The McCulloch Pro Mac 10-10 was a classic American chainsaw introduced in June 1977 and built until September 1982.
Manufactured by McCulloch Motors Corp. in Los Angeles, it featured a 3.3 cu. in. (54 cc) two-stroke engine in a lightweight die-cast magnesium housing. This 54 cc saw was pitched as a heavy-duty “Pro-Mac” model – popular with farms, utility crews, and serious DIYers.
The saw pictured here was listed on eBay in May 2025 by seller ‘stihlsawing’ and sold for US $225.00.
McCulloch Pro Mac 10-10 Chainsaw
The eBay listing description for the pictured saw:
McCulloch Pro Mac 10-10 Chainsaw Runs!
Saw runs and cuts good. Chain could be replaced as some point.
Absolutely no returns! Any questions, just ask
In use the 10-10 was prized for torque and durability, even though chain speed was modest. The Pro Mac 10-10 became a known firewood-cutting workhorse: not the fastest saw, but a “dependable old goat” that could push through hardwood without stalling.
Holland Dell shared this on hearth.com:
While I cut for 10 years in my late teens and into my twenties, I stopped due to a career pursuit and at the time was using a Pro Mac 10-10 as it was the go-to saw for the local utility company’s tree trimming crew. It was a great saw.
Its collectible status grew from this reputation – and from its magnesium body – although enthusiasts caution the value remains fairly modest (a clean saw might fetch a few hundred dollars).
History
The Pro Mac 10-10 was part of McCulloch’s late-1970s saw lineup. It followed earlier Mac 10-10 models of the 1960s (the original Mac 10-10 was built 1967–1970) and succeeded many Super 10-10 variants.
In June 1977 McCulloch launched the “Pro Mac” series, debuting the 54 cc Pro Mac 10-10 as its new mid-size work saw. The saw was sold alongside other Pro Mac models (e.g. 10-10A automatic, Pro Mac 55, 700, etc.) through the late 1970s.
It catered to semi-professional users who needed more power and durability than small homeowner saws, yet in a lighter package than full-size logging saws. Production ended in 1982, around the same time McCulloch introduced the larger Pro Mac 10-10S (3.5 in³, 57 cc engine) in June 1982. The 10-10S increased displacement and added features like a factory chain brake and fully electronic ignition, but the original Pro Mac 10-10 remained the quintessential 54 cc “classic.”
McCulloch produced these saws in California – the company had long roots (founded 1943) as a major U.S. chainsaw maker – and even after McCulloch’s brand was sold off (now a Husqvarna subsidiary), the Pro Mac 10-10 retains a loyal following.
Reviews
In day-to-day use, owners and reviewers highlight the Pro Mac 10-10’s combination of torque and toughness.
The 54 cc engine produces ample low-end power: “These saws aren’t screamers… they have tons of torque,” one veteran noted. It could lug through tough, knotty wood that might stall a faster-but-lighter saw.
As another user put it, even at 30+ years old they “still get the job done.” Multiple owners describe the saw as reliable and durable, given proper upkeep. For example, one enthusiast recalled using a Pro Mac 10-10 for logging decades ago: “good old saws keep on going and going,” he said.
On the other hand, performance has some quirks. Chain speed is moderate; the 10-10 will not outpace modern saws, especially on long cuts. Vibration is pronounced (the rigid handle and magnesium body transmit engine shaking directly to the hands) – users warn that extended use can be fatiguing. This was typical of saws from the era. Also, safety features are minimal: most original 10-10s lack a chain brake or any anti-vibration mount, so operators should be cautious.
Owners note some maintenance issues to be aware of. As with any decades-old two-stroke saw, fuel and ignition tune-ups are key. One owner advised draining stale fuel (especially ethanol-blended gas) and cleaning or rebuilding the Walbro carburetor if the saw sat for years.
The recoil starter spring often needs adjustment or replacement – a common fix since the rewind spring can loosen. In short, refreshing fuel lines and gaskets is usually necessary before first use. When properly tuned and with a sharp chain, the saw starts well (one report notes a 10-10 firing on a quarter-pull). Overall, community feedback is largely positive on reliability and build quality.
While newer saws have overtaken it in speed and vibration control, the Pro Mac 10-10 is remembered fondly as a workhorse. In the words of one experienced user: “It was a great saw” for heavy-duty work. Long after its production ended, it still finds fans among collectors and old-school cutters who value its solid construction and classic design.
Specs and features
| Specification | Pro-Mac 10-10 Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | McCulloch Motors Corp., Los Angeles (USA) |
| Production Years | June 1977 – Sept 1982 |
| Engine | 2-stroke single-cylinder, 3.3 cu. in. (54 cc) |
| Weight (powerhead) | 15.6 lbs (7.1 kg) |
| Fuel Mix | 20:1 (gasoline : oil) |
| Fuel Tank | 1.5 US pints (710 ml) |
| Chain Pitch | 3/8″ (9.5 mm) |
| Bar Length | 16″ to 28″ (40–71 cm) |
| Carburetor | Walbro SDC type |
| Clutch | Centrifugal multi-spring (2800–3000 RPM) |
| Drive Type | Direct drive (sprocket on crankshaft) |
| Handlebar | Rigid straight bar |
| Construction | Die-cast magnesium crankcase and housing |
| Oiling | Automatic chain oiler with manual override |
| Starter | Automatic recoil (left-side rewind) |
| Ignition | Flywheel magneto (breaker points); later electronic (Serial 12–) |
| Chain Brake | Not standard (optional accessory) |
This saw’s die-cast magnesium body made it fairly light and durable.
The direct-drive centrifugal clutch delivered reliable power at the cost of top speed – users noted the 10-10’s strength lay in steady torque rather than high revving. It had a Walbro diaphragm carburetor and a McCulloch auto-rewind starter.
Unlike many modern saws, it did not include a built-in chain brake (brake kits were aftermarket options). The automatic oiler would keep the chain lubricated, and operators could override it manually if needed.
One quirk: users report that starter-recoil springs on these saws can become loose or fail, often requiring cleaning or replacement. The rigid one-piece handlebar meant vibration was significant – typical of 1970s saws – so operator fatigue could be an issue.
Collectibility
Among vintage chainsaw collectors, the Pro Mac 10-10 is appreciated as a “classic” McCulloch model. Its bright McCulloch yellow and magnesium body make it distinctive, and it represents the era of solid, heavy-duty American saws.
However, enthusiasts note that market values are relatively modest. Even very clean examples typically go for only a few hundred dollars. In one forum discussion, a mint-condition Pro Mac 10-10 was estimated at roughly $200–$350 (USD) in 2008, compared to about $450 when new. McCulloch’s own pricing confirms it was a mid-priced pro saw at the time.
Collectors caution that the saw’s legend often inflates seller expectations: as one experienced user put it, the Pro Mac “is a great saw but unfortunately they’ve been hyped up… [it’s] only worth what one person is willing to pay and the other is willing to sell.”
In practice, many Pro Mac 10-10s are bought and sold in the $100–$200 range, unless it’s a pristine “barn-find.” That said, many owners cherish this model. It was reportedly used by utility crews and serious arborists – one reviewer reminisced that it was the “go-to saw” for his local tree-trimming crew.
After McCulloch ceased U.S. production, aftermarket support emerged: for example, Wallenberg Sales in California acquired large stocks of original McCulloch parts, helping keep these old saws running. In the collectors’ market, the Pro Mac 10-10 is valued less for rarity and more for nostalgia and design.
Pro 10-10 Automatic
The Pro Mac 10-10 and the older 10-10 Automatic are successive generations of McCulloch’s 54 cc chainsaws.
The Pro Mac 10-10 was a later redesign that replaced the older model, featuring updates such as a revised carburetor, an optional chain brake, and an improved ignition system. These aren’t merely cosmetic changes — the two are distinct models in the same product lineage.
Both versions are fairly heavy one-man saws from the 1970s, weighing around 15½ pounds, and were marketed toward heavy-duty homeowner or light professional use. The Pro Mac name was meant to suggest a step up in performance, but the saw’s relatively small displacement still limited its suitability for serious logging tasks.
In practical terms, the Pro Mac 10-10 can be seen as the final evolution of the 10-10 platform, offering refinements over the earlier Automatic version while maintaining the same 54 cc engine foundation.
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