How to start a petrol brushcutter

Starting your Husqvarna petrol brushcutter correctly helps ensure reliable performance and reduces unnecessary wear on the engine.

The procedure is slightly different depending on whether the engine is cold or already warm.

Quick answer

For most Husqvarna petrol brushcutters:

1. Prime the fuel system.
2. Activate the choke.
3. Pull the starter cord until the engine fires.
4. Move the choke to the run position.
5. Pull the starter cord again until the engine starts.
6. Rev the engine briefly to reach normal operating speed.

Watch: how to start a petrol brushcutter

Safety first:

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, eye protection and hearing protection.
• Place the machine on level ground.
• Make sure the cutting attachment is not touching the ground or any objects.
• Hold the machine firmly.
• Never start the engine indoors or in an enclosed space.

Cold start (engine not running)

Prime the fuel system

Press the primer bulb approximately five times, or until fuel is visible inside the bulb.

Priming helps move fuel into the carburettor, making the engine easier to start.

Activate the choke

Move the choke lever to the START position.

The choke enriches the fuel mixture, making a cold engine easier to start.

Pull the starter cord

Pull the starter cord firmly until the engine briefly fires or attempts to start.

Move the choke to the run position

Once the engine has fired, move the choke to the RUN position.

Start the engine

Pull the starter cord again until the engine starts.

Allow it to idle for a few moments before applying throttle.

Rev the engine

Briefly squeeze the throttle to allow the engine to reach normal operating speed.

Warm start (engine recently used)

If the engine has been running recently:

• Leave the choke in the RUN position
• Pull the starter cord until the engine starts
• Rev briefly to reach normal operating speed

A warm engine usually does not require priming or choke.

Common starting problems

Engine won’t start

• Check that there is fresh fuel in the tank
• Make sure the stop switch is in the ON position
• Repeat the correct starting sequence

Engine starts then stops

• Move the choke fully to the RUN position
• Repeat the starting procedure

Difficult to start

Check:

• Fuel quality
• Air filter condition
• Spark plug condition

Tips for easier starting

• Use fresh two-stroke fuel mixed to the recommended ratio.
• Follow the correct cold-start procedure every time.
• Avoid pulling the starter cord repeatedly without checking the choke position.
• Perform regular maintenance on the air filter and spark plug.