STIHL chainsaws are powerful tools that can be used for a variety of tasks, from trimming branches to felling trees. However, before you can use a STIHL chainsaw, you need to know how to start it properly.

This article will provide you with the step-by-step instructions on how to start a STIHL chainsaw, including the difference between starting a petrol engine vs a battery powered engine. We will also discuss the STIHL "C-BE" starting system which can be found on domestic chainsaws.

Petrol Engine STIHL Chainsaw Starting Procedures

To start a petrol engine STIHL chainsaw, follow these steps:

1. Make sure that the chainsaw is in a safe location and that you have a clear path to work in. We recommend placing the chainsaw on a level ground when starting. Just ensure that the cutting blade does not come in contact with the ground. 
2. Engage the chain brake.
3. If your STIHL chainsaw has a manual fuel pump, press the primer bulb several times; this makes start-up easier and reduces the number of pulls needed on the starter cord.
4. If your chainsaw has a decompression valve, pressing it now will make it easier to  start your chainsaw.
5. Move the choke lever to the full choke position.
6. Hold the machine steady with your left hand on the handle, while your right hand pulls the cord. You can also use your right foot on the rear handle to help hold the machine steady. 
7. Pull the starter rope vertically until the engine fires. Sometimes this can take a few pulls, especially if the machine is brand new, or hasn't been used for some time. 
8. Once the engine fires, move the choke lever to the half choke position. The "fire" of the machine is brief and sounds like a small revving sound, before shutting off. Don't panic, this is perfectly normal. 
9. Pull the starter cord again from the half-choke position. The machine should now start on the first or second pull. 
10. As soon as the engine starts, briefly tap the trigger. This will blip the engine down to it's idle running speed. 
11. Pick the saw up safely & release the chain brake. 
12. Your machine is now ready to work. Please follow all safety instructions from your manual specific to your chainsaw. 

To Shop our range of STIHL Chainsaws, please click HERE

Battery Powered STIHL Chainsaw Starting Procedures

To start a battery powered STIHL chainsaw, follow these steps:

1. Make sure that the battery is charged.
2. Make sure that the chainsaw is in a safe location and that you have a clear path to work in. 
3. Slot the battery into the chainsaw
4. Engage the chain brake.
5. Turn the on/off switch to the on position.
6. Pick the saw up safely & release the chain brake. 
7. Operate the triggers as per your machines specific instruction manual. This can vary from model to model. 
8. Your machine is now ready to work. Please follow all safety instructions from your manual specific to your chainsaw. 

STIHL "C-BE" Chainsaw Starting Procedures

The STIHL "C-BE" starting system is an easier start system that is found on some domestic chainsaws. This system uses a spring-loaded starter rope that makes it easier to start the engine.

To start a STIHL chainsaw with the "C-BE" starting system, follow these steps (Note: These are very similar to a usual STIHL Chainsaw)

1. Make sure that the chainsaw is in a safe location and that you have a clear path to work in. We recommend placing the chainsaw on a level ground when starting. Just ensure that the cutting blade does not come in contact with the ground. 
2. Engage the chain brake.
3. If your STIHL chainsaw has a manual fuel pump, press the primer bulb several times; this makes start-up easier and reduces the number of pulls needed on the starter cord.
4. If your chainsaw has a decompression valve, pressing it now will make it easier to  start your chainsaw.
5. Move the choke lever to the full choke position.
6. Hold the machine steady with your left hand on the handle, while your right hand pulls the cord. You can also use your right foot on the rear handle to help hold the machine steady. 
7. Pull the starter rope vertically but GRADUALLY until the engine fires. Sometimes this can take a few pulls, especially if the machine is brand new, or hasn't been used for some time. The C-BE system does not require as much force when pulling the starter cord. 
8. Once the engine fires, move the choke lever to the half choke position. The "fire" of the machine is brief and sounds like a small revving sound, before shutting off. Don't panic, this is perfectly normal. 
9. Pull the starter cord again GRADUALLY from the half-choke position. The machine should now start on the first or second pull. 
10. As soon as the engine starts, briefly tap the trigger. This will blip the engine down to it's idle running speed. 
11. Pick the saw up safely & release the chain brake. 
12. Your machine is now ready to work. Please follow all safety instructions from your manual specific to your chainsaw. 

Troubleshooting

If your STIHL chainsaw is not starting, there are a few things you can check:

• Make sure that the fuel tank is full of fresh fuel.
• Make sure that the spark plug is properly gaped.
• Make sure that the air filter is clean.
• Make sure that the fuel filter on petrol machines is clean & able to pickup fuel. 
• If you have a petrol engine chainsaw, make sure that the choke lever is in the correct position.

To shop our range of STIHL Bars & Chains, please click HERE. 

If you have checked all of these things and your chainsaw is still not starting, you may need to take it to a qualified technician for repair. At Winchester Garden Machinery we have service centres in Winchester, Liss & Sunningdale to assist with any chainsaw servicing or chainsaw repairs. 

Conclusion

Starting a STIHL chainsaw can be a daunting task if you are new to chainsaws, but it is important to do it properly in order to avoid injury. By following the instructions in this article, you can learn how to start your STIHL chainsaw safely and easily. Please note, these instructions are a broad guide, and are intended to be used as a supplement to your machines specific manual. Starting procedures can vary depending on the model & it is best to check fully through your instruction manual first. 

Shop the full STIHL range from Winchester Garden Machinery either in store, or online HERE

Additional Tips

• Always wear safety glasses when starting a STIHL chainsaw.
• Do not start a chainsaw if it is not level.
• Do not start a chainsaw if the chain is touching anything.
• If the chainsaw does not start after a few pulls, stop and check the fuel, spark plug, and air filter.

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