Best Practices for Starting Your Cut-Off Saw

Published on
March 17, 2025 at 4:35:41 PM PDT March 17, 2025 at 4:35:41 PM PDTth, March 17, 2025 at 4:35:41 PM PDT

Properly starting your cut-off saw is essential for safe and efficient operation. Adhering to the following best practices will ensure optimal performance and longevity of your equipment.

Before You Start

Review the User Manual: Regularly consult the saw's user manual to familiarize yourself with its controls and features.


Master Control Lever: Press the throttle trigger lockout and throttle trigger simultaneously, holding both down. Move the master control lever to the START position and hold it. Release the throttle trigger, master control lever, and throttle trigger lockout in succession to set the starting throttle position.


Choke Settings:

• Cold Engine: Set to full choke if the saw is cold or hasn't run recently.

• Warm Engine: Set to mid-position (fast idle) if the saw is warm.


Decompression Valve: Press the decompression valve button before each starting attempt; it will release automatically upon starting.


Fuel Primer: Press the primer bulb 7-10 times until filled with fuel, even if it appears full.


Positioning: Place the saw on the ground carefully, ensuring the blade doesn't contact the ground or any objects. Ensure no one is within the saw's swivel range.


To Start the Saw

Stable Footing: Ensure you have a firm footing before starting.


Secure Positioning: Press the saw firmly against the ground, holding the front handle with your left hand and wrapping your thumb around it. Place your knee on the rear handle or your right foot into the rear handle.


Starting Procedure: Pull the starter grip slowly with your right hand until you feel engagement, then give a brisk, strong pull. Avoid pulling the starter rope all the way out.


Choke Adjustment: Pull no more than three times on full choke. After the engine turns over or "pops," set the choke to the mid-position and press the decompression valve button again before each subsequent attempt. Continue cranking until the engine starts.


Warming Up: Once the engine is running, fully squeeze the throttle trigger and let the engine run at full throttle for no more than 10 seconds to warm up. After warming up, set the choke lever to the off position.


Following these best practices will ensure safe and efficient operation of your cut-off saw, enhancing both performance and safety.


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