jbsaws
Saw Builder
October 1964: Homelite receives Popular Science Award for development of XL-12
Posts: 242
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Post by jbsaws on Mar 11, 2012 10:13:29 GMT -5
We had to cut more trees with our hand saws on our ride last weekend. At 7500'+, my saw is way down on horsepower. ;D.
I'm thinking of picking up one of the little saws to carry along on the sled but I don't know much about them.
The saw would have to:
1. have a 10-12 inch bar 2. have a really good ignition, temps get close to zero at times 3. I'd carry the saw on the back rack with bar/chain removed, then put it on when needed 4. weight is a big concern when it's riding on the rear rack
Which of the smaller saws would do the best job?
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Post by tribulation138 on Mar 11, 2012 12:05:50 GMT -5
never owned any of those models. but i would stay with a 12 inch bar. 10 inch is just to small.
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Post by MCS on Mar 11, 2012 12:19:00 GMT -5
You have three choices: - XL-2 or Super 2These are the lightest and would be good choice with a 12" bar. This line had two basic styles of oiling system. One used a diaphragm pump and the other relied on just pressurizing the oil tank with crankcase pulses. I've had problems with the latter but the diaphragm pump seems to be OK. I'm pretty sure all the XL-2 branded saws use the diaphragm pump but this family of saws was in Homelites lineup for a long time and the only sure way I know to check which style is to pull the case and look. The other thing that may come into play is the carburetor. Some had fixed a Hi jet and others had and adjustable Hi.
- 150An OK saw. Lots of power for a 12" bar and has a diaphragm pump.
- Super EZ AutoOf course this is the best of the little Homelites. It has a real oil pump, a manual pump too, and a fully adjustable carburetor.
The XL series and the 150 are straight auto oiling so depending on the temperature at 7500 feet a squirt from the pump may be helpful.
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Post by tommyhnavix on Mar 11, 2012 15:21:46 GMT -5
The super EZ is much more friendly to work on also. Don't have to slip the engine out of the case to work on the carb or other engine work Plenty of power with a 12" bar!! Tom
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Post by powerking on Mar 11, 2012 18:24:48 GMT -5
The Super EZ is by far the saw of choice. This engine has more power than the XL, XL-2, Super-2 due to displacement being bigger and having the tried and true efficient pyramid 4 reed system, as opposed to the single flapper reed ones forementioned. A SEZ with a 12" bar would be a screamer. Personally I have no interest in owning an XL-Super2 model of saw.
Tom (PK)
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jbsaws
Saw Builder
October 1964: Homelite receives Popular Science Award for development of XL-12
Posts: 242
|
Post by jbsaws on Mar 11, 2012 19:45:09 GMT -5
Thanks to all for the good posts. Sounds like the extra 2-3 pounds of weight on the SEZ are worth it.
I've been thinking of picking up an SEZ. I've found two in my area that are available. I think I'll go take a closer look.
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Post by lesorubcheek on Mar 12, 2012 7:28:17 GMT -5
Just throwing out another opinion.... EZs / Super EZs are great..... 150s are great.... if you're running a 16" bar ;D. If you're looking for a small saw though, there ain't a thing wrong with an XL, XL-2 or a Super 2. If I was seriosly looking for a saw with a 12" bar, then it would be an XL, no doubt. Think all the Super 2s around here have 14s or 16s with low profile chain, and that seems about right for them. Don't have an XL-2, but its basically a Super 2 frame with 2 throttle triggers but with the smaller motor that's in the XL. Small, very lightweight and top-handled, its a nice little trimming saw. For a bit more grunt in a top handled saw, I'd choose a Poulan S25. It all depends on what you're really going to use it for.
Dan
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jbsaws
Saw Builder
October 1964: Homelite receives Popular Science Award for development of XL-12
Posts: 242
|
Post by jbsaws on Mar 13, 2012 6:59:07 GMT -5
Just throwing out another opinion....If you're looking for a small saw though, there ain't a thing wrong with an XL, XL-2 or a Super 2. Dan Here's a nice one, and the color almost matches my sled! www.ebay.com/itm/300678111812?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_500wt_949And, as a side note, notice that the serial number sticker is the same as the one on the "Old Blue" (not the Limited Edition) from ebay the other day. That's another piece that confirms the "Old Blue" was made during the John Deere years.
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Post by tommyhnavix on Mar 14, 2012 9:43:12 GMT -5
WOW!! That is BRIGHT GREEN!! With St Patrick's day so close they should have a lepricon holding that saw up in the ad. LOL Tom
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jbsaws
Saw Builder
October 1964: Homelite receives Popular Science Award for development of XL-12
Posts: 242
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Post by jbsaws on Mar 15, 2012 20:58:59 GMT -5
Craigslist comes through again. Brought home three saws this afternoon:
1. Super 2 - runs good, 16" bar, good chain, original Homelite red carrying case. Oiler only working intermittently, so I'll have to take a look at that.
2. Super EZ - starts and runs briefly, then quits, compression a bit low, 130 cold, 16" bar, good chain, original Homelite red carrying case, 2 spare chains. NO MUFFLER! I SAID NO MUFFLER! (Oh, was I yelling?)
3. SXLAO - runs good, 18" bar, good chain.
Thanks again for all the recommendations.
Jack
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Post by powerking on Mar 16, 2012 7:34:17 GMT -5
Hey Jack,
I bought a NOS muffler off eBay the other week (picture was that for a SXL-925 and thought the description was just wrong; but I was wrong) for a Super EZ; PN A-68254 and really have no need for it. Let me know if you're interested.
Tom (PK)
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jbsaws
Saw Builder
October 1964: Homelite receives Popular Science Award for development of XL-12
Posts: 242
|
Post by jbsaws on Mar 16, 2012 16:38:38 GMT -5
I bought a NOS muffler off eBay the other week (picture was that for a SXL-925 and thought the description was just wrong; but I was wrong) for a Super EZ; PN A-68254 and really have no need for it. Let me know if you're interested.Tom (PK) I checked with one of the local shops here this morning. He has a new one on the shelf, but thanks for the offer.
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