Here’s a compilation of chainsaw cutaway photos and videos—saws that have had sections of the body, engine, clutch cover, or other parts removed to show what’s going on inside. They are a great way to see the inner workings of a chainsaw: the cylinder, piston, crankcase, carburettor, clutch, oiling system, and chain drive.
Some were made for dealer displays, trade shows, training, or factory demonstrations, while others were later cut open by collectors and enthusiasts. They’re fascinating because they turn an ordinary chainsaw into a mechanical cross-section, showing the design and engineering that is normally hidden under the covers.
First up, here are a few STIHL cutaways from Tom Gray’s collection.
Chris Goldman took this shot of a Homelite Chainsaw cutaway during his visit to Wayne’s Chainsaw Museum.
Next, here’s a 1968 STIHL 070 cutaway. Pictures come from oldchainsaw.com.
This next model is easily identified by its magnesium piston. It’s the STIHL MS 400.
Here’s a Jonsereds Chainsaw cutaway. I think this is a 451.
Mark (user ‘heimannm’) shared the following couple of images on the opeforum.com.
He said, “These belong to Boyd Dosher (Boyd’s Outdoor Power – Dresser, WI)…”.
Next, the MS 500i is the world’s first fuel-injected chainsaw, and STIHL highlights this with cut-away graphics like this…
The above image illustrates the:
- Fuel injection system – You can see the electronic fuel injection components and wiring inside the housing, showing how fuel delivery is electronically controlled rather than by a carburetor.
- Engine internals – The piston, cylinder, and crankshaft are visible, giving an inside look at the high-performance 2-stroke engine design.
- Airflow and cooling – The cutaway demonstrates how air passes through the intake and cooling system around the cylinder.
- Chain drive system – The sprocket, clutch, and how power is transferred to the bar and chain are also visible.
Here’s an illustration of a Power Machinery Canadien Chainsaw cutaway.
ECHO 351VL cutaway poster.
Kentucky Fried Husqvarna.
STIHL MS 261 C cutaway video.
Remington GL-7R Chainsaw cutaway.
