Installation Instructions
Form No. 769-25970
December 5, 2020
SAW CHAIN INSTRUCTIONS
TROY-BILT, P.O. BOX 361131, CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
CAUTION
Make sure chainsaw engine is off. Disconnect spark plug wire before working
on equipment. Be certain engine is cold.
WARNING
To reduce risk of injury, read Instruction Sheet.
WARNING
Cancer and Reproductive Harm. www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
BAR AND LOW KICKBACK CHAIN MOUNTING, TENSIONING AND
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION
Make sure chainsaw engine is off. Disconnect spark plug wire before working
on equipment. Be certain engine is cold.
WARNING
Kickback can lead to dangerous loss of control of the saw and result in serious
or fatal injury.
NOTE: This chain significantly reduces kickback energy compared to other chains, but does not
eliminate kickback completely. A low kickback chain should never be regarded as total protection
against injury. This chain should always be used in conjunction with other kickback protection
devices such as hand guard and/or a chain brake. Always use safety equipment such as a helmet,
safety goggles, heavy duty work gloves, work shoes and ear protection.
TO GUARD AGAINST KICKBACK:
1. Use both hands to operate the chainsaw.
2. Keep saw below shoulder height to better control kickback reactions.
3. Maintain a balanced stance. Brace left elbow as straight as possible and maintain
a firm grip.
4. Rev engine to full throttle before and during a cut. A slow-moving chain can
induce kickback.
5. Cut in straight portions to reduce the chance of kickback.
6. Never cut with the bar tip or allow bar tip to contact any object while chain
is moving.
7. Keep chain properly maintained and tensioned. Do not modify the guide bar or
the saw chain.
8. Read and understand chainsaw Operator’s Manual before use. If in doubt, consult
your dealer for instructions before using.
9. Never stand directly behind the chainsaw while cutting. Stand slightly to the left
of the guard bar.
10. Never remove, modify, or defeat any safety device or guard provided by the
manufacturer of the saw.
BAR AND LOW KICKBACK CHAIN MOUNTING:
CAUTION
Wear protective gloves when handling chain.
TO INSTALL GUIDE BAR AND SAW CHAIN:
1. Remove bar retaining nuts (A) and cover plate housing (B). See Operator’s Manual
for details on your type and model saw (Figure 1).
2. Turn chain tension adjustment screw COUNTERCLOCKWISE until chain tension
adjustment tang (C) is as far rear as possible (Figure 2).
3. Slide the slotted end of the bar over the bar mounting bolt(s). Position the bar so
that the adjustment tang fits into the bar adjustment hole.
4. Spread saw chain out in a loop with cutting edges of chain pointing clockwise
around loop as shown in Figure 3.
5. Slip chain around clutch drum and onto sprocket, with drive links fitting between
sprocket teeth.
6. Guide center drive links into bar groove on top side of guide bar and around nose.
Saw chain will droop slightly on lower part of guide bar.
7. Install cover plate housing. Thread retaining nuts on hand tight.
8. Remove slack in chain by turning chain tension screw CLOCKWISE. It may
be necessary to guide center drive links into the bottom groove of bar as
chain tightens.
SAW CHAIN TENSION ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: Proper chain tension improves cutting performance and increases chain life. If chain is
TOO LOOSE (E) or TOO TIGHT, the bar, chain and saw bearings will wear more rapidly (Figure 4).
Figure 4 shows correct cold tension (D) and correct warm tension (F). Proper saw chain tension
is extremely important and must be checked before and during operation. A new chain and bar
will require adjustment after as few as five cuts. This “break-in period” is normal and the interval
between future adjustments will lengthen quickly.
TO ADJUST CHAIN TENSION:
1. Hold the nose of the bar up and turn adjustment screw CLOCKWISE to increase
chain tension. Always maintain a snug fit all the way around the cutting bar
(Figure 5). See Figure 4 for correct chain tension.
2. Move saw chain back and forth on guide bar by hand to make sure it is in proper
mesh with sprocket. Chain should move freely on bar (Figure 6).
NOTE: If chain is difficult to rotate on guide bar or binds, too much tension has been applied,
requiring readjustment as follows:
3. Decrease tension by turning adjustment screw COUNTERCLOCKWISE slowly. Move
chain back and forth on bar until it rotates freely, but fits snugly.
4. When saw chain is properly tensioned, tighten bar retaining nut(s) securely.
^
_
Figure 1
C
Figure 2
Drive Link
Figure 3
S56
PITCH FILE
S
3/8" LP 5/32" 4.0 mm
M
.325" 3/16" 4.8 mm
L
3/8" 7/32" 5.5 mm
DRIVE LINKS
Figure 5
Figure 6
DE F
Figure 4