The McCulloch D30 (1958–1959) was a lightweight direct-drive chainsaw designed for farmers and landowners who needed an affordable, practical cutting tool. Producing about 3.5 horsepower while weighing roughly 17 pounds, it offered a strong power-to-weight ratio for its time.
The saw featured McCulloch’s LUBRI-MAC automatic chain oiling system, a diaphragm carburetor, and durable die-cast magnesium and aluminum construction, making it a capable and convenient saw for general farm and land-clearing work.
Mac D30 reviews
Comments on the D-30 from the above FB post:
- Rick said, “Great saws but man talk about needing ear protection, those things were brutal.”
- Rolly said, “It was like a outboard motor sporting air cool and a chain.”
- Lydia said, “You need 3 men to pull start it so you can catch your breath and then it flooded out had to dry the spark plug.”
- Ken said, “Boat anchors.”
- Mike said, “I had the D-30 Lots of power.”
- Jeff said, “The one we used in the 70’s was loud, heavy, and hard to start.”
- Pete said, “Worked on loads of em, sh*t to work on and sh*t to use.”
Alain Lamothe said:
The D30 was the first of this series…
No oil tank, it uses the surplus oil from engine base to lubricate chain using an injector… did not work good… recall was made adding an extension tank in front of motor… the plastic recoil was also a problem scavenging the nylon gear… not sturdy enough, the model was abandoned and replaced by the D36.
And he shared this picture…
Specifications
| General Information | |
| Model | D30 |
| Manufacturer | McCulloch Motors Corp., Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. |
| Production years | 1958 – 1959 |
| Operator configuration | One Man operation |
| Construction | Die cast magnesium / aluminum alloy |
| Colour scheme | McCulloch Yellow enamel |
| Engine Specification | |
| Engine type | Single cylinder two-stroke |
| Cylinder displacement | 4.9 cu in (80 cc) |
| Number of cylinders | 1 |
| Cylinder bore | 2.125 in (54 mm) |
| Stroke | 1.375 in (35 mm) |
| Cylinder type | Aluminum with cast iron sleeve |
| Intake method | Reed valve with third port induction |
| Advertised power (period ads) | 3.5 hp |
| Ignition System | |
| Magneto type | McCulloch |
| Ignition timing | Fixed |
| Breaker point setting | 0.018 in (under flywheel) |
| Flywheel / coil air gap | 0.010 in (0.25 mm) |
| Spark plug | Champion J8J |
| Spark plug gap | 0.025 in (0.63 mm) |
| Fuel System | |
| Carburetor | McCulloch diaphragm type |
| Air filter system | Flocked wire screen |
| Fuel oil ratio | 10:1 |
| Recommended fuel | Regular gasoline |
| Mix oil specification | McCulloch two-cycle chain saw mix |
| Fuel filtration | Felt fuel pick-up system |
| Lubrication System | |
| Oiling system | LUBRI-MAC automatic chain oiling (oil taken from fuel mixture) |
| Oil pump | Manual oiler added after initial production |
| Oil supply method | Oil extracted from crankcase and fed to bar when using 10:1 mixture |
| Drive & Clutch | |
| Clutch | Centrifugal automatic clutch |
| Drive type | Direct drive |
| Chain brake | None |
| Handlebar system | Rigid |
| Crankshaft bearings | Ball |
| Starter | |
| Starter type | McCulloch pinion gear type starter |
| Cutting Equipment | |
| Chain pitch | .404 in |
| Chain type | McCulloch Pintail chain |
| Shortest guide bar supplied | 16 in (40 cm) |
| Longest guide bar supplied | 24 in (60 cm) |
| Maximum bar length advertised | Up to 30 in |
| Weight | |
| Weight (powerhead only) | 18 lb |
| Weight advertised | ~17 lb (period advertising claim) |
Vintage ads
McCULLOCH Chain Saws
ALL NEW DIRECT DRIVE MAC D30
NEVER BEFORE A SAW WITH SO MANY FEATURES AT SUCH A LOW, LOW PRICE!
Completely new in engineering and design, the MAC D30 gives real McCulloch perform-ance and quality at an unequalled price. Weighing but 17 lbs., the beautifully balanced MAC D30 is an easy to use farm tool that cuts fast, lasts long, makes as well as saves you money. Ideal for clearing land, cutting fence-posts, pruning, sawing silage. Features LUBRI-MAC automatic oiling, takes blades up to 30”.
MAC D30-COMPLETE WITH 12″ BLADE AND CHAIN-ONLY $149.95 (EASY TERMS)
Free Demonstration! TEST THE SENSATIONAL NEW MAC D30 AT YOUR DEALER LISTED BELOW.
A CHAIN SAW YOU CAN’T AFFORD NOT TO OWN!
$20.00 down and only $15.00 per month buys you a brand new McCulloch Mac D-30.
The Brand New MAC D30
$159.95Featuring LUBRI-MAC the new system that takes oil for the chain automatically from the fuel mixture.
First with the automatic clutch, the diaphragm carburetor and die-cast magnesium—McCulloch now brings you the greatest chain saw achievement of all! It’s McCulloch’s revolutionary new LUBRI-MAC, the new system that takes oil for the chain automatically from the fuel mixture—yet you can buy the MAC 30 at the lowest price ever!
• The greatest power-per-pound in direct drive chain saw history—3.5 h.p. and only 17 pounds. (A perfect combination.)
• Low price—the lowest ever! (Real value!)
• Convenient operation with thumb-range controls. (Easy as cutting butter!)
• Felt fuel pick-up system—screens fuel before entering carburetor.
• More powerful fuel mixture with McCulloch diaphragm carburetor.• “Atomization” carburetor. (It keeps going!)
• Easier starting with new automotive-type starter. (And away you go!)
• Maximum cooling with die-cast deep cylinder fins. (A cool customer!)
• McCulloch-built to tough die-cast aluminum and magnesium alloys for years of service. (Smooth yet rugged!)
• Complete with bar and PINTAIL chain! (The best chain going!)There’s McCulloch dealer service in your town.
