Starting your chainsaw

Treemonkee · 18th April 2011, 07:22 PM

Hey man I'll only write what I can back up.my next situation that is adequate to show u I'll video and post it.I'm not a show off but pushed myself to be the best I can with the saw.it's good to be proud of what we do.and it ain't luck mate,as Shigo said feel the tree.well I feel the saw aswell.we use to race our saws,kickback comps,use it behind our back top of bar blah blah.it taught us limits.Anyway I'm new to this site and wana keep the peace but tell it how I do it.so take it how ya want to.and I think I'm goin off track with the thread sorry.

Eric Frei · 29th April 2011, 07:45 AM

Kickback video| kick back video| chainsaw

dcarter · 19th May 2011, 01:35 PM

As for the handle between the legs thing...If you place it there, then cross your arms. Put your right hand on front handle and pull starter rope handle with your left hand, across the top of the saw. It'll keep the bar from being able to hit your face or you can be sure to lock your elbow on the non-starting arm and accomplish the same. I have heard (circa 1994 when working in the PNW) that crossing your ankles, and arms was an OSHA approved starting method. I never verified that, but it does seem somewhat safer if your footing is clear and level.

Brent Ferris · 19th May 2011, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayD

..it takes 1/15 of a second for a kickback to hit you in the face, man you must be quick,

I never realized the time was that short. I've only had one bad experience like that, and as I realized the saw was coming up, I managed to deflect it to the right, so it just grazed the right hearing protector. Certainly makes one more cautious about kickback.

APSE · 14th June 2011, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcarter

As for the handle between the legs thing...If you place it there, then cross your arms. Put your right hand on front handle and pull starter rope handle with your left hand, across the top of the saw. It'll keep the bar from being able to hit your face or you can be sure to lock your elbow on the non-starting arm and accomplish the same. I have heard (circa 1994 when working in the PNW) that crossing your ankles, and arms was an OSHA approved starting method. I never verified that, but it does seem somewhat safer if your footing is clear and level.

Ok,

Two questions, just tried that position as described. If the saw gets your arm and you drop it, it's gonna hit your leg or your foot? Then you're bleeding in two places.

And how is crossing your arms safer? Just seems more awkward to me.

Maybe a third question...What about a right hand start saw? Do ya cross yer arms twice or maybe OSHA doesn't acknowledge them.

If starting your saw scares you that much, maybe you shouldn't do it!

Knot Smart · 17th June 2011, 03:11 AM

Perhaps it's not correct, but here's how I do it:
COLD Start:
Saw on the ground, chain brake OFF. Left hand on top handle, right hand on pull handle (so arms are 'crossed' I suppose). Right foot stabilizing on or in the rear handle or anywhere on rear of saw (depending on design) and I give her a pull. Sometimes have to be quick to switch right hand to the throttle but saw never gets away from me this way and and it works for me

HOT start:
Chain brake is ON, drop and yank! Yee haw, blippety-blip-blip

ArbTrain · 17th June 2011, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Therrin

Wow! I'm actually shocked at the numbers!

So can anyone start a 200T with the brake on?

yes pretty much everyday.. piece of piss .. its tiny

ArbTrain · 17th June 2011, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by APSE

Drop start....ALL. I gotta agree if you know what you're doin' it is probably the safest technique. Hell, if you do it right you're throwing the saw away from your body! And I think I'd like to see some video of guys starting the saw with it between your legs...WTF are you thinkin?

" if you know what your doingi t is probably the safest method" ??!!.. If you have been in the game for years and know what you are doing ,, you should know you never drop start saws.. - look at the work cover stats.. i do a hell of a lot of chainsaw training and the ONLY exceptable way is either on the ground - held firm - chain brake on,, or even better ( superiour control) between the legs .. CHAIN BRAKE ON .. check the training standards ,, check the stats,, even 66 magnum can be easily started between the legs,, and thwe time the engine is labouring is so miniscule.... ( however .,. i consider variations to the above for all places where it is cold enough to freeze your balls off- but safety still comes first )

ArbTrain · 17th June 2011, 09:44 PM

Hi all .. i didnt want to wade into this because it seemed like too much of a can of worms ,, ( and also because i WAS AMAZED at the amount of blokes that drop start saws - brake off ),, and i didnt want to offend anyone.. but enough is enough,, stress on the engine ( which is tiny if you do it correctly ) is irrelevant- human safety outweights it by miles ,, kickback CANNOT be " dodged" ,, im sorry - but its not possible- and yes i have the training video from both stihl & husky to prove it - a mongoose would be lucky to dodge it. The training standards state that a saw must be controled and the brake on .. end of story,, i'm not saying i'm some great hero who has been doing this longest .. but i have started a fair few saws in my time ,, in the air ,, on the ground, cold,, hot ,, the lot.. and even real big saws DONT need to be drop started. ( i understand extreme cold climates may have a bearing here but im an aussie and usually sweating like a pig ,, not shivering), Injury stats tell the story- no one has ever had their face ripped off by a saw started CORRECTLY and the chain brake on- it cannot happen - thats the point, just my point of view ( backed by every training organisation i have ever encountered).. standards are standards and safety is safety.. PS .. yes .." technically" i drop my top handled climbing saw - because it is designed that way.. but the brake is on. -always..

Semi-Hex · 19th June 2011, 02:01 AM

When I went to get re-certified I was shown a different way: put bar on a downed tree. Roll it forward while pulling the rope.*
Works really well when warm.
Cold, I set it on the ground with boot through the handle and pull away.
* National Forest Service "C" recert.

NHlocal · 19th July 2011, 09:26 AM

Hello,

I'm all about safety, I always start my saws with the chain brake on, every time. What ever wear and tear it causes with the saw, I don't care. I have been cuttin' trees for 15 years with no accidents or injuries. I ain't braggin', I'm just all about safety. I also start my 200t up in the tree with the chain brake on,

170lbs compression, no problem.

What ever you do, how ever you choose to do it, remember, Work safe.

NHlocal.

Paul Toivonen · 5th November 2011, 09:22 PM

I would start a saw with the brake on, right foot in the handle every time.
Drop starting is only for top handle saws in the tree.
(No D to get the foot in even if you could)
You should only ever drop start a ground saw if you are either too tired or weak to do it the proper way.
The best way to get hurt is to drop start your saw, brake off when limbing a heap of dry, hard branches. Dont forget your safety thongs.

ArbTrain · 6th November 2011, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackMoses

I would start a saw with the brake on, right foot in the handle every time.
Drop starting is only for top handle saws in the tree.
(No D to get the foot in even if you could)
You should only ever drop start a ground saw if you are either too tired or weak to do it the proper way.
The best way to get hurt is to drop start your saw, brake off when limbing a heap of dry, hard branches. Dont forget your safety thongs.

Gday.. i would really like you to take a second to consider the ohs factors behind the statement; "...if you are 2 tired / weak to do it the proper way".....the stats tell us that people are WAY more likely to get hurt when they are fatigued and CUTTING CORNERS ... further ohs stats tell us there are 2 main ways people get hurt in the tree game 1/ they are put in a position they do not have the training to handle...2/ they cut corners.....
If you cant do it "the proper way".. you dont do it.. if you are fatigued- its time to have a break/ knock off 4 the day... tree work is very physical- theres no shame in being tired.... stay safe.. Geoff/Arbtrain

NHlocal · 8th November 2011, 01:09 PM

Hello,

ArbTrain I completely agree with you,

if you have to short cut safe procedure then it shouldn't be done at all. Everyone should know at what point of physical fatigue it's time to call it a day, it's different for everyone. But it's not worth risking serious injury or worse to get that "one more cut".

Thanks for listening, I'm off my soapbox now. I just don't like hearing about people getting hurt.

Work safe!

NHlocal.

Paul Toivonen · 8th November 2011, 01:43 PM

Sorry about the wording on that last post.
What I meant was "Only the tired and weak drop start their ground saws"
The way I wrote it the first time sounds better if you could see my sarcasm.
Notice how the majority of "drop starteurs" have not replied here. Pah!

NHlocal · 8th November 2011, 07:54 PM

Hello BlackMoses,

I took no offense at all from what you said.

As I said,
I hate hearing about others getting hurt when it could(should)
have been avoided.

Thanks for posting.
Work safe!

NHlocal.

Tony Hall · 30th March 2012, 09:18 AM

Cold starts I do choke on, saw on the ground, foot in the rear handle.
Warm stars I do using the between your leg technique. Chain break on all the time.

I’ve seen a similar kickback video to yours Eric by Stihl during a recent training day and was blown away by the speed of the return. We watched that over and over and noticed how the Quickstop inertia chain breaking system on the Stihl engaging just after the saw had begun its rearward travel. I’m not sure if it would work in all situations but nice to know it is there.

Ivor B · 17th April 2012, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohN Dee

+2

Every single one of our chainsaws start with the chain brake on. I always start any saw with the chain brake on.

Your saws not starting, or stalling with the chain brake on comes down to the bottom line of poor maintenance (Or maybe our aussie saws are superior? Eh?

).

But nah seriously, it's a maintenance thing.

Once started, I even check the chain brake is working:

Start saw>Chain brake off>Throttle to max>Check oil is spiting>Crack Chain brake on x 2

Yeah you all might say it's bad for the saw and components, I have no doubt either, but me cutting myself or anyone else is far more serious then a few bucks down the drain on maintenance over a mere object: Chainsaw.

--

Cold starts I like to start on the ground, foot thru rear. Warm starts usually a yo-yo start. And in the tree, it is perfectly fine to drop start your saw (chain brake on) as long as you hold it by the guide handle and not the throttle 200T included.

At last a sensible answer

I read the problems of starting all your saws with horror, cant beleive how many saws are not set up right and in need of some urgent tuning. It's simple basics that everyone using a saw should know, a hard to start saw is a dangerous saw.... you pull & pull then frustration sets in and you slip. Too late then

Damo hattown · 18th April 2012, 06:16 PM

I pretty much always drop start my 029, never chain brake on with choke/high idle, the new 660 cold start it on ground no chain brake. I'm happy to start warm saw with chain brake on, just not cold or high idle! If I was working for someone and they wanted me to start their saw with brake on, no worries, just won't do it with my saws.

View Poll Results: How do you start your saw?
I routinely start my chainsaw with the chain brake ON, and have no trouble with it.	127	39.32%
I start my saws with the chainbrake OFF, I thought everyone did??	173	53.56%
I also dropstart my saws.	160	49.54%
I use handsaws and scissors, chainsaws are for crazy people.	5	1.55%
My chainsaw doesnt have a brake	21	6.50%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 323. You may not vote on this poll

18th April 2011, 07:22 PM	#391
Treemonkee Sappling Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Brisbane Posts: 40	Re: Starting your chainsaw Hey man I'll only write what I can back up.my next situation that is adequate to show u I'll video and post it.I'm not a show off but pushed myself to be the best I can with the saw.it's good to be proud of what we do.and it ain't luck mate,as Shigo said feel the tree.well I feel the saw aswell.we use to race our saws,kickback comps,use it behind our back top of bar blah blah.it taught us limits.Anyway I'm new to this site and wana keep the peace but tell it how I do it.so take it how ya want to.and I think I'm goin off track with the thread sorry.

29th April 2011, 07:45 AM	#392
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,994	Re: Starting your chainsaw Kickback video\| kick back video\| chainsaw __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

19th May 2011, 01:35 PM	#393
dcarter Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 77	Re: Starting your chainsaw As for the handle between the legs thing...If you place it there, then cross your arms. Put your right hand on front handle and pull starter rope handle with your left hand, across the top of the saw. It'll keep the bar from being able to hit your face or you can be sure to lock your elbow on the non-starting arm and accomplish the same. I have heard (circa 1994 when working in the PNW) that crossing your ankles, and arms was an OSHA approved starting method. I never verified that, but it does seem somewhat safer if your footing is clear and level.

17th June 2011, 03:11 AM	#396
Knot Smart Sappling Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Chicagoland, IL Posts: 15	Re: Starting your chainsaw Perhaps it's not correct, but here's how I do it: COLD Start: Saw on the ground, chain brake OFF. Left hand on top handle, right hand on pull handle (so arms are 'crossed' I suppose). Right foot stabilizing on or in the rear handle or anywhere on rear of saw (depending on design) and I give her a pull. Sometimes have to be quick to switch right hand to the throttle but saw never gets away from me this way and and it works for me HOT start: Chain brake is ON, drop and yank! Yee haw, blippety-blip-blip

17th June 2011, 09:44 PM	#399
ArbTrain Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Coast Posts: 126	Re: Starting your chainsaw Hi all .. i didnt want to wade into this because it seemed like too much of a can of worms ,, ( and also because i WAS AMAZED at the amount of blokes that drop start saws - brake off ),, and i didnt want to offend anyone.. but enough is enough,, stress on the engine ( which is tiny if you do it correctly ) is irrelevant- human safety outweights it by miles ,, kickback CANNOT be " dodged" ,, im sorry - but its not possible- and yes i have the training video from both stihl & husky to prove it - a mongoose would be lucky to dodge it. The training standards state that a saw must be controled and the brake on .. end of story,, i'm not saying i'm some great hero who has been doing this longest .. but i have started a fair few saws in my time ,, in the air ,, on the ground, cold,, hot ,, the lot.. and even real big saws DONT need to be drop started. ( i understand extreme cold climates may have a bearing here but im an aussie and usually sweating like a pig ,, not shivering), Injury stats tell the story- no one has ever had their face ripped off by a saw started CORRECTLY and the chain brake on- it cannot happen - thats the point, just my point of view ( backed by every training organisation i have ever encountered).. standards are standards and safety is safety.. PS .. yes .." technically" i drop my top handled climbing saw - because it is designed that way.. but the brake is on. -always.. __________________ http://www.arbtrain.com.au

19th June 2011, 02:01 AM	#400
Semi-Hex Sappling Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Camp Posts: 7	Re: Starting your chainsaw When I went to get re-certified I was shown a different way: put bar on a downed tree. Roll it forward while pulling the rope.* Works really well when warm. Cold, I set it on the ground with boot through the handle and pull away. * National Forest Service "C" recert.

19th July 2011, 09:26 AM	#401
NHlocal Sappling Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 41	Re: Starting your chainsaw Hello, I'm all about safety, I always start my saws with the chain brake on, every time. What ever wear and tear it causes with the saw, I don't care. I have been cuttin' trees for 15 years with no accidents or injuries. I ain't braggin', I'm just all about safety. I also start my 200t up in the tree with the chain brake on, 170lbs compression, no problem. What ever you do, how ever you choose to do it, remember, Work safe. NHlocal.

5th November 2011, 09:22 PM	#402
Paul Toivonen Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: AUS Posts: 134	Re: Starting your chainsaw I would start a saw with the brake on, right foot in the handle every time. Drop starting is only for top handle saws in the tree. (No D to get the foot in even if you could) You should only ever drop start a ground saw if you are either too tired or weak to do it the proper way. The best way to get hurt is to drop start your saw, brake off when limbing a heap of dry, hard branches. Dont forget your safety thongs.

8th November 2011, 01:09 PM	#404
NHlocal Sappling Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 41	Re: Starting your chainsaw Hello, ArbTrain I completely agree with you, if you have to short cut safe procedure then it shouldn't be done at all. Everyone should know at what point of physical fatigue it's time to call it a day, it's different for everyone. But it's not worth risking serious injury or worse to get that "one more cut". Thanks for listening, I'm off my soapbox now. I just don't like hearing about people getting hurt. Work safe! NHlocal.

8th November 2011, 01:43 PM	#405
Paul Toivonen Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: AUS Posts: 134	Re: Starting your chainsaw Sorry about the wording on that last post. What I meant was "Only the tired and weak drop start their ground saws" The way I wrote it the first time sounds better if you could see my sarcasm. Notice how the majority of "drop starteurs" have not replied here. Pah!

8th November 2011, 07:54 PM	#406
NHlocal Sappling Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 41	Re: Starting your chainsaw Hello BlackMoses, I took no offense at all from what you said. As I said, I hate hearing about others getting hurt when it could(should) have been avoided. Thanks for posting. Work safe! NHlocal.

30th March 2012, 09:18 AM	#407
Tony Hall I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Victoria Australia Posts: 3	Re: Starting your chainsaw Cold starts I do choke on, saw on the ground, foot in the rear handle. Warm stars I do using the between your leg technique. Chain break on all the time. I’ve seen a similar kickback video to yours Eric by Stihl during a recent training day and was blown away by the speed of the return. We watched that over and over and noticed how the Quickstop inertia chain breaking system on the Stihl engaging just after the saw had begun its rearward travel. I’m not sure if it would work in all situations but nice to know it is there.

18th April 2012, 06:16 PM	#409
Damo hattown Sappling Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: nsw Posts: 14	Re: Starting your chainsaw I pretty much always drop start my 029, never chain brake on with choke/high idle, the new 660 cold start it on ground no chain brake. I'm happy to start warm saw with chain brake on, just not cold or high idle! If I was working for someone and they wanted me to start their saw with brake on, no worries, just won't do it with my saws.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Diesel chainsaw?????? YES or No?????	ALAIN LAMOTHE	Chainsaws	19	12th February 2011 12:36 AM
chainsaw garden	phill ellison	Picture Forum	12	31st October 2009 07:47 AM
660 not starting	corey	Chainsaws	11	1st September 2008 07:22 PM
wanted - old chainsaw	bobk	Tree machinery and equipment	3	25th August 2008 10:28 PM
Request for advice on starting A tree Bus	Jeff Darby	General Tree Chat	42	4th December 2007 01:20 PM