The Jonsereds Raket 601 is a classic Swedish chainsaw built by Jonsereds Fabrikers AB in Partille, Sweden. It was introduced in 1969 and produced through 1972.
This model features a 56 cc (3.4 cu in) two-stroke engine (about 2.65 kW, roughly 3.5 horsepower at 7700 rpm) in a lightweight magnesium housing.
The saw pictured here was listed and sold on eBay for US $490.00 by Alex (seller ‘szabsa76’) in May 2025. He regularly lists rare vintage saws like this, so be sure to watch his page.
Jondereds Raket 601
The listing description:
Rare vintage ” blue” Jonsered Raket 601 chainsaw for sale with good operation
I offer for sale the Jonsereds Raket 601 chainsaw shown in the pictures.
It was produced in Sweden from 1969 to 1972. 56cc, 3.4 HP.
The saw is in good technical condition, it has a beautiful sound!
It starts nicely, takes corners well, and its lubrication is perfect.
The oil tank was repaired with a screw, as shown in the fifth photo.Due to its age, I recommend the saw not for cutting wood, but for collecting.
Watch this video of the saw running on YouTube.
The Raket 601 evolved from Jonsered’s earlier Raket 60 model (introduced in 1966), sharing many design elements but updated in styling and case. In collector catalogs the Raket 601 is listed as a new model (RS-601) introduced in 1969, overlapping with the tail end of the Raket 60’s run (1966–73).
Jonsereds’ Raket series was known for robust, simple saws in the late 1960s. The 601’s 56 cc engine and simple design made it popular among European loggers and farmers. By modern standards it is small and lightweight.
Specifications
According to ChainSawCollectorCorner, the 601’s engine displaced 56 cc and the powerhead weighed only 6.19 kg (about 13.6 lb), thanks to a one-piece die-cast magnesium crankcase.
The saw had a rigid one-piece handlebar (no anti-vibration isolators) and no chain brake (common for its era). Fuel was mixed at 25:1 oil/gas, and the fuel tank held about 0.95 liters. Starting was by a recoil auto-rewind starter.
Specifications:
- Engine & Power: 56 cc two-stroke (3.4 cu in) 3.5 hp (2.65 kW @7700 rpm)
- Weight: 6.19 kg powerhead (13.6 lb)
- Construction: Die-cast magnesium crankcase; rigid handlebar; no chain brake
- Fuel/Oil: 0.95 L fuel tank, 25:1 oil/gas mix; automatic oil pump (worm-gear)
- Starter: Recoil (spring auto-rewind)
- Drive: Direct drive, centrifugal clutch, Pagani magneto
Versions
Jonsereds offered the Raket series in distinctive paint schemes. The official color for the Raket 601 was red and silver enamel. (Indeed, Jonsereds’ collector notes list the 601 only in red/silver.)
The earlier Raket 60 model had been available in both red/silver and blue/silver finishes. In practice, however, a handful of Raket 601 saws in blue/silver are known to exist, making them especially rare.
One collector on OPE Forum notes, “They came in blue and red,” suggesting that early RS-601 units may have used the old blue scheme before switching to red. In summary, the red/silver Raket 601 is common in documentation, while any blue/silver 601 is a rare variant (collectors prize them as unusual survivors).
Beyond color, the Raket family included several related models. The Raket 60 (introduced 1966) was the “base” 56 cc saw. The Raket 601 (1969–72) updated that design. In 1970, Jonsereds introduced the Raket 621, a further refinement with the same 56 cc engine but eventually offered with a chain brake (later models).
Other Raket models ranged from smaller (Raket 85, etc.) to larger engines (Raket 521, 751, etc.), but the 601 represents the mid-range 56 cc class of its time. (A parallel 62 cc version, the Raket 62/62S, and later models like the 75/111S, also appeared around then, but the 601 remained the standard 56 cc “blue” series saw.)
Collector value
Today the Jonsereds Raket 601 is sought by vintage chainsaw enthusiasts and is rarely seen outside Scandinavia. The earlier quoted OPE Forum member also said, “You don’t see this one stateside – fairly certain they were never imported.”
A well-preserved Raket 601 (especially with original paint) is considered a collectible. The magnesium housing and simple, “cool” look appeal to hobbyists restoring old saws. Aftermarket support has emerged too – for example, repro decal kits are available for the Raket 601.
The blue-silver units are especially prized; finding a running blue Raket 601 is notable among collectors.
Key points for enthusiasts: The Raket 601’s combination of vintage design, lightweight, and Swedish heritage makes it a fan favorite. It embodies the 1960s European saw style – two-stroke simplicity with sturdy magnesium castings.
Knowing its production years (1969–72) and spec, collectors can spot authentic units (e.g. serial prefixes, cylinder plating, etc.). Despite no chain brake, it handles well for logs of its day. Parts can be hard to find, but many users have kept theirs running for decades.
See more of Alex’s saws in these posts:
