Colt Case Ingersoll Garden Tractors

Finally found some time to post my chainsaws.

Apologies for the length of this post, but I know how we all like to hear stories/our connections to our machines!

We'll start with the first saw I purchased, a Stihl MS170. Bought back in 2010 when I needed to take a bunch of overgrown shrubs and small trees at my rental property. This machine cut quite a bit of wood over the years, but unfortunately met its untimely demise 7 years later when I dropped a big dead elm on it (forgot that I had left it in the brush...) Even though it's not a very expensive saw, it is excellent for what it is, and I ended up getting another.


The next saw is what really started this obsession, a Stihl 064. I picked it up in 2015 after looking on Kijiji for a bigger saw while taking a break from cutting wood. I didn't realize at the time what a coveted saw this model is despite it's quirks. Not quite as loved as the 066, but still highly regarded. After milling one day it just died, and I suspected the worst (which ended up being the case). It had overheated and scored the piston. After taking it in and being told to toss it, I decided to try and fix myself. Replaced piston, rings etc. and a pile of other parts (all OEM). Learned a lot and really enjoyed the project.

All downhill from there!

I knew I had a problem after picking up this beast, a Stihl Contra (Lightning in North America). It's the machine that gave Stihl the boost they needed after losing all of their patents as part of WW2 reparations. Apparently they couldn't keep up with demand and we're chartering planes to get them distributed back in early 60's. This is the predecessor to the 070 and their biggest machine, the 090. They actually still make the 070 for the overseas market (and the same basic design for almost 60 years).

I got it locally in 2020 from a guy who's dad bought it new and had passed recently. It's sitting in the basement awaiting a restoration.

A few weeks later and I found another, this one a little newer (Stihl logo on recoil, not made by Fairbanks-Morse like earlier ones). It's missing the serial badge and was in a little rougher shape, but came with the original 25" bar. It was the sellers grandfather's saw, and he had plans to restore one day but things change as we know. I ended up doing a complete teardown, new crank bearings, but cleaned up piston/cylinder. All worn parts replaced (again all OEM - did as a challenge for myself more than anything else, parts from Germany and Australia). Had the muffler (cast aluminum) repaired locally. It's an absolute beast, smoky, heavy and loud = . Can't imagine using all day in the woods!

Here's a side-by-side (with a Case blade as a backdrop

Next up was an 041 which I just finished repairing and runs strong now.

Then some more relics, an 07 and an 031. After my Contra rebuild I wants to get it's smaller "cousin" which is the 07 (but it's still 75c's!). Both run well, but have yet to get into them further. I should have grabbed the Husky 266 the guy had too, but wife was with me lol.

Next up are some vintage classics from some other brands. Pioneer 1200, 1200a, 1074 and a Lombard Commango. The Skilsaw 1629 was too far gone to repair, so ended up selling it.

Browsing marketplace and happened on these 3. A pioneer 50s, a Mac Pro 1010 auto and a John Deere CS36 (made in Italy by EFCO/Olympyk). More excited for the Mac and Pioneer, both fire. Will get I to them later.

The latest acquisition is another Stihl, this time an 084. Runs well but needs new crank bearings. It is my new milling machine and will be the next project!


Thinks that's all of them, but probably not lol.

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Wow some of you guys have quite the collection of chainsaws . I feel a little inadequate with my pos homelite (home depot special ) Oh well , I would not be able to use most of them due to my upper back problems . Hell even when I fix them for customer I have to have them start them . I am hopping to get one of these . Anyone ever use one ?

Dave

I have had several corded and battery powered saws. Don't let your muscle memory of the gas saws take over when running the electric saws Let the electric saws work at their own pace, IE don't force them and give them frequent touch and sniff tests to see if the motor is getting warm. If so give them a rest to cool down, they don't have the duty cycle of a gas saw.

Because of that and the electrics (I had) having a slower chain speed than gas, it also helps to become a neat freak when it comes to keeping the chain sharp and the saw working as it should. The chain does not have to get very dull to make the saw work harder,and burn up the motor if you are not careful

Still love the fact that they start with a single pull of the trigger Just can't get into production mod with them


Gordy

@Chad no, please don't worry about a longer post. Just like your post about the one/two stage snowblowers, this is also well thought and detailed, so if it's long, it's good for those who understand it. I for once really appreciate it!

Maybe similar to your MS170, after I got the tiny house I bought myself a new chainsaw, and it happened to be one on sale at Rona, a Jonsered. I was very proud of finally having a chainsaw, and used it a bit for firewood. Then some guy broke into our shed and stole it. I was upset, understandably. but what can you do, stuff like that happens. So I resolved myself I'd buy some old saw that's not so desirable to thieves. Is how I ended up with the XL-12s.

Seeing your saws guys, makes me really want to get some more.

DavidBarkey wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 7:55 am Wow some of you guys have quite the collection of chainsaws . I feel a little inadequate with my pos homelite (home depot special ) Oh well , I would not be able to use most of them due to my upper back problems . Hell even when I fix them for customer I have to have them start them . I am hopping to get one of these .image.png
Anyone ever use one ?

Dave

I have a small electric "Poolan" we bought it about seven years ago. Needed a cheap saw to use in the basement. We stopped using our wood furnace and all of the wood we had was too long for our new stove and I didn't want to carry the cord + up out of the basement to cut. It cuts pretty good, at first it doesn't seem like it is doing as much because you don't hear the engine running. It is light and easy on the back. My wife thought it would be handy for pruning around the yard till she got ahold of the cordless sawzall.

I watched a guy cutting with one of the Milwaukee cordless chainsaws and was impressed.

My main saw, I have a pair of these Homelite 360s that my grandfather bought. The first was to replace the xl12, then he bought the other a few years later. I've ran the older one since I was a teenager, when I got promoted up from limbing with the little 12" saw.
I pick up a new Stihl every once in a while, look at the price and think I don't cut as much anymore and the old one is still getting it done.

The old XL 12 is still around and a big old Clinton I'll have to get some pics of, it is a "Man's" saw.

Classic V8 chainsaw video

MattA wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 3:59 pm Classic V8 chainsaw video

Oh wooow

MattA wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 3:59 pm Classic V8 chainsaw video

I am definitely Not man enough to run those saw . Wow

Dave

Timj wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 3:25 pm My main saw,
KIMG0354.JPGKIMG0355.JPG
I have a pair of these Homelite 360s that my grandfather bought. The first was to replace the xl12, then he bought the other a few years later. I've ran the older one since I was a teenager, when I got promoted up from limbing with the little 12" saw.
I pick up a new Stihl every once in a while, look at the price and think I don't cut as much anymore and the old one is still getting it done.

The old XL 12 is still around and a big old Clinton I'll have to get some pics of, it is a "Man's" saw.

My homelite is not like those . It is just pos that Home Depot sold 10 years ago . For the amount I have spent on bars and chains I could have bought a better one that is forsure .

Dave

DavidBarkey wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 4:35 pm

Timj wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 3:25 pm My main saw,
KIMG0354.JPGKIMG0355.JPG
I have a pair of these Homelite 360s that my grandfather bought. The first was to replace the xl12, then he bought the other a few years later. I've ran the older one since I was a teenager, when I got promoted up from limbing with the little 12" saw.
I pick up a new Stihl every once in a while, look at the price and think I don't cut as much anymore and the old one is still getting it done.

The old XL 12 is still around and a big old Clinton I'll have to get some pics of, it is a "Man's" saw.

My homelite is not like those . It is just pos that Home Depot sold 10 years ago . For the amount I have spent on bars and chains I could have bought a better one that is forsure .

Dave

I think them 360s were about the end of when they made a good saw here after they went to the big box, made over seas pos

I've burned up my share of electrics units. Not because there was anything wrong with them... I was using them WAY beyond their duty cycle... My very tired Remington electric is now up for sale at my father's estate sale. I kept his old Milwaukee electric. I believe that saw could go all day, and I know it'd wear me out simply due to weight. Most of my gas saws are lighter. I really don't like having an electric cord involved while cutting, but it can't be avoided indoors where I used to use them.

While I haven't done it yet, I would like to get a good brand battery climbing saw. I have a real nice Dolmar for that, but the ease of not having to start a saw up in the air is appealing, and I'm not doing up work all that frequently. It'll likely be a Dewalt since I run their 20v line for my heavy cordless tools.

MattA wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 3:59 pm Classic V8 chainsaw video

That is a serious saw Matt! Kida reminds me of the V-8 Case Tractor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzVBpddpK2k

Keep the Peace
Harry

This makes me think. Would an arborist with an all electric chainsaw set still be called a tree hugger?

Nice Tim! I have my grandfather's Homelite 35 (looks just like your 360's). Mist likely his was made for Canadian market. Unfortunately the one crankcase side is all cracked and it's beyond repair. not sure how that happened. Ah well it will be a wall hanger



I forgot about his Pro Mac 375, made by Black and Decker just before they closed up in Toronto. Neat looking machine, will get to later.



Also have his top handled Craftsman, runs but needs new fuel lines. Will make a nice little runner.

As far as battery and electric saws go, I haven't any experience with them, but would like to get one. Especially as gas continues to go up.

Here's my kids electric saw



And finally my Contra replica model.





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That V8 saw is nuts. Can't imagine running that, way too much for me too Dave!

Eugen I think tree huggers would be good with a battery saw. Not much major tree removal happening with one yet (I'm sure the battery power/life isn't far off yet though).

One day I'd like to attend one of these. Although I think I'd want a gas mask lol. The end is crazy, piles of them idling.

https://youtu.be/RdOz7JFrxXU

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@Chad that was fun to watch.

I can't imagine how much you hunted for your vintage chainsaws, since I've been looking for old saws it seems lots of people are hunting them.

Eugen wrote:[mention]Chad[/mention] that was fun to watch.

I can't imagine how much you hunted for your vintage chainsaws, since I've been looking for old saws it seems lots of people are hunting them.

Yes, I search daily, sometimes multiple times. There are a number of people always on the hunt, just like our Case tractors. Just take your time, one (or 10+) will come along lol. Also depends what you're looking for (ie. running vs. non). I'd say half of mine I got running and other half not. Although I mainly seek Stihl (what I got started on and am most familiar with) most of the vintage stuff is worth repairing. Parts availability is also a consideration. My next saw will be a Husky hopefully.

I've been pretty lucky with most of them. Many within a 30 min drive from my house, furthest I've ever driven was 2.5 hours. And then usually being first in line, but for both my Contra's for example I was 2nd or 3rd. But that's part of the chase as we all know with our GT's

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Glad you guys enjoyed the V8 chainsaw video. There are other videos on youtube.

@Harry That's one crazy V8 case tractor. Maybe we should kick off a topic for that sort of stuff. I know of a few over powered tractors out there...

No chainsaws here... Also have no trees

I'm not a collector of chain saws. I've had a few through the years but were only to cut trees. My first was a McCullough 14" saw that I used until it finally quit. It was used extensive, and the abuse was evident.
I had a few trees to cut and was not burning wood anymore, so I bought a Poulan. It ran well when I used it, but I loaned it out and it didn't run very well when it was returned. I believe it was run hot and it doesn't have much power anymore. My Dad gave me a couple of saws. One was a 14" Skill saw which I did get running but there was a problem with the chain oiler leaking when the saw set. He also gave me a 20" McCullough saw which run great, but it is a heavy saw. I also picked up a 12" McCullough saw, which I have not looked at since I picked it up. Since the Asian beetle destroyed most of the ash trees in my woods. I purchased a 16" Stihl saw. It runs great and I have not had any problems with it. I have cut a lot of trees with this saw, and it is my saw of choice.

Nice @Harry! Is that a Mac 610 next to your MS180 in the first pic? I'm on the search as it was the saw Clark Griswold used in Christmas Vacation!



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Chad wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 1:17 pm Nice @Harry! Is that a Mac 610 next to your MS180 in the first pic? I'm on the search as it was the saw Clark Griswold used in Christmas Vacation!



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Yes it is a Mac 610. It has a 20" bar and is very heavy for me and it really cuts great.

Keep the Peace
Harry

Eugen wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 8:04 am @Chad that was fun to watch.

I can't imagine how much you hunted for your vintage chainsaws, since I've been looking for old saws it seems lots of people are hunting them.

Back when I was addicted to auction sales I'd see a lot of the old saws. Saw a few with 5 or 6 foot bars, with a guard and handle on the tip of the bar for 2 man operation

Gordy

edit best auction sales were old farm estate sales.

Here's mine. Efco 152. I absolutely love this saw. It is such a smooth running saw. My first saw was a non running homelite 12xl. Sold that cheap at a garage sale a few years ago. I served me well and sat on the shelf mostly. My efco I've had for around 10 years and has cut alot of trees.

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Nice Jancoe! I'm always amazed at just how many different brands there are and have been through the years. Yesterday I saw a Ford chainsaw for sale, not sure who made it for them but apparently it was an option in one of their vehicles (truck?) and it stowed away inside by the wheels. Can't imagine anyone doing that today, but pretty cool!

@Gordy those are serious machines and serious men to operate. Again, can't imagine using all day. Even the early fellers using axes and crosscut saws, huge respect for them. The woods would have been much quieter then too, much like farming with animals. I suppose we're getting back to that with the electrification of everything!

P.S. I found another saw that I forgot about, Stihl 08s. Very common and the power head was used for ages in other equipment like cut off saws and augers. This one has an original bar too. Also it's .404 guage despite being a 17" bar.

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@Chad my homelite c5 has 404 chain. What is your opinion about the c5? I wonder if it's worth restoring

Chad wrote: ↑Sat Mar 19, 2022 11:38 am Nice Jancoe! I'm always amazed at just how many different brands there are and have been through the years. Yesterday I saw a Ford chainsaw for sale, not sure who made it for them but apparently it was an option in one of their vehicles (truck?) and it stowed away inside by the wheels. Can't imagine anyone doing that today, but pretty cool!

@Gordy those are serious machines and serious men to operate. Again, can't imagine using all day. Even the early fellers using axes and crosscut saws, huge respect for them. The woods would have been much quieter then too, much like farming with animals. I suppose we're getting back to that with the electrification of everything!

P.S. I found another saw that I forgot about, Stihl 08s. Very common and the power head was used for ages in other equipment like cut off saws and augers. This one has an original bar too. Also it's .404 guage despite being a 17" bar.

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That is interesting on the Ford saw, did a quick Google. can't say I remember that option but I do remember when there was plenty of room for stuff on the inner fender. You could sit in there and change the spark plugs, back when you could find them.

Eugen wrote:[mention]Chad[/mention] my homelite c5 has 404 chain. What is your opinion about the c5? I wonder if it's worth restoring

@Eugen I would say so. The C series Homelite's were well regarded during their day.

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That is interesting on the Ford saw, did a quick Google. can't say I remember that option but I do remember when there was plenty of room for stuff on the inner fender. You could sit in there and change the spark plugs, back when you could find them.

My 78 F150 had the 300 6cyl with a 3 on the tree. Was a joy to work on. Step up on the front bumper, over the radiator on to the frame, then step down to the ground to do points and plugs Counting the spark plug wires there were only like 12 or 15 wires to the engine. AWE the good old days


Gordy

Jancoe wrote: ↑Thu Mar 17, 2022 6:41 am Here's mine. Efco 152. I absolutely love this saw. It is such a smooth running saw. My first saw was a non running homelite 12xl. Sold that cheap at a garage sale a few years ago. I served me well and sat on the shelf mostly. My efco I've had for around 10 years and has cut alot of trees.

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Efco is a top notch Italian manufacturer. Tilton Equipment imported and sold their chainsaws and trimmers under their Olympyk brand name, we sold hundreds of them.

Bob

myerslawnandgarden wrote:

Jancoe wrote: ↑Thu Mar 17, 2022 6:41 am Here's mine. Efco 152. I absolutely love this saw. It is such a smooth running saw. My first saw was a non running homelite 12xl. Sold that cheap at a garage sale a few years ago. I served me well and sat on the shelf mostly. My efco I've had for around 10 years and has cut alot of trees.

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Efco is a top notch Italian manufacturer. Tilton Equipment imported and sold their chainsaws and trimmers under their Olympyk brand name, we sold hundreds of them.

Bob

Interesting Bill. The newer John Deere I have is an Efco/Olympic (CS36).

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My father in law gave me mine. He purchased it with a 16" bar and the dealer swapped it out to 18". When he was done taking care of the dead fallen trees on his 12 acres he gifted it to me and I've taken down a few hundred trees with it now. I just tore the whole saw apart this fall to replace the outer plastic body/case and clean all the crevices out. It had a hair line crack at one of the studs to hold the bar on which lead too a leaky oil tank. I found a new take off case from chainsawr.com. I knew that Efco made the john deere ones and now since I need to order a brake band for it, I also learned that Efco also made them for Cub Cadet. So my efco 152 is also a John Deere cs52 and Cub Cadet cs5220. If I need to replace the saw, I will go Efco again. All my friends that have l helped clear land with like the feel of it better than theirs.

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Haven't used the 2 Poulans in my garage in a couple years... Now I need one at least Weds morning. (always take an extra saw when you NEED to get something cut)
Half a dozen pulls on each, and they fired right up.
Yea, those two aren't commercial machines, but somehow, they're extremely reliable...