Before Starting Your STIHL Chainsaw
Before firing up your STIHL petrol chainsaw, it’s essential to prepare your work area correctly. Safe surroundings will help prevent accidents and improve efficiency.
How to Prepare a Safe Work Area
- Only operate your chainsaw outdoors or in very well-ventilated spaces. Petrol chainsaws produce toxic fumes that can be invisible but harmful.
- Check the ground for hazards such as wet leaves, bark, ice, snow, or steep slopes that may cause slips or trips.
- Always keep bystanders, especially children, well away from your work zone.
Always keep the following safety tips in mind before using your STIHL chainsaw:
- Carry out refuelling at least 3 metres away from your working area.
- Maintain a clear escape route and be aware of hidden obstacles.
- Wear the correct PPE (helmet, gloves, boots, and chainsaw trousers) and check it’s in good condition.
Step-by-Step: How to Start a STIHL Chainsaw
Once your area is safe, follow these steps to start your chainsaw. Always consult your model’s operating manual for complete safety guidance. The steps below apply to chainsaws without STIHL M-Tronic, but adjustments can be made if starting on uneven ground or snow.
How do I engage the chain brake?
Push the chain brake handle forward before starting the engine.
Should I remove the scabbard before starting?
Yes, always remove the scabbard before starting your STIHL chainsaw.
What does the decompression valve do?
Pressing the decompression valve reduces cylinder compression, making the saw easier to start.
How do I use the manual fuel pump?
Press the primer bulb several times to make start-up easier and reduce the number of starter pulls.
What is the correct way to stabilise the chainsaw?
Place the saw on the ground, left hand on the handle, right hand on the cord, and right foot through the rear handle.
When should I release the chain brake?
Release it only after the engine is running and you hear the ‘click’ that signals it’s disengaged.
How to start a STIHL petrol chainsaw — safe start procedures (M-Tronic & non-M-Tronic)
Before starting a petrol chainsaw, prepare a safe working area and check your machine. The short guide below covers the key safety checks, step-by-step starting sequences for both M-Tronic and non-M-Tronic models, and lubrication checks. (All product links remain unchanged.)
Preparation: make the start area safe
- Only use petrol chainsaws outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces — petrol exhausts are hazardous.
- Check the ground for trip hazards (uneven terrain, freshly shaved bark, ice, snow).
- Keep bystanders and children well away from the working area.
Step-by-step: starting (non-M-Tronic)
Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions for your exact model — below is a condensed ground-start sequence for non-M-Tronic tools.
Before starting, push the chain brake handle forward to engage the brake.
Remove the scabbard before starting the chainsaw.
If fitted, press the decompression valve to reduce starting effort.
Press the primer bulb several times if your model has one — this eases starting.
Set the master control lever to choke (cold start) by pressing the throttle lock and throttle then moving the lever to the lowest position.
Place the saw on level ground (bar not touching ground). Hold the front handle with your left hand, right hand on the starter rope, and your right foot on the rear handle.
Pull straight up, initially slowly until resistance, then firmly until the engine fires. Move the master lever to half-throttle if it fires but dies, then pull again until it runs.
Tap the throttle briefly to switch to idle. Lift the saw slowly — do not touch the throttle while lifting.
Release the chain brake (you should hear a click). Check chain lubrication by holding the running saw over light timber — you should see an oil trail.
Only start work once the chain, lubrication and controls are correct. If problems persist, contact a STIHL dealer.
Step-by-step: starting (M-Tronic equipped models)
M-Tronic reduces the number of start steps (electronic management). Follow this simplified sequence for M-Tronic machines:
Engage the chain brake before you start by pushing the brake handle forward.
Set the master control lever to the start position (▲). M-Tronic will adapt ignition settings automatically.
Place saw on level ground, stabilise and pull the starter cord until the engine starts. M-Tronic removes the need for a second pull on many models.
Tap the throttle to set idle, carefully lift the saw, then release the chain brake when ready.
Verify chain lubrication at full revs (trail of oil on light timber). Follow operating instructions and safety guidance at all times.
Start demonstration videos
Helpful reminders
- If your saw has a primer bulb or decompression valve, use them — they make starting easier.
- If you spill fuel, clean immediately and change clothes — petrol is highly flammable.
- Always read and follow the full operating manual for your specific STIHL model and contact a dealer for model-specific support.
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Short summary
- Starting steps differ by model — always consult the operating manual first.
- M-Tronic simplifies starting on compatible models; non-M-Tronic requires choke/half-throttle steps.
- Do not begin cutting until the saw is running reliably and lubrication is confirmed.
Note: This guide supplements your operating instructions. Videos and images show examples — controls and operation may vary by model. For model-specific help contact a STIHL dealer.