How to start a STIHL chainsaw

STIHL chainsaws come in a variety of models, each with their own start-up process. To best understand how to start your chainsaw, refer to your instruction manual and check out this step-by-step guide featuring helpful videos.

• Gas-powered chainsaws can generate emissions from the moment the engine starts. These gases may be odorless and invisible, so it’s important to only use your chainsaw outdoors or in well-ventilated indoor spaces. A closed room is not a safe environment for working with your STIHL chainsaw.

• Check the ground of your working area. Uneven ground with debris can be a fall hazard, along with slippery, wet, snowy, icy, or sloped surfaces.

• Keep others, especially children and pets, away from your working area.

• It’s also important to keep these safety considerations in mind before you start work with your STIHL chainsaw:

  • Gas can be extremely hazardous, so always ensure the refueling site is at least 10 feet away from anywhere you are using your STIHL chainsaw. Read more about using the right fuel for your STIHL chainsaw.
  • Inspect your work area carefully and be aware of potential obstacles. Maintain a clear escape route in case of emergency.
  • You should never work alone. Make sure you can be heard if you need to call for help. At the same time, ensure that there is no one within a 15-yard radius as you operate your chainsaw.

The starting procedures for your STIHL chainsaw will be different depending on whether or not your tool has a STIHL M-Tronic™ system. Refer to your Instruction Manual or consult your local STIHL Dealer to determine if your tool includes the STIHL M-Tronic™ system. Both processes are outlined below.

CHAIN BRAKE: Before you start the chainsaw, it’s vital to engage the chain brake by pushing the chain brake handle forward.

SCABBARD: Always remove the scabbard before starting your chainsaw.

DECOMPRESSION VALVE: If your chainsaw has a decompression valve, pressing it now will make it easier to start your chainsaw.

MANUAL FUEL PUMP: If your STIHL chainsaw has a manual fuel pump, press the primer bulb several times; this makes startup easier and reduces the number of pulls needed on the starter cord.

MASTER CONTROL LEVER™ Set the Master Control Lever™ to Choke/Cold start: first actuate the throttle trigger lockout and the throttle trigger, then push the Master Control Lever™ to the lowest position.

PLACE ON GROUND: Put your chainsaw down on level ground to start it. The cutting attachment must not come into contact with the ground, as this can dull the chain and put you at risk.

STABILIZE THE CHAINSAW: Your STIHL chainsaw needs to be held steady while starting. With the chainsaw still on the ground, put your left hand on the front handle, right hand on the starter cord and your right foot on the rear handle.

PULL STARTER CORD: You should pull the starter cord straight up, keeping it as vertical as possible and avoid letting it make contact with the fan housing. Using your right hand, pull the starter cord slowly at first until you feel some resistance – then pull it forcefully several times until the engine fires.

HALF THROTTLE: The engine will only briefly spring to life and will then turn off again immediately. Now you need to open the choke by moving the Master Control Lever™ up one position to the half throttle setting.

PULL STARTER CORD AGAIN: Pull the starter cord again until the engine starts.

TAP THROTTLE TRIGGER: As soon as you start the chainsaw and the engine is running, briefly tap the throttle trigger; the Master Control Lever™ will go to the normal idle position.

PICK UP CHAINSAW: Slowly lift your STIHL chainsaw off the ground, making sure not to touch the throttle lever.

RELEASE CHAIN BRAKE: Hold on to the chain brake handle with your left hand and pull it toward you. Don’t let go of the handle until you hear a click – this means the chain brake is now released and the saw chain can rotate when the throttle trigger is engaged.

CHECK CHAIN LUBRICATION: Before you get going with your chainsaw, check the chain lubrication. With the saw running at Half Throttle, hold it over a light-colored surface such as a piece of paper or timber. If the chainsaw leaves a clear trail of oil, you can start work! If no trail is visible, shut off the chainsaw, remove the oil tank filler cap and make sure the tank is full of bar and chain lubricant. Properly start the unit and retest.

CHAIN BRAKE: Before you start your chainsaw, you need to engage the chain brake by pushing the chain brake handle forward.

CHAIN GUARD: Always remove the chain guard before starting your chainsaw.

DECOMPRESSION VALVE: If your chainsaw has a decompression valve, pressing it now will make it easier to start your chainsaw.

MANUAL FUEL PUMP: If your STIHL chainsaw has a manual fuel pump, press the primer bulb several times; this makes startup easier and reduces the number of pulls needed on the starter cord.

MASTER CONTROL LEVER™: Set the Master Control Lever™ to the start position (▲).

PLACE ON GROUND: Put your chainsaw down on level ground to start it. The cutting attachment must not come into contact with the ground, as this can blunt the chain and put you at risk.

STABILIZE THE CHAINSAW: Your STIHL chainsaw needs to be held steady while you start it. With the chainsaw still on the ground, put your left hand on the front handle, right hand on the starter cord and your right foot on the rear handle.

PULL STARTER CORD: You should pull the starter cord straight up, keeping it as vertical as possible and avoid letting it make contact with the fan housing. Using your right hand, pull the starter cord slowly at first until you feel some resistance – then pull it forcefully several times until the engine fires.

TAP THROTTLE TRIGGER: As soon as you start the chainsaw and the engine is running, briefly tap the throttle trigger; the Master Control Lever™ will go to the operating position (I).

PICK UP CHAINSAW: Slowly lift your STIHL chainsaw off the ground, making sure not to touch the throttle lever.

RELEASE CHAIN BRAKE: Hold on to the chain brake handle with your left hand and pull it toward you. Don’t let go of the handle until you hear a click – this means the chain is released and can now run on the bar.

CHECK CHAIN LUBRICATION: Before you get going with your chainsaw, check the chain lubrication. With the saw running at Half Throttle, hold it over a light-colored surface such as a piece of paper or timber. If the chainsaw leaves a clear trail of oil, you can start work! If no trail is visible, shut off the chainsaw, remove the oil tank filler cap and make sure the tank is full of bar and chain lubricant. Properly start the unit and retest.

In addition to the STIHL M-Tronic™ system, STIHL offers other features that also make it easier to start your chainsaw. STIHL Easy2Start™ reduces the amount of power required for startup, and the special STIHL ElastoStart™ shock absorber grip makes the starting process smooth, with no sudden load peaks. Ask your local STIHL Dealer for more details on these helpful features.

This video illustrates the proper ways to start a STIHL chainsaw, as well as which methods to avoid (such as drop starting) and why. You’ll learn about the saw controls and how to position them related to the starting sequence for cold and warm starts. For example, always engage the chain brake before starting the engine, and if your saw has a purge pump primer feature, “pump it a few times to move fuel from the tank to the carburetor.”

STIHL gives you useful starting tips like how to position your hands and feet relative to the chainsaw handles, why you shouldn’t let the rope snap back to the starter assembly (it can damage internal parts) and what to do if you accidentally flood the engine. The video also includes the importance of proper protective apparel like chainsaw chaps and a helmet system.

Before you start up your STIHL chainsaw, make sure you’re familiar with the equipment’s safety and operating information. For your convenience, STIHL provides online electronic versions of all product safety and instruction manuals for easy reference.

WARNING! Improper use of any power tool may cause serious or fatal injury. Read, understand, and carefully follow the operating and safety instructions in your instruction manual before using such products.