Operation Manual
10
English / USA
MS 650, MS 660
With the first recommended method, 
the chainsaw is started on the ground. 
Make sure the chain brake is engaged 
(see "Chain Brake" chapter in your 
instruction manual) and place the 
chainsaw on firm ground or other solid 
surface in an open area. Maintain good 
balance and secure footing.
Grip the front handlebar of the saw firmly 
with your left hand and press down. For 
saws with a rear handle level with the 
ground, put the toe of your right foot into 
the rear handle and press down. With 
your right hand pull out the starter grip 
slowly until you feel a definite resistance 
and then give it a brisk, strong pull.
The second recommended method for 
starting your chainsaw allows you to 
start the saw without placing it on the 
ground. Make sure the chain brake is 
engaged, grip the front handle of the 
chainsaw firmly with your left hand. 
Keep your arm on the front handle in a 
locked (straight) position. Hold the rear 
handle of the saw tightly between your 
legs just above the knees. Maintain 
good balance and secure footing. Pull 
the starting grip slowly with your right 
hand until you feel a definite resistance 
and then give it a brisk, strong pull.
!Warning!
Be sure that the guide bar and chain are 
clear of you and all other obstructions 
and objects, including the ground. When 
the engine is started, the engine speed 
with the starting throttle lock engaged 
will be fast enough for the clutch to 
engage the sprocket and, if the chain 
brake is not activated, turn the chain. If 
the upper quadrant of the tip of the bar 
touches any object, it may cause kick-
back to occur (see section on reactive 
forces). To reduce this risk, always 
engage the chain brake before starting. 
Never attempt to start the chainsaw 
when the guide bar is in a cut or kerf.
As soon as the engine is running, 
immediately blip the throttle trigger, 
which will disengage the starting throttle 
lock and allow the engine to settle down 
to idle. 
!Warning!
When you pull the starter grip, do not 
wrap the starter rope around your hand. 
Do not let the grip snap back, but guide 
the starter rope to rewind it properly. 
Failure to follow this procedure may 
result in injury to your hand or fingers 
and may damage the starter 
mechanism.
001BA113 KN
001BA114 KN










