Have we discussed vintage chainsaws ?
 

So I have the generic Poulan 16" chainsaw which works fine for the smaller stuff on our property . But for bigger stuff the engine and chain size leave a bit to be desired. I only use a saw a few times a year so buying a new saw in the 50 - 60 cc range doesn't make much sense .

So I have been looking on CL for used vintage saws . Vintage to me is late 70's and up . I was quite surprised that there are quite a few saws being sold in running condition for 100.00 to 150.00 . I am talking Stihl/Husky/Homelite/Echo with bars 16-20 inch . Now a lot of these saws don't have chain brakes or anti vibration handles but most are all metal either aluminum or magnesium alloy .

Seeing that I only use occasionally what do you guys think about vintage chainsaws ? One I may go look at tomorrow is a Homelite Super XL which is a 58cc with 16" bar and chain . Supposedly runs good and doesn't look too bad . I know the older saws generally don't rev as high as newer saws but they have very good torque . I am guilty of being stuck in the past 😁

I'd research parts availability, things like clutches and carb parts, and if the saw hasn't had the $%^ beat out of it, then go for it.

I'd look for a family chainsaw, something dad bought, rarely used, and is now selling because he's getting old, or handed down to the children, who never use the thing.

The older Homelite's as an example have a strong following and online forums . Seems that carbs and clutches are easily available . Pistons and cylinders are still available but many are Chinese made. Just kicking the tires at the moment on the idea.

I gave up on vintage and bought a late model ms460. Ton of aftermarket and oem parts. Proven reliability. Not cheap. But trade with a co worker (2A bang cylinders, and cash), and we go out to the forest and cut together. By cut together it's a competition of tree count for the domino effect, and other crazy redneck stuff like that.

I haven't ruled out a new saw , the Echo 490 + 590 are good quality 50+60 cc saws . But I just am not a fan of all the plastic . I can't even buy a plastic pistol so a plastic chainsaw is hard to fathom . As I stated I am somewhat stuck in the past 😁

I learned on a 70's Homelite that was my dad's workhorse for decades. His XL cut more than my arsenal of Stihls ever will ... grab one and don't look forward :)

Earlier this year, I bought a new Stihl. Yes, it was $$$. Yes, I'm glad I bought it, and yes, I like the brake and rubber isolators, but when I need it, I really need it. I get into big projects(well- big for me :) ).

That being said- It's just sitting in the garage right now. Not doing much. But it's nice to know it's there.

Are people having good luck with the chinese aftermarket kits? On my garden tractor, genuine kohler kits are getting unobtainable, but some of the higher quality chinese rebuild kits seem to get good reviews.

I'd also factor in willingness to tinker, and how much you will carry the saw into the weight equation. I'm not a big fan of the plastic either, but lugging the larger saws get heavy at the end of the day

My go to saw is a pro Stihl MS 201TC, built in Germany (35cc' ish Motronic) BEAST. Made in USA Stihls are not the same, not even in the same league. 14' bar (on mine), small, lightweight, and I rarely breakout the bigger Stihls I have these daze. Spend $700 if ya want to look forward ;).

This saw is the real deal.

I've had several older Echo, Stihl and Craftsman chainsaws.

The fuel line in the Echo (16" bar) actually dissolved over time and close inspection revealed a case crack, so it wasn't worth fixing.

The Stihl (80's vintage, 20" bar) and the Craftsman (by far the oldest one, 70's vintage, 14" bar) are still working well. The Craftsman needs some carb adjustments to start and run properly sometimes after it has been sitting for a long time but otherwise it is ok. The Craftsman is actually my go-to saw because of its bar size.

I can see why saws of that vintage are available because I got one of mine from my dad when he got too old for that kind of work.

mac

Rick,

I've had good experience with my Echo CS 400.

18" bar - $299 at Home Depot.

https://www.echo-usa.com/getattachme...0_callouts.png

I've bought plenty of used chainsaws.....along with other types of power equipment.

In most cases, I ended up buying new and never looked back......

My 80 something dad has a stash of homelites. One is a beast. He cut significant wood with these when I was a kid.

Chainsaws the older they are can hurt you in a hurry, that's all I know.

Oh... yeah... They can out last the owner, and that's a fact.

My mom made me take a two day "Use and Safety with Chainsaws" course before I bought one. Thanks Mom.

I wore out a McCollough 20, then bought a MS270 20 for my brother's birthday for our benefit. My dad just handed down a MS170 14, which I call the Fisher Price chainsaw. It's far too small for the trees I have.

I cut some with my dad's HL XL70 w 16" as a teen.... he used it 30+ years... it cut a BUNCH of wood.

Good thumb exercizer too :D!

Some of those old ones have been going a while...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1628387127.jpg

I have a MS280 and used to have a MS190 ... then I got the pro saw. Looks almost exactly like that 190, but all Stihls are not created equally ;)

Gave the 190 to my uncle.

Super XL was an antique when it was new, but it is bullet proof. I don’t know about current parts availability, but if you can still get parts it’s a great saw. It was usually fitted with a 16 inch bar but would pull a 20 (53 link 3/8 chain as I recall, but don’t quote me). Homelite has been bought and sold a couple of times since the Super XL was sold, so parts may be an issue.