SHINDAIWA 591 (02) PDF DOCUMENT

Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain. To keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury, you should take the following steps:

1. With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.

2. Keep a good firm grip on the saw with both hands when the engine is running. The right hand should be on the rear handle and the left hand on the front handle. Use a firm grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the handles. A firm grip will help you reduce kickback and maintain control. Do not let go.

3. Make sure the cutting area is free from obstructions. Do not let the nose of the guide bar contact a log, branch, or any other obstruction.

4. Cut at high engine speeds.

5. Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height.

6. Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and maintenance instructions for the saw chain.

7. Only use replacement bars and chains specified by the manufacturer or the equivalent.

Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into your saw.

1. Do not operate a chain saw with one hand. A chain saw is intended for two-handed use.

2. Do not operate a chain saw when you are fatigued.

3. Use safety footwear, snug-fitting clothing, and protective gloves. Wear eye, hearing, and head protection devices.

4. Use caution when handling fuel. Move the saw at least 3 m (10 feet) from the fueling point before starting.

5. Keep bystanders and animals out of the work area.

6. Ensure you have a clear work area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path from a falling tree before cutting.

7. Keep all parts of your body away from the saw chain when the engine is running.

8. Before starting the engine, make sure the saw chain is not contacting anything.

9. Carry the chain saw with the engine stopped, guide bar and chain to the rear, and the muffler away from your body.

10. Do not operate a chain saw that is damaged, improperly adjusted, or not completely assembled. Ensure the saw chain stops when the throttle trigger is released.

11. Shut off the engine before setting the chain saw down.

12. Use extreme caution when cutting small brush and saplings as they may catch the saw chain.

13. When cutting a limb under tension, be alert for spring-back.

14. Keep the handles dry, clean, and free of oil or fuel mixture.

15. Operate the chain saw only in well-ventilated areas.

16. Do not operate a chain saw in a tree unless specifically trained to do so.

17. All chain saw service, other than items listed in the maintenance instructions, should be performed by competent service personnel.

18. When transporting your chain saw, use the appropriate guide bar scabbard.

19. Do not operate the chain saw with a loose or defective muffler, and do not remove the spark arrestor screen.

When you purchase the SHINDAIWA 591, the carton should contain the following items:

• Shindaiwa chain saw (pre-assembled power head)

• 13 x 19 mm T-wrench

• Instruction manual

• Safety manual

• Guide bar

• Saw chain

• Kick Guard®

• Warranty sheet

After opening the carton, check for any damage or missing parts. Immediately notify your retailer or dealer if anything is missing or damaged.

1. Instruction manual: Contains operating and safety techniques.

2. Safety manual: Describes operating and safety instructions.

3. Spiked bumper: Acts as a pivot when in contact with a log.

4. Spark arrestor muffler: Controls exhaust noise and prevents sparks.

5. Front hand guard: Protects the hand and is used to lock the chain brake.

6. Choke control knob: Enriches the fuel/air mixture for cold starting.

7. Rear handle (for the right hand): Support handle at the rear of the engine housing.

8. Rear hand guard: Protects the hand if the chain breaks or degrooves.

9. Clutch cover: Protective cover for the guide bar, saw chain, clutch, and sprocket.

10. Chain tension adjuster: Device to adjust chain tension.

11. Chain catcher: Reduces risk of injury from a broken or derailed chain.

12. Guide bar: Supports and guides the saw chain.

13. Saw chain: The cutting tool.

14. Bar tip guard: Anti-kickback device attached on the bar nose.

15. Oil tank cap: For closing the oil tank.

16. Starter handle: Used to start the engine.

17. Fuel tank cap: For closing the fuel tank.

18. Ignition switch: Starts or stops the engine.

19. Throttle trigger: Controls engine speed.

20. Throttle trigger lockout: A safety lever that must be depressed to activate the throttle trigger.

21. Air cleaner cover: Covers the air cleaner.

22. Cleaner cover knob: Secures the air cleaner cover.

23. Decompression device: Lowers cylinder compression to aid starting.

24. Front handle (for the left hand): Support handle at the front of the engine housing.

25. Cylinder cover: The cooling airflow grill that covers the cylinder, spark plug, and silencer.

VIBRATION AND COLD

• Keep your body warm, especially the head, neck, feet, ankles, hands, and wrists.

• Maintain good blood circulation by performing vigorous arm exercises during frequent work breaks and by not smoking.

• Limit the number of hours of operation.

• If you experience discomfort, redness, swelling of the fingers, followed by whitening and loss of feeling, consult your physician before further exposure to cold and vibration.

REPETITIVE STRESS INJURY (RSI)

• Avoid using your wrist in a bent, extended, or twisted position.

• Take periodic breaks to minimize repetition and rest your hands.

• Reduce the speed and force of repetitive movements.

• Do exercises to strengthen hand and arm muscles.

• See a doctor if you feel tingling, numbness, or pain in your fingers, hands, wrists, or arms.

EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION

• Wear eye protection goggles that meet ANSI Z 87.1 requirements.

• Wear hearing protection at all times.

WEAR PROPER CLOTHING

• Wear snug-fitting, durable clothing with long pants. Do not wear loose clothing, scarves, neckties, or jewelry.

• Wear shoes with non-skid soles. Do not wear open-toed shoes or operate barefoot.

• Wear no-slip, heavy-duty work gloves to improve your grip and reduce vibration.

HOT HUMID WEATHER

• Schedule heavy work for early morning or late afternoon hours when temperatures are cooler to avoid heat stroke.

AVOID HOT SURFACES

• During operation, the muffler and surrounding cover become hot. Avoid contact.

• Always use the saw from the right-hand side of your body.

• Wear proper safety clothing to protect your lower body from the sharp saw chain and hot muffler.

• Keep the exhaust area clear of flammable debris.

WARNING: Saw chain is sharp! Always wear gloves when handling assembly, otherwise serious personal injury may result.

1. Remove the spark plug lead.

2. Remove the two clutch cover nuts and the clutch cover.

3. If necessary, remove the old bar and saw chain.

4. Unlock the chain brake. Mount the guide bar on the studs and slide it toward the clutch to make chain installation easier. Install the chain with the cutters on top of the guide bar facing forward.

5. Install the clutch cover over the guide bar studs. Ensure the chain tension adjuster pin fits into the guide bar adjuster hole. Tighten the clutch cover nuts finger-tight.

IMPORTANT: Always loosen the clutch cover nuts before turning the chain tension adjuster; otherwise, the clutch cover and tensioner will be damaged.

1. Remove the spark plug lead.

2. Unlock the chain brake and loosen the two clutch cover nuts, if necessary.

3. Hold the bar nose up and turn the tension adjuster clockwise until the chain fits snugly against the underside of the bar.

4. Tighten both nuts with the bar nose held up.

5. Pull the chain around the bar by hand. If you feel tight spots, loosen the adjustment.

6. When the chain is properly tensioned, tighten the clutch cover nuts securely to 20 to 23 N·m (175 to 200 in. lb.). A properly tensioned chain should have no slack on the underside of the guide bar, but you should still be able to pull it easily by hand.

7. Keep the chain properly tensioned at all times.

FUEL REQUIREMENTS

• Gasoline: Use 89 Octane or higher gasoline. It may contain up to 10% ethanol (E10) or 15% MTBE. Gasoline containing methanol (wood alcohol) is not approved. Alternative fuels like E-15 or E-85 are not approved and may cause damage.

• Two-Stroke Mixture Oil: Use a 2-stroke engine oil meeting ISO-L-EGD and JASO M345-FD standards. Shindaiwa Red Armor™ 2-Stroke Oil is strongly recommended.

• Mixing Ratio: 50:1 (Gasoline to Oil).

CHAIN LUBRICANT

• Use high-quality bar and chain oil. Do not use used or reclaimed oil.

• Use the following grades:

– SAE No. 30 in summer.

– SAE No. 10 in winter or when cutting resinous trees.

• When refueling, also refill the chain oil.

DANGER: Fuel is very flammable. Use extreme care when mixing, storing, or handling.

• Use an approved fuel container. Do not smoke near fuel or allow flames/sparks near it.

• Always loosen fuel caps slowly to allow pressure to equalize.

• Never refuel a unit when the engine is hot or running.

• Always fill fuel tanks outdoors over bare ground. Do not overfill.

• Wipe up spills immediately and securely tighten caps after refueling.

• Move at least 3 m (10 feet) from the refueling location before starting the engine.

Mixing Instructions:

1. Fill an approved fuel container with half of the required amount of gasoline.

2. Add the proper amount of 50:1 engine oil to the gasoline.

3. Close the container and shake to mix the oil with the gasoline.

4. Add the remaining gasoline, close the fuel container, and remix.

IMPORTANT:

• Stored fuel ages. Do not mix more fuel than you expect to use in thirty (30) days (or ninety days with a fuel stabilizer).

• Stored two-stroke fuel may separate. Always shake the fuel container thoroughly before each use.

CAUTION: Make sure the bar and chain are free from any obstruction when starting.

1. Move the chain brake lever fully forward to lock the chain brake.

2. Fill the fuel tank with the correct fuel mixture and the oil tank with chain lubricant. Do not overfill.

3. Move the ignition switch to the “Run” position.

4. Press the decompression device.

5. Pull the choke control knob all the way out.

6. Securely hold the chain saw on the ground as shown in the manual. Pull the starter handle several times until the first firing sound is heard.

7. Push the choke control knob all the way in.

8. Press the decompression device and pull the starter handle again to start the engine.

9. When the engine starts, immediately squeeze and release the throttle trigger to disengage the fast idle latch and return the engine to idle. Then, pull the front hand guard towards you to unlock the chain brake.

CAUTION: Make sure the bar and chain are free from any obstruction when starting.

1. Move the chain brake lever fully forward to lock the chain brake.

2. Confirm there is fuel and chain oil in the tanks.

3. Move the ignition switch to the “Run” position.

4. Press the decompression device.

5. Securely hold the chain saw and pull the starter handle.

6. The choke may be used if necessary, but after the first firing sound, pull the throttle trigger to release the choke.

7. After starting the engine, pull the front hand guard towards the operator immediately to unlock the chain brake.

RUNNING

• When the engine starts, let it idle for a few minutes.

• Set the brake lever in the unlocked position before starting to cut.

• Pull the throttle trigger gradually to increase engine revolution. The chain will start running at approximately 4000 r/min.

• Confirm proper acceleration and lubrication of the chain and bar.

• Do not run the engine at high speed unnecessarily.

• Be sure the saw chain stops moving when the throttle trigger is released.

STOPPING

• Release the throttle trigger and move the ignition switch down to the STOP position.

• If the engine does not stop, pull the choke control knob out fully to stop the engine. Return the unit to an authorized dealer to repair the ignition switch before using it again.

To perform a chain lubrication test, hold the chain just above a dry surface (like a piece of wood or cardboard) and open the throttle to half speed for 30 seconds. A thin line of “thrown” oil should be visible on the dry surface. This indicates that the chain is being properly lubricated.

• Read the “CHAIN SAW SAFETY MANUAL” included with your saw.

• Wear suitable hearing protection.

• Do not let the tip of the bar touch anything while the engine is running to avoid kickback.

• The accepted way to hold the saw is to stand to the left of the saw, with your left hand on the front handlebar and your right hand on the rear handle.

• Before attempting to fell a tree, practice by cutting some small logs or limbs.

• To start a cut, squeeze the trigger to open the throttle wide open. If the chain is properly sharpened, cutting should be relatively effortless. Do not press down hard.

1. Plan the Fall: First, decide where you want the tree to fall. Clear the area around the tree for good footing and select a retreat path away from the direction of fall at a 45-degree angle.

2. Cut the Notch: On the side the tree is to fall, cut a notch about 1/3 of the way into the tree. This directs the fall.

3. Make the Felling Cut: On the side opposite the notch, make the felling cut. This cut should be about 5 cm (2 in.) above the bottom of the notch.

4. Create a Hinge: Do not cut completely through to the notch. Leave about 5 cm (2 in.) of wood between the felling cut and the notch. This “hinge” will guide the tree as it falls.

5. Retreat: When the tree starts to fall, stop the engine, place the saw on the ground, and move away quickly along your planned retreat path.

LIMBING (Removing branches from a fallen tree)

• Never stand on the tree that you are limbing.

• Be careful of the guide bar tip touching other limbs, which can cause kickback.

• Always use both hands.

• Don’t cut with the saw overhead. If the saw kicks back, you may not have enough control to prevent injury.

BUCKING (Sawing a log or fallen tree into smaller pieces)

• Keep both hands on the handles at all times.

• Support logs if possible.

• When cutting on a slope or hillside, always stand uphill from the log.

• If cutting a log on the ground, don’t let the saw’s chain dig into the earth.

• For a supported log, make the first cut from the top (overbuck) about one-third of the way through the diameter. Make the second cut from the bottom (underbuck) to meet the first cut. This prevents the wood from pinching the saw.

Chain Brake Function

• The chain brake is a safety feature designed to stop the chain’s rotation instantly.

• To engage (lock) the brake, push the front hand guard lever forward.

• To disengage (unlock) the brake, pull the lever fully back toward the operator.

• If the brake is tripped by a kickback reaction, the chain will stop immediately. If this happens, release the throttle to avoid damage to the engine or clutch.

Testing the Brake

WARNING: If the chain does not stop immediately, return the saw to your authorized dealer for repair.

1. Start the engine on a solid, level surface and run it at a fast idle until warm.

2. Hold the saw firmly by the handles and accelerate the engine to a fast idle.

3. While holding the saw firmly on the ground, slowly operate the chain brake lever by pushing it forward.

4. When the brake lever trips, the chain should stop. Immediately release the throttle trigger.

Confirm that the brake works properly before each use.

To prevent carburetor trouble in winter, the SHINDAIWA 591 is equipped with an air shutter.

1. Remove the air cleaner cover.

2. Pull the air shutter to the “Cold weather position”. This opens the shutter to allow warmer air from the engine to enter the carburetor.

NOTICE: For operation at normal temperatures (above 5°C or 41°F), return the air shutter to its original “Warm weather position” (closed). Failure to do so will cause the engine to overheat.

The following combinations are recommended for the SHINDAIWA 591. All combinations use a 9.53 mm (3/8) pitch.

Regular maintenance will help your chain saw provide many hours of trouble-free service. The time intervals shown are maximums; actual use will determine the frequency of maintenance.

Letter Codes: I = Inspect, C = Clean, R = Replace

* All recommendations to replace are based on finding damage or wear during inspection.

(1) Low evaporative fuel tanks do not require regular maintenance to maintain emission integrity.

The carburetor is set at the factory and is equipped with “H” (High Speed) and “L” (Low Speed) needle adjustment limiters.

WARNING: The cutting attachment must not move when the unit is idling.

1. Before adjusting, clean or replace the air filter and muffler spark arrestor screen.

2. Make sure the bar and chain are properly adjusted.

3. Start the engine and run it for several minutes to bring it to operating temperature.

4. Stop the engine. Turn the “H” speed needle counterclockwise (CCW) to its stop. Turn the “L” speed needle midway between its full clockwise (CW) stop and CCW stop.

5. Idle Speed Adjustment:

• Start the engine. Turn the “Idle” speed adjustment screw (T) CW until the saw chain begins to turn.

• Turn the screw out CCW until the saw chain stops turning.

• Continue turning the screw out CCW an additional 1/4 turn. The correct idle speed is 2800 r/min.

6. Accelerate to full throttle for 2-3 seconds to clear excess fuel, then return to idle. Check for smooth transition from idle to high speed. If the engine hesitates, turn the “L” needle CCW 1/8 turn and repeat acceleration. Continue this adjustment until smooth acceleration results.

7. Check the idle speed again and reset if necessary as described in step 5.

If you experience trouble with the carburetor, contact your dealer.

AIR FILTER

• Check before every use. Close the choke.

• Turn the cleaner cover knob counterclockwise and remove the air cleaner cover and air filter.

• Brush off dust lightly, clean with compressed air, or replace the filter.

FUEL FILTER

• Check periodically. A clogged filter will cause difficulty starting.

• Pull the fuel filter out through the fuel inlet port with a piece of steel wire.

• If the filter is dirty, replace it.

OIL FILTER

• Check periodically. A clogged oil filter will affect lubrication.

• Pull it out through the oil filling hole with a piece of steel wire.

• If the filter is dirty, wash it in gasoline or replace it.

SPARK PLUG

• Check periodically.

• The standard spark gap is 0.65 mm (0.026 in.). Correct the gap if it is wider or narrower.

• Fastening torque: 15 to 17 N·m (130 to 145 in. lb.).

GUIDE BAR

• Clean before using. Clean the groove of the guide bar with a small screwdriver and clean the oil holes with a wire.

• Reverse the guide bar periodically to ensure even wear.

• Check the sprocket in the bar nose and clean the bar mount area before installation.

SPROCKET

• A damaged sprocket will cause premature wear of the saw chain. When the sprocket teeth have worn out 0.5 mm (0.02 in.) or more, replace it.

• Always check the sprocket when you install a new chain and replace it if worn.

MUFFLER SPARK ARRESTOR

• Remove the air cleaner cover and spark plug lead.

• Remove the spark arrestor screen cover and screen from the muffler body.

• Clean carbon deposits from the muffler components.

• Replace the screen if it is cracked or has holes burned through.

• Assemble in reverse order.

CYLINDER FINS

• Check periodically. Clogged fins will result in poor engine cooling.

• Remove dirt and dust from between the fins to let cooling air pass easily.

For proper maintenance, keep the cutters sharp and properly aligned at all times. For setting the S72LPX saw chain, a round file of 5.5 mm (7/32 in.) diameter and a flat file are used. Using a file holder is recommended to maintain the correct position and angle.

1. Filing Angle: Hold the file so that one-fifth (1/5) of its diameter remains above the cutter’s top plate.

2. Top Plate Filing Angle: Maintain a 25° angle. Push the file as shown in the manual.

3. File Position: Hold the file tipped 10° upward.

4. Depth Gauge: After sharpening the cutters, check the depth gauge (raker) height. Place the depth gauge tool firmly on the cutter. If the depth gauge protrudes, file it down with the flat file until it is level with the tool. For the S72LPX chain, the setting is 0.65 mm (0.025 in.).

5. Round the Edge: After filing the depth gauge, be sure to round off its front edge.

After filing is finished, soak the chain in oil and wash away all filings before using.

WARNING: Fuel vapors are extremely flammable. Never test for ignition spark by grounding the spark plug near the cylinder plug hole.

1. Inspect and adjust every part of the chain saw. Completely clean every part and repair if necessary.

2. Apply a thin coating of oil on metal parts to prevent rust.

3. Remove the chain and guide bar.

4. Drain the fuel tank completely. Pull the starter slowly a few times to drain fuel from the carburetor.

5. Remove the spark plug. Pour a small amount of clean motor oil into the spark plug hole. Pull the starter and crank the engine until the piston reaches Top Dead Center (TDC). Reinstall the spark plug.

6. Store the saw in a dry area, free from dust.