Chain brake high idle startup question

[LAWN BOY]

So, on saws like the echo 490 that have a choke that also gives the saw throttle, is it ok for the clutch to start the saw with chain brake on and have it on high idle/choke for a couple seconds? Or should I be starting with chain brake off? Is starting with chain brake off just a safety hazard that saves the clutch? I ask because many folks have said and complained how high idle on saws wrecks clutches. Any knowledge would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[ammoaddict]

So, on saws like the echo 490 that have a choke that also gives the saw throttle, is it ok for the clutch to start the saw with chain brake on and have it on high idle/choke for a couple seconds? Or should I be starting with chain brake off? Is starting with chain brake off just a safety hazard that saves the clutch? I ask because many folks have said and complained how high idle on saws wrecks clutches. Any knowledge would be appreciated, thanks.

I never engage a brake when I start a saw. The only time I intentionally engage one is when I'm sharpening the chain to keep it from turning.

 

[Wilhelm]

I second that!

The "start saw with chain brake engaged" is a safety thing.
If You have brains and common sense the same is moot.
It will stress the clutch and other engine components on every startup.

But, the saw should be able to handle it, so You are good if You decide to go the safer route.

 

[Outdoors]

I agree with the previous posts. On a cold start I would not engage the chain brake. Let it warm up!

 

[FederalQ]

I do when using long bars but blip the throttle as soon as I can to knock the high idle down and then disengage the brake as well. I figure why run the chain so fast cold before it has sufficient oil flow.

 

[Onan18]

I am not a fan of starting a saw with the brake engaged, always seemed like unnecessary wear of the clutch and brake components.

 

[EFSM]

Starting the saw with the high idle and brake on for a few seconds will not damage the clutch (maybe a little extra wear though). However, letting the saw warm up for a couple of minutes, like some inexperienced homeowners are fond of, with the brake engaged before blipping the throttle, will definitely cook the side cover, clutch area, oiler, and possibly crankshaft bearings. I have repaired many-a-toasted saw.

 

[hacskaroly]

Chain brakes??? Who has those on their saws...those are like training wheels or something, am I right???

 

[Coupe]

Never bother engaging the brake on start up. I am one of the old school that used chainsaws
before chainbrakes were invented and so far have all legs,fingers and arms intact. If you left it
ingaged long enough could do damage but think most saw should be built strong enough to
handle it.

 

[EFSM]

Chain brakes??? Who has those on their saws...those are like training wheels or something, am I right???

Training wheels that can save your life.

 

[pbillyi69]

what they said......no brake on start up