Chainsaws can be great for cutting through hardwood, but they can be a pain when it comes to getting started. They’re heavy, and most models rely on a pull start to get them moving. Pulling a cord for an electric start can be a great option for those who want to avoid using a pull start. However, that doesn’t mean electric starts are a simple task. There are a few things you need to keep in mind if you plan on hooking up an electric start to your chainsaw.
For example, most electric start kits require a certain amount of voltage to function properly. If you’re in an area with poor electrical feed, then you may not have enough juice to get your chainsaw going. In that case, you’ll need to find a reliable extension cord. Here are five tips on how to hook up an electric start to your chainsaw.
What Is An Electric Start?
An electric start is a mechanism that allows a motor to get going without human assistance. Instead of pulling a cord to start your chainsaw, you simply plug in the electric start and let the battery power do the work. It’s a great option if you’re not the best at starting a chainsaw. However, you’ll need to make sure your chainsaw has an electric start. If your chainsaw doesn’t come equipped with an electric start, you can purchase one as an aftermarket option.
There are various types of electric starts. One common type is the recoil start. This type uses a spring to push a lever and release the chain. Another type is the pneumatic start. This type uses air pressure to start your saw. Electric starts can be powered by a battery pack, compressed air, or a combination of those two. The type of electric start you use depends on your desired method of operation.
How To Hook Up An Electric Start To Your Chainsaw?
If you’re going to use an electric start, you’ll need to add one to your chainsaw. Keep in mind that you can’t retrofit an electric start to a push-pull chainsaw, so you’ll need to buy an electric start system. You can purchase an electric start kit or find an electric start that you can attach yourself. Once you have your electric start installed, you can start making your way through the tips listed below.
- Find Your Starting Channels – You’ll need to find the two channels that your chainsaw uses to start. If you’re not sure where those channels are, all you have to do is turn on your chainsaw. Once it starts, you’ll see a set of two red lights on the sides of the bar. Those lights are your starting channels.
- Find the Switch – Once you’ve located your start channels, you’ll want to find the switch on your chainsaw that activates the electric start.
- Switch Out Your Pull Start – Pull start chainsaws are an outdated method of starting a chainsaw. If you have one, swap out your pull start for an electric start.
- Add The Extensions – For your electric start to work, you’ll need to add some extensions to your starting system. You don’t have to use all of the extensions, and you can adjust them based on your voltage requirements.
- Start Your Chainsaw – Make sure you turn your chainsaw on and then pull the switch. You should get very little chain movement. If you need more chains, you’ll need to adjust your chainsaw.
Make Sure Your Chainsaw Has An Electric Start
If you’re planning to add an electric start, there’s a good chance that your chainsaw comes with an electric start. Not all chainsaws have them, though, so if your chainsaw doesn’t have an electric start, you’ll need to find one. You can easily find chainsaws that don’t have an electric start by searching online. Once you find your chainsaw, make a note of the model number and contact the manufacturer. Most chainsaw companies will let you know if your chainsaw doesn’t have an electric start and let you order one. Adding an electric start isn’t cheap, though. Expect to pay between $30 and $50 for your electric start. If you’re only using the electric starter occasionally, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Check Your Channels
One of the first things you’ll want to do is make sure your chainsaw has the correct channels. Most chainsaws come with two channels for starting the chainsaw. If your chainsaw doesn’t have those channels, you’ll need to add them. Before you do that, though, you’ll also want to check your extension lengths. You don’t want your chainsaw extensions to be too long. The ideal length for your chainsaw extensions is about one foot. Too short and your chainsaw will jam. Too long, though, and you’ll struggle to get your chainsaw started.
Determine Voltage Requirements
The next thing you’ll want to do is determine the voltage requirement of your chainsaw. You can do this by checking the spec sheet that came with your chainsaw or by using a voltmeter. The spec sheet will tell you how many volts your chainsaw needs, while a voltmeter tells you how much voltage you’re using. You may discover that you don’t have enough voltage to get your chainsaw started. If this is the case, you’ll need to find a reliable extension cord.
Hook Up The Extensions
Once you have your voltage requirement figured out and your chainsaw with the correct channels is ready to go, it’s time to add the extensions. You can buy a starter set that comes with all the extensions you need. This way, you don’t have to measure each one. However, it’s also a great idea to have a set of extra extensions available. You never know when you’ll lose one, so it’s a good idea to have some spares on hand.
Final Words
Electric start chainsaws are great for people who want to avoid using a pull start. However, they require plenty of planning to make sure everything goes smoothly. Make sure you find your starting channels, determine the voltage requirement, and add the extensions before you try to start your chainsaw. If you do those things, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying an electric start chainsaw.
An electric start is a mechanism that allows a motor to get going without human assistance. Instead of pulling a cord to start your chainsaw, you simply plug in the electric start and let the battery power do the work.
If you’re going to use an electric start, you’ll need to add one to your chainsaw. Keep in mind that you can’t retrofit an electric start to a push-pull chainsaw, so you’ll need to buy an electric start system.
