How to Start a Husqvarna Chainsaw: Full Starting Guide

Husqvarna chainsaws are known for their top-notch and quick performance. Their cutting speed is one of their highly prized strengths. These are also easy to handle and operate but do not start like all other chainsaw models.

Following the proper starting steps for your Husqvarna saw will guarantee performance efficiency and ideal fuel consumption.

This blog post will teach you how to start a Husqvarna chainsaw quickly. Indeed, a few Husqvarna models will slightly differ in some starting details. However, the guidelines for this brand are the same. So, keep reading!

Safety Precautions 

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chainsaw can efficiently cut wood and tree logs and fall a whole tree. In the same manner, it can cause injuries to humans. So, they need proper handling and maximum safety precautions that all chainsaw users must take. These precautions include:

1. Using Personal Protective Tools and Clothes 

Personal protective tools for using a chainsaw aim at covering body areas that chainsaw accidents may cut. This includes protecting the eyes with protective glasses or goggles. Also, preventing loud noise from causing hearing loss is possible by wearing ear muffs.

In many cases, you can wear a face shield as well. As for clothes, you should get thick leather gloves and comfortable, but not loose, pants with nylon sewing. Lastly, wearing cut-resistant boots increases your foot protection.

2. Check the Condition of the Saw 

Starting your Husqvarna saw is more than pulling the starter cord. You must ensure that the machine is safe and ready to operate. This includes inspecting the chain brake and ensuring it is activated. Also, ensure the bar is tight enough, and the chain is properly lubricated.

3. Operate in a Clear Outdoor Area

It is always safer to use your chainsaw outdoors. However, make sure the working area is adequately prepared. For instance, you should not operate when it is rainy or windy. Also, make sure to remove all obstacles from the saw’s path.

This includes small rocks, debris, or any metal that may stand in the way. By doing so, you are reducing the chances of kickbacks or even accidental falling.

4. Do not use the Saw above your Shoulder level

This might not be known to everyone, but a chainsaw is not made to reach heights. You can rely on a pole saw for this purpose. A gas or electric chainsaw is a heavy machine that should not be held above shoulder height. Having it this way can put you at risk of losing your balance and control over the saw.

5. Inspect the saw properly 

Before trying to operate a Husqvarna chainsaw, you will have to give it a thorough inspection. This includes looking into all bolts, switches, and levers to ensure they function.

Inspect the sharpness of the chain and check all the fluid levels. If any of these features are not intact, you must fix them before attempting to fire the engine.

Fuel and Oil

The correct mix of fuel will make your Husqvarna chainsaw run well. In addition to providing the machine with fuel needed for combustion, this mixed fuel will lubricate engine parts such as cylinders and pistons.

This mix is not created randomly. Each manufacturer advises an adequate ratio. For some brands, the proper ratio is 40:1, but for Husqvarna chainsaws, the ratio is 50:1. So, you will bring a clean fuel container, pour a gallon of oil, and mix it with 2.6 ounces of fuel.

However, it is not advisable to use any fuel. The manufacturer recommends using either ethanol-blended fuel or regular unleaded fuel. 

Starting a Husqvarna Chainsaw.

These Husqvarna products have simple 2-cycle engines, but starting them is no walk in the park. As a first-time owner of this machine, you must be very careful. In general, you might start the engine when the engine is cold.

This happens when the machine has been stored for some time or when it is operated for the first time. You might also start the saw when the engine is hot.

In both cases, it would be best to learn to hold the saw correctly and firmly. The best way to control a saw is to simultaneously hold its front and rear handles. Here is how to start a cold Husqvarna chainsaw:

  1. Place the saw on a firm, flat surface, preferably on the ground.
  2. Look for the chain brake and make sure it is in the engaged or active setting.
  3. Some of the Husqvarna saws have a decompression control or valve. If yours has this valve, press it to allow the engine to start.
  4. If your model has a fuel pump, look for its attached fuel primer bulb and press its button. You can do this a couple of times. It would help if you stopped once you spot fuel running through the bulb and reaching the carb.
  5. Adjust the chock position. You might need it to be in the half-throttle position. However, you should keep adjusting it as necessary.
  6. Now, it is time to place your foot; for better control, put the right foot on the rear handle. Your left hand should hold the front handle.
  7. The right hand should find the starter rope and pull it. This should get the engine started.

As for starting when the engine is hot or warm, things are similar. You will have to follow all these steps. However, starting with throttle adjustment is not advisable. It should be a last resort when the engine is not responding to your attempts.

Running your Husqvarna Saw.

Once you start the chainsaw motor, you should keep it running powerfully. To do this, you must rev the machine gradually until it reaches its highest power. Then, it would help if you let it idle for a few minutes.

Lastly, you must lift the saw and deactivate the chain brake. By doing so, your machine can cut any wooden item you want.

If you face any issues with this scenario, you should monitor the oil levels. Moreover, you can manipulate the throttle setting until everything is intact.

Shutting off a Husqvarna Chainsaw

Contrary to what many users believe, shutting off a Husqvarna gas chainsaw is not done by turning off the ignition switch. You need to prepare the engine for the shut-off phase.

You will have to start by idling the engine for a few minutes. Then, you must enable the chain brakes to stop the chain from revolving. This is the right moment to hit the switch to stop the engine completely.

Conclusion

Starting a Husqvarna chainsaw is simple, but it is full of preparations and necessary steps. It would help to be very careful when dealing with a sharp chainsaw. This is why it is mandatory to engage the chain brakes before touching the saw.

Also, ensure the chainsaw has adequate fluid levels and the recommended types. Keep in mind that each manufacturer recommends certain types of oil and fuel.

Lastly, you have to be very serious about your safety. This means wearing protective equipment is not a luxury. This is essential for avoiding injuries. Additionally, it would be best not to operate the saw when the weather is unclear, or the working area is bulky. On top of that, make sure that the saw is in a suitable condition.

In case you are unable to fulfill all these requirements, it is recommended that you consult with a professional. You can get a certified technician to look at your Husqvarna saw to guarantee it is safe to run.

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( Licensed Chainsaw Professional )

Jake is a chainsaws expert with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field. He is a licensed professional by the National Chainsaw Program, which attests to his skills and expertise in the safe and efficient use of chainsaws.