Easy Start saws

[JeffWischer]

So it goes like this: I'm 70 years old. Have probably run about a half dozen saws in the last 50 years. So, I know some things, and don't know even more. But anyway... I'm finishing up a TLC project on the Husq. 350 that I bought new in 2002. Great saw. Compression release helps to start it. Have two top-handle Poulan/Craftsman (Poulan 2000 equivalent I believe) that are a dream to start and run. I think you call it "drop start". But a few years ago I needed a saw in a hurry at my new location and grabbed a 14" Jonsred CS2238 at Menards. Does what it's supposed to. But. I'm not a big guy. 150# when I go to the doctor, 5'5" they say; used to be 5'6" 50 years ago. Go figure...

Any way that Jonsred is really hard to start. A real struggle to hold it down while pulling with great difficulty. Probably a piece of cake for most of you, but today I tried to use it, and gave up. And it's wanting to pull back on me- something discussed at length in another thread a few weeks ago. Keep in mind that the saw is essentially as new. Not a gallon of gas through it yet.

Many of the "top" brands (S,H,E for example) now advertise saws with easier starting "features". Some say spring-assist, some just say engine designed for XX% easier starting. I don't need a newer saw, but wanted the Jred to be sort of in between the Craftsmans and the H-350. Does anyone have experience with an"easy start" saw??? The Jred has a 14" bar like the Craftsmans but much more power. It might handle a 16" bar for just a little more "reach" ( The 350 has an 18 and it's just right for the bigger stuff). But I can't fight it this way. Do you suppose there's an aftermarket cylinder with a compression release?

Any and all comments and insights are welcome.

 

[Stump Shot]

It wouldn't be out of the realm of possibilities to have your existing cylinder machined and tapped for a decompression valve to be installed.

 

[RCBS]

The singular experience I have with easy start is a Makita/Dolmar 6100. They are comically easy to start. I think one of my trimmers might have it but I just yank the little engine like normal to start.

 

[hacskaroly]

Any and all comments and insights are welcome.

I had many customers with shoulder issues that were able to take advantage of the easy start Stihls (181, 211 and 251). No jerking needed as it is spring assisted. A smooth pulling motion is all that is needed and it will kick over the spring and fire up the saw. Stop by a Stihl dealer and they should be able to demonstrate how to use one and let you give it a try just to feel the motion. I believe these saws all come with the tool-less bar adjuster (no scrench needed). These saws are generally $40 more than their regular versions due to the added starting mechanism.

 

[Outback]

Apparently that saw came easy start too. as the cs2238s. You could just swap starters for less effort than adding a decomp.

The part number is 545180813 for the easy starter.

Here's the oem easy starter for $31 shipped of the bay. It says its on sale for 10 more hours and then it goes up 4 bucks.

OEM Husqvarna Jonsered Redmax 545180813 Starter Recoil Complete Kit Genuine -B12 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for OEM Husqvarna Jonsered Redmax 545180813 Starter Recoil Complete Kit Genuine -B12 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

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[sawmikaze]

I don't know anyone including myself that likes or wants a stihl saw with easy start or a toolless chain tensioning system, I think they're junk and totally over engineered.

 

[two4spooky]

FWIW, A bit younger at 50+ but having more than a few physical issues. Anyways, easy-start feature just piss me off. Decompression for the bigger saws, yes appreciated on 90cc+ saws. Think Husqvarna 395xp or MS 661 or 660 decomp appreciated. Decomp button liked and used on big saws and such.

These spring assisted recoil starter systems showing up on small cc saws are just annoying, a pain in the ass. Skip them. Handle in the crotch, foot on the handle while saw on the ground or try to learn drop starting the saw. The *easy-start* is just a useless commercial feature for sales. No real use and just annoying if you have any experience with small engines or do repairs yourself. Just my opinion, FWIW

 

[brushwacker]

I don't know anyone including myself that likes or wants a stihl saw with easy start or a toolless chain tensioning system, I think they're junk and totally over engineered.

I know several people that used still easy starts for many years including myself and have been happy with them. A little patience and practice they do what they should. If you want to yank them over fast and far then it doesn't go well. Keep them well tuned and fresh fuel , they start with out killing your bad shoulder .
Tool less chain adjuster I find is handy on a saw you carry a lot but mainly use occasionally or a little here and there. It's a bit of a fight but you can leave the scrench at home.