Meet the Solo 635, a West German powerhouse from the 1960s that’s as nostalgic as it is mighty.
Introduced in 1967, this classic chainsaw packs a massive 92cc (5.6 cu. in.) two-stroke engine – plenty of grunt for its day. It’s built like a tank (die-cast magnesium housing) and weighs about 11.6 kg (25.5 lbs), so picking it up is a bit of an arm workout before you even pull the cord.
The saw pictured here was listed (and sold) on eBay by seller szabsa76 in March 2025. Check out his other listings for more interesting chainsaws!
The listing description on this one said:
Vintage Solo 635 chainsaw (60135) completely restored for sale
A rare Solo 635 chainsaw for sale is in very good condition, meticulously renovated, in flawless working condition.
I replaced the bearings, crankshaft seals and carburetor seals.
It starts well, has good power and has a nice voice.
92 cc, 5.5 PH, original Solo with 0.404 chain.
I do not recommend the saw for daily use, but rather for collectors.
See the saw running in this video on YouTube.
Introduced: 1967 — as one of Solo’s high-powered professional-grade saws.
Phased out: Likely by the early to mid-1970s, as newer models like the Solo 640 and 690 began replacing it and offering improved performance, lighter weight, or more advanced features.
Don’t confuse this glorious, vintage version with the later Solo 635 that was sold in box stores.
Rebranded or Budget-Line Solo 635:
- Production: Circa late 1990s–2000s
- Engine: Much smaller — around 35–40cc
- Build: Modern plastic housing, anti-vibration mounts
- Features: Often marketed as homeowner saws
- Design: Contemporary look, may still use the 635 name, but doesn’t share internals or heritage
Vintage Solo 635 specs:
- Engine: 92 cc (5.6 cu in) two-stroke motor; 5–6 HP, revs 7,000 RPM
- Weight: 11.6 kg (25.5 lb) – a substantial vintage powerhouse
- Bar/Chain: 3/8″ pitch, available in 17–25″ lengths
- Housing: Die-cast magnesium for exceptional durability
- Starter: Solo automatic rewind (pull-cord, no battery required)
- Oil Pump: Auto chain-lubrication with manual override
- Fuel Mix Ratio: Rich 25:1 gas-to-oil
- Ignition: Bosch magneto with Champion spark plug
- Safety Features: No chain brake; rigid frame, one-man handle design
- Colors: Early – white/orange; later – yellow/black
While most sources have the horsepower at 5 – 6, I found this poster that states the 635 is 8 HP.
Anyone know why the discrepancy?
Reviews and comments from around the internet:
- “They have all been well-designed, solidly built, and reliable pieces of equipment.”
- “Relatively slow revving by modern standards.”
- “Nice German made Solo.”
When this sold on eBay in March 2025 it fetched US $690.00.
The model number 60135 appears to correspond to early production runs of the 635, especially those manufactured around 1967–1969.
These units often feature:
- White/orange paint schemes (rather than the later yellow/black),
- Tillotson carburetors,
- .404 pitch chain setups,
- Early serial plates with stamped “60135” codes
Check out these other great vintage saws from Alex (eBay seller szabsa76):