Our favorite eBay seller, Alex, has just posted a new listing for an epic vintage chainsaw: the 1960s Jo-Bu D94 Tiger S!
It’s a 93 cc beast of a saw made by the Norwegian company Jo-Bu. This one has been restored and is running “flawlessly.”
Check it out on eBay here, where it is listed for US $850.00. Alex is based in Hungary but can ship to most countries.
Jo-Bu D94 Tiger S
Here’s the listing description:
1960 was the year when a chainsaw that made history appeared: the Jo-bu D94 Tiger!
One of the best chainsaws ever made: about 40,500 units were made! The D94 stood out by being the first chainsaw produced by the Norwegian company with a direct centrifugal clutch, also known as a “servo clutch”.
It is characterized by the fact that it engages at a relatively high engine speed, which means greater safety for the user of the saw, and it is designed in such a way that when the cut begins, the engagement becomes stronger and this 100% engagement lasts well beyond the critical slip point!
In 1964, the new Tiger S was introduced, which was identical to the previous model, but with an improved engine that, thanks to the new cylinder and piston, could deliver 5.5 horsepower at 5000 rpm!
I put Viton seals in it, as well as new carburetor seals, and fuel pipes and filter. The saw is in good power and works flawlessly!
There is no guarantee, no buyback.
The Jo-Bu D94 “Tiger” was introduced in 1960 by Norwegian maker Jo-Bu (Drøbak). It featured a 93 cm³ (5.67 cu in) two-stroke engine and a die-cast magnesium crankcase – a major advance for its time.
The Tiger’s all-position diaphragm carburetor and lightweight design made it easier to handle than earlier models. Enthusiasts have said it was “a very modern saw for its time.”
Jo-Bu was then Norway’s market leader in chainsaws, exporting to Europe and the U.S. The D94 Tiger combined Scandinavian engineering with innovative features that set it apart from contemporaries.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 93 cm³ single-cylinder two-stroke (5.7 cu in) |
| Power Output | 4.8 HP at about 5,000 RPM |
| Maximum Engine Speed | 5,000 RPM |
| Weight | 10.5 kg (23 lb) with 45 cm (18″) bar |
| Clutch & Drive | Direct-drive chain with centrifugal “servo” clutch |
| Construction | Die-cast magnesium housing, automatic oil pump, Jo-Bu rewind starter |
| Fuel | 20:1 gasoline/oil mix, regular fuel octane recommended |
The Jo-Bu D94 Tiger S chainsaw was considered light yet powerful for its era. Weighing just 23 pounds with an 18-inch bar, it provided a good balance of maneuverability and cutting capacity.
One of its most innovative features was the centrifugal “servo” clutch. Unlike earlier saws that used hand clutches or belt drives, the D94’s clutch kept the chain stationary at idle and only engaged when the engine reached higher RPMs. This not only made the saw safer to operate but also reduced unnecessary wear on the chain and drive system.
The saw’s die-cast magnesium housing made it strong and durable while keeping weight manageable. Its automatic oil pump and Jo-Bu rewind starter further improved reliability and ease of use.
Running on a 20:1 gasoline-to-oil mix, the D94 was designed for regular fuel available at the time. With nearly 5 horsepower on tap, it stood out as an efficient and capable machine in the early 1960s, making it a favorite among loggers who needed a dependable tool for demanding work.
Tiger S (1964 Model Upgrade)
In 1964, Jo-Bu released the Tiger S, an updated Tiger. It kept the same 93 cc engine frame but received a new cylinder, piston, and tuning.
The Tiger S was rated at about 5.5 HP – a notable jump over the original – and could be revved to roughly 6,500 RPM. Despite the extra power, it still weighed 10.5 kg and retained the direct clutch drive.
In appearance, the Tiger S was nearly identical to the D94; the changes were mostly internal. In short, the “S” model offered a stronger engine in the same proven chassis.
Performance and legacy
At the time the Tiger was competing with other European saws (Stihl, Husqvarna, Dolmar, etc.) in the 90–100 cc class. Jo-Bu’s strengths were its smooth starting and advanced features: the magnesium case kept weight low and the built-in centrifugal clutch improved safety over many contemporaries.
Collectors and historians agree the Tiger was well-regarded; one forum enthusiast called it “a very modern saw for its time.” Jo-Bu saws were known for quality, and by the late 1960s the company even offered special attachments (e.g. forestry augers and outboard propellers) for their saws.
Today the D94 Tiger and Tiger S are prized by vintage chainsaw collectors. Their solid build and unique Norwegian heritage stand out among 1960s saws.
Jo-Bu itself was sold to Electrolux in 1983 and production of its saws ended, so the Tigers remain a snapshot of that era.
Even after decades, many Tigers still run well, a testament to their design.
The Jo-Bu Tiger line combined a punchy engine, light handling, and cutting-edge safety features (for 1960) – qualities that keep it remembered fondly by aficionados.
Check out these other vintage chainsaw restorations by Alex:
