The McCulloch Thrifty Mac chainsaw was first introduced in 1957 and was manufactured by McCulloch Motors Corporation in Los Angeles, California, USA. It was discontinued the following year in 1958. The Thrifty Mac was a popular model due to its lightweight construction and easy one-man operation, making it ideal for use around the home and for light-duty jobs.
It featured a rigid handlebar system, a direct drive type, and a manual oil pump. The chainsaw also boasted a McCulloch flywheel magneto type, a McCulloch diaphragm type carburetor, and a flocked wire screen air filter system. The Thrifty Mac’s colour scheme was McCulloch Yellow enamel.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | McCulloch Motors Corpration |
|---|---|
| Year Introduced | 1957 |
| Year Discontinued | 1958 |
| Engine Displacement | 3.3 cu. in. (54 cc) |
| Cylinder Bore | 1.75 in. (44.4 mm) |
| Piston Stroke | 1.375 in. (35 mm) |
| Cylinder Type | Aluminum with cast iron liner |
| Intake Method | Reed valve |
| Advertised Horsepower | Not advertised |
| Handlebar System | Rigid |
| Chain Brake | None |
| Clutch | Centrifugal |
| Drive Type | Direct |
| Construction | Die-cast magnesium |
| Magneto Type | McCulloch flywheel type |
| Carburetor | McCulloch diaphragm type |
| Major Repair Kit | n/a |
| Minor Repair Kit | n/a |
| Air Filter System | Flocked wire screen |
| Starter Type | McCulloch 2-pawl automatic rewind |
| Oil Pump | Manual |
| Maximum Engine RPM | 6,200 |
| Ignition Timing | Fixed |
| Breaker Point Setting | Points just contact with timing pin in timing hole |
| Flywheel/Coil Air Gap | 0.010 in. (0.25 mm) |
| Spark Plug Type | Champion J8J |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.025 in. (0.63 mm) |
| Crankshaft Main Bearings | Ball |
| Fuel/Oil Ratio | 1/2 pint of oil to 1 gallon of fuel |
| Recommended Fuel Octane | Regular grade |
| Mix Oil Specification | McCulloch two-cycle chain saw mix oil |
| Chain Pitch | 7/16 in. (11.112 mm) |
| Chain Type | Oregon 61C |
| Shortest Guide Bar Supplied | 16 in. (40 cm) |
| Color Scheme | McCulloch Yellow Enamel |
Features
- Rigid handlebar system for stability during operation
- Die-cast magnesium construction for durability
- Flocked wire screen air filter system for easy maintenance
- McCulloch 2-pawl automatic rewind starter type for effortless starting
- Centrifugal clutch for smooth operation
- Direct drive type for efficient power transfer
- Lightweight for ease of use and maneuverability
- McCulloch yellow enamel color scheme for a classic look
Conclusion
To sum up, the McCulloch Thrifty Mac chainsaw was manufactured by the McCulloch Motors Corp. in Los Angeles, California, USA, in 1957. It was a lightweight and affordable saw that offered good power-to-weight ratio for the time. The chainsaw had a one-man operation, rigid handlebar system, direct drive type, and a die-cast magnesium construction. It was a two-cycle chain saw with a 54cc engine displacement and a 7/16 inch chain pitch. The Thrifty Mac was a popular choice among homeowners, farmers, and small businesses.
Despite being discontinued in 1958, it had a lasting impact on the chainsaw industry and helped to make chainsaws more accessible to a wider audience.