In July of 1970, the McCulloch Motors Corporation introduced the Mini Mac 1A chainsaw to the world. For three years, the iconic tool was manufactured in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. before being discontinued in December of 1973. Now, over 50 years since its initial release, the Mini Mac 1A remains a beloved and highly sought-after piece of equipment by collectors. Let’s explore the features and specifications of this classic chainsaw that made it so popular during its time and why it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | McCulloch Motors Corp. |
|---|---|
| Series/Assembly No. | 600080, Serial Prefix 14 |
| Year Introduced | July 1970 |
| Year Discontinued | December 1973 |
| Engine Displacement | 1.78 cu. in. (29cc) |
| Cylinder Bore | 1.375 in. (34.93 mm) |
| Piston Stroke | 1.200 in. (30.48 mm) |
| Piston Ring Thickness | N/A |
| Cylinder Type | Aluminum with Chrome Plated Bore |
| Intake Method | Piston Ported |
| Manufacturer Advertised HP | N/A |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs. (2.95 kg) Powerhead Only |
| Handlebar System | Rigid |
| Chain Brake | Yes |
| Clutch | Centrifugal, Engages @ 2,600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Direct |
| Construction | Die-Cast Magnesium |
| Magneto Type | Breaker Point Flywheel |
| Carburetor | Walbro MDC |
| Major Repair Kit | K1MDC |
| Minor Repair Kit | D1MDC |
| Air Filter System | Flocked Wire Screen |
| Starter Type | Automatic Rewind |
| Oil Pump | Manual |
| Maximum Engine RPM | N/A |
| Idle RPM | N/A |
| Ignition Timing | 26 Degrees Before TDC |
| Breaker Point Setting | 0.018 in. (0.45 mm) |
| Flywheel/Coil Air Gap | 0.012 in. (0.30 mm) |
| Spark Plug Type | Champion AC CS45T |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.025 in. (0.63 mm) |
| Crankshaft Main Bearings | Caged Needle Roller |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 0.73 U.S. Pint (0.35 L) |
| Fuel/Oil Ratio | 40:1 with McCulloch Oil |
| Recommended Fuel Octane | Regular |
| Mix Oil Specification | McCulloch Two-Cycle Mix Oil |
| Chain Pitch | 3/8 in. Low Profile |
| Chain Type | McCulloch |
| Bar Mount Pattern | 08 Link |
| Shortest Guide Bar Supplied | 12 in. (30 cm) |
| Longest Guide Bar Supplied | 16 in. (40 cm) |
| Colour Scheme | McCulloch Yellow Enamel |
Features
- The McCulloch Mini Mac 1A chainsaw was manufactured by McCulloch Motors Corp. in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
- It was first introduced in July 1970 and was discontinued in December 1973.
- The chainsaw had a compact size and lightweight construction, making it an ideal choice for small branches, trimming trees, and basic yard work.
- The engine displacement was 1.78 cu. in. (29cc), with a single cylinder and an aluminum with chrome plated bore cylinder type.
- The chainsaw was designed for one-man operation with a top handle, and had a rigid handlebar system and a chain brake.
- The clutch was centrifugal and engaged at 2,600 RPM, with a direct drive type and a die-cast magnesium construction.
- The chainsaw had an automatic rewind starter type, a manual oil pump, and a recommended fuel octane of regular.
- It had a fuel tank capacity of .73 U.S. Pint, and used a fuel oil ratio of 40:1 with McCulloch oil.
- The shortest guide bar supplied was 12 inches (30 cm), and the longest guide bar supplied was 16 inches (40 cm).
- The McCulloch Mini Mac 1A had a yellow enamel color scheme.
Conclusion
The McCulloch Mini Mac 1A chainsaw was an iconic tool that was introduced in July 1970 by McCulloch Motors Corp. in Los Angeles, California. For over three years, it was a favorite among loggers, landscapers, and homeowners because of its lightweight construction, compact size, and easy-to-use design. Despite being discontinued in December 1973, the Mini Mac 1A remains a sought-after collectible today.
With its die-cast magnesium construction, automatic rewind starter, and rigid handlebar system, the Mini Mac 1A set the standard for one-man, top-handle chainsaws. The chainsaw’s chrome-plated aluminum cylinder bore, piston-ported intake method, and breaker point flywheel magneto type helped to reduce maintenance requirements and extend the life of the tool.
Overall, the McCulloch Mini Mac 1A chainsaw was a groundbreaking tool that set the stage for modern chainsaw design. Its durability, ease of use, and portability made it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, and its legacy continues to live on more than 50 years after its introduction.