It's time we talk about sleeper saws. Everyone knows that a dolmar 7900 or 346 husky will cut like demons but how about the ones you don't expect or seem to do more than they should for their size or age. This thread is dedicated to them. My own personal sleeper is my poulan 5200. It's 85 ccs but it will run with my muffler modded 066. My Dad has a pioneer P62 that is also impressive. I had a dolmar 153 and a husky 2100 which are the same size but the p62 would outshine them in big wood easily.
Saws that surprise the hell out of you.
- Thread starter MOE
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Super EZ Auto Homelite
opcorn:
opcorn:
Husqvarna 238. Damn thing cuts with the 350 class machines. 38cc's!:msp_scared:
Moe, be quiet, the price of 5200's is getting higher all the time. Let the fools believe there lime green and no good. 
Moe, be quiet, the price of 5200's is getting higher all the time. Let the fools believe there lime green and no good.
The same with the big P series saws, they are getting harder to find and the cost is constantly rising, don`t spread it around....LOL
mweba
Addicted to ArboristSite
+1 on the 5200/5.2 My recently acquired 133 also left an impression, really had not seen to many posts on this saw so it was a pleasant surprise. In general, the non epa, we're not worried about the environment late seventies to late eighties saws are very impressive. Kind of the hot rod muscle era imho
The 2800 Poulan surprised me the other day when I ran it. It is only 46cc and its just cuts!!
Chris J.
Addicted to ArboristSite
Moe, be quiet, the price of 5200's is getting higher all the time. Let the fools believe there lime green and no good.
And ALL Craftsman chainsaws are worthless garbage :msp_wink:.
homelitejim
Full of Scrap
Super EZ Auto Homelite
I should have gotten up earlier to beat you to this.
I should be able to comment on the Poulan 5400 later today or tomorrow.
The McCulloch SP81 is a runner for sure and light weight for a all metal 5 cube saw.
saxman
Addicted to ArboristSite
I will vote for the Homelite Super EZ Automatic in the vintatge saw class. I never had one before this summer and I ended up with two I got at auctions, one was a 1978 and the other a 1979. I have always liked Homelite saws but never was exposed to the Super EZ, they are a gutsy little saw and are very well built. They are a good cheap saw that are a worthy addition to any collection. In the new saw class I would say my new MS211 Stihl surprised me, I didn't expect this saw to have the guts it does. I read all the reviews here on AS and like with all of those I took it with a grain or two of salt but they were right it is a good, little powerful saw.
Steve
Steve
Great Smokies
ArboristSite Operative
Curveball: Efco MT3700. Small saw but I tried one and leaned on it and it kept plugging. Zippy little saw for a little over $200.
mowoodchopper
Polar Bear
jonsered 2050, because it was the biggest piece of #### I have ever saw
bryanr2
Addicted to ArboristSite
I like the Echo cs520 Randy (Mastermind) ported for me. It's not a pro saw but it has some nuts. Theres a video on page two of the build thread Mastermind meets the Echo cs520.
alderman
Addicted to ArboristSite
The Shindaiwa 345 is a little saw that suprised me when I ran it. I didn't think I'd use a little saw much, but I grab it now for anything small enough it will handle. Light and nimble for cutting branches even though the short bar requires some bending.
For anybody without a small saw in the stable, I'd recommend getting a small saw as they really are useful with the right conditions.
For anybody without a small saw in the stable, I'd recommend getting a small saw as they really are useful with the right conditions.
DarkTimber
ArboristSite Operative
Husky 44 suprised me as well as the fellow I was cutting with when it outcut his Husky 51 in 12" locust.
Nardoo
Addicted to ArboristSite
OK, I will play. Just the other day I picked up an 039, the first of that series that I have ever bothered with. Well to be honest it was free, which is the only reason I brought it home. Compression seemed really strong and a quick check revealed a fuel line torn in two. No wonder it would not go. Anyway, with a new fuel line it fired right up and ran well. A quick muffler mod (and easy), a new full chisel chain and this POS is cutting along side a nice 038 mag. I know no-one is gunna believe me.
And another vote for the 8500. (sorry Mark)
Al.
And another vote for the 8500. (sorry Mark)
Al.
indiansprings
Firewood Purveyor
I have to go along with the little Homelite Super EZ, still have a couple of them. We had bought one new in 76 or 77, finally burned it up cleaning fence row, the muffler was always against the ground causing the saw to get too hot. But I had a guy give me two of them a couple of years ago, one is almost like it just come out of the box and the other one has had a little more use. I run them from time to time, for their time they were stout little saws, I've let other guys try them and they are shocked how well they run. Second vote is for the Efco/JD Cs 56/ 156. One of the best firewood saws I've ever owned for the money, for 300.00 right up a stock MS 361's hiney. Same feeling mdavlee has on the 346. I could kick myself in the hiney for trading off the JD CS 56.
