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Consultation on New Guide to Safety with Chainsaws

Starting the Chainsaw

There are two recommended methods of starting. These are known as cold starting and warm starting.

Cold Starting

See the owner's manual for setting the choke and throttle control lockout.

  • Place the chainsaw firmly on the ground. If a chainbrake is fitted, put the brake on.
  • Hold your left arm straight, with the front handlebar firmly cradled between the thumb and fingers. If a mitt is fitted, your hand must be in the mitt.
  • Place the front of your right foot in the rear handle, or place a knee on the chainsaw body.
  • Position your other leg to provide stability.
  • Pull the starter cord with your right hand, using short sharp pulls to start the motor.
  • When started, close the choke and release the throttle control latch by squeezing the throttle control trigger.

Cold starting method.
Fig 18: Cold starting method.

Warm Starting

  • Place your left hand in the safety mitt if fitted. Keep left arm straight.
  • Position chainsaw on left thigh pointing left.
  • Step over rear handle and secure chainsaw behind bent right knee.
  • Start with short sharp pulls on the starter cord.
  • If the chainsaw does not start, revert to the cold start method.

Warm starting method.
Fig 19: Warm starting method.

Warning on Drop-Starting

Never drop-start a chainsaw. The danger is that it will swing in an arc at the end of the cord and cause serious injury, especially to the body or face.


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