From 1970 to 1976, Ford sold two chainsaw models – the Eagle I/II (1.6 HP, 32.7 cc) and the smaller Hawk (1.0 HP, 20 cc), which we’re focusing on in this post. These saws were not made by Ford itself but by California’s Ohlsson & Rice (later Orline Engines) under contract.
Introduced in 1970 (Ford-branded, in “Ford Blue” livery) and discontinued about 1976, these saws were essentially badge-engineered O&R machines: the Eagle corresponds to O&R’s “Challenger” chainsaw series, and the Hawk uses an O&R “Mustang” engine. They were sold through Ford tractor dealerships (often as dealer promo items or accessories bundled with tractors).
There were three “versions” of the saw: Hawk I, II, and III. These are all the same saw but were sold (or given away) with different length bars: 12-inch, 14-inch, or 16-inch.
Ford Hawk reviews
We’ve made a few posts about the Ford Hawk our FB page and got some helpful comments, and some hilarious comments (like “did you have to push it?”). Here are some of the highlights, but you can click on the posts to read the rest.
- Nathan said, “They came as an option on ford trucks and were stored under the hood on the drivers side fender.”
- Wayne said, “Built by O&R, in Los Angeles.”
- Jim said, “I have an OR Mustang, same saw different color and decals.”
- Joshua said, “Mine was super loud but ran good.”
- Ron said, “If you don’t have one…you haven’t missed a thing…well maybe a headache! POS.”
Comments:
- Dave said, “I got my Ford saw from an old farmer who said he got it for free when he bought a new Ford tractor.”
- Garry said, “Made by Ohllson and Rice , given away by Ford dealer as a promotion with new tractors, implements in the 1970s.”
- Billy said, “Also were installed in a lot of trucks as well for farmers.”
- Stuart said, “I bet it would be real fun when the sparkplug cap rubbed thin and exposed the tip on the plug.”
- Ron said, “It’s kinda rare to have a running one. I’m sure they weren’t very good to actually use but they’re like gold now in the collector world!”
- Justin said, “They were so tiny I can’t imagine they were good for much of anything.”
And Steve said:
Not to be negative, but that was at the top of the list for the most undependable chain saw ever produced.
My Dad was friends with the Ford tractor dealership owner. They didn’t have a small engine mechanic on staff, only fixed the big equipment. We handled the lawn and garden repairs for them.
Those saws were awful (as we’re the Cox brand which was similar).
Pictures
These pics also come from those same FB threads.
Dakota V shared the next two pics, saying:
I’ve got 6 Ford saws
3 Hawks, one in its original box
2 Eagle 1
1 Eagle 2These are just a few…
And “Here’s my most recent one with tons of new old stock parts.”
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Ford Hawk I / Hawk II / Hawk III |
| Manufacturer | Ford — Troy, Michigan, U.S.A. |
| Years Produced | 1970–1976 |
| Engine Displacement | 1.34 cu in (21.95 cc) |
| Cylinders | 1 |
| Cylinder Bore | 1.250 in (31.75 mm) |
| Piston Stroke | 1.096 in (27.8 mm) |
| Cylinder Type | Aluminum with cast steel liner |
| Intake Method | Reed valve |
| Operator Configuration | One-man operation |
| Handlebar System | Rigid |
| Chain Brake | None |
| Clutch | Centrifugal |
| Drive Type | Gear drive / gear reduction |
| Magneto Type | Flywheel magneto |
| Carburetor | O & R diaphragm type |
| Starter Type | O & R automatic rewind |
| Oil Pump | Manual |
| Ignition Timing | Fixed |
| Breaker Point Setting | 0.020 in |
| Flywheel / Coil Air Gap | 0.010 in |
| Spark Plug | Champion CJ8 (CJ14 originally used; later change recommended) |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.030 in |
| Crankshaft Main Bearings | Caged needle roller |
| Fuel Oil Ratio | 16:1 |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular grade gasoline |
| Mix Oil Specification | SAE 30 MS engine oil |
| Bar Length | 12 in, 14 in, 16 in |
| Colour Scheme | Ford Blue enamel |
| Notes | Unit manufactured by O&R Engines Inc. |
