Chainsaw23/06/2025
How to start a chainsaw: step-by-step guide to cold and hot starts
Starting a chainsaw properly is essential for safe operation and long-term engine health.
The process varies slightly depending on whether you are preparing for the first cut of the day or restarting a warm engine.
This guide covers how to start a chainsaw when it’s cold and how to restart a chainsaw when it’s hot.
SAFETY REMINDER: Always wear protective gear (gloves, safety goggles and ear protection) and ensure that the chain brake is engaged before starting.
How to cold-start a chainsaw
Supported chainsaw models:
- Husqvarna chainsaw 135
- Husqvarna chainsaw 435
- Husqvarna chainsaw 440
- Husqvarna chainsaw 445
- Husqvarna chainsaw 450
- Husqvarna chainsaw 445S
- Husqvarna chainsaw 450S
- Activate the chain brake: Push the front hand guard forwards to engage the chain brake.
- Engage the choke: Move the choke lever to the full choke position. This enriches the fuel mixture to help ignition.
- Press the primer bulb: Press it six times until fuel is visible inside the bulb.
- Pull the starter cord: Pull until the engine briefly starts or “pops”.
- Move the choke to run position.
- Pull the cord again: The engine should now start.Let it run for a moment, then gently squeeze the throttle to set the chainsaw to idle. This helps prevent any damage to the clutch.
How to hot-start a chainsaw
Supported chainsaw models:
- Husqvarna chainsaw 135
- Husqvarna chainsaw 435
- Husqvarna chainsaw 440
- Husqvarna chainsaw 445
- Husqvarna chainsaw 450
- Husqvarna chainsaw 445S
- Husqvarna chainsaw 450S
- Activate the chain brake.
- Engage the choke: For this situation, pull the choke to activate it, then immediately push it back down. This allows extra air into the engine to help with ignition.
- Pull the starter cord: Use the same safe footing or hand positioning.
- The engine should now start: Let it run for a moment, then gently squeeze the throttle to set the chainsaw to idle. This helps prevent any damage to the clutch.
TIP: If the saw does not start after a few pulls, continue pulling the starter cord or check if there is fuel in your chainsaw.
- Chainsaw won’t start cold: Check the choke, primer bulb, fuel level and spark.
- Chainsaw won’t start hot: It may be flooded—let it sit for 10–15 minutes or try with the throttle wide open and no choke. Do not forget to engage the chain brake!
- Chain moves when starting: Ensure that the chain brake is always engaged before pulling the starter cord.
How to start chainsaw 450X
Husqvarna 450X chainsaw is equipped with Smart Start® system and special features to make starting easier.
Step-by-step instructions- Activate the chain brake: Push the front hand guard forwards to engage the chain brake.
- Press the primer bulb: Press it six times until fuel is visible inside the bulb.
- Move the start/stop level to the starting position: This enriches the fuel mixture to help ignition.
- Pull the starter cord: The engine should now start.Let it run for a moment, then gently squeeze the throttle to set the chainsaw to idle.
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