new 460 stihl

[customsawyer]

I just bought a new 460 stihl. I've run huskys for years now and I always liked them until I got my last 372 about two years ago. I didn't like the way they change the choke and some of the other designs on it, felt like since husky started selling in Lowes and and other type stores they had lost a step or two, I know they don't sell there pro modles at lowes but I have a 262 that is about 15 years old that would cut circles around the 372. Back to my main question when I start the new 460 I always use the decompression button so to lower the risk of yanking the saw tip down in to my leg but about 50% of the time this new saw will yank the starter rope back out of my hand. Now i like to think of my self as healthy young man at 6' and 260 lbs but that saw yanks back so hard that I'm afraid that if I hold on to it it will break the rope does anybody now how to fix this little problem. Local shope said it was the nature of the beast but I kow none of my huskys did this.
Thanks customsawyer

[Kevin]

It sounds like you may be trying to drop start it.
Have you tried locking the rear handle between your legs?
Another approved method is with the saw on the ground and your foot in the handle but I find the other method more practical.

There is a third method but I haven't used it ...
OSHA...
With regard to employee position during chain-saw start up, nothing in the final rule prohibits an employee from standing in upright when starting a chain saw, provided that the employee has firmly supported or secured the chain saw. For example, a chain saw operator would be in compliance with the final rule if he rested the chain saw firmly on a log or other stationary item and started the chain saw while standing upright. OSHA notes that such a starting position is a safe technique because it provides protection both from chain saw kickback and from overexertion of the back.

The chain brake must be applied with the last method.

http://www.timberbuyer.net/chainsaws/starting.htm

http://www.stihllibrary.com/stream/STIHL_startchainsaw.ram

[sawguy21]

Bring the rope up gently to compression then give it a short, sharp rip. It will kick back if you just grab it and yank. I used to hate the 051 and 075 if chain oil got into the cylinder past a leaking o-ring in the pump. The piston would hydraulic lock and that did smart!

[Erick]

I have the same problem with my 084 I'm about 5'11" and weigh 255 so I'm no little feller either and let me tell you, you just cant start that saw when it dos that it will tear your fingers outa the joints. I found on mine that the decompresion valve closes at the slightest bit of pressure in the cylinder. I found its best to start the saw on the ground with my foot in the handle (or should I say on the plate) and keep my left hand on the top handle with my thumb on the decompresion valve. I  pull the cord with my right hand and when the saw starts release my thumb off the valve. It sounds a whole lot more complicated than it really is. You might try this method and if it works you'll know its the decompesion valve and you can take it back to the dealer for a new valve (I don't think theres any adjustment). Some day I may repair mine but right now it works and I don't use the saw much anyway. Hope this helps.

[jokers]

.....I have a 262 that is about 15 years old that would cut circles around the 372...

I find that statement more than a little questionable as I`m sure that most others with experience on these models would also. If you are being objective, I have to ask what is wrong with your particular 372? It`s a vast departure from the norm.

Do you have an Elasto Start on your Stihl? Between the Elasto Start and decomp, my EHP460 mag does not give me any problem and I`m willing to bet that Ed jacked the compression above normal.

Russ

[ehp]

Yes Russ your 460 is alot higher on compression from stock, the only stock chainsaw that I have found you need to make sure you crank it hard is my old super lighting, that thing will straighten your fingers for you   ;D

[tshanefreeman]

I've had my Stihl MS460 Magnum Arctic Series for over a year and I still have nothing negative to say about it!  It's an excellent saw.

With the decompression button, I find that I can start the saw with next to no effort.  (...And not that I'm comparing, but I'm 5'11" and currently weighing in at around 170lbs...)  I do know that I have to re-set / re-push the decompression button after the saw first fires.  If I ever forgot to do so, then the compression has been known to dislocate my fingers, but otherwise the button works great.  But for your local shop to say that your problem is just the nature of the beast, sounds to me like an excuse!  Stihl has refined these larger saws so that anyone can start them................anyone!

If you are having extreme compression problems every time that you go to start the saw, I would have your local shop check to make sure that the decompression button isn't plugged.  An easy way to check this is to push it down while your saw is running, you will quickly hear blow-by.  If not, you most-likely have a problem.

[Bushwhacker]

Hello All,
I've not had any problems with my 460 (Had it about a year).
My MS 250 is the one that jerks the rope back pretty hard on the first pull. I've learned to just pull kinda slow the first pull or two then crank on it. I may consider an elastostart set up. It"s still pretty new and may get over some of this when I get it broke in--I hope

[RedHawkRidge]

I have the 046 version, and have experienced the snap-back on the rope.  It happens to me when I give the rope a more "leisurely" pull, more of a draw.  However, when I give it my full attention and give the rope a solid, quick pull (not a jerk), the saw will start without the snapback.
Jim

[SasquatchMan]

I didn't want to be the one to say it, especially not having a 460 to compare with, but I was kind of thinking along the lines of Redhawk there... I've had all sorts of saws snap back on me when I wasn't really pulling for the kill.

[customsawyer]

Thanks for all the info folks.
I am not drop starting the saw as there is no need to do so when the decompression button works right I just didn't now if anybody else was having the jerk back or if I was special. :D