Vintage Poulan 361 Chainsaw from Texas Chainsaw Massacre II

The Poulan 361 is a classic mid-1960s one-man chainsaw prized for its solid build and vintage style.

Introduced in 1965 by Poulan (Beaird-Poulan), it features a 3.6 cu in (59 cc) engine and a rugged die-cast magnesium body. Collectors and hobbyists value its old-school design and simple mechanics.

It even has a bit of pop-culture fame – in Texas Chainsaw Massacre II, the character “Grandma” briefly wields a Poulan 361. Its distinctive green-and-white styling and hefty construction give it a nostalgic appeal among vintage tool enthusiasts.

The saw pictured here is listed as an auction on eBay (at the time of publishing) with seller ‘stihlsawing’.

Poulan 361 for sale

The eBay listing description on this saw:

Poulan 361 Vintage Chainsaw Runs w/ Roller nose!

You’re currently bidding on a vintage 361 Poulan Chainsaw! Looks to be in very good shape, and runs as good as she looks. Takes about 5 pulls to get it started when cold, then fires up good.

Looks like someone put some homemade log spikes on it. The chain definitely needs swapped out for a chain that is not equipped with the safety rakers. Nice original roller nose bar that is stamped “Poulan.” Don’t miss out on this old girl! Don’t find them like this often.

Please expect a few days for shipping. Saw will be drained of fuel and packaged in a trash bag in shipping. I’m selling as parts or repair, this saw is over 50 years old therefor I can not guarantee anything.

The sale is set up as an auction, so we’ll see how much it goes for!

History

The 361 was part of Poulan’s push in the 1960s to enter the market for powerful one-man saws. Poulan had begun making chainsaws in the 1940s and became Beaird-Poulan in 1958.

By 1965, looking to compete with Homelite’s popular models, Poulan released the 361. In fact, the model is noted as being “patterned on Homelite XL-12” (a 54 cc saw introduced a year earlier).

Compared to the XL-12, the 361’s slightly larger 59 cc engine gave it more torque. It remained in production for over a decade (introduced 1965, discontinued 1976, obsoleted 1983) alongside Poulan’s later XXV/3000-series saws.

During its run, the 361 was marketed as a durable farm/ranch saw, coexisting with newer models like the Poulan 306A.

Specifications and performance

Engine

3.6 cu in (59 cc) two-stroke, single-cylinder, with four reed valves. It uses a Tillotson HS-series carburetor (repair kit RK-23HS) and a Wico points-style magneto ignition.

Power

Poulan did not publish horsepower, but a contemporaneous 54 cc XL-12 made around 3+ hp. The 361’s extra displacement meant it had “a little stronger running” than the XL-12, suitable for cutting medium-size logs.

Drive train

Direct-drive centrifugal clutch (3-shoe) with 3/8″ pitch saw chain. No chain brake or anti-vibration mounts are fitted.

Dimensions

The saw weighs on the order of 13–15 lb (dry) – heavier than modern saws. It was designed for 12″ to 25″ guide bars, though 16″–18″ bars are most common today. Chain and bars in 3/8″ × .050″ pitch (Poulan P-72) are still available.

Operation

Fuel is mixed gasoline/oil (two-stroke) and oiling is manual (tank with hand-pump or gravity feed). Start is via recoil rope; there is no starter friction spring. The spark plug is Champion CJ-8 (gap ~.025″).

Overall, the Poulan 361 delivers the kind of straightforward, torquey cutting performance expected of 60’s-era saws.

It lacks modern refinements (no auto oiler, no chain brake, heavy vibration), but users report it is solid and reliable when well-tuned. One owner noted that his 361 “runs so darn good” even with age.

Collectibility

Enthusiasts prize the Poulan 361 for its classic, rugged design and its place in chainsaw history.

Its sturdy magnesium body, bright Poulan livery, and heavy feel evoke nostalgia for the era of simple, metal-built tools. It is also relatively rare today, since most were used hard and many did not survive.

Its cameo in Texas Chainsaw Massacre II – where “Grandma” briefly uses a Poulan 361 – has further cemented its cult status among collectors of movie memorabilia and tools alike. In short, the 361’s blend of vintage style, metal construction, and historical interest makes it a sought-after piece for collectors and fans of retro chainsaws.

Restoration

Fuel System

Inspect the fuel tank seam and lines. A common issue is fuel leakage at the split flange between the two crankcase halves.

As one restorer warns, “if you put a new gasket in, the case may be warped & not fit back… what will result is a fire.” In practice, carefully cleaning, flattening, and sealing the gasket surfaces is critical. Replace old rubber fuel/oil lines and use ethanol-free fuel mix (50:1 or 40:1 two-stroke oil).

Carburetor

The Tillotson HS-59 carb should be cleaned/rebuilt. Kits (RK-23HS) are still sold, and Wesspur or other small-engine suppliers often stock relevant parts. Ensure the throttle and choke shafts spin freely.

Ignition

These saws use a points ignition (no electronic ignition). The breaker gap is ~0.017″ (points), and the spark plug gap is ~.025″. If the coil is weak, NOS Wico magneto coils or reproductions may be found on eBay or from specialty parts houses.

Clutch Removal

The left-hand (LH) clutch is reverse-threaded and usually removed with a special wrench. Hobbyists report a DIY trick: grip the clutch with sturdy pliers and use a screwdriver as a lever through the plier jaws to turn it. This works if you lack the proper spanner.

Chain and Bar 

Since the pitch is 3/8″, modern Oregon or similar bars/chains will fit. Bars up to 25″ (63 cm) were supplied, but 16–18″ bars are common replacements. Replace the drive sprocket if worn (shares parts with other 60’s Poulan models).

General

Replace all consumables (spark plug, air filter screen, oil pump parts). Keep the saw well-lubricated and the carb adjusted. A service manual (361 model) exists and can guide detailed specs and maintenance; one is listed on Acres’ site.

By sourcing parts from Poulan 3000/4000-series models or aftermarket suppliers, most restoration needs can be met. Patience is required – for example, carefully reassembling the split-case fuel tank – but diligent restorers report good success returning 361s to running condition.

Practical use today

A fully restored Poulan 361 can still cut wood effectively for light duties. Owners report that, once tuned, the engine runs strongly.

However, by modern standards the 361 is heavy and lacks safety features. It has no chain brake, no anti-vibe mounts, and can transmit significant kick and vibration. As a result, it’s rarely used for daily heavy work today.

Instead, it typically serves in a limited, hobbyist role – for old-time demonstrations, occasional firewood, or simply as a collectible that still functions. Its legacy as a tough, no-frills saw lives on, but most users eventually prefer newer saws for regular cutting.

The Poulan 361 lives on as a symbol of 1960s chainsaw engineering. Its long production run (1965–1976) and durable design have given it a lasting reputation.

To collectors, it represents a tangible piece of Poulan’s history – a sturdy, metal-bodied saw from the dawn of modern one-man chainsaws. Whether on a workbench or a collector’s shelf, the 361’s appeal lies in its simplicity and vintage character.

Despite being superseded by safer, lighter saws, the Poulan 361’s legacy continues through its enduring construction and the fond memories of those who cut wood with it.

Check out these other great saws listed by eBay seller ‘stihlsawing’:

• McCulloch Pro Mac 10-10
• Poulan 3400
• Ford Eagle