19 American Most Dangerous Fastest Big Chainsaws from the 1980s

[@kevinkendall8956]

You don't need chain break or anything . I grow up running these saw. I'm still here with all my parts.

[@raremachinery25]

@kevinkendall8956 That’s some real old-school toughness right there! Running those saws back in the day definitely made you sharp and skilled. Glad to hear you’re still going strong with all your parts intact! The tools might have changed, but the respect for that kind of experience stays the same.

[@itllkeal]

That's one of the problems with the world. They say if you're going to be dumb you have to be tough, and then they go and put a chain brake on the saws. If you know how to use your saw correctly, a chain brake will not do anything but slow your saw down and keep more idiots alive.

[@raremachinery25]

@itllkeal Interesting perspective! The chain brake is definitely a divisive feature among chainsaw enthusiasts. While experienced operators who know their tools well might rarely rely on it, the chain brake has undoubtedly saved countless injuries-especially for beginners or in high-risk situations. It’s always great to hear from those who value traditional techniques, but safety features like these can make chainsaws more accessible for a wider range of users. Thanks for sharing your take!

[@itllkeal]

@raremachinery25 I'm in agreement with you about people making mistakes,but I've never seen a saw kick back with the pulling part of the chain. I'm a firm believer that a long bar and a full wrap handle will help make the sketchiest of em somewhat safer

[@raremachinery25]

@itllkeal You're absolutely right, kickbacks usually happen on the drive side of the chain, not the pulling part. A long bar and a full-wrap handle definitely provide more control, especially on the sketchier cuts. It’s all about safety and handling, and those features can make a big difference in keeping things steady. Have you had any experiences with chainsaws where these features made a notable difference for you??

[@silversurfer806]

I remember as a teenager, my dad bought the Stihl 090 for logging. On the first day he took it out, a tree twisted on it and it fell backwards right on top of the saw. It cost him almost as much to have it repaired as it did to originally purchase it. I used that saw many times after its repair. I mainly cut cedar posts with it. Was a beast of a saw. Only one time did I have it kick back on me and it just barely caught my leg. I gained new found respect for it after that. He ran the big Poulan too, but once he bought the Stihl, it was over. I followed as well. All of my gas powered equipment including weed eaters and chain saws are Stihl.

[@raremachinery25]

@silversurfer806 That sounds like quite an adventure with the Stihl 090! It's incredible how such a powerful saw could take a hit like that and still be repaired and put back to work. The respect you gained after that kickback experience is definitely something every logger can relate to. It’s great that you've stuck with Stihl for all your gear. Their durability and performance are definitely unmatched. Do you still have the same Stihl saws, or have you added any new ones to your collection??

[@jacain1234]

That's me at the 1:50 mark running the 125 in big oak. That saw was a beast.

[@raremachinery25]

@jacain1234 Thanks so much for sharing the video and for letting me feature it! It’s great to see the 125 in action. Do you still use chainsaws like that today, or have you moved on to other models??

[@martygoodlock8279]

Cambridge MN

[@raremachinery25]

@martygoodlock8279 It's always exciting to see where our viewers are tuning in from. Minnesota is a beautiful state, perfect for stories about the outdoors and hardworking tools like chainsaws. What’s your favorite part about being in Cambridge?? Let us know!

[@lucianovardanega4359]

Viewing from Australia, great video

[@raremachinery25]

@lucianovardanega4359 Thank you for watching! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Do you have a favorite saw or a specific type of chainsaw that’s popular in your area??

[@lucianovardanega4359]

In my younger says I used to use and repair McCulloch saws, great machines and very strong.

[@raremachinery25]

@@lucianovardanega4359 McCulloch saws truly were powerhouses back in the day! It’s impressive that you used to repair them too-those machines were built to last. Do you have a favorite McCulloch model from your time working with them??

[@lucianovardanega4359]

Do not have any favorite machines

[@raremachinery25]

@ That's fair! With so many options out there, it's hard to pick just one. Do you prefer trying different machines or sticking to a few reliable ones over time??

[@greglorson5647]

Pennsylvania. Great video

[@raremachinery25]

@greglorson5647 Thank you so much! Greetings to Pennsylvania! Glad you enjoyed the video-what’s your favorite chainsaw story or memory??

[@albertbordelon2342]

South Louisiana I’m fixing to turn 63 I ran some of these old saws when I was young. We cut firewood for 3 families for many years.

[@raremachinery25]

@albertbordelon2342 That’s incredible-you’ve got decades of experience and memories with these saws! Cutting firewood for three families must have been a serious commitment and a great way to keep everyone warm and provided for. Those older saws were definitely built to handle hard work. What’s your favorite memory or saw from back in those days??

[@kevinkendall8956]

I still enjoying your videos.

[@raremachinery25]

@kevinkendall8956 Thank you so much! It means a lot to know you're enjoying the videos. Your support keeps me motivated to keep creating more content. If there's anything you'd like to see in future videos, let me know-I’d love to hear your ideas!

[@ForestryTechz]

Incredible! The power and speed of those 1980s chainsaws were unmatched, but definitely dangerous!

[@raremachinery25]

@ForestryTechz Absolutely! The 1980s chainsaws were built for raw power and speed, which made them incredibly effective but also quite risky to handle. It’s amazing how far chainsaw technology has come since then! Do you have a favorite from that era??

[@jonnywatts2970]

17:28 ha! A saw with a gear shifter? Awesome!

[@raremachinery25]

@jonnywatts2970 Right? It’s crazy to think about how innovative they were back then! Do you think this type of feature would be useful today, or has technology made it unnecessary??

[@jonnywatts2970]

@raremachinery25 seems unnecessary except in limited competition saws perhaps.

[@raremachinery25]

@jonnywatts2970 That’s a fair point. In general use, a chainsaw’s design should focus on balance, power, and ease of use. Some of the extreme features seen in competition saws are definitely geared toward performance, often at the cost of practicality for everyday use. Do you think standard chainsaws could benefit from any new innovations, or is the classic design still the best for most tasks??

[@jonnywatts2970]

@raremachinery25 they seem perfect at their job. I can't think of any way to improve them.

[@raremachinery25]

@@jonnywatts2970 That’s the mark of a well-designed tool-when it performs its job so flawlessly that there’s nothing you’d change. Sounds like you’ve found your ideal match in chainsaws! Which model are you referring to, and how has it been for you over time??

[@ChieFChalinOLarssoN]

Proud to be swed🇸🇪💪greetings from Southern Sweden 🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪

[@raremachinery25]

@ChieFChalinOLarssoN That’s awesome! Sweden has a legendary reputation when it comes to chainsaws, especially with brands like Husqvarna and Jonsered. Greetings from here to Southern Sweden! 🇸🇪💪 Stay proud and keep those saws running strong!

[@manuelcorchero-e4g]

Watching from northern California

[@raremachinery25]

@manuelcorchero-e4g Hey, thanks for tuning in from Northern California! Stay safe and hope you're enjoying the content.

[@johnkenny2210]

Watching 👀 from Darwin NT Australia 🇦🇺 👍

[@raremachinery25]

@johnkenny2210 Hey mate! It’s awesome to see you watching again, especially all the way from Darwin. Your support really means a lot to the channel. What’s your favorite saw so far?? Let me know! 👀🔥

[@JeffyHick]

Do something about the early chainsaw designs from the early 20th century

[@raremachinery25]

@JeffyHick That’s a fantastic idea! Early 20th-century chainsaw designs were groundbreaking and paved the way for the machines we use today. Exploring their evolution would make for a fascinating video. Do you have a favorite vintage model or a particular aspect of early chainsaw history you’d like me to focus on??

[@JeffyHick]

@raremachinery25 I own a 2023 made Husqvarna, but I do like the old pre chain era reciprocation kinds from the early days of powerized logging.

[@raremachinery25]

@@JeffyHick That’s awesome-you’ve got the best of both worlds! The 2023 Husqvarna must be a beast, but there’s definitely something special about those old reciprocating saws from the early days of mechanized logging. They’re a fascinating piece of history. Do you have any favorites from the pre-chain era??

[@JeffyHick]

@@raremachinery25 steam and early gas era

[@raremachinery25]

@@JeffyHick Now that’s a truly remarkable era! The steam-powered and early gas chainsaws were real engineering marvels for their time, laying the groundwork for everything we use today. It’s incredible to think about how those massive, cumbersome machines evolved into the compact powerhouses we have now. Do you have any particular models or brands from that era that stand out to you??

[@kevinkendall8956]

I'm sorry. You keep showing all those saw. But theirs no saw. Bigger than Stihl 090. That why I had four of them. And that why people called me I got the job done. To some people. I was known the crazy man with the biggest saw ever made.

[@raremachinery25]

@kevinkendall8956 Wow, four Stihl 090s? That’s legendary! The 090 is truly a monster, and it sounds like you put every bit of its raw power to good use. Being known as 'the crazy man with the biggest saw ever made' is a title anyone in the saw world would wear with pride. Got any memorable stories of taking on massive jobs with those beasts??Sounds like you’ve seen some incredible cutting action!

[@theforestryus]

Wow! Those 1980s chainsaws were powerful, but also pretty dangerous with their speed and size.

[@raremachinery25]

@theforestryus Definitely! The speed and size of those 1980s chainsaws made them real beasts for heavy-duty work, but they demanded a lot of skill and respect to operate safely. They truly don’t make them like that anymore!

[@raylamp4505]

Poulan 200 from my grand dad still runs And my stihl 009 is the little big saw that can.

[@raremachinery25]

@raylamp4505 Wow, keeping a Poulan 200 from your granddad running is a real testament to its durability and your care! And the Stihl 009 truly is a little powerhouse. Which one do you find yourself using more often these days??

[@tomdolton2960]

I am watching this video from Houston TX how'd

[@raremachinery25]

@tomdolton2960 Thanks for watching from Houston! It’s great to see viewers from all over the place. How’s everything going down there in Texas?? Any particular chainsaw models or topics you’d like to see covered in future videos?? Let me know!

[@LIF1395]

Sp 125 Mcculloch built 1971 with chain brake option.

[@raremachinery25]

@LIF1395 Wow, an SP 125 McCulloch from 1971 with the chain brake option? That’s a real classic! How does it perform?? Do you still use it, or is it part of your collection??

[@christinesmith7625]

i had a twin cylinder echo chainsaw years ago i dont remember what model it was it was a beast !

[@raremachinery25]

@christinesmith7625 That sounds like an awesome saw! Echo’s twin-cylinder models were definitely beasts, known for their power and smooth performance. It must’ve been a real powerhouse to handle. If you ever figure out the model, I’d love to hear more about it! There were a few twin-cylinder Echo chainsaws back in the day, like the 650 or 750 series. Do any of those ring a bell, or does anything specific about the saw come to mind??

[@christinesmith7625]

@@raremachinery25 i think it was 750 sounds about right i am now 70 years old use to live on a farm

[@raremachinery25]

@christinesmith7625 That’s amazing! The Echo 750 was a powerful saw, and it must have been a great tool to have on the farm. It’s impressive that you still remember it after all these years-it clearly made an impact! Do you have any favorite memories of using it back then??

[@christinesmith7625]

@@raremachinery25 thanks we cut a lot of wood with it . after time it just got worn out i dont think i could lift it any more !

[@raremachinery25]

@ That’s incredible-sounds like it served you well through some tough jobs! It’s no surprise it wore out after all that hard work. Those older saws were built like tanks but definitely heavy compared to today’s models. It’s amazing to think about how much wood you got through with it. Do you have a lighter saw you use now, or have you retired from cutting??

[@fumanchutripitaka6639]

10:50 - Can anyone tell me why the 'Jonsered 111S' has a huge Dildo attached to it!? Is it a performance aid?

[@raremachinery25]

@fumanchutripitaka6639 Haha, I can see where the confusion comes from! That part you're referring to is actually a handle or part of the vibration dampening system, designed to help reduce the impact and improve comfort during use. It's not a performance aid, but rather a feature for better ergonomics and less user fatigue. These kinds of designs are pretty common in older saws! Hope that clears it up! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask! Btw, where are you watching from??

[@virgilashlock5875]

Missouri

[@raremachinery25]

@virgilashlock5875 Missouri-home to some serious chainsaw enthusiasts! Whether it’s for firewood or clearing land, that’s a state that knows its way around these machines. What kind of projects do you usually tackle out there?

[@spencerh2860]

Swarm of angry hornets on crack 😂

[@raremachinery25]

@spencerh2860 You got it! Nothing captures the chaos better than that 😂. Thanks for watching!

[@kevinkendall8956]

One more things for sure once you ran 090. For biggest part for the day. You glad to home.

[@raremachinery25]

@kevinkendall8956 Haha, I can imagine! After running the Stihl 090, you probably felt like you’d conquered the world by the end of the day. That beast takes some serious stamina to handle, and I bet you were glad to rest up once the job was done. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of putting in a day’s work with a saw like that!

[@poorboyz888]

@kevinkendall8956 the big blue was just as bad...

[@raremachinery25]

@poorboyz888 Totally get what you mean about the Big Blue! It had its charm, but it definitely came with its fair share of challenges. A classic example of style over consistent performance. Appreciate the input-chainsaw history is full of hits and misses like this one!

[@itllkeal]

@kevinkendall8956 I have a OEM 090AV and I'll say that after starting it whenever it's been sitting around a long while you're about finished before cutting but whenever you pit that beast in the wood it pretty much does the rest for you. I've had it pull me into the cut but never push me out of 1.

[@raremachinery25]

@itllkeal An OEM 090AV? That’s incredible! I’ve heard they can be a workout just to get started after sitting for a while. But you’re right-once that beast bites into the wood, it’s like it takes over. It pulling you into the cut but never pushing out is a testament to its power. Do you still use it often, or is it more of a collector’s piece now??

[@poorboyz888]

660 EVL should have been the echo choice

[@raremachinery25]

@poorboyz888 Great suggestion! The Echo 660 EVL is indeed a powerhouse and has a dedicated fan base for its performance and durability. While I chose the Echo 400 for its versatility and nostalgic value, the 660 EVL is definitely a beast in its own right. It’s amazing how Echo chainsaws from that era still hold up so well today. Thanks for sharing your thoughts-maybe the 660 EVL will make a future appearance on the channel.

[@BrianChristian-zo7pf]

sharpe cutter from Oregun

[@raremachinery25]

@BrianChristian-zo7pf Thanks for sharing that! Are you referring to Oregon chain cutters?? They’re definitely sharp and reliable, a great choice for tough jobs!

[@andrewsnyder6106]

Pennsylvania

[@raremachinery25]

@andrewsnyder6106 Pennsylvania, nice! Such a beautiful state with a rich history. Do you work with chainsaws out there?? What’s your favorite model to use??

[@DavidBurger-l7r]

Drums Pennsylvania

[@raremachinery25]

@DavidBurger-l7r Thank you

[@deanskates5862]

Still run a johnsered 125 in uk

[@raremachinery25]

@deanskates5862 That’s awesome! Running a Jonsered 125 is a testament to how durable and powerful those classic saws are. They were built to last and handle tough jobs with ease. It’s great to hear that these legendary saws are still being used in the UK! How has your experience been with it? Do you find it still holds its own against more modern chainsaws??

[@deanskates5862]

@raremachinery25 I've never used a modern saw so can't comment but it does every thing I ask and never let me down

[@KenHubbard-jz1vq]

ThE SAW DOESN'T CUT ANYTHING ,THE CHAIN DOES AND FILING IT WAS THE SECRET ,I USED THE HOMELITE 2100 , O90 STILL , HUSKY IIOO , 394 & 395 HOMELITE WAS HARD TO KEEP RUNNING BREAKDOWNS , 2 SAWS WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES 090 TOUGH AS HELL NO ANTI VIBRATION, NO VHAIN BRAKE 36 INCH BAR OR 42 INCH HEAVY MACHINE 404 CHAIN GLAD THATS ALL OVER

[@raremachinery25]

@KenHubbard-jz1vq Wow, sounds like you’ve had your fair share of experience with some real heavy hitters in the chainsaw world! Those Homelites and the Stihl 090 were definitely beasts, even if the reliability wasn’t always on point. Carrying two saws must’ve been a challenge, but it sounds like you knew how to stay prepared. That 36 or 42-inch bar on the 090?? Serious workhorse material, even without modern comforts like anti-vibration or chain brakes. Do you still have any of those saws, or have you fully moved on to lighter, more modern machines??

[@KenHubbard-jz1vq]

@@raremachinery25 I WAS A FALLER IN B C CANADA AND WORKED THE LOGGING CAMPS IN THE INLETS FROM VANCOUVER AS FAR NORTH AS KETCHIKAN ALASKA DEPENDING ON WEATHER CANT WORK IN THE WIND OR WHEN THERE'S TO MUCH SNOW IN THE TREES SO ID MOVE SOUTH AS FAR DOWN AS CHICO CALIFORNIA ( CUTTING OAK ). ONE REALLY BAD BAD SEASON ( WEATHER ) I WENT TO AUSTRALIA TO TASMANIA FALLING UCALYPTUS GUMS BIG TIMBER BUT FLAT GROUND , WHAT A CHANGE LEAVES ON THE TREES INSTEAD OF NEEDLES AND YOU HAD TO JUDGE THE LEAN BY THE LEAVES NOT THE LEAN IM 80 NOW OBVIOUSLY RETIRED LIVING IN VIETNAM ,DONT OWN ANY SAWS. BUT PEOPLE BRING THERE'S TO ME FOR REPAIR AND TO SHARPEN THERE CHAINS KINDA LIKE A TEACHER NOW , I CHARGE THEM NOTHING AS LONG AS THEY TRY TO LEARN WHEN I GO TO CANADA I BRING AS MUCH CHAIN AND PARTS WITH ME AS POSSIBLE ,NEVER GOT SO MUCH AS A SCRATCH IN MY TIME PACKIN THE SAW CHEERS MATE STAY SAFE

[@raremachinery25]

@KenHubbard-jz1vq What an incredible journey you've had! From the rugged logging camps of British Columbia and Alaska to the towering eucalyptus in Tasmania, your story is a testament to the grit and skill it takes to be a faller. And now, sharing your knowledge and sharpening saws in Vietnam for free? That’s pure generosity and passion for the craft. It’s inspiring to see someone with your experience still making a difference in the community. Cheers to you, and thank you for sharing this amazing story! Stay safe and keep teaching the art of the saw-your legacy is one to admire!

[@KenHubbard-jz1vq]

@@raremachinery25 HERE'S ONE OF MY LITTLE TRICKS ID PULL. WE WERE PAID BY SCALE SO MUCH A THOUSAND BOARD FEET ( A SCALER WOULD COME IN EVERY 2 OR 3 DAYS AND SCALE YOU UP ,WELL I LIKED TO PUTS MUCH TIMBER DOWN AS POSSIBLE SO MY PAY PACKET WAS HUGE , THEY HATED IT WHEN A LOWLY FALLER MADE MORE THAN THE SUPERINTENDENT ,I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY TIMES I DID THAT LOTS I COULD TELL AFTER PAY DAY BECAUSE ID CATCH THE SUPER LOOKING AT ME IN THE MARSHALLING YARD IN THE MORNING ,MADE MY DAY ,SOON AFTER THAT WE WENT TO A DAY RATE 85 A DAY FOR A 6 1/2 HOUR DAY SO KINDA TOOK THAT FUN PART AWAY 😭.

[@raremachinery25]

@KenHubbard-jz1vq That’s a clever move! You really knew how to work the system and make the most out of those paydays. It's a shame when fun things like that get taken away, but sounds like you made the most of it while it lasted! It's always nice to have those little victories, especially when you outdo the higher-ups. Do you still have some of those timber-felling memories with you??

[@howarddeheer8295]

Iowa

[@raremachinery25]

@howarddeheer8295 That's awesome, Iowa! It must be amazing to live there. You’ve got some beautiful landscapes, and I bet winter is a great time for working with wood. Do you use a chainsaw out there?? What’s your favorite model?

[@howarddeheer8295]

@raremachinery25 Iowa can interesting. I don't like winter to much anymore lol. I probably Had my 038 around 30 years along with smaller stihl saws. I pick up the 056 about year ago. I' have taken a few trees down for people I've had to go rescue few times that thought they knew what they was doing

[@raremachinery25]

@@howarddeheer8295 I can imagine Iowa winters being a challenge, especially after a few decades! That’s impressive-you’ve been running your 038 for 30 years, and now adding the 056 to the mix? Those are some solid saws. Sounds like you’ve got plenty of experience! Helping out with those 'rescue missions' must get interesting-any memorable stories from those situations??

[@howarddeheer8295]

@@raremachinery25 I was the second owner are the 038 and the shop had went through top end before I got. It belong to the and 9 extra chains I came with it. Last rescue a guy had a bucket truck and cutting the top and it had a curve in it and he got his saw pinched and Away the lamb had a curve in it. It could go anyway it wanted I told him we need to do to get some lines up in it so we could pull it we ended up hooking up to 3 4 wheel drives just to make sure we made it fall to where we wanted it. It didn't take too long to figure out that guy wasn't as much of a pro tree cutter that he thought he was

[@raremachinery25]

@@howarddeheer8295 That’s great to hear that the shop went through the top end before you got it-that’s a big plus for longevity. Being the second owner of the 038 must’ve been a good find. Even with all that work, do you ever run into any issues with it, or is it still going strong??

[@spencerh2860]

GB 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@raremachinery25]

@spencerh2860 That's awesome! Sending greetings to Great Britain 🏴! Thanks for watching the video. What kind of chainsaws do people usually use there? ?

[@jedho6787]

@ 75 y o living in Tasmania Australia still cutting ironbark with a BIG Homelite Dolmar and Echo on 32:1👌

[@raremachinery25]

@jedho6787 That's incredible! At 75 and still cutting ironbark-that’s no small feat! Those big Homelite, Dolmar, and Echo saws are absolute classics, and running them on 32:1 just shows how well you’re keeping them maintained. Tasmania must be an amazing place for forestry work. What’s been your favorite saw to use over the years??

[@Mike-i4b6q]

Prince Rupert b.c.

[@raremachinery25]

@Mike-i4b6q Shoutout to Prince Rupert, B.C.! 🌲🔥 Thanks for tuning in and supporting the channel. What’s the rarest or coolest chainsaw you’ve ever seen in action?? Let me know!

[@michaelmurray3445]

AI

[@raremachinery25]

@michaelmurray3445 Thanks for the reply! Are you referring to a specific state or place with 'AI'? Just curious-feel free to let me know where you're watching from!

[@loghog4392]

The narrative is gay.

[@raremachinery25]

@loghog4392 Thanks for your feedback! Everyone has their own style and preferences. What kind of narrative or approach do you enjoy in videos like this??

[@edpenney143]

Stihl a freak bucker

[@raremachinery25]

@edpenney143 Haha, sounds like you’ve got a real powerhouse there! The Stihl 044 Antarctic is built to handle some serious cutting, especially in tough conditions. Do you use it regularly, or is it more of a collector's piece for you now??

[@johnbaker-hl2uh]

uk

[@raremachinery25]

@johnbaker-hl2uh Thanks for watching all the way from the UK! 🇬🇧 It's amazing to see viewers from around the world. What's your favorite chainsaw or memory involving one?? 😊

[@Froglegstew]

That shit was normal, society is weak

[@raremachinery25]

@Froglegstew You're not alone in thinking that! It’s true, a lot of things that were once considered everyday skills or behaviors seem to have faded over time. Society has definitely shifted in priorities, but there are still people out there who appreciate and preserve those 'tougher' ways of life. That’s part of why I love creating content like this-it brings back those rugged, hands-on vibes! What’s your take on keeping those traditions alive??

[@Froglegstew]

What happened to a mans man?

[@raremachinery25]

@Froglegstew That’s a great question, and honestly, times have changed a lot. Traditional skills and interests, like working with tools, fixing things, and using powerful machines like these chainsaws, seem to have become less common for some. But there’s still a strong community out there keeping those passions alive-especially here on this channel! What do you think defines a 'man’s man' today??