The 49 cc Partner Chainsaw we’re sharing here is a 1980 Swedish-made model.
Another version of the saw was made in Canada from 1984 to 1988, which we’ll get into below.
The 500 pictured here was listed and sold on eBay by seller szabsa76 in March 2025. Check out his other listings for other vintage chainsaws!
This is how it was listed:
Vintage Partner 500 chainsaw for sale with flawless operation
The Partner 500 type chainsaw shown in the pictures is for sale.
It is a little-used, spared piece. Strong compression, good brakes, good oiling. I recommend it to collectors.
Year introduced: 1980, engine size: 49 cc.
Check out the video of this saw running on YouTube.
The following commentary is based on SawTroll’s comments in this ArboristSite thread.
The Partner 500 was introduced during a transitional period for the Swedish chainsaw brand. Originally, Partner operated independently from the mid-1950s until 1979, producing mostly professional-grade saws.
Around this time, Electrolux began acquiring several Scandinavian chainsaw companies — including Husqvarna, Jonsered, and Partner — as part of a broader expansion into the homeowner and global markets.
By the early 1980s, Partner was merged with Pioneer in North America, leading to the release of some models under the “Pioneer Partner” label, as with the Partner 500 made in Canada.
These saws were either Partner or Pioneer designs, not hybrids, and were relatively easy to distinguish despite the shared branding. Meanwhile, in Europe, Partner saws like the 500 continued to be sold under the original name, with no Pioneer influence.
The Partner 500 itself was part of the semi-pro lineup, likely introduced in 1980 in Sweden, and around 1984 in North America, where it may have been assembled in Canada using Swedish parts.
Both versions offered a strong build quality and reliable performance, though regional differences in components and labeling can cause confusion.
Later, when Electrolux acquired Poulan in 1987, many of Partner’s designs were gradually absorbed into the broader Electrolux ecosystem.
By the late 1980s and 1990s, Partner’s pro-grade saws had mostly disappeared from shelves, replaced by homeowner-focused models under various brands, including Poulan Pro and Jonsered.
The “Norlett” reference ties it to Norlett AB, which was the UK importer/distributor for Partner chainsaws during that era.
“Partner AB” confirms it predates full Electrolux branding (which often used “Electrolux Motor AB”).
Some early Partner 500s, like those distributed in the UK, were tagged with both ‘Norlett’ and ‘Partner AB’ — a nod to the brand’s regional import arrangements before full integration into Electrolux’s global chainsaw empire.
Here are some reviews of the 500 from the Partner Jonsered Chainsaw FB group:
- Mike said, “The 500 used the same cylinder and piston as the 50 Husky.”
- Ray said, “Have two of them still use them now and still working great.”
- Roy said, “I have this one. It’s a Pioneer Partner. I also have the old real Partner. Very powerful and still runs.”
Adrian said:
I have seen so many different 500/5000s. My gramp got my first one new in 1982 500 all yellow and metal brake lever and cover.
Actually said “professional” on the cylinder cover.
Roy said:
I have the Pioneer Partner and also the old real Partner. Very powerful and still runs Not sure it’s age, I got it second hand in 74.
Keith said:
They were a good saw even had one with heated handles and one nearly cut my arm off. That was 3 months off from the forest.
It was the first saw to get to turn the chain at 60 times per second in the 70s 😅😅
Preston said:
This exact chainsaw put 52 stitches in my leg at 11 years old, 40 years ago.
Just running Husqvarna now, seem to be less dangerous, lol.
Specs for the early Swedish-made Partner 500 (not the Partner Pioneer).
| Spec | Partner 500 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Partner AB, Mölndal, Sweden |
| Year introduced | October 1980 |
| Engine displacement | 49 cc (3.0 cu in) |
| Bore × stroke | 44 mm × 32 mm |
| Cylinder type | Chrome‑plated aluminum, piston‑ported |
| Weight (powerhead only) | 5.1 kg (11.2 lb) |
| Handlebar system | Anti‑vibration |
| Chain brake | Yes |
| Construction | Die‑cast magnesium case |
| Carburetor | Walbro WA‑82A series |
| Starter | Automatic rewind |
| Oil pump | Automatic, adjustable |
| Fuel tank capacity | 0.7 L (1.25 Imperial pt) |
| Fuel/oil ratio | 50 :1 (with Partner oil; otherwise 25 :1) |
| Chain pitch/type | .325″; Partner Chisel |
| Guide bar length | 33 cm (13″) supplied; longest optional 38 cm (15″) |
| Max RPM | 9,000–13,500 (no-load) |
Drop any more info in the comments below.
Here are some more vintage chainsaws from eBay seller szabsa76:
