Chainsaws are powerful tools widely used for cutting logs, sculpting foliage, and more. A durable chainsaw with advanced safety features has become a standard tool for many homeowners nowadays. If you’re a DIYer who's new to operating a chainsaw, go to learn the basics of how to start a chainsaw effectively.
It’s common to have issues with chainsaws that won’t start, especially if you’re new to using them. Before you start your chainsaw, it's crucial to read and check the operator’s manual for your specific chainsaw model, as control settings vary from one model to another. This article will guide you through the crucial steps, tips and ways for starting a chainsaw in the safest and efficient way.
Using a chainsaw can be too dangerous, and accidents can happen in the blink of your eyelids, even to the most skilled and experienced users. The only way to avoid injury or any horrifying damage to your body is to take all the safety measurements. Before starting the chainsaw, you must wear all the necessary safety gear like the helmet, goggles, chainsaw gloves, chaps and protective footwear.
If you’re going to operate a chainsaw for the first time or with an unfamiliar chainsaw model, the first thing you should always do is read the instruction manual from the chainsaw manufacturer.
Even if you feel confident enough to operate a chainsaw, remember that every model has different features and specifications. For instance, if you start a Stihl chainsaw, you will get a different experience from another chainsaw like an Echo chainsaw, ending up with no knowledge on how to operate the one you want to start. So, always read the manual first.
You must perform inspections for every part of the chainsaw before you start it. This is best for your protection and safety by avoiding any chances of an accident. For instance, you must inspect the guide bar and the chainsaw chain for debris, dirt, or wood chips that may limit the chain from spinning. Also, inspect the chain by moving it around the guide bar with your hand to determine whether they move freely or not. If not, you need to fix the issue before push button to start the chainsaw.
To turn on a chainsaw, you must activate the chainsaw brake first. Several chainsaw models enable users to get started with what is known as the ‘half-throttle position.’ This allows the chain to rotate even if the chain brakes stay non-activated. There are two safe and secure starting positions for your chainsaw - on the ground and the chainsaw between your legs.
You must stand by keeping the right foot in the rear handle while using your left hand to maintain a gentle grip on the front-side handle. Also, remember to keep the left arm straight. Use your right hand to pull the start handle repeatedly until the engine fires up.
Keep the rear handle simply behind your right knee and in between the left thigh. Use your left hand to get a firm hold on the front handle while keeping your left arm straight.
Some crucial safety gear to wear before starting the chainsaw are a helmet, protective gloves, steel-toe boots, goggles, earbuds, chainsaw trousers and jackets, and chaps.
You must follow some procedures as a part of your safety protocol for starting a chainsaw.
You must lean your wrist in the front for pushing the chain brake handle in the front direction, too, all while keeping the left hand over the top handlebar. This way, you end up engaging the chain brake, which restricts the chainsaw chain from spinning when you undergo the starting process.
Press your way down the fuel primer bulb at least five times or until the point where the bulb gets stiff, and you can see fuel in it.
With your chain brake engaged, the left hand is placed over the top handlebar, and the right foot is kept in the rear handle. Use the right hand for pulling up the starting cord smoothly and quickly. Keep on pulling up the starting cord for quite some time until the engine makes the sound of trying over and failing.
If you hear the chainsaw engine failing for turning over, take the choke lever to its halfway position. Again, pull up the starting cord. You will end up noticing the engine to start and idle. If you don’t find it to happen, pull up the choke a few more times.
You have to keep the chainsaw idle for about 30 seconds as not doing so can make it stall out. After this, place the choke lever in the closed position while the chainsaw must be running.
Use your right hand to pull back the handle and disengage the chain brake. If not done, the chain will resist spinning even after starting.
Uplift your body in the upward position while the chainsaw remains gently in your hands. Use your right hand’s middle finger and index finger to pull the throttle for starting the chainsaw. It’s finally done.
If you’re starting a chainsaw, you’re starting something that hasn’t been running for a while. It can either be the chainsaw getting started for the first time that day or the first time being used after a long time. Whatever may be the reason, you must focus on getting the fuel flowing to make your engine warm enough to fire and start.
To start a hot or warm chainsaw engine, follow the steps given below:
If you’re done cutting the tree or planning to take a break, you can simply stop the chainsaw. You have to turn off the chainsaw by eliminating the pressure and letting go of your fingers from the trigger. Finally, turn the off/on switch of the chainsaw to the ‘off position’.
The electric chainsaw comes with an option of the electric start of the machine, requiring minimal steps when compared to the gas-powered models.
When starting a chainsaw, you must not do certain things by avoiding them, such as:
To start a stubborn chainsaw, follow the tips below.
Whether starting a Husqvarna chainsaw or any other brand machine, the mechanism, steps, and tips are simple and easy for all. No matter what type of chainsaw you want to start, it's mandatory to read the instruction manual and take safety precautions first. We have discussed steps and tips to start a gas-powered, electric, cold engine and warm engine chainsaw machine. So, grab the insight and utilize it efficiently. We hope you get the best out of this guide.
