Why no (parallel) twin cylinder chainsaws?

[airbiscuit]

I know there are some opposed - twin cylinder chainsaws, but why no parallel twin cylinder chainsaws? Twin cylinder snowmobile engines produce great power, are smooth as silk, produce hi revs, and just plain sound sweet. Why not the same for chainsaws - too much HP and not enough torque?

 

[struggle]

Weight is the main issue. Crank would have to be longer and heavier as well as the block mass will go up making it not practical.

The new four cylinder engines in snowmobiles are heavy. They are getting light but still heavy compared to a larger bore two cylinder.

 

[Roanoker494]

There was a Solo twin parallel cylinder chainsaw

EDIT:
The model was the 611 Twin
http://www.acresinternet.com/cscc.n...b6707c82925c661288256b830018122a?OpenDocument

 

[SkippyKtm]

There was a Solo twin parallel cylinder chainsaw

EDIT:
The model was the 611 Twin
Model Profile: 611 TWIN

It still gives me the goosebumps to hear this saw sing:
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/iqh5lArsqMk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[JimmyT]

Johnnie, that was a cool saw 100cc 26lbs. I wonder what the hp was. Kinda reminded me of a BMW engine.

 

[SkippyKtm]

Johnnie, that was a cool saw 100cc 26lbs. I wonder what the hp was. Kinda reminded me of a BMW engine.

You must be thinking of the Echo Twin, with its horizontally opposed twin cylinders, although the Echo is 61cc, and the Solo twin is 100cc.

 

[JimmyT]

SkippyKtm, man that 611 is a Hoss for a 45 year old saw.

 

[Mr. Bow Saw]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Qg77diA19H0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> o

 

[wsg]

It still gives me the goosebumps to hear this saw sing:
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/iqh5lArsqMk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Am I the only one who smiled when seeing the little girl "hiding" behind daddy's leg from the loud chainsaw?

 

[blsnelling]

Here's my restored Disston DA-211.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/M43Hrvd9xTk?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Slamm]

As a non-enthausist looking at this question, I would say that the main reason is they make single cylinder'd saws that have the necessary HP to cut most anything up to 60" in one wack quick enough. For instance if that twin shown in the video is any indication of the "speed" of one, that would be proof enough to cease further development, as a 361 could have likely cut through quicker.

Plus you have double the parts to break and replace on the cylinder,rings, rods pistons. There is going to be double the drag or friction which produces less efficiency per HP and fuel mileage.

My opinion,

Sam

 

[SkippyKtm]

As a non-enthausist looking at this question, I would say that the main reason is they make single cylinder'd saws that have the necessary HP to cut most anything up to 60" in one wack quick enough. For instance if that twin shown in the video is any indication of the "speed" of one, that would be proof enough to cease further development, as a 361 could have likely cut through quicker.

Plus you have double the parts to break and replace on the cylinder,rings, rods pistons. There is going to be double the drag or friction which produces less efficiency per HP and fuel mileage.

My opinion,

Sam

Yep, you are on the right track -twins generally don't make sense, but I still like 'em!

 

[blsnelling]

The infamous Solo Twin is #1 on my most wanted list!

 

[Chris-PA]

Am I the only one who smiled when seeing the little girl "hiding" behind daddy's leg from the loud chainsaw?

Actually, I didn't smile to see a little kid so close to a running saw with no ear protection.

 

[Chris J.]

Actually, I didn't smile to see a little kid so close to a running saw with no ear protection.

I can understand the guy wanting a closer look (been there, done that), but not with a child that young.



Twin cylinder saws are fun & interesting :msp_thumbup:, but they simply weigh too much when compared to the performance of modern saws.

 

[wsg]

Actually, I didn't smile to see a little kid so close to a running saw with no ear protection.

Good point!

 

[little possum]

KB6 and KB7 Disston Mercurys were twins as well.

 

[Bob Wright]

Yep, you are on the right track -twins generally don't make sense, but I still like 'em!

The same goes for tandem bicycles. I have a few of them and they are a pain in the butt to ride. Two seperate bikes are much nicer to ride and half as heavy...Bob

 

[struggle]

The real reason they did not make to many twins was to make collectors go nuts trying to find one. They must have had some forsight on that:hmm3grin2orange: