position – do not just let go and allow it to speed
Please read the safety instructions before starting up         back by itself.
the device.                                                 A damaged starter cable can be replaced by a
                                                            specialist.
Fig. 8
                                                            When the engine is running, lift up the power tool and
                                                            hold it safely with both hands, then briefly operate the
                                                            throttle control to cancel the part throttle setting.
                                                                                                         ENGLISH 13
Hazards caused by kickback
        9. Hazards caused by kickback                       3. Contact point in the lower part of the guide bar
                                                               (bumper spikes (26a / 26b) as the point at which the
                                                               chainsaw is positioned on the cutting object):
             When working with the chainsaw, careless
             or incorrect working methods can cause a       Fig. 12
             dangerous situation which is referred to as
"kickback". Kickback forces can occur when the running
saw chain comes into contact with solid objects or if the
saw chain suddenly gets stuck in the cut. In the
process, the chainsaw is accelerated violently and
uncontrollably.
Depending on the contact point of the running saw
chain, the forces acting on the chainsaw are directed as
follows, resulting in the corresponding acceleration of
the tool:
1. Contact point at the tip of the guide bar:
                                                            Safe application: The chainsaw is pulled towards the
Fig. 10                                                     object being sawn. As the bumper spikes (26a / 26b) on
                                                            the engine housing are positioned on the object being
                                                            sawn, the chainsaw cannot be accelerated away. The
                                                            operator is able to control the tool safely.
                                                            The following general guidelines should be followed in
                                                            order to avoid kickback:
                                                            • Always hold the chainsaw firmly with both hands.
                                                               Position your right hand on the rear handle and
                                                               your left handle on the front handle.
                                                            • Before positioning the saw for the cut, apply the
                                                               throttle and, with the saw chain running, start the cut
                                                               on the underside of the guide bar as close as
(schematic diagram)                                            possible to the engine housing.
       Danger: The guide bar is kicked up suddenly and      • Never cut more than one branch at a time. When
       quickly. As the user is holding the chainsaw by         removing branches, bear in mind that other branches
the handles, this results in a rotational acceleration of      may inadvertently come into contact with the saw
the chainsaw, during which the guide bar is accelerated        chain. When cutting to length, look out for other
towards the head of the operator. Although this                trunks which may be close nearby.
rotational acceleration instantly activates the chain       • Special care is required when continuing cuts which
brake, the magnitude of the acceleration and the               have already been started.
uncontrolled response of the operator can result in         • Carefully watch the guide bar during the cut.
serious accidents.                                          • Look out for forces which could compress the cut
                                                               gap and cause the saw chain to become trapped,
2. Contact point in the upper part of the guide bar:           particularly on objects which are under tension.
Fig. 11                                                     • Always follow the correct procedure for sharpening
                                                               the saw chain. In the process, pay particular
                                                               attention to the correct height of the depth limiter.
                                                            Professional users can use special working techniques
                                                            which must only be carried out by experienced users.
                                                            We recommend that anyone who wishes to safely learn
                                                            about the more difficult techniques which are not
                                                            described here should attend a special course (e.g. at
                                                            specialist forestry training centre).
ENGLISH 14
                                                                                                 Using the chainsaw
                                                                                                       ENGLISH 15
Using the chainsaw
Fig. 14
                                                              " Start with the upper cut (roof of the felling notch).
                                                              # Then make the lower cut (bottom of the felling
Before felling a tree you need to carefully check the             notch). The lower cut should meet the upper cut
direction of fall and make sure that no persons, animals          precisely.
or objects are within 2½ tree lengths.                            Check the direction of fall.
                                                                  If the felling notch needs to be corrected, always re-
Then consider the general condition of the tree:                  cut it across the full width. In exceptional cases it is
Hanging direction – loose or dry branches – height of             also possible to slope the lower cut upwards to
the tree – natural overhang – is the tree diseased?               obtain a more open felling notch. If the tree is
You also need to take into account the wind speed and             situated on a slope this gives longer control over the
wind direction. Do not fell a tree under heavy, gusting           fall.
winds.                                                        $ The felling cut is made higher % than the bottom of
The foot of the trunk must be free of all foreign objects,        the felling notch #. This cut must be exactly
roots, undergrowth and branches.                                  horizontal. In front of the felling notch around 1/10 of
Ensure that you have a secure footing and remove any              the trunk diameter needs to be left as a hinge &.
objects which could cause you to trip.                        & The hinge must not be cut through, as this could
Cutting into the buttress roots:                                  result in loss of control over the fall of the tree.
                              Start with the largest          Wedges need to be positioned in good time. The felling
                              buttress root first.            cut must only be secured with plastic or aluminium
                              Make a vertical cut into the    wedges, and steel wedges must never be used.
                              root ", followed by a           During felling, always keep to the side of the tree.
                              horizontal cut #.               When walking back after the felling cut has been made,
                                                              watch out for falling branches.
Never cut into diseased trunks before felling them.           When working on a slope, the operator of the saw
Note: Leave the buttress root intact as a wedge on the        should stand above or to the side of the trunk or tree
side opposite the direction of fall.                          being worked on.
                                                              Stand back when the tree falls. Observe the crown of
                                                              the tree.
                                                              Wait for the crown to swing out.
                                                              Do not continue work under branches or trees which
                                                              have become caught.
ENGLISH 16
                                                                                 Operating and maintenance information
                                                                                                              ENGLISH 17
Operating and maintenance information
Before you can fit a new saw chain you must check the         11.2 Air Filter Maintenance
condition of the sprocket. Worn sprockets will damage
your new saw chain. If necessary, replace the sprocket
with the new chain. Grease the bearing with lithium-
based grease whenever the sprocket is replaced.               Contaminated air filters cause a reduction in engine
Tip: We recommend the use of two saw chains per               performance and increase fuel consumption with more
sprocket, and that both chains should be replaced as          pollutants in the exhaust gas. Engines are less likely to
frequently as possible so that all of the components          start readily with a contaminated air filter.
wear evenly. Once a certain wear limit is reached,            When using the power tool all day, clean the air filter
replace all of the parts together again.                      daily; under very dusty conditions, even several times a
                                                              day.
Fig. 16
                                                              Carry out the following maintenance jobs regularly.
Fig. 17
ENGLISH 18
                                                                              Operating and maintenance information
                                                                                                          ENGLISH 19
Operating and maintenance information
11.6 Spark plug information                                  A trained mechanic can carefully remove the fuel filter
                                                             via a wire loop through the fuel tank filler. Ensure that
                                                             the thicker part of the fuel hose on the tank wall is not
                                                             drawn into the fuel tank.
The spark plug should be regularly checked every 50
operating hours.
                                                             11.9 Self-help tips
• Take off the cowl from the chainsaw.
• Disconnect the spark plug connector which is located       Possible malfunctions:
   underneath.
• Unscrew the spark plug and dry it thoroughly.              • The engine will not start.
In the event of severe burn-off of the electrodes the           o Correct starting settings? (E.g. the stop switch)
spark plug should be replaced immediately, otherwise            o Spark plug?
every 100 hours.                                                     ' Clean or replace
The engine must not be moved if the spark plug is               o Combustion chamber oversaturated
removed or the ignition cable is disconnected.
                                                                     ' Unscrew the spark plug, dry, vent the
Otherwise there is a risk that sparks could form which
                                                                          combustion chamber
might cause a fire.
Interference-suppressed replacement spark plugs                 o Old fuel?
(calorific value: 200) are available for example under               ' Drain and clean the tank, refuel with fresh
the following trade names:                                                fuel
BOSCH                 WSR6F                                  • The chain will not run
CHAMPION            RCJ-6Y or equivalent.
                                                                o Chain brake?
The prescribed electrode gap is 0.5 mm.
Before starting work, check the ignition cable to make       • The chain is driven at idle
sure the connections are in good working order and the          o Idle speed set too high
insulation is intact.
                                                                o Defective clutch
• Screw the spark plug back in again.
                                                                      ' Service workshop
• Always press the spark plug connector firmly onto
   the spark plug.                                           • Poor engine performance
• Refit the cowl to the chainsaw.                               o Air filter clogged
                                                                      ' Clean both filters
11.7 Shutdown and storage                                       o Choke not fully open
The chainsaw should be thoroughly cleaned and                         ' Press the choke lever right in.
checked for damage after every use. The most                    o Carburettor settings ("L" / "H“ settings)
important areas are the chain brake, the cooling air                  ' Service workshop
intake area, the cylinder cooling fins and the air filter.
Only use the eco-friendly cleaning agents available          • The saw chain is not cutting well
from a specialist retailer. Do not use fuel to clean the        o Chain is blunt / incorrectly sharpened.
chainsaw.                                                            ' Sharpen the chain correctly
The chainsaw should be stored in a dry room and fitted
with a chain guard. There must be no naked flames or
similar in the vicinity. Measures must be taken to
prevent unauthorised use of the chainsaw, particularly       Important operating instructions (summary):
by children.
If you plan to stop using the saw for more than four         • Before starting:
weeks then you should also drain the fuel tank and the          o Have you filled up with fuel and oil?
chain lubrication oil tank in a well vented area and clean      o Is the chain tension set correctly?
them. Start the engine with the fuel tank empty and run
                                                                o Are the starting settings and the chain brake
it until the carburettor is empty and the engine goes out.
                                                                    OK?
Otherwise oil residue from the fuel mixture could block
the carburettor nozzles and make subsequent starts                    ' Primer (636, 642, 643IP)
more difficult.                                                       ' Choke - part throttle
Important: If you are using bio-chainsaw oil and                      ' Decompression valve (636, 642)
planning to stop using the chainsaw for at least 2                    ' Stop switch
months then you should run the chainsaw for a while
with the oil tank filled with engine oil (SAE 30), so that   • While working:
all residue of the bio-oil is flushed from the tank, oil        o Is the chain tension set correctly?
pickup hose and cutting device.                                 o Is the chain lubrication OK?
                                                                o Are the idle settings OK?
11.8 Replacing the fuel filter                                  o Chain brake function test
                                                             • After work ! slacken the chain tension
We recommend having the fuel filter changed annually
by a specialised service centre.
ENGLISH 20
                                                                  Operating and maintenance information; Accessories
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          as required
    repairs
                                                                                                                    between
                                                                                                                                                                  weekly
  • Consequential losses - including corrosion - from incorrect storage
12. Accessories
The next three pages are abbreviated extracts from our general 2007 catalogue. If you require a copy of the full
catalogue, please contact your specialist SOLO dealer or visit our website at www.solo-germany.com.
                                                                                                                                                                           ENGLISH 21
Accessories
ENGLISH 22
Parts subject to wear and tear ; Guarantee ; CE Declaration of conformity
                                                         ENGLISH 23
Accessories
ENGLISH 24
                                              Parts subject to wear and tear ; Guarantee ; CE Declaration of conformity
   Important: Only use the specified combination of sprocket, saw chain and guide rail. Never
   combine components with a different pitch!
   Importante: Rocchetto della catena, Catena di taglio e Barra di taglio usare esclusivamente nella
   combinazione fornita. Non usare mai insieme pezzi di componentistica diversa!
SOLO                    SOLO
Postfach 60 01 52       P.O.Box 60 01 52
D 71050 Sindelfingen    D 71050 Sindelfingen
                        Germany
Tel. 07031-301-0        Phone+49-7031-301-0
Fax 07031-301-130       Fax +49-7031-301-149
info@solo-germany.com   export@solo-germany.com