How to Start Your SGS Chainsaw

Here at SGS we want to make garden power tools as accessible and easy to use as possible. If you’ve not worked with a 2-stoke petrol tool before, you're probably unfamiliar with the starting mechanism. When starting your tool for the first time it can be a little tricky if you don't follow the ideal starting method. In this guide we’ll go through the process step-by-step, so you can get tidying up the garden in no time at all.

This quick starting guide assumes you’ve successfully managed to set up and fuel your chainsaw, but if you’re looking for help with this, we have another helpful guide here:

How To Set Up and Fuel Your Chainsaw

1. Chain Brake & Scabbard

step 1 — Make sure your chain brake is engaged by pushing it forward until it clicks. The scabbard should be removed before you try to start your chainsaw.

2. Prime with the fuel bulb

step 2 — If your chainsaw has a priming bulb, press it 8 to 10 times. This will help assist with starting the saw and reduces the number of times you’ll need to pull the pull start.

3. Switch the saw on

step 3 — Set the red on/off button to on (I).

4. Pull the choke out

step 4 — Pull the choke lever all the way out, to the open position. Press the throttle lever twice. This will close the choke. Pull the choke all the way out again.

5. Lay the saw down

step 5 — Put your saw on a flat surface so the cutting attachment doesn’t touch the ground. Face the saw so the blade is away from your body as to avoid any chance of injury.

6. Hold the saw

step 6 — Leaving the saw firmly on the ground, place your left hand on the top handle and your right hand on the pull start. Push your right toecap into the rear handle to stabilise the chainsaw.

7. Pull start

step 7 — Slowly pull the starting rope with your right hand until you feel the resistance of the rope. Now, pull the pull start hard several times until the engine fires. Pull the rope up as vertically as you can. Don’t let the rope drag on the casing of the saw.

8. Apply throttle

step 8 — When the chainsaw fires (and dies again immediately), press the throttle lever once again. This will pull the choke lever to half throttle position automatically.

9. Pull Start Again

step 9 — Pull the starter rope until the engine fires and begins to run. Touch the throttle very briefly with your index finger. Lift your chainsaw, taking care not to apply the throttle.

10. Release the Chain Brake & Check the Oil

step 10 — Release the chain brake handle by pulling it back. You should feel it click, meaning the chain is now released. Before you start cutting, check the lubrication of the chain. Hold up the saw against a white piece of paper or a tree trunk and open the throttle fully. If lubricant is visible you’re ready to start cutting.

The chainsaw is now ready for you to use. Simply apply the throttle as required. Make sure you read through the safety information in the instruction manual before you start cutting anything.

Troubleshooting

If you chainsaw hasn't started by following the quick start guide above, there's a couple of things you need to check.

Checking the Fuel Mix

The most common problem with a chainsaw not starting is that there's a problem with the fuel mix. Double check that you've used 25 parts fresh unleaded petrol to 1 part 2-stroke oil (25:1). Check the petrol you've used isn't stale.

Adjusting the Carburettor

Turn both the high and low adjustment screws all the way in (screw to the right) until they hit the bump stop.
Unscrew (turn to the left) the L low adjustment screw 2 complete turns.
Unscrew (turn to the left) the H high adjustment screw 1 and a half turns.
Now start the machine with the choke off (the saw start in 3 – 5 pulls).
If the idle seems high turn the T Screw slightly to the left whilst running to reduce idle speed – if the machine starts bucking around / making a imtermitant ringing noise or cuts out, the idle has been adjusted too low and will need to be turned up a little by turning the T screw to the right.

Check to see if the Engine is Flooded

There's a chance that if you've over used the pull start mechanism, you may have flooded the two stroke engine. This is very simply to check and fix.

check if it is flooded — Open up the casing and check the spark plug by opening up the top panel. The spark plug is covered by a black lead that you can gently pull off, exposing the plug.

step 13 — If the plug is damp with fuel, you've flooded the engine.
- Remove the plug, dry it off and leave the saw for a few hours to dry.
- Replace the plug and follow the normal starting procedure.

Check You Chainsaw has a Spark

To find out whether the sparkplug of your chainsaw is producing a spark, follow these simple steps.

Remove the cover & expose the sparkplug

step 12 — Remove the top cover of your chainsaw, exposing the spark plug.

Remove the sparkplug

Check for a spark

Place the sparkplug back into the spark plug wire. Hold the boot end of the sparkplug wire with your hand and place the electrode tip against a metal surface.

Make sure your tool is switched on. Using your other hand (or with the help of another person) pull the starter cord quickly. If the ignition is working correctly you should see blue sparks where the plug is touching the metal surface. However if you can't see a spark then you need to contact our customer service team.

Still need help?

Our in house experts are always on hand for buying advice and to provide bespoke care, regardless of the application.

Call SGS on 01332 576 850 or fill out our contact form today.