When trying to pull start my mcculloch eager beaver 16 chainsaw, I find a large amount of resistance. What could be the cause, and how can I fix it?

Hi,
If the chain moves, it is a clutch problem. For other things the first thing it try would be to remove the spark plug and pull it through. If it spits fluid out of the plug hole, that would be the problem. If it still is difficult to pull, you have a potentially bad mechanical problem.
Peace,
Clarke