How to Start Your SGS Chainsaw: A Comprehensive Guide

Here at SGS, we strive to make our garden power tools as user-friendly as possible. Starting a two-stroke petrol chainsaw for the first time can seem daunting, but with the right technique, it's straightforward. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process, addressing common issues and troubleshooting steps to get you sawing efficiently and safely. This guide assumes your chainsaw is correctly assembled and fuelled. If you need help with setup and fuelling, please refer to our separate guide: "How To Set Up and Fuel Your Chainsaw".

Before You Begin: Safety First!

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses, hearing protection, sturdy gloves, and chainsaw chaps (protective trousers designed to prevent serious leg injuries from a chain saw).
• Clear Work Area: Ensure the area around you is clear of obstructions and people. Keep children and pets at a safe distance.
• Stable Ground: Choose a level, stable surface to start your chainsaw.
• Read the Manual: Familiarize yourself with your chainsaw's specific instructions and safety precautions detailed in the owner's manual. This guide supplements, but does not replace, the information in your manual.

Step-by-Step Starting Procedure:

1. Chain Brake & Scabbard: Begin by ensuring the chain brake is engaged. Push the chain brake lever forward until it clicks into place. This is crucial for safety. Remove the scabbard (protective cover for the bar and chain) before attempting to start the chainsaw.
2. Prime the Engine (if applicable): Many SGS chainsaws feature a fuel primer bulb. If yours does, firmly press the bulb 8-10 times. This pushes fuel into the carburettor, making starting easier and reducing the number of pull-starts required.
3. Switch On: Locate the red on/off switch. Move the switch to the "I" (on) position.
4. Choke Control: The choke lever controls the air-fuel mixture for starting. Fully pull the choke lever out to the "open" position. Then, briefly press the throttle lever twice. This will partially close the choke. Finally, pull the choke lever fully out again to the open position. This ensures a rich fuel mixture for initial starting.
5. Positioning the Chainsaw: Place the chainsaw on a flat, stable surface, ensuring the bar and chain are not touching the ground. Position the saw so the bar is facing away from your body. This prevents accidental injury if the saw were to unexpectedly start.
6. Secure Grip: With the chainsaw firmly on the ground, place your left hand on the top handle and your right hand on the pull-start cord grip. For added stability, use your right foot to brace against the rear handle of the chainsaw. This provides a solid base and prevents the saw from moving unexpectedly.
7. The First Pulls: Slowly pull the starter rope until you feel resistance. Then, pull the rope firmly and smoothly several times. Do not jerk the rope; a smooth, controlled pull is more effective. Keep the rope pulling motion as vertical as possible to avoid snagging the rope on the chainsaw casing.
8. Initial Fire & Throttle Adjustment: Once the engine fires (even if it dies immediately), press the throttle lever once. This will automatically move the choke lever to a half-throttle position, enriching the fuel mixture for easier starting.
9. Restart & Idle: Continue pulling the starter rope until the engine starts and runs consistently. Briefly touch the throttle lever with your index finger to maintain a stable idle speed. Carefully lift the chainsaw, avoiding any unnecessary throttle application.
10. Release Chain Brake & Oil Check: Pull the chain brake lever back to release the chain. You should hear a distinct click indicating the chain is now free. Before starting any cutting, check the chain lubrication. Hold the chainsaw against a white piece of paper or a light-coloured surface (like a tree trunk) and fully open the throttle. If you see a steady stream of oil, the chain is sufficiently lubricated. If not, refer to your manual for lubrication instructions.

Your chainsaw is now ready to use. Apply the throttle as needed, always remembering to maintain a firm grip and control.

Troubleshooting Common Starting Problems:

If your chainsaw fails to start after following the above steps, try these troubleshooting techniques:

1. Fuel Mixture:

The most frequent cause of starting problems is an incorrect fuel mixture. Ensure you've used a 40:1 ratio of fresh unleaded petrol to high-quality two-stroke engine oil. Stale petrol can cause starting difficulties. Always use fresh fuel and the correct oil type specified in your owner's manual.

2. Carburettor Adjustment:

The carburettor controls the air-fuel mixture. If the chainsaw is difficult to start or runs poorly, the carburettor may need adjustment. A basic adjustment can sometimes resolve the issue:

1. Locate the adjustment screws (usually labelled "L" for low speed, "H" for high speed, and "T" for idle speed).
2. Turn both the "L" and "H" screws fully clockwise (in) until they stop.
3. Turn the "L" screw counter-clockwise (out) two full turns.
4. Turn the "H" screw counter-clockwise (out) one and a half turns.
5. Attempt to start the chainsaw with the choke off. It should start within 3-5 pulls.
6. If the idle speed is too high, slowly turn the "T" screw counter-clockwise (out) while the engine is running. If the engine starts to buck, stall, or make unusual noises, turn the "T" screw clockwise (in) to increase the idle speed.

3. Flooded Engine:

Over-pulling the starter rope can flood the engine with fuel. To check for this:

1. Remove the spark plug cover.
2. Remove the spark plug.
3. If the spark plug is wet with fuel, the engine is flooded.
4. Dry the spark plug thoroughly.
5. Allow the chainsaw to sit for a few hours.
6. Reinstall the spark plug and follow the normal starting procedure, but *without* using the choke initially.

4. Spark Plug Check:

A faulty spark plug can prevent the engine from starting. To check the spark plug:

1. Remove the spark plug cover.
2. Remove the spark plug wire.
3. Remove the spark plug.
4. Reattach the spark plug wire.
5. Hold the spark plug electrode against a metal surface.
6. Pull the starter rope. You should see a bright blue spark. If there is no spark, contact SGS customer service.

5. Fuel Delivery Issues:

Check the fuel lines for blockages or kinks. Ensure the fuel tank cap is properly sealed.

6. Air Filter:

Check and clean or replace the air filter as needed.

Important Considerations:

• Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential.
• Fuel Storage: Store fuel properly.
• Professional Help: Contact SGS customer service or a qualified technician if problems persist.

By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you'll be able to confidently start your SGS chainsaw and enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained and efficiently operating power tool. Remember, safety is paramount – always prioritize safety procedures before, during, and after using your chainsaw.