The Clinton CS323 is one of the more unusual American chainsaws of the 1950s. Introduced in 1953, it combined a 73.4cc two-stroke engine with belt reduction, a tubular handling frame, and an indexing system that allowed the cutting assembly to be positioned for different cuts.
The saw pictured here wears the distinctive yellow-and-blue finish, although it also came in yellow and black. Clinton literature used both CS323 and 323A model names. A 1954 advertisement (two images below) identifies the CS323, while 1957 advertising (below) names the CS-323A.
The exact changeover date is unclear, and most collector references group them as one 1953–1959 model family.
FREE TRYOUT ON YOUR OWN PLACE
CLINTON CHAINSAW
Your Dealer Supplies the Saw Ready to Use
No. CS323
Now Only $179.50
without guide bar and chain
FOB Clinton, MichiganHas the big chainsaw features. A full weight tool not a toy. Special diaphragm fuel pump! You cut from any position. New on-off switch for complete power control. Safety-sight guide! Belt drive! Split second swivel! A complete family of Chainsaws for you to choose from. Service everywhere. Mail for giant 3-color folder. See your Clinton Dealer for free tryout.
CS323 and 323A Specifications
| Specification | Clinton CS323 / 323A |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Clinton Machine Company |
| Model names | CS323; later literature uses CS-323A or 323A |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Production period | Generally listed as 1953–1959 for the 323/323A family |
| Configuration | One-man gasoline chainsaw |
| Engine type | Single-cylinder, air-cooled two-stroke |
| Displacement | 4.48 cu. in. / 73.4cc |
| Bore | 1.875 in. / 47.6 mm |
| Stroke | 1.625 in. / 41.3 mm |
| Cylinder construction | Aluminum cylinder with cast-iron sleeve |
| Intake system | Reed valve |
| Advertised power | 3.5 hp |
| Normal operating speed | Approximately 4,500 rpm |
| Maximum speed | Approximately 4,500–4,800 rpm |
| Idle speed | Approximately 1,500–1,800 rpm |
| Weight | 28 lb / 12.7 kg, powerhead only |
| Crankshaft bearings | Ball and caged needle-roller bearings |
| Carburetor | Float type |
| Fuel system | Fuel pump with manual priming control, designed to maintain fuel delivery in different cutting positions |
| Air filter | Skinner ribbon-type element |
| Fuel capacity | 1 US quart / 32 fl. oz. / 0.946 L |
| Historical fuel mixture | 323A manual specifies ¾ pint SAE 30 oil per US gallon, approximately 10.7:1 |
| Recommended fuel in period manual | Regular, non-leaded gasoline |
| Period-specified mixing oil | SAE 30 non-detergent oil |
| Fuel shutoff | Manual valve |
| Ignition | High-tension flywheel magneto |
| Magneto manufacturer | Clinton; some saws reportedly used Phelon components |
| Ignition timing | Fixed |
| Breaker-point gap | 0.020 in. / 0.51 mm |
| Flywheel-to-coil gap | 0.007–0.017 in. / 0.18–0.43 mm |
| Spark plug | Champion H11 or equivalent |
| Spark-plug gap | 0.025 in. / 0.63 mm |
| Starter | Automatic-rewind recoil starter |
| Clutch | Automatic centrifugal clutch |
| Drive system | Gilmer-type belt reduction |
| Reduction ratio | 3:1 |
| 323A drive name | Torsion Drive |
| Drive protection | Shock-absorbing component intended to cushion sudden chain loads |
| Chain lubrication | Manual plunger oil pump |
| Chain-oil capacity | ½ US pint / 8 fl. oz. / approximately 237 ml |
| Straight guide bars | 16, 20, 26, and 30 inches |
| Later advertised bars | 20, 26, and 30 inches |
| Bow-saw attachments | 14- and 18-inch bow assemblies |
| Helper handle | Available for long-bar and two-person operation |
| Chain type | Clinton No. 9 chipper chain; identified as Oregon 9C in the model profile |
| Chain pitch | ½ inch |
| Chain gauge | Not stated in the available factory literature |
| Drive sprocket | Six-tooth sprocket |
| Chain adjustment | Screw-adjusted guide bar |
| Bumper spike | Five-spike bumper |
| Main construction | Die-cast aluminum with tubular handling frame |
| Handle mounting | Rigid, without anti-vibration isolation |
| Chain brake | None |
| Documented factory color | Clinton yellow and black enamel |
| Other surviving colors | Yellow-and-blue components are found on surviving saws, including the example pictured |
These specifications were compiled from the original Clinton 323A instruction manual and parts list.
CS323 Versus 323A
The plain CS323 was being advertised in 1954. By 1957, Clinton was advertising the CS-323A with Torsion Drive, a special indexing feature, a float carburetor, and guide bars from 14 to 30 inches.
The clearest documented change is therefore the named Torsion Drive system. The 323A parts book shows a shock absorber incorporated into the belt drive to cushion sudden loads. Earlier CS323 advertising mentions belt drive but does not use the Torsion Drive name.
Unfortunately, surviving records frequently combine the 323 and 323A specifications. Paint color is not sufficient to identify the version, and neither set of photographs shows a model or type number clearly enough to settle the suffix.
Interesting facts
The indexing arrangement was one of the saw’s main selling points. Rather than forcing the operator to hold the entire 28-pound powerhead at an awkward angle, the cutting assembly could be repositioned for bucking, notching, and felling cuts.
Although advertised as a one-man saw, Clinton offered a helper handle for long guide bars. This allowed the CS323 to be operated more like an older two-man saw when fitted with its largest cutting equipment.
The 323A’s Torsion Drive was more than a marketing name. Its belt and shock-absorbing assembly was intended to cushion abrupt chain loads, reducing the chance of engine damage or a broken drive belt.
In 1954, the CS323 was advertised at $179.50 without a guide bar or chain, FOB Clinton, Michigan. Clinton also promoted free demonstrations through its dealer network.
Period manuals and nameplates give Clinton, Michigan, as the company address. However, company history records that Clinton acquired its large Maquoketa, Iowa manufacturing facility in 1950.
At 28 pounds before fitting a bar and chain, with no anti-vibration system, no chain brake, and only a manual chain oiler, the CS323 is a reminder of how physically demanding one-man chainsaws still were during the early 1950s.
