OWNER’S MANUAL

VentMaster® Fire Rescue Saws

HD Series Chainsaws

REV 011520.001
INTRODUCTION ABOUT TEMPEST
Thank you for choosing Tempest Technology Corporation for Tempest Technology Corporation is the leading manufacturer
your ventilation needs. With this manual we hope to help you of products and accessories for environmental management in
operate your Tempest product safely and to its full potential. firefighting and industrial applications.
Maintaining and operating your Tempest product according to
the specifications set in this manual and the engine manufacturer’s Tempest began as a manufacturer of gasoline and electric powered
manual will ensure you get the most out of it. blowers for the fire service. These departments use the Tempest
Power BlowerTM to provide “Positive Pressure Ventilation / Attack”
This manual is produced solely for the use of purchasers and (PPV/PPA) to remove heat, gases and smoke from the interior of
operators of Tempest Technology Corporation equipment. Any a burning structure.
reproduction, retransmission, or other use of the contents of
this manual without written consent of Tempest Technology Tempest has expanded into other industries and found new
Corporation is strictly prohibited. applications for its products. The Tempest Power BlowerTM and
PPV/PPA are used by industrial applications to control dust, fumes
It is the intent of this manual to provide the owner/operator of and unhealthy gases like carbon monoxide, greatly improving
Tempest Technology Corporation products with both general and safety in confined spaces.
specific information regarding the safe and proper operation and
maintenance of the equipment described within. Tempest Technology Corporation has earned a reputation as a
leader and innovator in the air movement industry and continues
CONTACT in that role today.
If after careful review, any questions arise concerning any portion
of this manual, please contact Tempest Technology Corporation
for assistance:

TEMPEST TECHNOLOGY CORP.

4708 N. BLYTHE AVENUE
FRESNO, CA 93722

Toll Free: 800.346.2143

t: 559.277.7577
f: 559.277.7579

response@tempest.us.com
www.tempest.us.com

POSITIVE PRESSURE
VENTILATION/ATTACK

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SAFETY GUIDE GENERAL INFORMATION
Failure to follow the operating, maintenance and lubrication SAW IDENTIFICATION
requirements set forth in this manual may result in serious Each VentMaster® Fire Rescue Saw has a part number as well
personal injury or death and/or damage to equipment or property. as a serial number. The part number identifies the type of unit
(powerhead, bar length, etc.) while the serial number relates to
The following WARNING statements indicate potentially information referencing the date of manufacture. This information
hazardous conditions for operators and equipment. Make certain is useful should it become necessary to contact the factory
that anyone who works on or around this tool has read and fully regarding your VentMaster® Fire Rescue Saw.
understands the safety precautions listed.

1. Carefully read this owner’s manual and the power head SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS
manufacturer’s manual before attempting to operate, service The serial number is typically located on the right side of the
or disassemble any part of your VentMaster® Fire Rescue Saw. engine cover.
2. DO NOT operate the unit when mentally or physically
fatigued or impaired. Please write the Serial Number of your VentMaster® Fire Rescue
3. Stay away from rotating parts; avoid wearing loose jackets, Saw in the spaces below. This will aid us in identifying which
shirts, and ties. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. model you have when assisting you.
4. Keep all unauthorized personnel at a safe distance from the
saw.
5. Keep all guards in place. DO NOT make repairs while the Model (Part No.)
unit is running. DO NOT operate if any guard is not in place.
6. Always wear eye protection. Loose debris can be picked up Date
and flown in the air.
7. Hearing protection is required. Engine and cutting noise may Serial No.
exceed safe dB levels.
8. Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under
certain conditions. To prevent fire hazards, do not place WARRANTY
flammable objects close to the engine. Warranty information on your unit can be found on the back page
9. Do not overfill the fuel tank. After refueling, make sure the of this manual. For further information, please contact Tempest
tank cap is closed properly and secured. If any fuel is spilled, Technology Corp.
make sure the area is dry before starting the engine.
10. Never operate in an enclosed or confined area over prolonged
periods of time. Exhaust contains poisonous carbon
monoxide gas; exposure may cause loss of consciousness and
may lead to death.
11. The muffler becomes very hot during operation and remains
hot for some time after stopping the engine. Be careful not
to touch the muffler while it is hot. To avoid severe burns or
fire hazards, let the engine cool before transporting or storing
the unit.
12. It is the sole responsibility of the owner/operator to develop
procedures for proper use of the VentMaster® Fire Rescue Saw
in accordance with generally accepted ventilation techniques
as well as the organization’s own operating procedures, before
placing the unit into service.

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VENTMASTER® FIRE RESCUE CHAINSAW DATA
Model No. Part No. Bar Engine Dimensions (WxDxH) Weight Depth Gauge

572HD-20-DG .404 TV400-080 20” 5.8 HP, 70.6cc 37.00” x 12.50” x 12.50” 24 lbs.
576HD-20 .404 TV400-083 20” 5.8 HP, 70.6cc 37.00” x 12.50” x 12.50” 21.3 lbs.
576HD-16-DG .404 TV400-081 16” 5.8 HP, 70.6cc 33.00” x 12.50” x 12.50” 23 lbs.
576HD-16 .404 TV400-084 16” 5.8 HP, 70.6cc 33.00” x 12.50” x 12.50” 20.3 lbs.
365HD-20-DG .404 TV400-044 20” 4.9 HP, 71cc 37.00” x 12.50” x 12.75” 23 lbs.
365HD-20 .404 TV400-052 20” 4.9 HP, 71cc 37.00” x 12.50” x 12.75” 22 lbs.
365HD-16-DG .404 TV400-043 16” 4.9 HP, 71cc 33.00” x 12.50” x 12.75” 22 lbs.
365HD-16 .404 TV400-053 16” 4.9 HP, 71cc 33.00” x 12.50” x 12.75” 21 lbs.
NOTE: All models listed come equipped with the Raptor Carbide Chain (0.404 Pitch, 0.063 Gauge).

OPERATING PROCEDURES FORCING THE CUT

Always let the chain do the work. Do not put extreme pressure on
PRE-OPERATION chain while cutting. Excessive pressure causes the chain to slow
VISUAL INSPECTION down and can cause carbide tip failure also causing heat damage
After receiving and unpacking your saw, be sure to carefully to the bar. Slow cutting could indicate chain needs sharpening.
inspect it for any damage that might have occurred during
shipping. Should you find any damage: PLEASE NOTIFY SHEET METAL AND FIBER GLASS
TEMPEST TECHNOLOGY CORP. IMMEDIATELY AT Always use the KIS-40 depth gauge when cutting thin materials
+1 559.277.7577. such as sheet metal, aluminum siding or fiberglass. The depth
gauge can be set to expose 1/4” to 1/2” of the tip of bar and chain
CHAIN TENSION for cutting these materials. These thin materials will shake and
Always ensure the saw’s chain is tensioned properly before vibrate when the bar and chain are inserted too deep and can
operation. To tension the chain, follow the directions below. cause carbide tip failure.
1. Shut off the engine, set upright and let the chain cool down.
2. Loosen the stud nuts that hold the guide bar onto the MAINTENANCE
engine. Keep engine clean and tuned properly per the engine manufacturer’s
3. While holding the bar tip UP, adjust the chain tension specifications to maintain maximum engine speed/performance.
screw to the position that allows the (cold) chain to pass Elements such as a dirty air filter can cause gradual power loss
freely around the bar. which can result in carbide chain tip failure.
NOTE: The chain should NOT hang down more than 1/8”
below the bottom rail of the guidebar.
4. While holding the bar tip UP, tighten the nuts on the studs.
5. Before starting the saw, check the chain tension once again.
If it is not correct, loosen the nuts and repeat the above.

Proper tension will extend the life of the chain and enhance its
cutting performance.

LUBRICATION
Chainsaws require bar and chain lubrication during operation.
Always ensure the correct amount and type of oil is used before
starting your VentMaster® Fire Rescue Saw. Please see engine
manufacturer’s manual for details on proper lubrication.

OPERATION
CHAIN SPEED
It is important to run saw at FULL THROTTLE when entering the
cut, during the cut and exiting the cut (Release throttle only after
full exit from cut).

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RAPTOR CARBIDE CHAIN CARE
While carbide chains are extremely durable, improper use and
poor saw maintenance can cause chain damage and failure.

During operation, the chain will heat up and loosen on the bar.
This is normal. After cooling, the chain will return to its original
size. Chain stretch will continue throughout the chain’s life. To
ensure optimum chain life and performance, always ensure proper
chain tension is set prior to use. To set the chain’s tension, see the
directions under Operating Procedures, Pre-Operation.

NEW CHAIN BREAK-IN

When breaking in a new chain, run at low speed for two (2)
minutes. Ensure that there is adequate oil lubrication to the bar
and chain. Stop the engine and check chain tension again. If the
chain has loosened, tighten it to the correct tension. Check after a
few easy cuts and readjust if nececssary. To set the chain’s tension,
see the appropriate directions under Operating Procedures, Pre-
Operation.

NOTE: The drive sprocket should be changed every time a

new chain is put on a saw.

SHARPENING
• The Raptor carbide chain is ground at an angle of 29 degrees
with 15 degrees on the vertical.
• Depth gauge settings: 25 to 30 thousandths of an inch. When
the depth gauge is filed more than 30 thousandths of an inch,
it increases the possibility for the carbide tip to break off.
• As a general rule, the depth gauges should be filed with each
sharpening of the chain using a flat file and depth gauge tool.
• Carbide chain sharpening requires the use of specialized
diamond-abrasive tools. “Flat facing” is done using a 1FF1
style diamond wheel. “Round facing” is done using an EZE-
Lap diamond or a contoured diamond wheel.

CHAIN REPAIR
Inspect chain after each use. When a chain has more than five
cutters missing or heavily damaged, it is recommended the
chain be taken out of service for repair. If two or more cutters in
succession are missing or are damaged, the chain should be taken
out of service for repair. Considerable damage could occur to the
remaining cutters if chain is used.

Cutter replacement depends on overall condition of the rest of the

cutters to determine if the chain should be repaired or replaced.
As a general rule, if five or more cutters are missing or damaged it
is more cost effective to replace the chain.

The drive sprocket should be changed every time a new chain is

put on a saw. The cutting performance is diminished when a worn
drive sprocket has a loose fit, causing “play” as the drive links of a
new chain are pulled through. This can put premature wear on a
new chain, causing product failure.

Tempest offers complimentary chain evaluation and optional chain

repair/sharpening. Contact customer service at 800.346.2143 with
questions regarding chain repair service.

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NOTES

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NOTES

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 WARRANT Y INFORMATION
Except as otherwise set forth below, any claim by Customer with reference to the Goods sold shall be
deemed waived by the Customer unless submitted in writing to Tempest within the earlier of (i) five
(5) business days following the date Customer discovered, or by reasonable inspection should have
discovered, any claimed breach of the foregoing warranty, or (ii) thirty (30) calendar days following the
date of shipment. Any cause of action for breach of the foregoing warranty shall be brought within one
(1) year from the date the alleged breach was discovered or should have been discovered, whichever
occurs first.

Limited VentMaster® Warranty:

Tempest warrants to the original purchaser that all VentMaster® Fire/Rescue Saws and Cutoff Saws
(except the chain, guide bar and cutoff blade) will be free from original defects in workmanship and
material, under normal-use conditions for one (1) year from the date of shipment. Tempest does not
provide a warranty for Raptor Carbide Chain and Multi-Cut Cutoff Blades. Tempest will replace any
defective VentMaster® part, except for the unwarranted items mentioned prior, if returned during the
applicable warranty period

Note: Unauthorized repair or modification of the factory assembly or parts voids the warranty.

All information provided in this operations manual is subject to change without notice. Please refer to
our website for the most recent sales terms and conditions.

Tempest Technology Corporation

4708 N. Blythe Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722
t: 559.277.7577 • f: 559.277.7579 • response@tempest.us.com
www.tempest.us.com