Edward Knapp is selling this rare Bolens 3010-02 “Thrifty” chainsaw. The saw fires on spray, and he says he would not take less than $500 for it. Ed has handled plenty of vintage chainsaws, but says this is the only example he has encountered and, as he sells off his collection, one of the hardest for him to let go.
Bolens is best known for its garden tractors, but the company also sold chainsaws during its years as part of the Food Machinery and Chemical Corporation. These saws were produced in Port Washington, Wisconsin.
“Thrifty” is the official name of the 3010 rather than a decal added later. Period advertising (below) shows the 3010 Thrifty alongside the larger 3014 “Swifty,” while collectors have documented both 3010-01 and 3010-02 variants.
Thrifty model 3010, Direct Drive
Top quality in the economy class. Compact, ruggedly built for all-round versatility. Bolens Thrifty is an outstanding value.
Swifty model 3014, Direct Drive
Extra horsepower, features you’d expect only in higher priced saws. Bolens Swifty gives you everything you need to make cutting faster, easier than ever.
Bolens Chain Saws zip through any wood – hard or knotty, green or sappy, wet or dry – easy as can be.
Deep-Cut power is the reason. When you start your cut, you can feel the power as the Bolens saw bites in. As you cut deeper and unleash the full Deep-Cut power of your Bolens, you’ll notice how smooth and easy it digs through the wood. The job’s done in no time at all.
And here’s something else you’ll like about Bolens chain saws. They’re as easy to handle under full cutting power as they are when you’re zipping off branches.
Buy Bolens and take advantage of this easy-to-handle Deep-Cut Power.
Ed’s saw is a 3010-02 with serial number 302161. It retains its distinctive bronze-and-cream finish, Bolens identification badge and red-arrow Thrifty decals. It is an uncommon model, particularly with its original branding still clearly visible.
Power comes from a 77 cc Power Products AH-47 two-stroke engine rated at approximately 4 horsepower. This is a heavy, slow-turning saw from the cast-metal era, with direct drive, rigid handles, manual chain oiling and no chain brake.
Bolens 3010-02 Thrifty Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bolens Division, Food Machinery and Chemical Corporation |
| Manufactured in | Port Washington, Wisconsin, USA |
| Model | 3010-02 “Thrifty” |
| Serial number pictured | 302161 |
| Production era | Mid-1950s to early 1960s; advertised by 1955 |
| Engine | Power Products AH-47, air-cooled two-stroke single |
| Displacement | 77 cc / 4.7 cu. in. |
| Power | Approximately 4 hp / 3.0 kW |
| Maximum engine speed | 4,500 rpm |
| Bore × stroke | 50.8 × 38.1 mm / 2.00 × 1.50 in. |
| Cylinder | Aluminum with cast-iron sleeve |
| Intake | Reed valve |
| Powerhead weight | 20 lb / 9 kg |
| Construction | Sand-cast magnesium and aluminum |
| Carburetor | Tillotson HL series |
| Drive type | Direct drive |
| Clutch | Centrifugal |
| Starter | Fairbanks Morse automatic rewind |
| Chain lubrication | Manual oiler |
| Chain pitch | 7/16 in. |
| Maximum listed bar length | 20 in. / 51 cm |
| Period fuel mixture | 16:1 after break-in |
| Chain brake | None |
| Handle system | Rigid |
Anyone seriously interested in buying the saw should contact Edward Knapp on FB.
