Fast Idling...

Fast Idling...
By Tim Ard, Forest Applications Training, Inc.

Starting a chainsaw can be challenging sometimes, especially in the late summer, hot temperatures. Today it's over 90 degrees here in Georgia. I practiced a starting process I was shown that has been working well for me in these hot summer sawing situations.

Most saws I'm familiar with have a fast idle position for starting. Placing the controls in this position, when the saw is flooded or just hard to start, will clear most hot starting problems.

When starting Husqvarna units simply pull out the choke lever and push it back in to place the linkage in the fast idle position. On STIHL saws, depress the throttle trigger, push the lever down to the choke position. Release the trigger and pull the lever up one notch from choke position. This places the linkage in the fast idle position.

Remember - when the saw starts it will be at an elevated rpm. Having the chain brake locked will keep your chain from turning. Then simply tap the throttle trigger to bring the RPM back to idle. Make sure you do this or the centrifugal clutch system could be damaged.

I see operators trying to start saws in class that this system always works on. If you forget to take the choke off after the first fire of the cylinder it will usually flood and require pull after pull to clear the situation. If the saw has been running and you choke it, it will require many pulls to clear and start. Using this fast idle technique will usually solve the problem quickly and save many worn starter ropes.

Good Sawing!


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