Petrol Chainsaw support

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

When the chainsaw hasn’t been used recently, the engine is considered “cold”, and will require extra steps to get it going.Supported chainsaw models:

• Husqvarna chainsaw 135

• Husqvarna chainsaw 435

• Husqvarna chainsaw 440

• Husqvarna chainsaw 445

• Husqvarna chainsaw 450

• Husqvarna chainsaw 445S

• Husqvarna chainsaw 450S

1. Activate the chain brake: Push the front hand guard forwards to engage the chain brake.

2. Engage the choke: Move the choke lever to the full choke position. This enriches the fuel mixture to help ignition.

3. Press the primer bulb: Press it six times until fuel is visible inside the bulb.

4. Pull the starter cord: Pull until the engine briefly starts or “pops”.

5. Move the choke to run position.

6. 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

If the engine has recently been running and is still warm, you can use the hot-start procedure.Supported chainsaw models:

• Husqvarna chainsaw 135

• Husqvarna chainsaw 435

• Husqvarna chainsaw 440

• Husqvarna chainsaw 445

• Husqvarna chainsaw 450

• Husqvarna chainsaw 445S

• Husqvarna chainsaw 450S

1. Activate the chain brake.

2. 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.

3. Pull the starter cord: Use the same safe footing or hand positioning.

4. 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.

Troubleshooting tips

• 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

For Husqvarna chainsaw model 450X both cold and hot starts have the same procedures.

Husqvarna 450X chainsaw is equipped with Smart Start® system and special features to make starting easier.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Activate the chain brake: Push the front hand guard forwards to engage the chain brake.

2. Press the primer bulb: Press it six times until fuel is visible inside the bulb.

3. Move the start/stop level to the starting position: This enriches the fuel mixture to help ignition.

4. 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.