1
80V LITHIUM-ION BRUSHLESS 18-IN CHAIN SAW
Español p. 33
Questions, problems, missing parts? Before returning to your retailer, call our customer
service department at 1-888-3KOBALT (1-888-356-2258) 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., EST,
Monday - Friday.
ATTACH YOUR RECEIPT HERE
Serial Number Purchase Date
ITEM #1359953
MODEL #KCS 4080-06
PH1998
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
Bar length 18 in. (458 mm)
Chain pitch 3/8 in. (9.5 mm)
Chain gauge 0.050 in. (1.27 mm)
Chain type 91P062X
Guide bar type 180SDEA041
Chain oil tank capacity 6.8 oz (200 ml)
Unit weight (without battery) 10.6 lbs.(4.8 kg)
Product Specications............................................................................................................2
Package Contents................................................................................................................3
Symbols................................................................................................................................ 4
Safety Information ................................................................................................................6
Preparation ........................................................................................................................... 12
Know Your Chain saw ...................................................................................................... 13
Operating Instructions ....................................................................................................... 14
Care and Maintenance........................................................................................................ 23
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................ 31
Warranty ................................................................................................................................ 31
Replacement Parts List...................................................................................................... 32
3
PART DESCRIPTION QUANTITY
A Chain saw 1
B Scabbard 1
M Battery 1
Q Charger 1
O Wrench 1
PACKAGE CONTENTS
B
A
M
Q
O
4
SYMBOLS
Some of the following symbols may be used on this product. Please study them and learn their mean-
ing. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the product better and safer.
SYMBOLS DESIGNATION EXPLANATION
V Volts Voltage
A Amperes Current
Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)
W Watts Power
min Minutes Time
Alternating Current Type of current
no No Load Speed Rational speed, at no load
/min Per Minute Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc., per minute
Safety Alert Precautions that involve your safety.
Wet Conditions Alert Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations
Read The Operator’s Manual
To reduce the risk of injury user must read and
understand operator’s manual before using this product.
Eye and Hearing Protection
Wear eye protection that is marked to comply with
ANSI Z87.1 as well as hearing protection when
operating this product.
Gloves
Wear non-slip, heavy-duty protective gloves when
handling the chain saw and the blade.
Safety Footwear
Wear non-slip safety footwear when using this
equipment.
Kickback
Tip contact can cause the guide bar to move suddenly
upward and backward, which can cause serious injury.
Operate With Two Hands Hold and operate the saw properly with both hands.
One Handed Do not operate the saw using only one hand.
Bar Nose Contact Avoid bar nose contact.
5
The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated
with this product.
WARNING
• To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt to use this product until you have read this Owner's
Manual thoroughly and understand it completely. If you do not understand the warnings and
instructions in this Owner's Manual, do not use this product. Call 1-888-356-2258 for assistance.
The operation of any power tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which
can result in severe eye damage. Before operating a power tool, always wear safety goggles,
safety glasses with side shields, or a full face shield when needed. We recommend a Wide
Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shields. Always
use eye protection that is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.
•
SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING
DANGER
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION
(Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may
result in property damage.
SYMBOLS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
6
1. WORK AREA SAFETY
• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of
ammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you
to lose control.
2. ELECTRICAL SAFETY
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges
and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase
the risk of electric shock.
• If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device
protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of electric shock.
• Use only Kobalt 80-volt batteries. (KB 280-06, KB 2580-06, KB 380-06, KB 480-06).
3. PERSONAL SAFETY
• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool.
Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the inuence of drugs, alcohol or
medication. A lapse of attention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
• Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such
as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat or hearing protection used appropriately will reduce
personal injuries.
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off position before connecting to
power source and/or battery pack and when picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power
tools with your nger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch on invites acci-
dents.
SAFETY INFORMATION
IMPORTANT
WARNING: Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may
result in electric shock, re, and/or serious personal injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
The term “power tool” in all of the
warnings listed below refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless)
power tool.
7
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left
attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
• Do not over-reach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control
of the power tool in unexpected situations.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves
away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities,
ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related
hazards.
4. POWER TOOL USE AND CARE
• Do not force the power tool. Use the power tool for the application. The correct power tool
will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot
be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnect the battery pack from the power tool before making any adjustments, chang-
ing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of
starting the power tool accidentally.
• Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with
the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in
the hands of untrained users.
• Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of
parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have
the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power
tools.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges
are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc.in accordance with these instructions,
taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power
tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
5. BATTERY TOOL USE AND CARE
• Ensure the switch is in the off position before inserting battery pack. Inserting the battery
pack into power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
• Recharge only with the charger specied by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for
one type of battery pack may create a risk of re when used with another battery pack.
• Use power tools only with specically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery
packs may create a risk of injury and re.
• When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips,
coins, keys, nails, screws, or other small metal objects that can make a connection from
one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a re.
• Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact
SAFETY INFORMATION
8
accidentally occurs, ush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek medical
help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
6. SERVICE
• Have your power tool serviced by a qualied repair person using only identical replace-
ment parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
7. CHAIN SAW SAFETY WARNINGS
• Keep all parts of the body away from the saw chain when the chain saw is operating. Be-
fore you start the chain saw, make sure the saw chain is not in contact with anything. A
moment of inattention while operating chain saws may cause entanglement of your clothing or
body with the saw chain.
• Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the saw chain many
contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Saw chains contacting a “live” wire may make exposed
metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
• Always hold the chain saw with your right hand at the rear handle and your left hand at
the front handle. Holding the chain saw with a reversed hand conguration increases the risk of
personal injury and should never be done.
• Wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Further protective equipment for head, hands,
legs and feet is recommended. Adequate protective clothing will reduce personal injury from
ying debris or accidental contact with the saw chain.
• Do not operate a chain saw in a tree. Operation of a chain saw while up in a tree may result in
personal injury.
• Always keep proper footing and operate the chain saw only when standing on xed, secure
and level surface. Slippery or unstable surfaces such as ladders may cause loss of balance or
control of the chain saw.
• When cutting a limb that is under tension, be alert of spring back. When the tension in the
wood bres is released, the spring loaded limb may strike the operator and/or throw the chain saw
out of control.
• Use extreme caution when cutting brush and saplings. The slender material may catch the
saw chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off balance.
• Carry the chain saw by the front handle with the chain saw switched off and away from
your body. When transporting or storing the chain saw, always t the guide bar cover.
Proper handling of the chain saw will reduce the likelihood of accidental contact with the moving
saw chain.
SAFETY INFORMATION
9
• Follow instructions for lubricating, chain tensioning and changing accessories. Improperly
tensioned or lubricated chain may either break or increase the chance for kickback.
• Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. Greasy, oily handles are slippery,
causing loss of control.
• Cut wood only. Do not use chain saw for purposes not intended. For example: do not use
chain saw for cutting plastic, masonry or non-wood building materials. Use of the chain saw
for operations other than intended could result in a hazardous situation.
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING Proposition 65
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities
contain chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples
of these chemicals are:
• Lead from lead-based paints,
• Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and
• Arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.
Your risk of exposure to these chemicals varies depending on how often you do this type of work. To
reduce your exposure to these chemicals, work in a well-ventilated area, and work with approved safety
equipment, such as dust masks that are specically designed to lter out microscopic particles.
10
Kickback
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING
Kickback may occur when the moving chain contacts an object at the upper portion of the tip of the
guide bar or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Contact at the upper
portion of the tip of the guide bar can cause the chain to dig into the object and stop the chain for an
instant. The result is a lightning fast reverse reaction which kicks the guide bar up and back toward
the operator. If the saw chain is pinched along the top of the guide bar, the guide bar can be driven
rapidly back toward the operator. Either of these reactions can cause loss of saw control which can
result in serious injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into the saw. As a chain
saw user, you should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.
The following precautions should be followed to
minimize kickback:
• Maintain a rm grip, with thumbs and ngers
encircling the chain saw handles, with both
hands on the saw and position your body and
arm to allow you to resist kickback forces.
Kickback can be controlled by the operator, if
proper precautions are taken. Do not let go of the
chain saw.
• Do not overreach and do not cut above
shoulder height. This helps prevent unintended
tip contact and enables better control of the chain
saw in unexpected situations.
• Only use replacement bars and chains
specied by the manufacturer. Incorrect
replacement bars and chains may cause chain
breakage and/or kickback.
• Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and
maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to
increased kickback.
11
• Push and Pull - This reaction force is always
opposite to the direction the chain is moving
where wood contact is made. Thus, the operator
must be ready to control the PULL when cutting
on the bottom edge of the bar, and PUSH when
cutting along the top edge.
Understanding your chain saw safety devices
Low kickback saw chain
Low kickback saw chain The rakers (depth
gauges) ahead of each cutter can minimize the force
of a kickback reaction by preventing the cutters from
digging in too deeply at the kickback zone. Only
use replacement chain that is equivalent to original
chain or has been certied as low kickback chain
per ANSI B175.1. Low kickback/skip tooth saw chain
is a chain that has met the kickback performance
requirements of ANSI B175.1 - 1991. (American
National Standard for Power Tools - Gasoline- Pow-
ered Chain Saws-Safety Requirements) when tested
on the representative sample of chain saws below
3.8 c.i.d. specied in ANSI B175.1-1991. As saw
chains are sharpened during their useful life, they
lose some of the low kickback qualities and extra
caution should be used.
SAFETY INFORMATION
12
PREPARATION
Before beginning to operate this product, make sure all parts are present. Compare parts with
package contents list. If any part is missing or damaged, do not attempt to operate the product.
Unpacking
This product has been shipped completely assembled.
• Carefully remove the product and any accessories from the box. Make sure that all items listed in
the package contents section are included.
• Inspect the product carefully to make sure no breakage or damage occurred during shipping.
• Do not discard the packing material until you have carefully inspected and satisfactorily operated
the product.
• If any parts are damaged or missing, please call 1-888-356-2258 for assistance.
• If any parts are damaged or missing, do not operate this product until the parts are replaced.
Failure to heed this warning could result in serious personal injury.
• Do not attempt to modify this product or create accessories not recommended for use with this
product. Any such alteration or modication is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition
leading to possible serious personal injury.
WARNING
13
KNOW YOUR CHAIN SAW
PART DESCRIPTION QUANTITY
C Rear handle 1
D Safety lock 1
E Trigger 1
F Front handle 1
G Guard/Chain brake 1
H Low kickback chain 1
I Guide bar 1
J Chain cover lock nuts 2
K Adjustment screw 1
L Chain cover 1
D
D
F
H
E
G
I
J
K
L
C
14
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Use a bar and chain lubricant (not included) with this
product. It is designed for chains and chain oilers,
and is formulated to perform over a wide temperature
range with no dilution required.
Note: Chain saw comes from the factory with no bar
and chain oil added.
The level should also be checked after every 20
minutes of use and relled as needed.
• Open the removable cover and then rotate the
cover counterclockwise to remove it.
• Remove oil cap (P).
• Carefully pour the bar and chain oil into the tank.
• Wipe off excess oil and replace cap.
• Check and ll the oil tank when quick view oil
indicator is below the MIN. line.
• Repeat as needed.
Note:
• Do not use dirty, used or otherwise contaminated
oils. Damage may occur to the bar or chain.
• It is normal for oil to seep from the saw when not
in use. To prevent seepage, empty the oil tank
after each use then run for one minute. When
storing the unit for a long period of time (three
months or longer) be sure the chain is lightly
lubricated; this will prevent rust on the chain and
bar sprocket.
Adding bar and chain lubricant
WARNING
• If any parts are damaged or missing do not operate this product until the parts are replaced. Using
a product with damaged or missing parts could result in serious personal injury.
• Do not attempt to modify this product or create accessories not recommended for use with this
product. Any such alteration or modication is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition
leading to possible serious personal injury.
• Do not allow familiarity with this product to make you careless. Remember that a careless fraction
of a second is sufcient to inict serious injury.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating power tools.
Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes, resulting in possible serious
injury.
• Do not use any attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this product.
The use of attachments or accessories not recommended can result in serious personal injury.
WARNING
To preserve natural resources, please recycle or dispose of oil properly. Consult your local waste
authority for information regarding available recycling and/disposal options.
P
15
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The battery will only be half charged when it is pur-
chased. Before using the chain saw for the rst time,
place the battery in the battery charger and charge it
fully. Be sure to read all safety precautions and follow
the instructions in the battery and charger manuals.
When storing the chain saw for a prolonged period of
time, remove the battery. When the chain saw is going
to be used again, charge the battery for at least a full
charging period. The battery has no memory effect.
Battery
• Align the battery (M) with the battery opening.
• Insert the battery into the battery opening until the
battery release button (N) locks into place.
• Push down on the battery until it locks into place.
You should hear a “click” once it is installed.
To install the battery:
WARNING
Follow these instructions on order to avoid injury and to reduce the risk of electric shock or re:
• Replace the battery or the charger immediately if the battery case or charger cord is damaged.
• Verify that the battery is removed before inspecting, adjusting, or performing maintenance on any
part of the chain saw.
• Read, understand, and follow the instructions contained in the charger manual.
M
N
• Press the battery release button (N) on the chain
saw. This will cause the battery to raise out of the
tool slightly.
• Grasp the chain saw rmly and pull the battery out
of the battery opening.
To remove the battery:
IMPORTANT
This Lithium-ion battery is equipped with an internal protection, which will automatically shut off the
power to the tool and then reset itself once cooled. Follow these steps if an overload occurs while
under heavy use:
• Release the power switch and restart tool by depressing switch.
• The battery may need to be removed for approximately 1 minute, allowed to cool and then rein-
stalled for use.
16
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
A. To start the chain saw:
• Make sure chain tension is at desired setting.
Refer to adjusting the chain tension in the Care
and Maintenance section of this manual.
• Make sure the chain cover lock nuts (J) are tight
to the chain cover.
• Make sure no objects or obstructions are in the
immediate vicinity which could come in contact
with the bar and chain.
• Insert the battery into the chain saw.
• Press in the safety lock (D). This makes the
trigger (E) operational.
• Press and hold the trigger (E) and keep it
pressed for continued operation.
B. To stop the chain saw:
• Release the trigger (E).
• Upon release of the trigger, the switch lock will
be automatically reset to the lock position.
Starting and stopping the chain saw
WARNING
Keep body to the left of the chain line. Never straddle the saw or chain, or lean over past the chain
line.
Preparing for cutting
See General Safety Rules for appropriate safety equip-
ment.
• Wear non-slip gloves for maximum grip and protection.
• Hold the saw rmly with both hands. Always keep your
left hand on the front handle and your right hand on
the rear handle so that your body is to the left of the
chain line.
• Maintain a proper grip on the saw whenever the motor
is running. The ngers should encircle the handle, with
the thumb wrapped under the handlebar. This grip is
least likely to be broken by a kickback or other sudden
reaction of the saw. Any grip in which the thumb and
ngers are on the same side of the handle is danger-
ous, because a slight kick of the saw can cause loss of
control.
D
E
17
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
• DO NOT operate the trigger switch with your left hand and hold the front handle with your right
hand. Never allow any part of your body to be in the chain line while operating a saw.
• Never use a left-handed (cross-handed) grip or any stance that would place your body or arm
across the chain line.
Proper cutting stance
• Balance your weight with both feet on solid ground.
• Keep left arm with elbow locked in a “straight arm”
position to withstand any kickback force.
• Keep your body to the left of the chain line.
• Keep your thumb on underside of front handle.
Basic operating/cutting procedures
Practice cutting a few small logs using the following
technique to get the “feel” of using the saw before you
begin a major sawing operation.
• Take the proper stance in front of the wood.
• Press the safety lock and squeeze the trigger, then
release the safety lock and let the chain accelerate to
full speed before entering the cut.
• Begin cutting with the saw against the log.
• Keep the unit running the entire time you are cutting,
maintain a steady speed.
• The chain will cut for you; exert only light downward
pressure. Forcing the cut could result in damage to
the bar, chain, or motor.
• Release the trigger as soon as the cut is completed,
allowing the chain to stop. If you run the saw without a
cutting load, unnecessary wear can occur to the chain,
bar, and unit.
• Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of the cut.
Work area precautions
• Cut only wood or materials made from wood; no sheet
metal, no plastics, no masonry, no nonwood building
materials.
• Never allow children to operate the saw. Allow no
person to use this chain saw who has not read this
operator’s manual or received adequate instructions
for the safe and proper use of this chain saw.
• Keep everyone – helpers, bystanders, children, and
animals – a SAFE DISTANCE from the cutting area.
During felling operations, the safe distance should
be at least twice the height of the largest trees in
the felling area. During bucking operations, keep a
minimum distance of 15 ft. (4.6 m) between workers.
Thumb on
underside of
Handle Bar
Chain Line
Straight Arm
18
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
• Always cut with both feet on solid ground to prevent being pulled off balance.
• Do not cut above chest height as a saw held higher is difcult to control against kickback forces.
• Do not fell trees near electrical wires or buildings. Leave this operation for professionals.
• Cut only when visibility and light are adequate for you to see clearly.
When felling a tree, it is important that you heed the following warnings to prevent possible serious
injury.
• Do not cut down trees having an extreme lean or large trees with rotten limbs, loose bark, or hol-
low trunks. Have these trees pushed or dragged down with heavy equipment, then cut them up.
• Do not cut trees near electrical wires or buildings.
• Check the tree for damaged or dead branches that could fall and hit you during felling.
• Periodically glance at the top of the tree during the backcut to assure the tree is going to fall in
the desired direction.
• If the tree starts to fall in the wrong direction, or if the saw gets caught or hung up during the fall,
leave the saw and save yourself.
Felling trees
Hazardous conditions
WARNING
Do not fell trees during periods of high wind or heavy precipitation. Wait until the hazardous weather
has ended.
Removing buttress roots
A buttress root is a large root extending from the trunk
of the tree above the ground. Remove large buttress
roots prior to felling. Make the horizontal cut into the
buttress rst, followed by the vertical cut. Remove
the resulting loose section from the work area. Follow
the correct tree felling procedure as stated in Proper
Procedure For Tree Felling after you have removed the
large buttress roots.
Proper procedure for tree felling
• Felling a tree — When bucking and felling
operations are being performed by two or more
persons at the same time, the felling operation
should be separated from the bucking operation
by a distance of at least twice the height of the tree
being felled. Trees should not be felled in a manner
that would endanger any person, strike any utility
line or cause any property damage. If the tree does
make contact with any utility line, the utility compa-
ny should be notied immediately.
Vertical Cut
Loose
section
Horizontal
Cut
PLANNED LINE
OF FALL
Planned
Line of
fall
Path of
safe
retreat
135°
135°
45°
45°
90°
90°
135° FROM
PLANNED
LINE
OF FALL
PATH OF
SAFE
RETREAT
19
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
• Operator should keep on the uphill side of terrain as
the tree is likely to roll or slide after it is felled.
• Pick your escape route (or routes in case the in-
tended route is blocked). Clear the immediate area
around the tree and make sure there are no obstruc-
tions in your planned path of retreat. Clear the path of
safe retreat approximately 135° from the planned line
of fall.
• Consider the force and direction of the wind, the lean
and balance of the tree, and the location of large
limbs. These things inuence the direction in which
the tree will fall. Do not try to fell a tree along a line
different from its natural line of fall.
• Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and
wire from the tree where felling cuts are to be made.
• Notched Undercut. Cut a notch about 1/3 the diam-
eter of the trunk on the side of the tree. Make the
notch cuts so they intersect at a right angle to the line
of fall. This notch should be cleaned out to leave a
straight line. To keep the weight of the wood off the
saw, always make the lower cut of the notch before
the upper cut.
• Felling Backcut. As the felling cut gets close to the
hinge, the tree should begin to fall. If there is any
chance the tree may not fall in the desired direction
or it may rock back and bind the saw chain, stop cut-
ting before the felling cut is complete and use wedg-
es of wood, plastic or aluminum to open the cut and
drop the tree along its desired line of fall. Make the
backcut level and horizontal, and at a minimum of 2
in. (5 cm) above the horizontal cut of the notch.
Note: Never cut through to the notch. Always leave a
band of wood between the notch and back cut (approxi-
mately 2 in. (5 cm) or 1/10 the diameter of the tree). This
is called “hinge” or “hingewood.” It controls the fall of the
tree and prevents slipping or twisting or shoot back of
the tree off the stump.
• On large diameter trees, stop the back cut before
it is deep enough for the tree to either fall or settle
back on the stump. Then insert soft wooden or plastic
wedges into the cut so they do not touch the chain.
The wedges can be driven in, little by little, to help
jack the tree over.
• As tree starts to fall, stop the chain saw and put it
down immediately. Retreat along the cleared path,
but watch the action in case something falls your
way.
HINGE
2 in. (5 cm) OR 1/10 DIA
Back cut
2” (5cm)
Notch-
Approx.
1/3
Diameter
of trunk
Back cut
Hinge
Wedge
20
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Bucking
Bucking is the term used for cutting a fallen tree to the
desired log length.
• Always make sure your footing is secure and your
weight is distributed evenly on both feet.
• Cut only one log at a time.
• Support small logs on a saw horse or another log
while bucking.
• Keep a clear cutting area. Make sure that no objects
can contact the guide bar nose and chain during cut-
ting as this can cause kickback. Refer to Kickback
earlier in this manual.
• When bucking on a slope, always stand on the uphill
side of the log. To maintain complete control of the
chain saw when cutting through the log, release
the cutting pressure near the end of the cut without
relaxing your grip on the chain saw handles. Do not
let the chain contact the ground. After completing the
cut, wait for the saw chain to stop before you move
the chain saw. Always stop the motor before moving
from tree to tree.
Bucking with a wedge
If the wood diameter is large enough for you to insert
a soft bucking wedge without touching the chain, you
should use the wedge to hold the cut open to prevent
pinching.
Bucking logs under stress
When the log is supported on one end, cut 1/3 the
diameter from the underside. Then make the nished
cut by overbucking to meet the rst cut. When the log
is supported on both ends, cut 1/3 of the diameter from
the top overback. Then make the nished cut by under
bucking the lower 2/3 to meet the rst cut.
LOG SUPPORTED AT ONE END
LOG SUPPORTED AT BOTH ENDS
FINISHING CUT
LOAD
LOAD
1ST CUT 1/3 DIA
1ST CUT 1/3 DIA
FINISHING CUT
21
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Overbucking
Begin on the top side of the log with the bottom of the saw
against the log; exert light pressure downward. Note that
the saw will tend to pull away from you.
Underbucking
Begin on the under side of the log with the top of the saw
against the log; exert light pressure upward. During under
bucking, the saw will tend to push back at you. Be prepared
for this reaction and hold the saw rmly to maintain control.
Limbing
Limbing is removing branches from a fallen tree.
• Work slowly, keeping both hands on the chain saw
with a rm grip. Always make sure your footing is se-
cure and your weight is distributed evenly on both feet.
• Leave the larger support limbs under the tree to keep
the tree off the ground while cutting.
• Limbs should be cut one at a time. Remove the cut
limbs from the work area often to help. Keep the work
area clean and safe.
• Branches under tension should be cut from the bottom
up to avoid binding the chain saw.
• Keep the tree between you and the chain saw while
limbing. Cut from the side of the tree opposite the
branch you are cutting.
Pruning
Pruning is trimming limbs from a live tree.
• Work slowly, keeping both hands on the chain saw
with a rm grip. Always make sure your footing is se-
cure and your weight is distributed evenly on both feet.
• Do not cut from a ladder. This is extremely dangerous.
Leave this operation for professionals.
• Do not cut above chest height as a saw held higher is
difcult to control against kickback.
• When pruning trees it is important not to make the n-
ishing cut next to the main limb or trunk until you have
cut off the limb further out to reduce the weight. This
prevents stripping the bark from the main member.
• Underbuck the branch 1/3 through for your rst cut.
• Your second cut should overbuck to drop the branch
off.
• Now make your nishing cut smoothly and neatly
against the main member so the bark will grow back to
seal the wound.
Second
cut
First Cut
1/3 Diameter
Finishing
Cut
LOAD
CUT LIMBS ONE AT A TIME AND
LEAVE SUPPORT LIMBS
UNDER TREE UNTIL LOG IS CUT
22
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
If the limbs to be pruned are above chest height, hire a professional to perform the pruning.
When bucking on a slope always stand on the uphill
side of the log. when cutting through to maintain com-
plete control release the cutting pressure near the end
of the cut without relaxing your grip on the chain saw
handle. Don’t let the chain contact the ground. After
completing the cut wait for the saw chain to stop before
you move the chain saw. Always stop the motor before
moving from tree to tree.
Cutting springpoles
A springpole is any log, branch, rooted stump, or sap-
ling which is bent under tension by other wood so that
it springs back if the wood holding it is cut or removed.
On a fallen tree, a rooted stump has a high potential of
springing back to the upright position during the buck-
ing cut to separate the log from the stump. Watch out
for springpoles — they are dangerous.
WARNING
Springpoles are dangerous and could strike the operator, causing the operator to lose control of the
chain saw. This could result in severe or fatal injury to the operator.
Bucking a log
Stand on uphill side when
cutting because log may roll
SPRINGPOLE
23
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
WARNING
• When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard
or cause product damage.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields during power tool operation or
when blowing dust. If the operation is dusty, also wear a dust mask.
General maintenance
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics are susceptible to damage from vari-
ous types of commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use clean cloths to remove dirt,
dust, lubricant, grease, etc..
• Do not at any time let brake uids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, penetrating oils, etc.,
come in contact with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken, or destroy plastic, which may
result in serious personal injury.
Lubrication
• All of the bearings in this product are lubricated with a sufcient amount of high grade lubricant for
the life of the unit under normal operating conditions. Therefore, no further lubrication is required.
Replacing the guide bar and chain
WARNING
Never start the motor before installing the guide bar, chain, bar cover, and bar nuts. Without all these
parts in place, the unit may overheat, exposing the user to possible serious injury.
WARNING
• To avoid serious personal injury, read and understand all the safety instructions in this section.
• Before performing any maintenance, make sure the battery is removed. Failure to heed this warn-
ing could result in serious personal injury.
CAUTION
Always wear gloves when handling the bar and chain; these components are sharp and may contain
burrs.
WARNING
Never touch or adjust the chain while the motor is running. The saw chain is very sharp; always wear
protective gloves when performing maintenance to the chain to avoid possible serious lacerations.
Note: When replacing the guide bar and chain, always use the specied bar and chain listed in the
bar and chain combinations section later in this manual.
24
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Chain & Bar Assembly
During use, the chain will stretch and become dull. Debris and saw dust can also collect underneath
the bar cover. Use the following steps to maintain your chain saw and chain.
WARNING
Before performing any maintenance, make sure the battery is removed from the chain saw . Failure to
heed this warning could result in serious personal injury.
1. Remove the battery from the chain saw.
2. Remove the supplied wrench (O) from the bottom
of the handle.
3. Remove the two chain cover lock nuts (J) from the
chain cover by rotating them counterclockwise with
the wrench (O).
4. Remove the chain cover from the mounting
surface.
5. The bar and chain can now be removed by lifting it
away from the main body of the saw and releasing
the chain from the sprocket.
J
K
Sprocket
Bar
Chain
O
25
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Cutters Chain Rotation
Chain Drive Links
Bar Groove
Chain Drive Links
6. Remove the old chain from the bar.
7. Lay out the new saw chain in a loop and straight-
en any kinks. The cutters should face in the direc-
tion of chain rotation. If they face backwards, turn
the loop over.
8. Place the chain drive links into the bar groove.
Note: Make certain of direction of the chain.
9. Position the chain so there is a loop at the back of
the bar.
10. Hold the chain in position on the bar and place the
loop around the sprocket.
11. Fit the bar ush against the mounting surface so
that the bar studs are in the long slot of the bar.
Ensure that the chain is over the sprocket.
Note: When placing the bar on the bar studs, ensure
that the adjusting pin is in the chain tension pin hole.
12. Replace the chain cover.
13. Remove all slack from the chain by turning the
chain adjustment screw (K) clockwise until the
chain seats snugly against the bar with the drive
links in the bar groove.
14. Lift the tip of the guide bar up to check for sag.
15. Release the tip of the guide bar and turn the chain
adjustment screw 1/2 turn clockwise. Repeat this
process until sag does not exist.
26
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Adjusting the chain tension
WARNING
Never touch or adjust the chain while the motor is running. The chain saw is very sharp. Always wear
protective gloves when performing maintenance on chain.
• Loosen the chain cover lock nuts (J) with the
supplied wrench (O). The chain cover lock nuts (J)
do not have to be completely removed in order to
adjust the chain tension.
• Rotate the chain adjustment screw (K) clockwise
to increase the chain tension and rotate counter-
clockwise to decrease the chain tension.
• Once the chain is at the desired tension, tighten
the chain cover lock nuts (J).
Note: During normal saw operation, the temperature
of the chain increases. The drive links of a correctly
tensioned warm chain will hang approximately 1/16 in.
(1,58 mm) out of the bar groove.
Note: New chains tend to stretch; check the chain
tension frequently and tension as required.
1/16 in. (1,58 mm)
J
K
O
16. Hold the tip of the guide bar up and tighten the
chain cover lock nuts (J) by turning them with
the wrench (O). The chain is correctly tensioned
when there is no sag on the underside of the
guide bar, the chain is snug, but it can be turned
by hand without binding.
Note: If the chain is too tight, it will not rotate.
Loosen the chain cover lock nuts (J) slight-
ly and turn the chain adjustment screw 1/4 turn
counterclockwise. Lift the tip of the guide bar up and
retighten the chain cover lock nuts (J). Ensure that
the chain will rotate without binding.
27
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Chain maintenance
Use only a low-kickback chain on this saw. This
fast-cutting chain provides kickback reduction when
properly maintained. For smooth and fast cutting,
maintain the chain properly. The chain requires sharp-
ening when the wood chips are small and powdery,
the chain must be forced through the wood during
cutting, or the chain cuts to one side. During mainte-
nance of the chain, consider the following:
• Improper ling angle of the side plate can increase
the risk of severe kickback
• Raker (depth gauge) clearance.
• Too low increases the potential for kickback.
• Not low enough decreases cutting ability.
• If the cutter teeth hit hard objects such as nails
or stones, or are abraded by mud or sand on the
wood, have an authorized service center sharpen
the chain.
1/32 in. (0.6 mm)
Raker (Depth Gauge) Clearance
Note:
• Inspect the sprocket for wear or damage when replacing the chain. If signs of wear or damage are
present in the areas indicated, have the sprocket replaced by an authorized service center.
• If you do not fully understand the correct procedure for sharpening the chain after reading the
instructions that follow, have the saw chain sharpened by an authorized service center or replace
with a recommended low-kickback chain.
Sharpening the cutters
• Be careful to le all cutters to the specied angles
and to the same length, as fast cutting can be ob-
tained only when all cutters are uniform.
• Tension the chain prior to sharpening.
• Use a 5/32 in. (4 mm) diameter round le and hold-
er. Do all of your ling at the midpoint of the bar.
• Keep the le level with a top plate of the tooth. Do
not let the le dip or rock.
• Using light but rm pressure. Stroke towards the
front corner of the tooth.
• Lift the le away from the steel on each return stroke.
PARTS OF A CUTTER
Top Place
Rivet Hole
Heel
Gullet
Cutting Corner
Side Plate
Depth Gauge
Toe
28
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
• Put a few rm strokes on every tooth. File all left
hand cutters in one direction. Then move to the
other side and le the right hand cutters in the
opposite direction.
• Remove lings from the le with a wire brush.
WARNING
• Improper chain sharpening increases the potential
of kickback.
• Failure to replace or repair a damaged chain can
cause serious injury.
Left hand
Cutters
Right hand
Cutters
29
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Top plate ling angle
• CORRECT 30° – le holders are marked with guide
marks to align le properly to produce correct top
plate angle.
• LESS THAN 30° – for cross cutting.
• MORE THAN 30° – feathered edge dulls quickly.
Side plate angle
• Correct 80° – Produced automatically if you use the
correct diameter le in the le holder.
• Hook – “Grabs” and dulls quickly; increases the
potential of kickback. Results from using a le with a
diameter too small or a le held too low.
• Backward Slope – Needs too much feed pressure;
causes excessive wear to the bar and chain. Results
from using a le with a diameter too large or le held
too high.
Side plate angle
• Maintain the depth gauge at a clearance of 1/32 in.
(0.6 mm). Use a depth gauge tool for checking the
depth gauge clearances.
• Every time the chain is led, check the depth gauge
clearance.
30˚
80˚
TOP PLACE
FILLING ANGLE
SIDE PLATE
FILLING ANGLE
CORRECT INCORRECT
LESS THAN 30° MORE THAN 30°
Hook
Incorrect
Backward Slope
Raker (Depth Gauge) Clearance
1/32”
(0.6 mm)
30
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
• Use a at le and a depth gauge jointer to lower all
gauges uniformly. Use a 1/32 in.
• (0.6 mm) depth gauge jointer. After lowering each
depth gauge, restore original shape by rounding
the front. Be careful not to damage adjoining drive
links with the edge of the le.
• Depth gauges must be adjusted with the at le in
the same direction the adjoining cutter was led
with the round le.
• Use care not to contact cutter face with at le
when adjusting depth gauges.
Maintaining the guide bar
Every week of use, reverse the guide bar on the saw
to distribute the wear for maximum bar life. The bar
should be cleaned every day of use and checked
for wear and damage. Feathering or burring of the
bar rails is a normal process of bar wear. Such faults
should be smoothed with a le as soon as they occur.
A bar with any of the following faults should be re-
placed:
• Wear inside the bar rails that permits the chain to
lay over sideways
• Bent guide bar
• Cracked or broken rails
• Spread rails
Lubricate guide bars weekly with a sprocket at their
tip. Using a grease syringe, lubricate weekly in the
lubricating hole. Turn the guide bar and check that
the lubrication holes and chain groove are free from
impurities.
Depth Gauge Jointer
Restore
Original
shape by
Rounding the
front
Lubricating hole
31
TROUBLESHOOTING
For replacement parts, call our customer service department at 1-888-3KOBALT (1-888-356-2258),
8 a.m. - 8 p.m., EST, Monday - Friday.
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION
Bar and chain
running hot and
smoking.
1. Check chain tension for overtight-
ened condition.
2. Chain oil tank empty.
1. Tension chain. Refer to Chain Ten-
sion earlier in this manual.
2. Check oil tank.
Motor runs, but
chain is not
rotating.
1. Chain tension too tight.
2. Check guide bar and chain
assembly.
3. Check guide bar and chain for
damage.
1. Re-tension chain. Refer to Chain
Tension earlier in this manual.
2. Refer to Replacing the Bar and
Chain earlier in this manual.
3. Inspect guide bar and chain for
damage.
Motor runs, chain
rotates but does
not cut.
1. Dull chain.
2. Chain on backwards.
1. Sharpen or replace the chain.
2. Reverse direction of chain.
WARRANTY
5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
This 80 V Lithiuim-Ion Brushless 18 in. Chain saw is warranted to the original purchaser from the
original purchase date for ve (5) years subject to the warranty coverage described herein.
This 80 V Lithiuim-Ion Brushless 18 in. Chain saw is warranted for the original user to be free from
defects in material and workmanship.
If you believe that the Kobalt 80 V Lithiuim-Ion Brushless 18 in. Chain saw is defective at any time
during the specied warranty period, simply call our Warranty service (1-888-356-2258) along with
proof of purchase.
This warranty is void if: defects in materials or workmanship or damages result from repairs or
alterations which have been made or attempted by others or the unauthorized use of nonconforming
parts; the damage is due to normal wear, damage is due to abuse (including overloading of the tool
beyond capacity), improper maintenance, neglect or accident; or the damage is due to the use of the
tool after partial failure or use with improper accessories or unauthorized repair or alteration.
This warranty excludes bar and chain.
This warranty gives you specic legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from
state to state.
32
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST
For replacement parts, call our customer service department at 1-888-3KOBALT (1-888-356-2258),
8 a.m. - 8 p.m., EST, Monday - Friday.
PART DESCRIPTION PART #
A Chain cover assembly 341102042
B Chain 322041075
C
Bar
C3200303-00
D
Chain cover lock nut
332012029
Printed in China
A
B
C
D
