The Partner R11 is a vintage Swedish chainsaw introduced in 1958.
The professional saw features a 90 cc (5.5 in³) two-stroke engine producing about 5 hp, and it was one of the first direct-drive chainsaws built in Sweden.
The saw pictured here was listed on eBay by seller szabsa76 in March 2025. It has now sold, but we recommend viewing his other listings for more beautifully restored vintage chainsaws.
The listing description stated:
Vintage Partner R11 chainsaw completely refurbished with good operation for sale
I offer for sale a PARTNER R11 chainsaw restored to factory condition.
I put in new crankshaft washer rings and replaced the carburetor diaphragm as well.
It works well, starts easily, and chain lubrication is also excellent.
Original Partner 20-inch chainstay, .404 Stihl chain.
Year of manufacture: 1958.
90 cc MAHLE cylinder.
I don’t recommend it for cutting wood, but rather for collecting.
I am happy to answer any questions!
Specifications:
- Engine: 90 cc two-stroke, single-cylinder (bore 50 mm, stroke 46 mm), 5 hp
- Ignition & Carburetor: Bosch magneto ignition, Tillotson HL carburetor
- Weight: Approximately 10.9 kg (24 lb) without bar and chain
- Bar & Chain: .404″ pitch, roller-nose bars from 15″ to 26″
- Drive System: Centrifugal clutch, direct-drive output
- Construction: Die-cast magnesium housing, rigid (non-AV) handle system
- Lubrication: Automatic oil pump for bar and chain
The R11 was built by Partner AB of Mölndal, Sweden, a company that emerged in the 1950s.
The R11 was their first direct-drive saw and marked a move toward simpler, more powerful one-man saws. Production started in 1958 and continued into the early 1960s, when it was succeeded by the R12 (introduced in 1962).
Partner later released models like the R14 (76 cc, 1964), R16 (55 cc, 1967), and R17 (1968), refining their lineup. At the time, it competed with early models from Husqvarna, STIHL, and Jonsered.
The company remained independent until it was acquired by Electrolux (Husqvarna) in 1979. The Partner name was gradually phased out in some regions, with saws rebranded as Poulan Pro or Husqvarna by the late 1980s.
The R11 had a chrome-plated aluminum cylinder, Bosch ignition, a rigid steel handle system, and high-quality construction throughout.
It featured an automatic oiler and a relatively large fuel and oil tank.
A key variant was the pistol-grip model aimed at American markets, which featured a horizontal handlebar rather than the European top-handle design.
The saw had no chain brake, no vibration isolation, and required a firm grip and experienced handling.
The R11 kicked off Partner’s “R-series,” followed by the R12 (very similar in design and displacement), R14 (lighter 76 cc), and R16/R17 (smaller 55 cc saws).
These saws shared direct-drive layouts and magnesium construction.
Comparable saws from the era include the Husqvarna 90 (1959), STIHL 08S, and large gear-drive Homelite models.
The R11 was on the heavier end, but this was typical for pro saws of the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Vintage chainsaw enthusiasts who’ve worked with the R11 praise its tough build.
As one collector wrote, “their saws were so well made and well ahead of their time… build quality … impressive to say the least.”
Owners note that the cast‑magnesium body and Bosch ignition make it durable and long-lasting.
However, maintenance can be challenging: old Tillotson carbs are rare, and fuel tanks often leak if the felt seal is dried out.
In the OPE Forum, a user “got [an] R11 [that] hadn’t run since ’80” – after cleaning out the varnished fuel tank and carburetor, the saw finally “done & runnin” again.
Common issues include varnished carbs, worn fuel tank seals, and a stiff recoil system. Despite this, many restored R11s, such as the restored model we’re sharing here, are still operational today, a testament to their build quality.
Today the R11 is a sought-after vintage collectible. It represents the birth of Swedish chainsaw manufacturing and shows how advanced 1950s pro saws could be.
It appears in chainsaw museums and shows – for example, a Partner R11 was displayed at the Son Ranch Logging Museum, and vintage-saw exhibitions often feature an R11 alongside its R12 sibling.
Collectors like examples that still have original paint and parts; well-restored units sometimes sell for several hundred dollars.
Its place in history (Sweden’s first one-man direct-drive saw) makes it especially interesting to enthusiasts.
The Partner R11 is remembered as a tough 90 cc chainsaw from the dawn of modern chain-sawing. Its heavy metal construction and powerful engine typify 1950s design.
While primitive by today’s standards (no safety brake or anti-vibe), it holds a respected spot among classic chainsaws.
Check out these other vintage saw from Alex (seller szabsa76):
