Meet the SWJ803E
Key Components
10 in. guide bar — supports the cutting chain during trimming
10 in. cutting chain — cuts branches and limbs when properly tensioned and lubricated
Oil tank cap + oil level window — used to fill and monitor bar and chain oil
Cam-lock + telescopic pole — adjusts the pole length from 5.8 ft to 8 ft
Multi-angle head adjustment dial — adjusts the saw head from 0° to 30°
Safety lock button + trigger switch — two-step start control to help prevent accidental starting
Rear handle + front foam grip — two-hand grip points for control during operation
Appliance cord + cord restraint hook — helps secure the outdoor extension cord during use
Hex key wrench/blade screwdriver — used for chain, bar, and tension adjustments
Cutting bar sheath — covers the guide bar and chain during storage or transport
Technical Specifications
| Specification | SWJ803E |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Electric pole chain saw / pole pruner |
| Power Source | Corded electric |
| Rated Voltage | 120V ~ 60 Hz |
| Power | 8 amp |
| No Load Speed | 5400 ± 10% rpm |
| Bar / Chain Length | 10 in. / 25.4 cm |
| Maximum Cutting Thickness | 9.5 in. / 24.1 cm; recommended 8.5 in. / 21.6 cm |
| Multi-Angle Head | 0° to 30° |
| Telescopic Shaft | 5.8 ft to 8 ft / 1.8 m to 2.4 m |
| Overhead Reach | Up to 14 ft / 4.3 m |
| Oil Tank Capacity | 2 fl oz / 60 ml |
| Chain Drive Links | 40 |
| Chain Pitch | 3/8 in. / 9.5 mm |
| Chain Gauge | 0.05 in. / 1.3 mm |
| File Diameter | 5/32 in. / 4 mm |
| Product Dimensions | 71.25 in. x 6 in. x 3.3 in. |
| Net Weight | 7.7 lbs / 3.5 kg |
| Warranty | 2 Year Warranty |
What's in the Box
| Included Item | SWJ803E |
|---|---|
| Electric pole chain saw | ✔ |
| 10 in. / 25.4 cm cutting chain | ✔ |
| 10 in. / 25.4 cm guide bar | ✔ |
| Dual-tipped hex key wrench / blade screwdriver | ✔ |
| Cutting bar sheath | ✔ |
| Manual | ✔ |
Assembly
-
Check chain direction
The sharp side of the teeth must face away from you in the chain rotation direction shown on the guide bar. If installed backwards, the saw will vibrate abnormally and will not cut.
-
Set chain tension
Turn the chain tensioner screw clockwise until the chain seats snugly against the bar with the drive links in the bar groove.
-
Confirm proper movement
The chain should have no sag on the underside of the guide bar and should rotate with the hex key wrench without binding.
Getting Started
-
Complete a daily inspection
Inspect the chain, guide bar, motor housing, oil port, guide bar rails, chain tension, chain sharpness, and bar and chain oil level before each work session.
-
Add bar and chain oil
Remove the oil tank cap and add bar and chain oil to the top of the oil level window. Refill when the oil level drops to 1/4 of a tank.
-
Use the correct outdoor extension cord
Use a UL-, CSA-, or ETL-rated outdoor extension cord. Use 16 AWG up to 50 ft, or 14 AWG for 50–100 ft. Do not use an extension cord over 100 ft.
-
Secure the extension cord
Make a loop in the power cord, push it through the handle opening and around the cord restraint hook, then connect the extension cord to the appliance cord.
-
Adjust the telescoping pole
Unplug the saw, open the cam-lock, extend the pole only to the minimum length needed, then close the cam-lock and confirm the pole is secure.
-
Adjust the multi-angle head
Unplug the saw, loosen the adjustment dial counterclockwise, set the head between 0° and 30°, then tighten the dial clockwise.
-
Start the saw
Make sure the chain is not touching anything. Press and hold the safety lock button, then squeeze the trigger switch. Release the safety lock button once the saw is running.
-
Stop the saw
Release the trigger switch and wait for the chain to stop. Wait at least five seconds after stopping before restarting the saw.
Maintenance & Care
Check chain tension
Check tension before use when the chain is cold. The chain should be snug with no slack on the underside of the guide bar, but able to rotate without binding.
Keep the chain lubricated
Use only good quality bar and chain oil. The automatic oil pump requires oil for proper bar and chain operation.
Keep air vents clean
Keep cooling air vents free of sawdust and debris to help prevent motor overheating.
Inspect nuts, screws, and cam-lock
Periodically check that all nuts and screws are secure and that the telescoping pole cam-lock is intact and working properly.
Maintain the guide bar
Turn the guide bar over when it shows signs of wear, clean the lubrication holes and chain groove, and replace the bar if rails are bent, cracked, broken, spread, or worn.
Clean and store safely
Use mild soap and a damp cloth only. Keep the bar sheath installed during storage and store indoors in a dry, high, or locked place out of reach of children.
Troubleshooting Guide
Only perform the steps described below. If the issue cannot be resolved, contact Shop Joe customer support or an authorized service center.
Possible Causes
- Extension cord is not connected properly
- Extension cord is not plugged into a live 120V outlet
- Safety lock button was not fully depressed before the trigger
Solutions
- Confirm the extension cord is installed properly into the pole saw power cord receptacle
- Plug the extension cord into a working 120V outlet
- Fully press and hold the safety lock button before squeezing the trigger switch
Possible Cause
- Chain is too tight
Solution
- Unplug the saw and re-tension the chain
Possible Causes
- Chain tension is too tight
- Chain oil tank is empty
- Lubrication holes are plugged
Solutions
- Unplug the saw and re-tension the chain
- Refill the oil tank with bar and chain oil
- Clean the lubrication holes
Possible Causes
- Chain tension is too tight
- Guide bar or chain is damaged
Solutions
- Unplug the saw and re-tension the chain
- Inspect the guide bar and chain
- Replace any damaged part before use
Possible Cause
- The limb may be pinching the guide bar and chain during the cut
Solutions
- Wait for the blade to stop
- Unplug the power cord and wait five minutes for the saw to cool
- Wear gloves and lift the limb from the ground if safely reachable
- If the saw is still trapped, call a professional for assistance
Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can the SWJ803E reach?
What is the maximum cutting thickness?
What angle can the saw head adjust to?
Can I use the SWJ803E to cut down trees?
Does the SWJ803E need bar and chain oil?
What optional accessories are listed for this model?
Compatible optional accessories listed for this model include:
- SWJ802E-TOOL — hex key wrench / blade screwdriver
- SWJ-10BAR — 10-inch guide bar
- SWJ-10CHAIN — 10-inch chain
- SWJ-OIL — bar and chain oil, or equivalent bar and chain oil from a local hardware store
- 24V-CSSHRP-LTE — Sun Joe® 24V IONMAX™ cordless chain saw sharpener