When choosing a chainsaw, one of the most important factors to consider is how easy it is to start. An easy-to-start chainsaw will save you time and frustration every time you need to use it. So what features make a chainsaw easy to start? And which chainsaw models are known for their reliable, easy starts?
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What Makes a Chainsaw Easy to Start?
There are a few key factors that contribute to a chainsaw being easy to start:
- Engine size – In general, smaller engine sizes (30-40cc) are easier to start than larger engines. Larger engines have more compression to overcome.
- Start type – Chainsaws either have recoil starters (pull cords) or electric starters. Electric starters are easier in most cases.
- Fuel delivery system – Many modern chainsaws have advanced fuel systems that improve starting. This includes purge bulbs and primers.
- Choke/fast idle system – An automatic or easy-to-use choke helps adjust air intake for starting.
- Starting procedure – The number of steps and difficulty of the starting procedure impacts how easy a saw is to start.
- Cold weather starting aids – Some chainsaws have special features to help cold weather starting such as decompression valves.
Of all these factors, the start type and engine size tend to have the biggest impact on ease of starting. In general, chainsaws with smaller engines and electric start systems will be the easiest to get running.
Easiest Starting Gasoline Chainsaws
Here are some of the gasoline-powered chainsaw models that are known for their easy starts:
Husqvarna 120 Mark II
The Husqvarna 120 Mark II features their simplified X-Torq engine for reduced emissions and easy starts. The air purge bulb and choke/fast idle make starting this saw smooth and simple. Weighing just 10 pounds, the 30cc powerhead is easy to manage and the starter cord is easy to pull. While not their most powerful model, this is one of Husqvarna’s easiest starting chainsaws.
Poulan Pro PR4218
With 18-inch bar and 42cc engine, the Poulan Pro PR4218 provides a good amount of power while remaining easy to start thanks to the purge bulb and auto-choke system. This model consistently receives high marks for smooth pulling recoil starting. The unique OxyPower engine also improves starting in cold weather conditions.
Tanaka TCS33EDTP
Tanaka builds easy starting right into their chainsaws, with the TCS33EDTP model being a prime example. It has a 32.2cc PureFire engine with a fuel primer and easy-to-use choke lever located right on the rear handle. It starts smoothly with few pulls in warm weather, and also has a decompression valve for easier cold weather starts.
WORX WG303.1
As a compact electric chainsaw, the WORX WG303.1 has by far the easiest starting system. Simply plug it in, press the safety lock, and pull the trigger to get it running. It cuts very smoothly and is designed to be comfortable for amateur users. While it won’t have the power capabilities of a gas chainsaw, this is the ultimate in easy starting.
Easiest Starting Battery-Powered Chainsaws
Here are some top battery-powered chainsaw models known for push button electric starting:
Greenworks 20262
Part of the Greenworks DigiPro brushless power tool lineup, the 20262 chainsaw has a 40V lithium ion battery for quiet, maintenance-free operation. It starts instantly with the push of a button, and the wrap-around handle makes it easy to control. It can make up to 150 cuts per charge on a full battery.
Oregon CS250
As Oregon’s first battery-powered chainsaw, the CS250 packs plenty of power with a 40V high-capacity lithium ion battery. The instant start button eliminates pull cords, and is much easier than gas starting. A 16″ bar and chain can tackle medium to large sized jobs. Run time is about 45 minutes under heavy use.
Dewalt DCCS620B
Dewalt is known for tough power tools, and the DCCS620B chainsaw is no exception. It provides gas-like power with its high efficiency brushless motor and 40V battery. Starting is instant with the push of a button. It weighs just 12 pounds for very manageable handling. Expect 40-50 cuts per charge.
Makita XCU03PT
Makita’s 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Chainsaw Kit brings excellent power in a compact saw size. The instant start push button switch engages the electronically controlled brushless motor for high efficiency. It can make up to 200 cuts per charge in ideal conditions.
Key Features That Improve Cold Weather Starting
Starting a chainsaw is always more difficult in cold weather. But there are some features that can help improve cold starting performance:
- Fuel primer/purge – These prime the carburetor and make for quicker starting.
- Choke – An automatic or manual choke provides a richer air-fuel mix for cold starts.
- Decompression valve – Releases cylinder pressure for easier pull starts.
- Heated handles/carb – Some models have heated handles or carbs to prevent icing.
- Winter/snow mode – Optimizes the engine for starting in cold temps.
Battery-powered electric chainsaws have a clear advantage for cold weather starting since there is no fuel mixing or choke involved. Just push the button and go. For gasoline models, the above features help make starting feasible in cold conditions.
Conclusion
When choosing a chainsaw, ease of starting should be one of the top criteria. Models with compact engine sizes around 30-40cc are typically easiest to start for gasoline saws. Electric and battery powered saws start with the simple push of a button. Helpful starting features include purge bulbs, decomp valves, primer bulbs, and good choke systems. Investing in an easy-starting chainsaw will save you significant time and headaches down the road.