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Petrol-powered Trimmer support
How to start a grass trimmer or brushcutter
Starting your Husqvarna grass trimmer or brushcutter correctly ensures smooth operation and prevents engine issues.
The exact steps may vary slightly by model, but the basic process is the same.
Quick answer
Most petrol grass trimmers and brushcutters follow this sequence:
Prime the fuel (primer bulb)
Set the choke
Pull starter cord until engine fires
Adjust choke and start fully
Watch the video below for the easiest way to follow this process.
Watch: How to start a grass trimmer and brushcutter
Different models may vary slightly — follow the method closest to your machine
Safety first
Before starting:
Place the machine on the ground
Ensure that the cutting attachment is not touching anything
Hold machine firmly
Wear protective equipment — gloves and protective eyewear
Starting on the ground prevents accidental movement when the engine fires.
Step-by-step: cold start
How to cold start (engine not running)
Press the primer bulb
Press the bulb several times until it fills with fuel
This helps fuel reach the carburettor and reduces the number of pulls needed.
Set the choke to “start” position
Move the choke lever to the cold start position
The choke enriches the fuel mixture for starting.
Pull the starter cord
Pull until the engine “fires” or tries to start
Move choke to run position
Switch the choke off (or to half position if applicable)
Pull again to start fully
Pull the cord until the engine starts and runs
Warm start
How to warm start (engine recently used)If engine is already warm:
Skip priming (in most cases)
Set choke to run position
Pull starter cord until engine starts
Warm engines require less fuel enrichment.
Common starting problems (quick fixes)
Choke still on — move to run position
Not enough fuel — prime again
Hard to pull starter cord
Check for engine resistance or blockage
Ensure correct starting position
Tips for easier starting
Use fresh fuel
Prime correctly before starting
Do not overuse the choke
Follow the correct sequence every time
Correct starting procedure reduces wear and improve reliability.
Still having trouble?
If your product does not start after several attempts:
Repeat the full starting sequence
Check fuel quality or spark plug