How To Start Makita Chainsaw: Quick Safe-Start Guide

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Engage the chain brake, set choke or safety lock, then start with steady control.

If you want to know how to start Makita chainsaw the right way, you’re in the right spot. I’ve started and tuned many Makita saws in the field. I’ll walk you through safe setup, clear steps for battery and gas models, and quick fixes when things do not go as planned.

Understand your Makita chainsaw model

Makita makes battery and gas chainsaws. Each starts a bit different. The core safety steps are the same.

Battery saws have a trigger lock, a start button on some models, and a chain brake. Gas saws have a choke, a primer bulb, a decompression valve on larger models, and a pull cord. The chain brake and oil system work on both.

Check your manual for model icons and labels. This helps you learn where the lock, choke, and switches are. It also speeds up your first start.

I will refer to both styles so you can learn how to start Makita chainsaw with ease.

Safety essentials before you start

Start safe, work safe. A calm start keeps you in control.

• Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and cut‑resistant chaps.
• Engage the chain brake before any start attempt.
• Set the saw on firm, level ground. Keep others away.
• Clear branches and debris near the bar.
• For gas saws, fuel in a safe spot away from flames. Wipe spills.
• For battery saws, insert batteries only when you are ready to cut.

These steps matter for anyone learning how to start Makita chainsaw at home or on a job.

Pre-start checks and setup

Good prep makes starting fast and smooth. Think of this as your preflight.

• Bar and chain oil Fill the tank with quality bar oil. A dry chain dulls fast.
• Chain tension Lift the chain at the bar tip. It should lift a bit, but drive links must not come out of the groove.
• Oil check Test oil flow. Point the bar at a light surface. Run the saw briefly and look for a thin oil line.
• Battery status Charge both batteries for LXT models or the XGT pack. Weak packs can cause no-start or stalls.
• Fuel mix For gas saws, mix fresh 50:1 fuel with two‑stroke oil. Use fresh, ethanol-free fuel if you can. Old fuel makes hard starts.
• Controls off Chain brake on. Trigger lock ready. Choke and primer ready for gas models.

Do this prep every time you work on how to start Makita chainsaw. It saves time and avoids wear.

How to start Makita battery chainsaws (LXT and XGT)

Battery saws are quick and clean. The steps are simple.

1. Engage the chain brake.
2. Insert charged batteries until they click.
3. Press the power button if your model has one.
4. Hold the rear handle. Place your thumb under the handle for grip.
5. Press the trigger lock with your thumb. Squeeze the trigger.
6. Let the motor spin up. Release the chain brake when you are stable.
7. Make a light test cut to confirm oil and chain motion.

Tips I use in the field

• Cold weather Warm the batteries indoors. Cold packs sag and cause shutdowns.
• Slow start Take a half trigger squeeze to ease into cuts.
• Overload If it stops mid cut, release the trigger, re‑arm the lock, and try a lighter feed.

If you need a simple plan for how to start Makita chainsaw with batteries, follow these steps and you will be set.

How to start Makita gas chainsaws (2-stroke)

Gas saws need a clear choke routine. Follow this plan for a cold start.

1. Engage the chain brake.
2. Move the on/off switch to On.
3. Set the choke to Full. Use the primer bulb 5 to 7 presses until you see fuel.
4. Place the saw on the ground. Right foot in the rear handle. Left hand on the front handle.
5. Pull the starter cord in short, strong pulls. Do not yank full length.
6. When the engine fires once, move the choke to Half or Run.
7. Pull again until it starts. Let it idle for 20 to 30 seconds.
8. Tap the throttle to settle idle. Release the chain brake when stable.

Warm start for gas models

• Chain brake on. On switch to On.
• No choke or Half choke only.
• Pull 1 to 3 times. If it does not fire, add one or two primer presses.

Flooded engine recovery

• Switch to Off. Set choke to Run.
• Hold full throttle. Pull 6 to 10 times.
• Set switch to On. Try with Half choke and one or two primer presses.

Altitude and weather notes

• Hot days need less choke time.
• Cold days may need one extra primer press and longer warm‑up.
• High altitude may need a carb tune by a pro.

These steps are my go‑to method when teaching crews how to start Makita chainsaw in any season.

Troubleshooting: it will not start

When things go wrong, run this quick check. Fix one thing at a time.

Battery models

• Battery seats Make sure packs click in fully. Try known good packs.
• Safety lock Make sure the trigger lock is pressed. Some models also need a power button.
• Chain brake The brake must be off to spin. Start with it on, then release to test.
• Overheat Let the tool cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Clear chips from vents.

Gas models

• Fuel quality Use fresh 50:1 mix. Drain and refill if older than 30 days.
• Choke error If you smell fuel, you may be flooded. Use the flooded routine above.
• Spark Pull the plug. Dry or replace if soaked. Check gap per the manual.
• Air filter Knock dust out. A clogged filter chokes the engine.
• Spark arrestor Clean the muffler screen. A blocked screen kills power.
• Decompression valve Press it before pulls if your model has one.

Keep this list handy while you learn how to start Makita chainsaw under real‑world stress.

Maintenance that makes starting easier

A little care today means easy starts tomorrow.

• End-of-day wipe Brush off chips and dust. Keep vents and sprocket clean.
• Chain care Sharpen often. A sharp chain reduces load at start and cut.
• Oil system Keep the tank clean. Use proper bar oil. Check flow often.
• Fuel habits Mix small batches. Add stabilizer. Store in approved cans.
• Battery habits Store packs at about half charge. Avoid heat and full drains.
• Service plan Change plugs and fuel filters on schedule. Have a pro tune the carb if starts get hard.

If you want a smooth plan for how to start Makita chainsaw every time, make maintenance part of the routine.

Common mistakes to avoid

Skip these pitfalls and your starts will stay simple.

• Starting with the chain brake off The saw can lurch. Keep it on until stable.
• Full choke too long You will flood the engine. Move to Half or Run after the first fire.
• No bar oil Dry chain equals heat and wear. Always fill and test oil flow.
• Wrong fuel mix Thick smoke and poor starts follow. Use 50:1 with quality two‑stroke oil.
• Over‑tight chain It strains the motor. Set it snug but not stiff.

These notes help anyone new to how to start Makita chainsaw avoid early headaches.

Pro tips from the field

Here is the small stuff that pays off.

• Set a start stance Foot in the rear handle, hand on the top handle. It stops the saw from jumping.
• Count your primers I use six presses on most Makita gas saws in cold weather. Three in warm weather.
• Listen for the first pop Move off full choke as soon as you hear that first fire. That one move prevents flooding.
• Test oil on wood I blip the throttle at a stump and look for an oil line. Fast and clear.
• Build a rhythm The same moves, every time. That is how to start Makita chainsaw with calm and speed.

Frequently Asked Questions of how to start makita chainsaw

Why does my new Makita gas chainsaw not start on full choke?

Most new engines need fewer pulls. Prime, pull to first fire, then move to Half choke. If you stay on full choke too long, it floods.

Can I start a battery Makita with the chain brake off?

You can, but it is not safe. Start with the brake on, then release once you have a firm grip and clear space.

What fuel mix should I use for Makita gas saws?

Use 50:1 gasoline to two‑stroke oil. Mix small batches, and avoid old fuel to prevent hard starts.

How do I know if the chain is getting oil?

Point the bar at a light surface and blip the throttle. You should see a light oil line form.

My battery saw starts then stops. What should I check?

Check that the chain brake is released and the trigger lock is engaged. Then test with a fully charged battery and clear any chips from the sprocket area.

Do I need to warm up a gas chainsaw before cutting?

Yes. Let it idle for 20 to 30 seconds. Tap the throttle a few times to settle the idle and clear extra fuel.

Is there a decompression valve on all Makita gas saws?

Only on some larger models. If yours has it, press it before cold pulls to make starting easier.

Conclusion

Starting a Makita chainsaw comes down to a safe setup, the right sequence, and steady hands. Follow the checks, use the proper choke or trigger lock routine, and listen to the saw as it fires to life. With a little practice, you will teach others how to start Makita chainsaw with the same calm and confidence.

Set aside ten minutes today to run through these steps on your saw. You will feel the difference on your next cut. Want more guides like this? Subscribe for step‑by‑steps, pro tips, and tool care checklists.