Let's get your Sun Joe SWJ802E 8-inch, 6.5-amp Multi-Angle Electric Pole Chain Saw ready! Follow the assembly video and the steps below to install or replace the guide bar and chain, adjust the telescoping pole and multi-angle head, and prepare for first use.
Watch the Assembly Video
Follow along with the assembly video, then use the instructions below for the manual's figure references and safety checks.
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Before You Begin
Unpack on a flat, stable surface and check for the following items:
- Electric pole chain saw
- 8-inch (20.3 cm) chain
- 8-inch (20.3 cm) guide bar
- Dual-tipped hex key wrench/blade screwdriver
- Cutting bar sheath
- Operator's manual
Safety first: Keep the pole saw unplugged during all assembly and adjustment. Wear heavy-duty gloves when handling the bar or chain. Never start the motor without the guide bar, chain, and chain/sprocket end cover installed. Keep at least 50 ft (15 m) away from power lines during operation.
Install or Replace the Guide Bar and Chain
Note: These instructions cover guide bar and chain installation or replacement. If the chain is already fitted correctly to the guide bar, leave it in place and proceed to positioning the assembly on the saw.
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Remove the End Cover
Use the supplied hex key wrench to unscrew the end cover nut and lift off the chain/sprocket end cover (Figs. 1–2).
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Remove the Existing Bar and Chain, if Needed
For replacement, lift the cutting bar and chain away from the mounting surface (Fig. 3) and remove the old chain from the bar. The manual recommends temporarily fitting the bar sheath when replacing the chain for added protection.
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Orient the New Chain
Lay the chain in a loop and remove kinks. The sharp cutting teeth must point in the direction of chain rotation marked on the guide bar, facing away from you as illustrated (Fig. 4). Reverse the loop if the teeth face backward.
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Fit the Chain Into the Bar Groove
Starting at the tip, place the chain's drive links in the guide bar groove, leaving a loose loop at the back of the bar (Figs. 5–6).
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Mount the Bar and Chain
Hold the chain on the bar and loop it around the sprocket. Position the bar flush with the saw head's mounting surface, with the bar studs in the long slot and the adjusting pin in the chain tension pin hole (Fig. 7).
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Align the Tensioning Mechanism
Using the screwdriver end of the supplied tool, adjust the chain tensioner screw as needed so the adjusting pin and tension pin hole align (Fig. 8).
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Reinstall the End Cover
Insert the cover's rear tab into the rear tab slot first. Place the cover on the saw head and thread on the end cover nut, leaving the bar able to move for tension adjustment (Fig. 9).
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Tension the Chain
Turn the chain tensioner screw clockwise until the chain fits snugly against the bar, with its drive links seated in the groove (Fig. 10). There should be no sag underneath the bar, but the chain should still be movable using the hex key wrench without binding.
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Tighten and Recheck
Fully tighten the end cover nut with the hex key wrench (Fig. 9). If the chain is too tight, loosen the nut slightly, turn the tensioner ¼ turn counterclockwise, lift the guide bar tip, and retighten. Recheck that the chain moves without binding.
Important: A backward-mounted chain will vibrate abnormally and will not cut properly. New chains stretch; inspect and adjust chain tension frequently. Always unplug the saw before making adjustments.
Adjust the Telescoping Pole
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Release the Cam-Lock
With the saw unplugged, open the cam-lock to release the pole (Fig. 14).
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Set the Pole Length
Pull the sections apart to extend or push them together to shorten the telescoping pole (Fig. 15). Extend only as far as needed to reach the limb.
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Secure the Cam-Lock
Close the cam-lock and verify the pole is firmly locked (Fig. 16). If the pole slides when locked, the cam-lock nut may need tightening. Do not use the saw with an unsecured pole.
Adjust the Multi-Angle Head
The SWJ802E features an adjustable saw head that can be positioned from 0° to 30°. Always unplug the saw before making adjustments.
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Loosen the Head Adjustment Dial
Turn the multi-angle head adjustment dial counterclockwise to loosen the saw head (Fig. 17).
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Choose the Cutting Angle
Move the saw head to the desired angle within its adjustment range (Fig. 18).
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Secure the Saw Head
Turn the dial clockwise to tighten it and lock the head in place (Fig. 19). Verify the head is secure before use; an unsecured head can cause injury or property damage.
Prepare for First Use
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Fill the Chain Oil Tank
Before starting, remove the oil tank cap and add bar and chain oil to the top of the oil level window (Fig. 11). The automatic oiler requires oil to function. Refill when the level reaches about ¼ tank.
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Complete the Safety Check
Inspect the bar, chain, housing, end cover, cam-lock, chain tension, and oil level. Make sure the cutting bar sheath is removed before operation and the chain is clear of objects. Wear suitable eye, hearing, head, hand, and foot protection.
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Connect Power Only When Ready
Use a suitable outdoor-rated extension cord with a working 120V outlet and GFCI protection. Loop the extension cord through the rear handle and around the cord restraint hook before connecting it to the appliance cord (Fig. 13). Keep the cord clear of the chain.
Operating reminder: Maintain a two-handed grip, keep bystanders clear, and stay at least 50 ft (15 m) from power lines. When ready to operate, hold the safety lock button and squeeze the trigger (Fig. 13). Release the trigger to stop; the chain continues moving briefly. Wait at least five seconds before restarting. Review all operating and kickback warnings in the manual before cutting.
Need Help With Your SWJ802E?
For assistance with chain installation, tension, missing parts, pole adjustment, or the multi-angle head, chat with Shop Joe Customer Care or call 1-866-225-9723.
For detailed diagrams and complete safety instructions, consult the SWJ802E Operator's Manual. Search for SWJ802E and see Assembly, pages 7–9 (Figs. 1–10), Oil, page 9 (Fig. 11), Telescoping Pole, pages 10–11 (Figs. 14–16), and Multi-Angle Head, page 11 (Figs. 17–19).